Plan to join us February 15, when Gary and Sue Baird regale us with tales of their 13,075 mile road trip this past summer. Gary is a nature photographer, so he planned the trip to go through 17 national parks in the US and Canada, as well as wildlife refuges and state parks. Throughout the presentation he will be sharing images of animals from polar bears in Hudson Bay, Manitoba to sea lions surfing off the coast of La Jolla, California, as well as landscapes from Kakabeka Falls in Ontario to the Yosemite Valley in California. Travel vicariously with the Bairds from the comfort of the gallery and we won’t even make you chip in for gas. This is a free event, but seating is limited , so reservations are required. (We expect this to be a full house, so call the gallery at 910.575.5999 soon to reserve your spot.) Shown: Mom on the Rocks, photography by Gary Baird , cropped.
For this much awaited show, artists are exploring the evocative power of indigo in its many forms – color, mood, and metaphor. Whether through dreamlike blues, quiet solitude of evening shadows, or rich textures of indigo dye, works in this insightful show capture moods that range from serene to mysterious. Mood Indigo is a thread that weaves together memory, emotion, and imagination, offering viewers a window into complex, layered states of being. Show runs February 1 – March 8, 2025. Please join us for a reception Saturday afternoon, February 1 from 2 – 4 p.m.
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.
Class is full. If you are interested in being put on the waitlist please call us at: 910.575.5999.
Sunset River Gallery in Calabash, NC is set to hold its tenth annual Holiday Art Market from Friday, Nov. 8– Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each of the three days.
Over 25 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), Diane Flanegan (stained glass), Donna Michaux (pottery), Bob Moffett (turned wood), Gary Baird (wildlife photography), Donna Mertz (fiber art), Ardie Praetorius (pottery), Louise Gerber (pottery), Kathy Turnauer (fused glass), Betty Barger (fiber art), Joyce Fiedler (sea glass), Vicki Neilon (watercolor and acrylics), Tonda Jeffcoat (pottery), Bob Monthie (wood trays), Scott Summerfield (handblown glass), Cynthia Porter (pottery), Diane White (oil), Beryl Kirkpatrick (alcohol inks), Linda Young (assorted), 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).
Clay Nativity set by Ardie Praetorius
New this year on Friday and Saturday during the Holiday Art Market will be a Cordier Auction Consignment event hosted by the gallery’s sister company Cordier Auctions. Cordier is looking for fine jewelry and watches, fine art by known artists, high end glass, sterling, gold (coins and jewelry, and other valuables. Specialists from Cordier Auctions including Cordier president Erika Kelly, will be on hand during the Holiday Art Market to view prospective auction items. This portion of the event is by appointment only. So, call the gallery in advance at 910.575.5999 or send an email to appraisal@sunsetrivergallery.com.
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.
Holiday mixing bowls by Louise Gerber
gallery’s carefully curated selection of investment-grade 20th century fine art is one of the largest in the Carolinas. Current inventory can be found in the gallery website’s 20th Century Artists section. It includes works by Wolf Kahn (1927-2020), Raimonds Staprans (1926), Angel Botello (1913-1986), Vladimir Cora (1951), Fritz Scholder (1937-2005), Ginny Crouch Stanford (1950), and two bronze sculptures by Milton Hebald (1930 – 2010).
In 2023, 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
Donated by Tonda Jeffcoat, vintage carved wood-fired vessel by Jeffcoat Pottery.
Sunset River Gallery has announced a special two-week exhibition and sale to benefit victims of Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina. Titled N.C. Strong, the show runs from Monday, Oct. 14 through Saturday, Oct. 26, with a closing reception on the final day from 2 – 5 p.m. Gallery hours are Monday -Saturday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Works by 40+ gallery artists will be featured in a range of media, which includes oil, watercolor, acrylic, pastel, glass, tile fiber art, pottery, wood, and more.
Five of the artworks will be part of a special raffle including an oil painting by Janet Sessoms, oil painting by Sandy Nelson, acrylic painting by Roberta Rotunda, pottery by Lantern Hill, and acrylic by Chantal Tomiello. Raffle ticket prices are $5 for one ticket, $25 for six tickets, and $40 for ten tickets. The winning tickets will be drawn at the reception on the 26th. Winners need not be present.
Fully 100% of sales and monetary donations will go to CERF+, a nonprofit organization with the mission of providing artists with support and resources for disaster and emergency relief. The 501 (c)(3) group is connecting with local partners on the ground to learn more about the needs of local artists and offer resources to those who were affected by the storms.
Said Samantha Spalti, gallery director, “We feel a special kinship to the artists and people of North Carolina’s mountain communities and wanted to help as soon as we heard about the horrific flooding and damage. It’s heart-breaking. I’m happy to say that many of our fine artists stepped up and donated some equally fine work. And I know we can count on our local beach community to support the effort. We hope to see many of you throughout the show and at the reception. And don’t forget to buy your raffle tickets!”
An event page with updates and photographs may be found on the gallery’s Facebook page.
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.
The gallery’s carefully curated selection of investment-grade 20th century fine art is one of the largest in the Carolinas. Current inventory can be found in the gallery website’s 20th Century Artists section. It includes works by Wolf Kahn (1927-2020), Raimonds Staprans (1926), Angel Botello (1913-1986), Vladimir Cora (1951), Fritz Scholder (1937-2005), Ginny Crouch Stanford (1950), and two bronze sculptures by Milton Hebald (1930 – 2010).
In 2023, 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 .
Header images: Left:Trust the dream, acrylic by Chantal Tomiello; right: Shining Through, oil by Janet Sessoms.
Six Thursdays from Oct 17 – Nov 21, 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
Please note: this is a. new date for this event! It was originally scheduled for Sept. 18. We have just two open spots, so call today if you’re interested!
Paint & Party is a great way to open up your creative side – with a little help from your friends! Ginny will take you through this fun Dune Fence design. Bring your best pals, or come on your own and make new friends! BYO snacks & beverage. Gallery provides everything else: paint, brushes, canvas, aprons, and instruction. Let’s Paint & Party. $35 per person. Nonrefundable.
Mary Welch Austin named Spotlight Artist at Sunset River Gallery Sept. 16 – Nov. 2
Glow II by Mary Welch Austin, oil, 9×12 (detail)
Mary Welch Austin has been named Spotlight Artist at Sunset River Gallery in Calabash, NC from Sept. 16 through Nov. 2. Austin is known for her keen sense of harmony and balance in her landscapes and seascapes. Working primarily in oil, she suggests the magic of light and texture along with the compositional dance of positive and negative spaces in nature.
Austin’s award-winning paintings showcase the variety of coastal and inland scenes characteristic of the Carolina low country region. Private collectors and designers are discovering the majesty of Austin’s land and waterscapes; her large works take centerstage in homes throughout the region.
The artist is originally from High Point, NC and attended Salem College, the University of Georgia and earned a BFA degree in Art from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. After a career as a fabric designer developing significant skills in color, composition and perspective, she now enjoys focusing exclusively on her painting.
Gallery director Samantha Spalti said, “Mary’s work is outstanding. From her vision to her brushstrokes to her treatment of light . . . she’s the sort of artist who artists love.”
Featured painting: Into the Light, oil by Mary Welch Austin, 24×48.
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.
The gallery’s carefully curated selection of investment-grade 20th century fine art is the largest in the Carolinas. Current inventory can be found in the gallery website’s 20th Century Artists section. It includes works by Wolf Kahn (1927-2020), Raimonds Staprans (1926), Angel Botello (1913-1986), Vladimir Cora (1951), Fritz Scholder (1937 – 2005), Ginny Crouch Stanford (1950), and two bronze sculptures by Milton Hebald (1930 – 2010).
Join us for this month’s Coffee With the Authors presentation with the always popular Lenny Di Gregorio as he talks about his latest, “Lost & Found in Manhattan.” Get ready for a thrilling ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. Imagine being alone in a dark, empty building late at night when suddenly a stranger appears…. We know Lenny won’t be giving out any spoilers, but it promises to be a great talk and book signing. Coffee, tea, and breakfast treats will be served. As always, this is a free event, but seating is limited so please call ahead to let us know you’ll be there! 910.575.5999.
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 may have seen performing at local restaurants here in Brunswick County. 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. on the third Thursday of each 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.
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.
