Tag Archives: calabash nc

Gossip Girls by Rachel Sunnell
Author Sunset River Gallery Posted on

Gallery to feature Sunnell’s ‘The Story Tellers’ August 2 – 30

Artist Rachel Sunnell, Sunday Stroll acrylic 12×12

Sunset River Gallery is set to feature Rachel Sunnell’s one-woman show titled The Story Tellers from Saturday, August 2 through Saturday, August 30. A public reception will be held Saturday, August 2 from 5 – 7 p.m. There is no charge and reservations are not required. Light hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be served.

According to the artist, The Story Tellers invites viewers to explore the relationships between perspective and subject matter. The show consists of 25+ works in acrylic featuring scenes from coastal locales.

Rachel says, “Through my paintings, I aim to evoke memories, feelings, and imaginative thoughts. For instance, the depiction of cotton fields might remind you of a cherished memory with your grandmother receiving a bale of cotton as a wedding gift, or it may transport you back to carefree childhood days. The interactions between creatures, such as ibises and egrets, can also spark curiosity about the social norms within their world. Each viewer brings their own narrative.”

Rachel’s love of art, and nature led her to painting and to landscape architecture. Her design background can often be seen in her work through distant views, layering and sense of color. As an acrylic painter, Rachel uses loose brush strokes and color that evoke the idea of subjective realism.

About Sunset River Gallery

Located in coastal Brunswick County, NC, Sunset River Gallery caters to both area visitors and a growing local community of full-time residents seeking fine art for their homes and businesses. Featuring works by over 100 fine regional artists including Betty Anglin Smith, Marcus McClanahan, Janet Sessoms, and Richard Staat, among others, the gallery is well known in the area for its selection of oil paintings; watermedia; pastels; photography; hand-blown, stained, and fused glass; pottery and clay sculpture; turned and carved wood; unique home décor items; and artisan jewelry.

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 nationally known instructors.

Shown above: Artist Rachel Sunnell, Gossip Girls, acrylic, 24×48.

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Reception-Rachel Sunnell Solo Show

We can’t wait for Rachel Sunnell’s solo show – The Story Tellers! Her opening reception is Saturday, August 2 from 5 – 7 p.m. and the show runs through Saturday, August 30, so mark your calendar! You won’t want to miss it!  According to the artist, The Story Tellers invites viewers to explore the relationships between perspective and subject matter. The show consists of 25+ works in acrylic featuring scenes from coastal locales.

Rachel says, “Through my paintings, I aim to evoke memories, feelings, and imaginative thoughts. For instance, the depiction of cotton fields might remind you of a cherished memory with your grandmother receiving a bale of cotton as a wedding gift, or it may transport you back to carefree childhood days. The interactions between creatures, such as ibises and egrets, can also spark curiosity about the social norms within their world. Each viewer brings their own narrative.”

Rachel’s love of art, and nature led her to painting and to landscape architecture. Her design background can often be seen in her work through distant views, layering and sense of color. As an acrylic painter, Rachel uses loose brush strokes and color that evoke the idea of subjective realism.

The Saturday evening reception is open to the public at no charge. Refreshments and light hors d’oeuvres will be served. We hope to see you then!

Shown: The Square Dance by Rachel Sunnell, acrylic, 16×16

Jazz Night w/AfterHours Band

Jazz Night is back this month! So join us for an evening of fine tunes and good company in the artistic atmosphere you can only experience here at Sunset River Gallery. AfterHours is a local band of seasoned musicians you know and love. The popular ensemble will bring their musical stylings to the gallery for two hours of standards and audience favorites.  Jazz Night is held from 5 to 7 p.m. every other month. Mark your calendars and plan to stop by! Sunset River Gallery is located at 10283 Beach Drive SW (NC179) in Calabash, NC. Telephone number is 910.575.5999. Updates on the gallery’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

Morning at the Beach, Debanjana Bhattacharjee, detail
Author Sunset River Gallery Posted on

Small Works show set for June 6 – July 20

Lake Trees by Clay Johnson

Sunset River Gallery in Calabash, NC is set to hold its Small Works show with an opening reception on Friday, June 6 from 5 – 7 p.m. The public is invited to attend at no charge. Small Works, which features 2D and 3D pieces runs through July 20 (leading into the gallery’s annual Summer Art Market July 18 – 20).

Gallery director Samantha Spalti said, “We tasked gallery artists with creating small art, nothing larger than 12” by 16.”  The goal is to offer fine art that visitors to the area can take home with them easily and locals may find the perfect piece for that special little corner in the house.”

The show includes a wide range of genre from oil paintings, watercolors, and photography to pottery and mosaics. Twenty-six artists will be participating, including Kari Feuer, Allison Fanelli, Roseann Bellinger, Kathleen Spicer, Susan Barnard, Ginny Lassiter, Ortrud Tyler, Janet Boschker, Ron Parent, Diane White, Debanjana Bhattacharjee, Janet Sessoms, Beryl Kirkpatrick, Vicki Neilon, Clay Johnson, Abby Warman, Simone Esquibel, Cathy Collopy O’Donnell, Sandy Nelson, Brenda Riggins, Linda Hester, Rachel Jones, Gail Black, Louis Alliota, and Sue Nern.

About Sunset River Gallery

Located in coastal Brunswick County, NC, Sunset River Gallery caters to both area visitors and a growing local community of full-time residents seeking fine art for their homes and businesses. Featuring works by over 100 fine regional artists including Betty Anglin Smith, Marcus McClanahan, Janet Sessoms, and Richard Staat, among others, the gallery is well known in the area for its selection of oil paintings; watermedia; pastels; photography; hand-blown, stained, and fused glass; pottery and clay sculpture; turned and carved wood; unique home décor items; and artisan jewelry.

There are two onsite kilns and five wheels used by the gallery’s pottery students. The gallery also offers ongoing oil/acrylic and watercolor classes as well as workshops by nationally known instructors.

 

Featured image shown above: Detail, Morning at the Beach by Debanjana Bhattacharjee, oil 10×10

Paint & Party – Beach Chair

This is one you won’t want to miss. Ginny will walk you through this charming acrylic of a beach chair at the water’s edge. Come with your best pals! Or don’t be afraid to come solo. You’ll make new friends! Bring a beverage and snack if you like. Gallery provides everything else — paints, brushes, canvases, aprons, and any other supplies. See you. then! $35 non-refundable.

Sign up here!

Jazz Night w/AfterHours Band

Join us for a very special evening of fine tunes and good company in the artistic atmosphere you can only experience here at Sunset River Gallery. We’re sad to say vocalist Bryan Hughes will be leaving the band to relocate back in Indiana. This will be his final gallery performance. We’re sad to see him go, but look forward to a fun night of song and celebration! Please plan to join us from 5 – 7 p.m. and let’s give Bryan a wonderfully heartfelt send-off!  Mark your calendars and plan to stop by! Sunset River Gallery is located at 10283 Beach Drive SW (NC179) in Calabash, NC. Telephone number is 910.575.5999. Updates on the gallery’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

Acrylic Painting w/ Rachel Sunnell

Techniques & Fundamentals of Acrylic Painting

This painting class is open to acrylic and oil painters of all skill levels. I will be sharing my expertise in acrylics, as well as layout techniques, composition, value, and color theory. Students will have the opportunity to work with photo references and are encouraged to explore their own artistic expression. The curriculum will start with a review of the fundamentals, including creating essential tools such as a color wheel and value scale. We will also delve into composition through thumbnail sketches and study color harmony. Engaging classroom critiques will be a regular part of the learning process. Overall, this class aims to provide a comprehensive and enriching experience for painters looking to enhance their skills and develop their personal style.

$175 (two six-week sessions: Monday Mornings 10:00-12:30 or Monday Afternoons 1:30-4:30) Non-refundable.

Click here to sign up!

Materials List

Online Art Companies

• Dick Blick

• Jerry’s Artarama

• Cheap Joe’s

Note: Amazon is typically more expenses than an online company.

Acrylic Paint Brand Name Options

• Golden, Windsor Newton, Matisse, Lucas, Nova, etc.

• Hobby Lobby Masters Touch Thick Body does not have primary cyan blue, ultramarine or dioxazine

purple. You may purchase Liquitex’s Basics in these colors. I recommend upgrading your Titanium

White to Golden heavy body.

Basic Paint Colors

• Titanium White

• Primary Yellow or Cadmium Yellow Medium

• Lemon Yellow or Cadmium Yellow light

• Primary Cyan Blue

• Ultramarine Blue

• Magenta

• Cadmium Red or Alizarin Crimson

• Burnt Sienna

• Dioxazine Purple or similar

• Orange

• Sap Green

Note: Typical paint sets do not include many of these colors.

Brushes

• My favorite brushes from Dick Blick – Utrecht Manglon Synthetic 239-F Mixed Synthetic: #4,10,14, 18 Flats and Filberts 239-Fil #12, #4

• Or ¼”, ½”, ¾” Flats synthetic made for oil/acrylic medium to medium firm

 Other Materials

• 9×12” Acrylic Paper, Canvas Paper or Canson Cold Press Watercolor Pad 140lb (Do not purchase

Multimedia Paper.)

• ½” artist Tape or Painters tape

• Masonite Board: large enough for the 9×12 paper

• Masterson Sta-wet Super Pro Palette – purchase at Dick Blick’s.

• Canvases, Canvas boards as needed

• Water container ie: large plastic yogurt container

• Rag

• Cheap ruler

• Charcoal pencil white and black

• Small sketch book or pad or you can use your watercolor paper.

Photo References

• Photocopies of painting references or photos on your iPad. Phone photos are too small.

Abstract Mark Making Workshop w/Marybeth Bradbury — new class

Our Jan. 25 workshop is full, so we’ve added another class. Drawing Towards Insight is ideal for any level abstract painter. Acrylic and mixed media instructor Marybeth Bradbury will guide us through creating shapes that have meaning  and making marks that communicate your message. We’ll be creating our own abstracted or conceptual portraits. We’ll study how to actually use the techniques we learn and how to infuse our works with soul. You’ll learn to translate your thought into marks the viewer can understand. Marybeth will cover topics such as symbolism, pattern, analog drawing, expressing emotion and more. Paper, brushes, paints and graphite will be provided. Bring your own notebook, journal, or additional sketchpad (5×8 or 8×10 okay) $85 plus $10 materials fee. Non-refundable.

Minimum 8 participants. Feb. 4 last day to sign up. Class will be cancelled if minimum isn’t reached. Call gallery for info: 910.575.5999.

Sign up here!

Author Sunset River Gallery Posted on

Call for Artists 2025

Sunset River Gallery Open Submissions Prospectus 2025

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 concentrating on 3D, but are open to exceptional 2D artist submissions. 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?

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. This year’s concentration is 3D artists, but we are open to exceptional and unique 2D artist submissions.

● 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.

● 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 last 14 months, please do not reapply.

● We are open to both wholesale and consignment arrangements for the right artists.

● Some things we would be interested in seeing submitted:

○ Jewelry

○ Pottery: both functional and decorative

○ Glass: fused, stained, or blown

○ 3D fiber art

○ Fine basketry

○ Woodworking

○ Furniture

○ Sculpture

○ And more

● To submit: email info@sunsetrivergallery.com with the following information:

○ Write “Artist Submissions 2025” 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), awards list when applicable, and artist statement in first person (100 word max) (click here for sample statement).

○ Work must be current and you must be actively creating art.

○ Pics of 4-5 pieces total (if 3D, please include more than one angle of each item), with titles, dimensions, date completed, and price.

● 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 compliments our existing artists and what we feel we can sell.

● Timeframe for submission process:

○ February 1 – 15, 2025 – 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.

○ February 17 – 28, 2025 – 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.

Watercolor Portrait Class w/Brenda Riggins

Six Thursdays from  Jan 9- Feb 13, 10:00-12:30
$150 | non-refundable

Please bring your own inspiration photo and supplies.

The course will begin with examination of reference photos and things to be aware of in your photos. We will learn how to see the important areas of  your photo to help develop a likeness.

We will be discussing colors that will aid in telling the story. The painting process begins by building layers, saving your lights, adding darks and considering backgrounds.

You will be encouraged to work on more than one painting, but taking your time to really study your reference.

Instructor Brenda Riggins:
704-579-0157
brendariggins25@gmail.com

Sign up here!

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