SOBA presents Urbanic’s ‘Flight-n-Fancy’
The Society of Bluffton Artists (SOBA) is hosting “Flight-n-Fancy” by Janet Urbanic, its July Featured Artist Exhibit, on display from July 6 through August 2 at the SOBA Gallery in Old Town Bluffton. An opening reception is scheduled for 3 to 5 p.m., Wednesday, July 10 and is free and open to the public.
Urbanic’s artwork reflects her deep appreciation for the beauty of the Lowcountry, particularly its captivating birds, serene marshes, and vibrant wetlands. Working primarily in oil and watercolor batik, she brings a gentle, often whimsical approach to her compositions, exploring the emotional connections found in nature and human relationships.
“I try to capture the softer side of life through my brush,” Urbanic said. “Whether it’s the grace of a heron or the whimsy of a watercolor batik, I’m inspired daily by the beauty that surrounds us.”
A native of Ohio, Urbanic relocated to Sun City nearly six years ago after retiring from a 25-year corporate career. She began painting in oils through a class offered by the Cleveland Museum of Art, building upon a creative foundation that began with teaching ceramics and china painting. Urbanic holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Hiram College, where she also pursued her love of art through elective coursework — including a formative trip to Paris to study the works of master painters.
Conroy Center’s Virtual Open Mic Night features author of ‘After the Storm’
The Pat Conroy Literary Center’s monthly Open Mic Night for July will be presented as a virtual event, live-streamed to its Facebook page, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, July 10. The featured presenter is novelist Abagail Summers, author of ‘After the Storm.’
Open Mic will also feature short readings of three to five minutes each by other writers in many genres. Interested in reading as part of virtual Open Mic? Email contact@patconroyliterarycenter.org. Learn more at https://bit.ly/3Iq8HlW.
Summers is a Lowcountry author of short stories, poetry, and novels — including “Life with a Bird Out the Window” (2014), “Forgiving the Past” (2020), “The Untold Legacy” (2021), and her newest release,”After the Storm” (2025).
In “After the Storm,” June Waters walks away from the country music business at the height of her popularity, leaving people wondering why. But only she knows why. Not even the people closest to her know what’s happening inside her head or her heart. To make matters worse, her dad is dying from lung cancer and can no longer run the farm on his own, which has put her family in jeopardy of losing it all.
Conroy Center hosting An Evening with Katherine Scott Crawford on July 17
The nonprofit Pat Conroy Literary Center, in partnership with the Beaufort Bookstore, will host an evening with novelist Katherine Scott Crawford, author of “The Miniaturist’s Assistant,” at 5 p.m., Thursday, July 17, at the Conroy Center at 601 Bladen Street in Beaufort.
Books will be available for sale and signing. Seating is limited; please call 843-379-7025 in advance to reserve a spot.
“The Miniaturist’s Assistant” explores the mystery of time, how our choices ripple throughout history, and what it means to be a fully-realized woman — in any century.
“‘The Miniaturist’s Assistant’ is a multifaceted love story wrapped in a mystery that unfurls on the changing winds of history. A rollicking, page-turning tale, this unforgettable novel explores time travel, art, passion, the complexity of past sins, and the abundant promises embedded in the here and now. Katherine Scott Crawford has written a beautiful book steeped in humanity, truth, and wonder.” — Connie May Fowler, author of “Before Women had Wings.”
Crawford is the award-winning author of “The Miniaturist’s Assistant” and “Keowee Valley.” A former backpacking guide, adjunct professor, and recovering academic, her newspaper column appeared weekly across the country and abroad, including in USA Today, The Detroit Free Press, the Herald Scotland, and more. Winner of a North Carolina Arts Award in fiction, she holds an MFA in Writing from the Vermont College of Fine Arts. An 11th-generation Southerner, she directs writing retreats at a remote mountain lodge in Western North Carolina, where she lives with her family.
Conroy Center hosting An Evening with Karen White on July 23
The nonprofit Pat Conroy Literary Center and the Storybook Shoppe are hosting an evening with New York Times and USA Today bestselling novelist Karen White, author of “That Last Carolina Summer” from 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, July 23, on the ground floor of the Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce at 711 Bladen Street. This event will also feature a special welcome by Conroy Center honorary chair and bestselling author Cassandra King.
Advance registration is required; $40 fee includes an autographed copy of “That Last Carolina Summer,” the author’s presentation, and refreshments. This is a book-with-ticket event; no refunds will be possible. Additional copies of Karen White’s books will also be available for sale and signing through the Storybook Shoppe.
To learn more or register, visit https://bit.ly/40xSlhk.
“Karen White brings all her magnificent storytelling gifts to this stunner of a novel. As much as you want to race along and discover all the secrets, you find yourself stopping to savor the truths she weaves into every twist and turn. If ‘That Last Carolina Summer’ has a flaw, it is this: you won’t ever want to wake up from its spell.” — Beatriz Williams, bestselling author of “Husbands & Lovers.”
Get Ready for a Night of Beachy Vibes & Jersey Harmonies!
“Lights Out Presents: The Jersey Beach Boys” is coming to the USCB Center for the Arts at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, July 24. This high-energy show blends the smooth moves of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons with the iconic sound of the Beach Boys — the perfect summer night out!
All seats are $32. Tickets are available at https://bit.ly/4eAneYC.
— From staff reports
