If you are wondering how to get more involved with the arts community in the Lowcountry, look no further than the Society of Bluffton Artists (SoBA). Every month, SoBA fulfills its mission to promote visual arts in the Lowcountry by offering regular workshops, exhibits, networking, outreach to children, scholarships and so much more.
Adult Classes
Artists looking to hone their skills or collaborate with other creatives can find workshops geared toward every skill level at the Center for Creative Arts. The instructors leading these classes are accomplished artists who provide thoughtful tips and discussion on technique in a hands-on environment.
In July, Missy Gentile will lead a class on Abstract Art from 9 a.m. to noon July 15-22 and 29. Jim Lewis’ “Steps to Successful Painting” will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., July 24-25. Mary Segars’ oil painting workshop is from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., July 26-28.
Kids’ Summer Art Camp
Children ages 7 to 14 are invited to take part in SoBA’s Summer Art Camp. The classes run from 9 to 11 a.m. Mondays-Fridays from July 10-14. In July, the young artists will create Tahitian landscapes using chalk on dark paper, whimsical pen and ink drawings, abstract pictures using a protractor, as well as monoprints featuring the styles of Picasso, Miro and Warhol.
Marketing Tips for Artists
Many artists in the community ask us, “How do we sell our work?” or “How do we get our work into the community?” Artists also can learn practical ways to promote their work. New this year, SoBA is offering a “Social Media 101 for Artists” from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, September 30th. Andrea Smith, a local graphic designer, will teach artists how to use social media to promote themselves and their artwork.
Display Opportunities
As a SoBA member, artists have the opportunity to display their work in a month-long exhibit with an opening reception that is open to the public. SoBA’s gallery, located in the art hub of Old Town Bluffton on Calhoun Street, sees a fair share of visitors to the Lowcountry in addition to locals.
Art Exhibits
Don’t miss Stephen Moscowitz’s exhibit from July 3-August 5th at the gallery. Come meet the artist at the opening reception at 5 p.m. Friday, July 7th at the gallery. His exhibit will feature paintings from the Lowcountry’s natural environment.
“When I moved to the Lowcountry, I discovered the world of birds,” Stephen said. “Herons and egrets of all sizes and colors. In the Lowcountry, these birds are everywhere — even in my backyard. So, I have taken and borrowed photos of birds eating, swimming, wading and flying. Using photos as reference gives my birds proper stature and realistic features.”
To register for a workshop, call (843) 247-2868 or visit sobagallery.com. The SoBA gallery and the Center for Creative Arts are located at the corner of Church and Calhoun streets in historic Bluffton.
