Ginny Lassiter is back to lead us in one of her abstract wine glass paintings. Please join us, this will be fun! It’s time to Paint & Party, so gather up your best pals or come on your own ready to make new friends. Bring your own snacks and beverage; we’ll supply everything else – paints, canvases, brushes, aprons, etc. $35 per person, non-refundable
Stained Glass Christmas Tree Workshop with instructor Diane Flanegan. Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. Expect to learn fundamentals of design, safe tool usage, glass cutting, foiling and more as you complete one project in the color palette of your choice. Diane will demonstrate and provide hands-on assistance each step of the way. Price includes all supplies, tool usage, and instruction. Registration is required. Minimum of six and maximum of 12 students. $60 non-refundable. NOTE: a second Christmas Tree Stained Glass workshop is available (same price, same hours) on Sunday, Nov. 5. Sign up online or call the gallery at 910.575.5999.
Acclaimed NC artist Frank Campion to be featured at Sunset River Gallery; opening reception September 15
Opening Friday, Sept. 15 and running through Saturday, Oct. 21 is Frank Campion – Dichotomies. When gallery director Samantha Spalti saw Frank Campion’s work for the first time, her reaction was nothing less than visceral. “It was that powerful,” she says. “In front of me was this stunning abstract painting that had so much movement, such emotion that it took my breath away.”
The show includes works on both canvas and paper. About this show, the artist says, “The dictionary defines ‘dichotomy’ as ‘a division into two mutually exclusive, opposed, or contradictory groups – a dichotomy between thought and action.’ It occurs to me that we tend to be naturally judgmental, making the world a binary proposition: good/bad, yes/no, on/off, right/wrong, hot/cold, rough/smooth, etc. So, this new work is about dichotomies.
One dichotomy involves the collision between the rational and the random. The rational is the simple geometric, intentional composition. The random is the occurrence of accidental painterly incidents. The other dichotomy has to do with the meeting of dominant colors that exist independently, but live adjacent to each other. This creates an emotional atmosphere or mood. as the work progresses.
Campion, who works out of his studio near Winston-Salem, was featured in Liza Roberts’ 2022 book The Art of the State, celebrating artists who are contributing to the North Carolina’s growing reputation in visual arts. He says, “As abstract as it may initially appear, my work is essentially derived from the tradition of landscape painting. the issues of space and atmosphere seem always to be with me as are the more formal issues about what constitutes an authentic painting – proportion, form, color, composition, and surface.”
After earning his bachelor’s degree in fine arts at Harvard, Campion taught design and drawing before showing his work in group shows at the Institute of Contemporary Art, the Danforth Museum, and the Boston Museum of Fine Art, which has one of his pieces in its permanent collection. He also enjoyed a number of critically successful solo shows during that time. A 30-year career in advertising brought him to North Carolina. When the time came to retire, he was ready to pick up where he left off.
Campion says, “In the fall of 2014, I saw the Matisse cut-outs exhibit at MoMA in NYC. I rediscovered a passion for color. This led me into the graph paper maquette/collages and got me thinking about color and larger scale.”
He built his own dream studio off the back of the house and that is where he is today. Frank Campion calls himself a “re-emerging artist.”
The opening reception is set for Friday, Sept. 15 from 5 – 7 p.m. This is an ideal opportunity for artists, students, and collectors to meet and speak with a forceful voice in North Carolina arts.
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, Pat Puckett, and Angie Sinclair, 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 on Artsy and the gallery website’s 20th Century Artists section. It includes works by Wolf Kahn (1927-2020), Ed Mell (1942), Raimonds Staprans (1926), Angell Botello (1913-1986), Emile Gruppe (1896-1998), Rolph Scarlett (1889 – 1984), Vladimir Cora (1951), Hunt Slonam (1951), Ginny Crouch Stanford, a bronze sculpture by Glenna GoodAcre (1939 – 2020), two bronzes by Millton Hebald (1930 – 2010) and a life-size bronze by Edward McCartan (1879-1947).
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This time, we’ll be introducing a subject we first explored for a private Paint & Party class. We’ll be painting a “sugar skull,” the popular symbol of the Day of the Dead (Dia de Los Muertos) in Mexico. We’re showing it with different color backgrounds and varied designs to help you choose how you want your canvas to look! And don’t worry, Samantha is here to help you achieve your vision!
Paint & Party is where you can uncork your creativity without worrying about experience. Because none is necessary! Bring your besties or come solo and make new friends. BYO beverage and snacks. Gallery provides everything else. $35 non-refundable
Always a favorite at the gallery, this will be three days of shopping fun! Works by 25+ artists (many expected to be on hand during the Art Market) are being featured to include holiday pieces, pottery, jewelry, oil paintings, acrylics, watercolors, photography,turned wood, wearable art, fiber art, hand made furniture and more! Our eight-foot Christmas tree will be filled with artisan-made ornaments, plus there will be gift certificate drawings, holiday treats, refreshments and hot mulled cider. As always, this will be a fun Holiday Art Market! See you then!
Opening Friday, Sept. 15 and running through Saturday, Oct. 21 is Frank Campion – Dichotomies. When gallery director Samantha Spalti saw Frank Campion’s work for the first time, her reaction was nothing less than visceral. “It was that powerful,” she says. “In front of me was this stunning abstract painting that had so much movement, such emotion that it took my breath away.”
The show includes works on both canvas and paper. About this show, the artist says, “The dictionary defines “dichotomy” as “a division into two mutually exclusive, opposed, or contradictory groups – a dichotomy between thought and action.” It occurs to me that we tend to be naturally judgmental, making the world a binary proposition: good/bad, yes/no, on/off, right/wrong, hot/cold, rough/smooth, etc. So this new work is about dichotomies. One dichotomy involves the collision between the rational and the random. The rational is the simple geometric, intentional composition. The random is the occurrence of accidental painterly incidents. The other dichotomy has to do with the meeting of dominant colors that exist independently, but live adjacent to each other. This creates an emotional atmosphere or mood. as the work progresses.
Campion, who works out of his studio near Winston-Salem, was featured in Liza Roberts’ 2022 book The Art of the State, celebrating artists who are contributing to the North Carolina’s growing reputation in visual arts. He says, “As abstract as it may initially appear, my work is essentially derived from the tradition of landscape painting. the issues of space and atmosphere seem always to be with me as are the more formal issues about what constitutes an authentic painting – proportion, form, color, composition, and surface.”
The opening reception is set for Friday, Sept. 15 from 5 – 7 p.m. This is an ideal opportunity for artists, students and collectors to meet and speak with a leading voice in North Carolina arts.
Author Henry Hack is back with his latest in the Danny Boyland series, Broken Windows. A veteran NYPD homicide detective must choose between his sworn duty to arrest murderers and his desire to finally see law and order restored to his beloved city. The developing evidence points to a group of retired law enforcement personnel as the likely perpetrators who claim they are the last best hope to restore law and order to the lawless city. Danny is now faced with an age-old dilemma – murderers are murderers and should be brought to justice, or does the end justify the means?
Henry Hack served 22 years in the Nassau County, NY Police Department, including ten years in the Police Laboratory where he was qualified as an expert witness in several forensic fields including blood, narcotics, and trace evidence. He was the Lab’s commanding officer for three years and also commanded the Eighth Precinct in the Patrol Division.
Join us for a great presentation and discussion (and we can’t wait to hear about The Messenger, Henry’s upcoming baseball/football/science fantasy novel due out later in October). Coffee With the Authors is a free event, but seating is limited so please R.S.V.P. to the gallery at 910.575.5999. Coffee, tea and breakfast treats will be served.
Are you a local artist looking for feedback on your artwork in a fun and welcoming environment? Join us for our monthly Art Feedback Sessions, a great opportunity to share your work-in-progress and receive constructive feedback.
Whether you’re feeling stuck, seeking direction, or simply feel that your piece is missing that certain “something,” this event is tailored to you. Our aim is to provide a space where artists can come together, inspire one another, and nurture artistic growth.
Here’s what to expect:
Nurture Connections! Embrace growth and inspiration!
Date/Time: Saturday, July 15th, 10:00am – noon
RSVP: Call the gallery to reserve your spot. Spaces are limited!
Cost: Free!
Hamann’s debut novel, Cryin’s For Hungry Babies, is set in North Carolina during the Civil War. When a family’s cotton crop is ruined by drought, a desperate father accepts payment to take the place of a wealthy neighbor’s son and enlist in the Confederate Army. Little did he know his family would be changed forever by the secrets that fateful decision would expose.
Coffee With the Authors is a free event, but seating is limited so please R.S.V.P. Call the gallery at 910.575.5999. Coffee, tea, and breakfast treats will be served.
Join us for an evening of fine tunes and good company in the artistic atmosphere you can only experience here at Sunset River Gallery in Calabash, NC.
AfterHours is a local band of seasoned musicians – Jeff Norris on sax, Brian Selway on bass, Dennis Brown on keys, Cliff Hackford and Bryan Hughes on vocals. Guest musicians sit in whenever possible. The popular ensemble will bring their musical stylings to the gallery for two hours of standards and audience favorites.
Jazz Night is normally 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.