A new year, a new show, and “New Vibrations” opens at the University of South Carolina Beaufort. The Art Beyond Tradition group of artists brings its magic to the university’s gallery on Carteret Street. Twelve abstract artists have put together a showing of some of their latest works. The show will run from January 15, through April 30. There will be an opening reception at the gallery on February 3, from 5- 7  p.m. The public is invited.

The artists who reside on Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, Beaufort  and Columbia are known throughout the area for their unique style and exquisite artwork. They include painters:  Deanna Bowdish, Cindy Chiappetta, Marilyn Dizikes, Jo Dye, Vickie Jourdan, Mary Jane Martin, Mary Sullivan, Joan Templer, Arla Crumlick Wible, Caroll Williams and Irene K. Williamson; and sculptor Sharon Collings Licata.

Vickie Jourdan’s “Attitude,” where bold reds and blended hues ring true to their title, is a painting that says as much about the artist as the observer. Far from subtle, it asserts itself dramatically.

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Sharon Licata works in stone. Her sculpture named “Thunder” shows an amazing flexibility of design. The stone seems to swirl and wrap around itself forming an open space that defies credibility.

Mary Jane Martin has produced a painting titled “Java.” Colorful patches appear to be escaping from the muted background, whereas in “Grounded,” a muted palette is used, playing to texture and text.

Following some of the concepts of color-mass abstract painting, Arla Crumlick  Wible has produced studies in Brown, Browns and Greens, while Irene K. Williamson brings a collage named “Interrupted” as well as an abstract painting called “Out of Control”. In this second painting, the vigorous swirls of color and mad splashes and dashes of paint appear to be out of control, yet the total environment is that of a carefully controlled painting.

Caroll Williams describes her art as 2-1/2 D. Her wall mounted artwork uses found objects and “turns them into something quite different from their original use.“ Her philosophy is to do as little as possible to these objects. “In that way, the qualities that originally attracted me to them — the weathering, the patina of age, the quirkiness — continue to shine through.” This can easily be seen in her pieces titled “Transported” and “Grids, Boxes and Drawers.”

In the late 70s, I began the study of graphic design which led to a satisfying 30 year career. After my husband’s retirement to Hilton Head Island, and my own semi-retirement, I finally had the time to experiment with making art from the kinds of materials I’ve always loved and collected: peeling, painted boards; rusty objects; staircase spindles; ephemera of all varieties.

The Art Beyond Tradition has been together and showing its work as a group since 2007. For more information about the group and its work, contact Irene K. Williamson at 843-689-5088, or by e-mail at worldly@hargray.com .

“We are so pleased to be holding our current show at the University of South Carolina Beaufort,” says Irene K. Williamson, manager of the Art Beyond Tradition group and one of its artists. “It is important to find venues that enhance the boldness of the art and provide the space for the 12 members of the group to display their work.”

“We welcome Art Beyond Tradition and their new show “New Vibrations,” says Bonnie Hargrove. “The university is pleased to present this fine body of work. Our gallery is open to the public Monday- Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.”

“All of the artwork in the show is for sale. We invite everyone to stop by the gallery space of USCB at 801 Carteret Street in Beaufort to see this splendid show,” said Hargrove.
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