Unique paintings of people and places as well as clay scuttles were on display in North Augusta as part of a special exhibit.
The Artists Guild of Columbia County and the Clay Artists of the Southeast held a reception for their artwork at the Arts and Heritage Center of North Augusta on Aug. 15. The reception was special for the Columbia County Artists Guild because the group was celebrating the 20 years they have been together.
The Artists Guild of Columbia County is made up of artists who meet once a month to work with all kinds of art mediums such as painting, jewelry making and drawing. There are currently 40 members.
The guild teaches classes for adults and children such as manga, drawing and watercolor painting. It is the second year the guild has held an art show.
The Clay Artists group features ceramic artists in the local area, who meet at the Kroc Center.
Herman Kunis, who serves as the treasure of the group the Columbia County group, said he has been a member for the last 10 years and has seen growth and involvement. Kunis said his art specialty is jewelry making, but he also makes sculptures.
He said the exhibit also gives a chance for artists to sell their artwork.
“Right now we have a real vibrant and talented group of folks,” he said.
Lisa Whitaker, who serves as the treasurer of the Clay Artists group, said about 12 artists had some pieces on display such as bowls and sculptures. Whitaker said being a clay artist has a love-hate relationship because there is a lot involved in the process of making the product.
“Sometimes it is the only way to get your work out, some people don’t have another outlet to show their gifts and talents,” she said.
Artists Guild of Columbia County artist Susan MacEwen has been painting since 2019, after she realized it was a hidden talent. MacEwen said when COVID-19 happened she watched tutorials and learned how to paint that way.
MacEwen said even though it wasn’t the first time she has had her work displayed, she was still nervous.
“You are always wondering what people will like and would it be good enough to show,” she said.
MacEwen said her painting was about an oyster shell she painted on her sister’s birthday, naming it Sissy’s Shell.
“It’s a great venue and a great opportunity for us to show it for our local community,” she said.
