Oil Painters of America 5th Annual "Great Paint Out" 2009 at Poplar Grove Plantation, Charleston, SC

Members of the Oil Painters of America (OPA) gathered at Poplar Grove Plantation near Charleston, SC for a weekend of plein air painting in celebration of OPA's 5th Annual "Great Paint Out".

The event provided participating artists from SC (and Ga.) the opportunity to paint in a setting of beautiful SC Lowcountry vistas at the site of one of the oldest former rice plantations in SC.

Artists Kay Schneider, Bill Davidson, Sara Jane Reynolds, Caroline Francis, Mary Edna Fraser, June Seel, Christopher Sherry,and art enthusiasts Sparky Howard and Robin Heutess gathered in the afternoon on the dock at Rantowles Creek to paint and visit.

Pictured at left-Sparky Howard "helps" Chris Sherry with his painting.




Event organizer Sara Jane "Sally" Reynolds, June Seel, and Robin Huetess enjoying the creek views.


This year's paint out included music by visual and performing artist Mary Edna Fraser and Anne Goold.

Mary Edna and Anne entertained the artists with spirituals and folk songs, with the painters joining in for a chorus or two.

As the afternoon light faded from the creek, everyone agreed that the beautiful music added greatly to the creative experience of the day.




"Evening Light on the Marsh" a plein air oil painting from the Paint Out by OPA member Katherine M. Schneider.



Hanging the 25th "People's Choice Art Exhibit" 2009

The theme for this year's 25th annual People's Choice Art Exhibit sponsored by First Federal and The Center for Women is "Art and Soul of a Woman, Celebrating the Female Spirit".

Along with the other members of the exhibitions committee, I spent the afternoon organizing and hanging over 100 show entries.

The works by the exhibiting members of the Charleston Art Guild represent or symbolize women in deed, spirit, or appearance in a broad range of styles and media.

I will be on hand for the opening of the exhibit tomorrow Oct. 2, 2009 at First Federal, 34 Broad St. Charleston, SC from 9am to 5 pm. The Exhibit is also part of the Charleston Art Walk tomorrow evening (Oct. 2, 09) from 6 - 8 pm. Light refreshments and libations will be served.

The 25th People's Choice Art Exhibit will be on display at First Federal 34 Broad St. Oct. 2 - 14 2009 during weekday business hours 9am to 5pm.

Pictured at left: "The Dolphin Watchers" by Katherine Schneider.