Arts on the Coast’s Annual Exhibit entitled Magnum Opus hosted by Photopoint Gallery and Elmgren’s Garden Center opened on Thursday, June 27th. Thirty-seven artists gave their interpretation of their, ‘Magnum Opus’ with a variety of mediums. The show was a departure from coastal themes to a more diverse show that broadcasted who the artist is, and what is their Magnum Opus.
‘Magnum Opus’, Arts on the Coast Annual Exhibit Judges (from left to right): Ginger Graham, Sales and Tourism Relations Manager, Telfair Museums, Gale Steves, Director of ARC Savannah, and Mark Bolton, Vice President, Marketing Communications and Economic Development, Coastal Electric.
Best in Show: Sarah Volker - Going Home, Sapelo Island
Second Place: Brett Beasley - Manganism
Third Place: Patricia Harper Mathews - Hotel DeSoto
Sarah Volker’s oil painting Going Home, Sapelo Island was the show standout taking the Best of Show title. The piece was inspired by a photograph taken while traveling on the Sapelo Ferry, Volker said, “ I was struck by a burst of color from the bag in contrast to the quickly changing personality and population of the island. As the geography of the island changes so do the residents who live there. It was good to see someone returning to the land that bore him.”
Manganism, a mid-range stoneware clay, cemetric piece, that told a story of the disguise of wellness by sculptor Brett Beasley, received second place. Beasley says, “The entire piece is susceptible to destruction, as ceramics is fragile and easily broken if mistreated- similar to an ill patient. The vulnerability of a structure, whether it be the human body or a work of art can be an opportunity to express empathy and communication.”
Patricia Mathews, a local artist in Richmond Hill received third place honors with her painting of an iconic historical landmark that was lost in progress, Hotel Desoto.
Honorable mention was awarded to Praise the Sunrise, a photograph by Charles Opper.
Katelyn Fagala the artist of Righteous Truth, a painting that was painted entirely with a fork, won the People’s Choice Award.
Honorable Mention: Charles Opper, Praise the Sunrise
Caroline E. Hughes, Indian Summer
Kole Younger, Stars and Stripes
Recently graduated M.F.A. Fibers student at the Savannah College of Art and Design, Caroline E. Hughes, and 12-year old, aspiring artist Kole Younger received special recognition awards for each of their pieces.
A percentage of the profits from the opening reception supported the Dolphin Project, an organization that acts as an advocate for protecting dolphins and their ecosystems.
The food at the opening reception was incredible. Baking Sweets Academy is a local bakery and cooking school in Richmond Hill. They catered the event with a variety of sweets and savory finger foods.
Jeff’s Beverage, supplied the beverages for the event.
Magnum Opus remains on display at Photopoint Gallery throughSeptember 7th.
The gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday - Saturday
Complete Show Dates
June 27 - September 7, 2019
Photopoint Gallery
30 Cherokee Street (inside Elmgren's Garden Center)
Richmond Hill, GA 31324