Sunset River Gallery offers an annual open call for artists wishing to exhibit with us. The effort for 2026 is now complete with over 100 artists applying from North and South Carolina. Gallery director Samantha Spalti and her team, after sorting through emails, images, biographies, and interviews, have invited 14 of this talented pool to join the gallery family. The first group of new SRG artists have brought their work in and are announced here. We expect the remainder to be announced over the next few weeks. (This post will be updated at that time) The new artists and their full biographies will be added shortly to the Artist section of the Sunset River Gallery website. In the meantime, please help us welcome this phenomenal group to the gallery! (Shown above: detail, The Garden of Miracles, Marsha Hoffman, mixed media 30×40)
Here at Sunset River Gallery, we are blessed to have outstanding artists come and share their expertise with us in classes and workshops. Also, we have student artists who consistently show up to those workshops and classes excited to learn. To celebrate all those students and teachers, we’ve decided to showcase your work  in your very own show! This show is open to anyone who has taken or taught a workshop or class at Sunset River Gallery in 2024, 2025 or 2026. The show title is Student Talents and the show will run from August 1, 2026 – Sept. 5, 2026
Here are the details:
Submission Guidelines
• 2D or 3D, no size limits, but: 2D must be framed and properly wired or on 1 ½” gallery wrapped canvas
• 3D must be stable and able to withstand being handled during set up
and break down
• You can submit three pieces – number of accepted pieces will be based on how many submissions are received
• Piece(s) can be directly from the class/workshop or inspired by the class/workshop
• Students and Instructors are all welcome to submit
• Work does not have to be for sale, but if you are submitting more than one piece, we ask that at least one be available for sale
Important Dates
Let us know if you are participating by May 15th and what class your
work is from (again, directly or inspired by). Call the gallery (910.575.5999) Â or
email us at: info@sunsetrivergallery.com
Email us your submissions (include: photo/title/medium/size/class/price, if for sale) by July 11th
Art Drop Off: Tuesday, July 28th during normal business hours (11 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Reception: Saturday, August 1st, 2 – 4 p.m.
Show dates: August 1st –Â September 5th
Art Pick Up: Monday ,September 7th during business hours (11 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
SRG Instructors 2024 and 2025 2D
Rachel Sunnell
Brenda Riggins
Ruth Cox
Simone Esquibel
Becky Steele
Mary Beth Bradbury
Kathleen Spicer
Samantha Spalti
Cristiana Rioli
Dan Beck
Sunset River Gallery in Calabash, NC is featuring acrylic abstracts by Ginny Kelly Lassiter from April 16 through June 20. The original owner of the gallery for 20 years, she sold Sunset River in 2022 giving her time to focus on her own painting. This popular artist finds inspiration in the shapes and shadows of structural elements around her. Lassiter, who received her art degree from East Carolina University said, “I love the process of painting abstracts, the spontaneity of it, and I embrace the value of limiting my palette.”
Lassiter has taught art classes at Sunset River, as well as Wilson Community College and Barton College, both in Wilson, NC. She has also judged and juried shows for Sunset Vision, Art League of Leland, and in Wilmington, NC. Her work has been featured on the covers of Carolina Arts Magazine and Art Guide Magazine. She has also been profiled in Sasee Magazine and South Brunswick Magazine.
There are two onsite kilns and six wheels used by the gallery’s pottery students. The gallery also offers ongoing acrylic and watercolor classes as well as workshops by regionally and nationally known instructors.
In 2022, Sunset River Gallery acquired Cordier Auctions, a premier auction house, which regularly holds estate and consignment auctions of fine and decorative art; coins, sterling, and fine jewelry; real estate; antiques, firearms and militaria, and more. Information about appraisal to auction can be obtained by emailing appraisal@sunsetrivergallery.com.
Header: detail, Fish Tale by Ginny Lassiter, acrylic.
Gallery presents text-forward art show April 11- May 16; reception April 11
Sunset River Gallery in Calabash, NC will present a show featuring text-forward works from Saturday, April 11 through Saturday, May 16. Gallery director Samantha Spalti said, “All pieces in this show are text-based. Every artist has incorporated some kind of text into their artwork. It might be poetry, phrases, quotes, political text, a personal message, or something else. We think you’ll be surprised at the scope of the work.” There will be an opening reception on Saturday, April 11 from 2 – 4 p.m. The public is invited and there is no charge.
The show includes both wall art and 3D pieces from over 25 gallery artists including Vicki Neilon, Kathleen Spicer, Allison Fanelli, Roseann Bellinger, Susan Barnard, Kari Feuer, Rachel Jones, Diane White, Samantha Spalti, Debanjana Bhattacharjee, Roberta Rotunda, Judi Moore, Joy Parks Coats, Janet Boschker, Tracy Young, Ellen “Dean” Nelson, Carol Stabile, Jamie Futera, Mary Welch Austin, Simone Esquibel, Barbara Karkut, Michael Cahill, Marybeth Bradbury, Becky Steels, Rachel Sunnell, Chantal Tomiello, and Therese Bisceglia.
Artists have attributed inspiration for the works to personal events and beliefs, song lyrics and meanings, and strong political opinions. Samantha Spalti has used Gil Scott-Heron’s iconic poem/anthem “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised” as her main visual. Also using song lyrics is Rachel Sunnell’s acrylic titled “Let It Be.” Michael Cahill chose a personal family memory for his mixed media piece. Allison Finelli’s acrylic painting of a wall plastered with the text “Pray for Peace” speaks to a national hope.
There will be an opening reception on Saturday, April 11 from 2 – 4 p.m. at which many of the artists are expected. The public is invited and there is no charge.
There are two onsite kilns and six wheels used by the gallery’s pottery students. The gallery also offers ongoing oil/acrylic and watercolor classes as well as workshops by regionally and nationally known instructors.
In 2022, Sunset River Gallery acquired Cordier Auctions, a premier auction house, which regularly holds estate and consignment auctions of fine and decorative art; coins, sterling, and fine jewelry; real estate; antiques, firearms and militaria, and more. Information about appraisal to auction can be obtained by emailing appraisal@sunsetrivergallery.com.
Sunset River Gallery is located at 10283 Beach Drive SW (NC179) in Calabash, NC. Telephone: 910.575.5999. Website: https://sunsetrivergallery.com . Regular gallery hours are Monday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
On Saturday, March 7 at 1 p.m., Sunset River Gallery in Calabash, NC will host a gallery talk by Therese Bisceglia, Kathleen V Stuart, Michelle McKnight Davis, and Kathleen Spicer. The four artists are being featured in the gallery’s current show, Distinctive Aesthetics: Exploring Four Artistic Narratives, which has recently been extended to run through March 28.
Therese Bisceglia at work.
These are four good friends with four wildly different approaches to their art – the common thread being that they each upend the
Michelle McKDavis in her studio.
concept of mixed media, using tools and materials to build their layered pieces in very unexpected fashion. Armed with equipment more often associated with an industrial workroom, they create breathtaking art that leaves the viewer spellbound.
Bisceglia says bluntly, “I like chaos. I’m a collector of everything and I use it in my art. Ephemera … I find old posters, cereal boxes, jewelry, frame molding. I often start by collaging. Much of my work unfolds intuitively as I grapple with personal dilemmas and thoughts.”
Stuart, originally from Saskatchewan, Canada, works in fiber and encaustic (hot wax). She said, “I try to create the natural world by molding and shaping fibers into trees, flowers, rocks and more!” It’s not unusual to find her adding final touches with a blow torch.
Davis comes from a family of artists. She explains, “I grew up at my mother’s easel. I create oil paintings that explore the layered intersections of identity, mythology, and history.” Sometimes she incorporates embroidery into the work – bullion stitches, French knots, satin and cast on stitches.
Kathleen Spicer paints in oil on cut birch plywood.
Working from her home studio in Conway, SC, Spicer meshes sculpture and painting into a new category of free formed relief painting. “My work is semi-abstract,” she says. “I’m inspired by nature and the colors that surround me. Many of my forms have botanical references. I use a jig saw to cut out the forms which I paint with layers of oil paint.”
This gallery talk is a free event, but seating is limited, so attendees are requested to RSVP to Sunset River Gallery at 910.575.5999. After an introduction by gallery director Samantha Spalti, a panel discussion among the artists coupled with Q&A from the audience is sure to result in a lively exchange.
There are two onsite kilns and six wheels used by the gallery’s pottery students. The gallery also offers ongoing oil/acrylic and watercolor classes as well as workshops by regionally and nationally known instructors.
In 2022, Sunset River Gallery acquired Cordier Auctions, a premier auction house, which regularly holds estate and consignment auctions of fine and decorative art; coins, sterling, and fine jewelry; real estate; antiques, firearms and militaria, and more. Information about appraisal to auction can be obtained by emailing appraisal@sunsetrivergallery.com
Sunset River Gallery is located at 10283 Beach Drive SW (NC179) in Calabash, NC. Telephone: 910.575.5999. Website: https://sunsetrivergallery.com . Regular gallery hours are Monday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunset River Gallery in Calabash, NC is featuring works by Roseann Bellinger through April 11. Bellinger’s love of rich vibrant colors defines her signature style. Working primarily in acrylic, her coastal marshscapes and still life compositions depict a vivid path of light and vibrant abstracts. Citing influences that include Asher Brown Durand, Claude Money and Robert Motherwell, the award-winning artist says, “It is the challenge of conveying emotion to the view that constantly drives me. Weaving bold color and texture through my paintings helps achieve that goal.”
Bellinger is a member of Brunswick Arts Council and Oak Island Artist Guild in North Carolina. She participates annually in the Burroughs and Chapin Art Museum Collectors’ Event in Myrtle Beach, SC.
Gallery director Samantha Spalti said, “Roseann has quite a following who are sure to love this Artist Spotlight display of brand new work!”
There are two onsite kilns and six wheels used by the gallery’s pottery students. The gallery also offers ongoing oil/acrylic and watercolor classes as well as workshops by regionally and nationally known instructors.
In 2022, Sunset River Gallery acquired Cordier Auctions, a premier auction house, which regularly holds estate and consignment auctions of fine and decorative art; coins, sterling, and fine jewelry; real estate; antiques, firearms and militaria, and more. Information about appraisal to auction can be obtained by emailing appraisal@sunsetrivergallery.com.
Sunset River Gallery is located at 10283 Beach Drive SW (NC179) in Calabash, NC. Telephone: 910.575.5999. Website: https://sunsetrivergallery.com . Regular gallery hours are Monday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Top: Kathleen Spicer, Michelle McKnight Davis Bottom: Therese Bisceglia, Kathleen V Stuart
Sunset River Gallery in Calabash, NC announces the opening of its first 2026 exhibition, Distinctive Aesthetics: Exploring Four Artistic Narratives, on Saturday, Feb. 7, with an opening reception from 2 – 4 p.m. The public is invited and there is no charge. Distinctive Aesthetics features work by Kathleen Spicer, Kathleen V. Stuart, Therese Bisceglia, and Michelle McKDavis. These are four friends, four artists, and four wildly different approaches to their art – the common thread being that they each upend the concept of mixed media, using tools and materials to build layered pieces in a very unexpected fashion. The multi-layered approach of each take painting and sculpture beyond traditional boundaries. This Distinctive Aesthetics show, which runs through March 28 reflects the out-of-the-box thinking of all four.
According to Conway, SC artist Kathleen Spicer, who works with oil paint and cut wood, she is inspired by nature and the colors in her surroundings, “Many of my forms have botanical references. The shapes sing and dance and even the shadows are alive with energy.” Her pieces defy category as it meshes sculpture and painting into a new genus of free-formed relief painting.
Kathleen V. Stuart, who is a resident of Ocean Isle Beach, NC, works with fiber and encaustic (a hot wax medium). She says, “Fiber is very tactile. I try to create a natural world by molding and shaping fibers into frees, flowers, and rocks, encouraging the viewer to come closer and touch. Using encaustic wax applied to books brings a new sculptural dimension to my work that further invites touch.” Stuart is known for her large format wall pieces as well as freestanding fiber sculptures.
North Myrtle Beach, SC artist Therese Bisceglia paints in oil, often incorporating mixed media to her pieces. She explains, “My paintings shift between recognizable and abstract imagery, depending on what feels right in the moment. I treat my work like a scrapbook, adding bits of wood, paper, fabric, and found objects I’ve collected over the years. By sanding back through these layers, I reveal traces of what’s underneath.
Also living in Conway, SC, Michelle McKDavis paints in oil, adding embroidery for a result both figurative and abstractive. She states, “I create oil paintings that explore the layered intersections of identity, mythology, and history – often through the recurring presence of water. My compositions carry a sense of storytelling – explicit or suggested.” Her work allows past and present to coexist in fluid, shifting forms, creating visual spaces that reflect the complexity of personal transformation.
Samantha Spalti, gallery director for Sunset River Gallery, said, “As a fellow artist, I’m so excited to have this show as our opener for the new year. All four of these women push the envelope both creatively and practically. They take their chosen materials to new heights, all while keeping the work engaging and approachable. I hope everyone will come to see Distinctive  Aesthetics for themselves. It’s going to be memorable.”
There are two onsite kilns and six wheels used by the gallery’s pottery students. The gallery also offers ongoing oil/acrylic and watercolor classes as well as workshops by regionally and nationally known instructors.
In 2022, Sunset River Gallery acquired Cordier Auctions, a premier auction house, which regularly holds estate and consignment auctions of fine and decorative art; coins, sterling, and fine jewelry; real estate; antiques, firearms and militaria, and more. Information about appraisal to auction can be obtained by emailing appraisal@sunsetrivergallery.com.
Sunset River Gallery is located at 10283 Beach Drive SW (NC179) in Calabash, NC. Telephone: 910.575.5999. Website: https://sunsetrivergallery.com . Regular gallery hours are Monday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunset River Gallery in Calabash, NC has set its calendar for 2026. The eclectic, 10,000 square-foot art-lover’s haven plans to feature two exhibits showcasing artists represented by the gallery, one show featuring gallery instructors and students, a four-woman show, one solo show, and at least one local art league exhibition. In addition, there will be several eight-week Artist Spotlight displays throughout the year.
Clockwise from top left: Kathleen Spicer, Michelle McKDavis, Kathleen V Stuart, Therese Bisceglia.
The year’s first show is Distinctive Aesthetics: Exploring Four Artistic Narratives, which features the work of Kathleen V. Stuart, Kathleen Spicer, Michelle McKDavis, and Therese Bisceglia. Four friends, four artists, four wildly different approaches to their art, the common thread being that they each upend the concept of mixed media by using tools and materials to build layered pieces in a very unexpected fashion. The creative results reflect the out-of-the-box thinking of all four. Stuart works primarily with mixed media fabric. Bisceglia utilizes layered mixed media with encaustic. McKDavis works with oil on canvas, often adding embroidery. And Spicer creates work using cut out wood with layered oil paint. The show runs from Saturday, Feb. 7 through Saturday, March 14.
An invitational group 2D and 3D show, titled Quotables will feature text-inclusive art pieces. It opens Saturday, April 11 and runs through Saturday, May 16. Additional shows include the Waterway Art Association Spring Show (April 20 – 25); Small Works, from June 6 through July 19, an annual exhibit of pieces smaller than 12” x 16”; a Student/Instructor Show, from Saturday, Aug. 1 through Saturday, Sept. 5; and Wild Places, a one-woman show featuring work by oil painter Gail Black, which is scheduled from Saturday, Sept. 19 through Saturday Oct. 24.
Artist Spotlights for 2026 begin with Roseann Bellinger’s acrylic landscapes from Feb. 9 through April 11. Subsequent featured artists will be Ginny Lassiter, April 20 through June 20; Yuriy Petrov, June 29 through Aug. 29; and Clay Johnson, Sept. 7 through Nov. 21.
The gallery features two popular art markets every year. The 2026 Summer Art Market, which features three days of on-site pottery and painting demonstrations, will run from Friday, July 17 through Sunday, July 19. The Holiday Art Market, set for Nov. 13 -19, includes on-site artists, handmade ornaments, and seasonal arts in addition to a wide range of fine art and crafts by the gallery’s 125+ North and South Carolina artists.
There are two onsite kilns and six wheels used by the gallery’s pottery students. The gallery also offers ongoing oil/acrylic and watercolor classes as well as workshops by regionally and nationally known instructors.
In 2022, Sunset River Gallery acquired Cordier Auctions, a premier auction house, which regularly holds estate and consignment auctions of fine and decorative art; coins, sterling, and fine jewelry; real estate; antiques, firearms and militaria, and more. Information about appraisal to auction can be obtained by emailing appraisal@sunsetrivergallery.com.
Sunset River Gallery is located at 10283 Beach Drive SW (NC179) in Calabash, NC. Telephone: 910.575.5999. Website: https://sunsetrivergallery.com . Regular gallery hours are Monday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunset River Gallery in Calabash, NC is set to hold its 11th annual Holiday Art Market from Friday, Nov. 14– Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each of the three days.
Over 30 popular artists are being featured to include Holiday pottery, jewelry, oil paintings, acrylics, watercolors, home decor items, photography, turned wood, handmade furniture and more. An eight-foot Christmas tree will be filled with artisan-made ornaments, so customers can choose their favorites directly from the tree. There will also be free gift certificate drawings, holiday treats, refreshments, and hot mulled cider.
Featured artists over the weekend, many of whom will be on hand for the event, include: Betsy Parker (pottery), Donna Michaux (pottery), Bob Moffett (turned wood), Gary Baird (wildlife photography), Ardie Praetorius (pottery), Louise Gerber (pottery), Kathy Turnauer (fused glass), Betty Barger (fiber art), Joyce Fiedler (sea glass), Tonda Jeffcoat (pottery), Bob Monthie (wood trays), Cynthia Porter (ornaments), Diane White (oil), Beryl Kirkpatrick (alcohol inks), Jewel Simmons (jewelry), Wes Wagner (wood furniture), Kathie Wolk (pottery), Barbara Bryant (fiber art), Brenda Riggins (ornaments and paintings), Nancy Guiry (assorted), Claudia Dowd (pottery), Dirtworks Pottery, Blackmon Pottery, Skrap Monkey (jewelry), Wes Wagner (wood furniture), Lucky Dog (jewelry), and Featherwood (jewelry), Jen McRae (jewelry), Tina Lepsig (felted wool), Allison Fanelli (paintings), Susan Barnard (paintings), Mona Bendin (hand-sewn pillows and table toppers), Tracy Young (pottery), Deborah Cowan (pottery), Linda Karaskevicus (paintings), Roseann Bellinger (paintings) Diane Crutchfield (basketry), Ellen “Dean” Nelson, (fused glass), and Geoffrey Lloyd (pottery).
There are two onsite kilns and six wheels used by the gallery’s pottery students. The gallery also offers ongoing oil/acrylic and watercolor classes as well as workshops by regionally and nationally known instructors.
In 2022, Sunset River Gallery acquired Cordier Auctions, a premier auction house, which regularly holds estate and consignment auctions of fine and decorative art; coins, sterling, and fine jewelry; real estate; antiques, firearms and militaria, and more. Information about appraisal to auction can be obtained by emailing appraisal@sunsetrivergallery.com.
Sunset River Gallery is located at 10283 Beach Drive SW (NC179) in Calabash, NC. Telephone: 910.575.5999. Website: https://sunsetrivergallery.com . Regular gallery hours are Monday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
# # #
Images shown: Clay Santas by Betsy Parker, Fused glass Christmas trees by Ellen “Dean” Nelson
Sunset River Gallery Open Submissions Prospectus 2026
Feb 1 – 15, 2026
Hand-crafted table by Red Oak Wood Shop.
Sunset River Gallery in Calabash, NC has a limited number of openings for professional caliber artists who reside or have a studio in North or South Carolina. We are looking for the best of the best – accomplished artists with passion, talent, and a body of work to present. From our perspective, your work should both stand out and work well with other pieces in the gallery. Ask yourself: does your art distinguish itself? How do you feel it would fit at Sunset River Gallery? Do you continue to grow as an artist? Can you meet the requirements of an artist in our gallery?
We are a 10,000 square foot gallery with a 20+ year stellar reputation. Our clients are mainly regional but come from all around the country and Europe. Since opening in 2002, we have become a repeat destination for art lovers up and down the east coast. Gallery director Samantha Spalti and our staff nurture relationships with our collectors as well as our artists. We market heavily throughout the year with public relations, social media, a monthly newsletter, digital advertising and print and video ads. Charity events, juried shows, both a summer and holiday art market, and six- to eight-week shows featuring our Sunset River artists bring thousands of visitors to the gallery.
What we are looking for:
We have a limited number of openings and are looking for just the right people to join the gallery. We are looking for art we do not already have. We pride ourselves on having great art at every price point. Will your art add something special to our gallery?
We are accepting submissions of all types of art, 2D and 3D.
Is your art a cut above? We represent some of the best artists in our area and our customers know to expect the best when they visit.
You must be a NC or SC artist, actively creating art.
We ask our artists to be involved in the gallery events as well. We don’t expect you to come to every reception or event, but we do ask that we see you more than when you come to bring us new work. In addition, we ask that you share gallery posts to your social media.
You must be in a position to replenish your art as needed. This is dictated by customer demand, but at the very least work needs to be swapped out every 4 – 6 months.
Do you think you would be a good fit for the gallery? Not all art fits in every gallery, please feel free to visit SRG and determine for yourself if your work would be a good fit before you submit.
We are looking for a variety of price points, but all work must be professional in caliber.
If you’ve applied to be in the gallery in the past, you are welcome to submit again, we just ask that you submit current work. We are open to both wholesale and consignment arrangements for the right artists.
Write”Artist Submissions 2026″ in the subject line
Please put all info in the body of your email. Do not put your submission in a separate document that is attached to your email.
If more than one email is necessary, make sure to let us know how many emails are being sent.
Name, where you live, phone number, best email to reach you, biography in third person (300 word max) (click here for sample bio), and artist statement in first person (100 word max).
Work must be current and you must be actively creating art.
Pics of 3 – 4 pieces total (if 3D, please include more than one angle of each item), with titles, dimensions, date completed, and price. If your email gives you the option to size the files, medium or large is best. These are the pics that determine the interview! Make sure they’re good quality photos.
The pieces you are submitting need to be available for you to bring in, should you be asked for an interview.
What happens after you submit:
Every submission will be acknowledged. Not every artist will be invited to complete the next steps.
The gallery team will review every entry, if they feel you are a good fit for the gallery, they will reach out with next steps.
Not all artists will be accepted. This is not a commentary on the quality of your work, but rather whether the work complements our existing artists and what we feel we can sell.
Timeframe for submission process:
February 1 – 15, 2026 – Open Submissions, we will be looking at every artist who submits and will acknowledge each submission. If a week has gone by and you haven’t received an acknowledgement, feel free to email the gallery.
Beginning February 16, 2026 – Interviews with artists – not every artist will be asked to interview and not all who interview will be asked to join the gallery. The interview is simply an opportunity to see you and your work in person in an effort to determine your fit within our gallery. If you are not asked for an interview appointment, we aren’t pursuing having your art in the gallery at this time.
If you are asked to come in for an interview, please bring the work you submitted.
Featured image: L-R, Oil painter Debanjana Bhattacharjee, Turned wood by Bob Moffett, Geoffrey Lloyd & his pottery.
Sunset River Gallery in Calabash, NC is featuring acrylic abstracts by Ginny Kelly Lassiter from April 16 through June 20. The original owner of the gallery for 20 years, she sold Sunset River in 2022 giving her time to focus on her own painting. This popular artist finds inspiration in the shapes and shadows of structural elements around her. Lassiter, who received her art degree from East Carolina University said, “I love the process of painting abstracts, the spontaneity of it, and I embrace the value of limiting my palette.”
Sunset River Gallery in Calabash, NC is featuring works by Roseann Bellinger through April 11. Bellinger’s love of rich vibrant colors defines her signature style. Working primarily in acrylic, her coastal marshscapes and still life compositions depict a vivid path of light and vibrant abstracts. Citing influences that include Asher Brown Durand, Claude Money and Robert Motherwell, the award-winning artist says, “It is the challenge of conveying emotion to the view that constantly drives me. Weaving bold color and texture through my paintings helps achieve that goal.”
