<b>Simply Grand for Mother’s Day:</b> Friday, May 10 in the black box theater at ARTworks in Beaufort Town Center, Simply Grand presents a Mother’s Day concert, with melodies, loving lyrics, and special ticket prices: $12 for all tickets, $7 for children. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. After years of performing together locally and throughout Northeast Florida, Simply Grand was organized in 2010. The group includes Keyboardist Kenneth Varner, Saxophonist Gregory Whittaker, and Drummer Trevor Daniels. The trio of musicians soon discovered a certain chemistry and musical affinity that led to their formation of Simply Grand, a versatile musical ensemble that has a unique ability to shift between Contemporary Jazz, Gospel, and Blues with ease. One the band’s most notable performances occurred during the Beaufort 300 celebration in which the group played to a packed house at the Beaufort Waterfront Park. ARTworks is located 2127 Boundary Street 29902, artworksinbeaufort.org, 843-379-2787.

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<b>Cinematographer to speak at Photo Club:</b> Finally learn how to use the video settings on your digital camera. Photography Club of Beaufort’s next meeting on Monday, May 13 will feature Vitor Lindo,  a photographer and cinematographer who co-founded the Institute of Cinematic Arts in Savannah.   His intense passion for films and photographs have allowed him to acquire knowledge in every facet of the production process. Amassing credits as a director of photography, still photographer, director, writer, gaffer, sound mixer, editor and colorist. He has an insatiable passion for visual arts and an inherent interest for taboo subjects. In the Summer of 2011, it is this interest that led him to travel to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to direct a feature length documentary on the extremely secretive world of “Candomble.” Vitor spent two months living with and documenting the rituals of the controversial Afro-Brazilian faith. The compiled material will be released in a documentary and photo-book, both titled “Dancing With Saints.” He is currently in post production on both projects.  Offering an array of classes, the ICA also features workshops including acting, cinematography, lighting, modeling, Photoshop, screenwriting, video editing, and photography. It is also the only facility in the region to offer on camera acting classes specifically for film and television. His work can be viewed at dalundaproductions.com. The Photography Club of Beaufort meets at 7 p.m. at ARTworks in the K-Mart Plaza on Boundary Street in Beaufort. Free admission.  Public is invited. For more information visit www.PhotoClubBeaufort.com.

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<b>Beaufort High Juried Art Show:</b> The Beaufort High School Visual Arts Department would like to announce the opening reception for the first annual BHS Juried Art Show.  The reception will be held at the Arts Center Gallery on the BHS campus on Thursday, May 16 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.  The judges for the show were Deanna Bowdish of the Gallery on Bay Street and Lisa Rentz of the Beaufort County Arts Council.  There were more than 30 pieces of art selected and only 18 pieces were accepted for the show.  The selected pieces represent the best quality artwork from Beaufort High students working in studio art classes.  Best in show is a painting by Erinn Szarek titled, “Recondite.”  “City Lights” is a pencil drawing by Amelia Mercado which won first place.  Second place went to Maria Carerra for her painting, “Aztec Moon and Sun.”   Finally, Brandon Rupert won third place for his pencil drawing, “Wolfcatcher.”  The gallery at the new arts center is a beautiful architectural space to view art.  It is the complement to the performing arts space in the Arts Center and is located directly off to the side of the lobby when you walk in.

<b>BAA Artist of the Month:</b> Artist Wendy Goller loves detailing the bountiful and beautiful local marine life of Beaufort County. One of her favorite subjects is the sea turtle but dolphin, red drum, sea trout and other fish have also become her subjects along with crustaceans like shrimp and crabs. She enjoys working in a variety of mediums and loves the endless choice of subject matter that living in the South Carolina Lowcountry provides. “Hooked on Fishing” is about capturing the fun and mystery in the art of fishing. This show features anglers of all ages and types. The Beaufort Art Association’s reception will be held at the BAA Gallery on Friday, May 17 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

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<b>Book signing with Jonathan Green:</b> Lowcountry artist Jonathan Green will be at the Red Piano Too Art Gallery on St. Helena Island signing the newly released book “Seeking” on Friday, May 17, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. “Seeking” is a compilation of poetry and praise inspired by the art of Jonathan Green. Twenty-nine different authors and poets were inspired to write about paintings by Green. Edited by Kwame Dawes and Majory Wentworth, this collection features 16 color paintings by Green in addition to a preface on the history of the project, information on the painting “Seeking”, and an artist’s statement. Gallery owner, Mary Inabinett Mack said, “We are extremely pleased to have Jonathan come to the Red Piano Too and sign his book.”  The signing is free and open to the public. For more information, call 843-838-2241 or email Redpianotoo@islc.net.

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<b>Clay on Thursdays with Trevor Foster:</b> Clay on Thursdays begins May 23 at ARTworks. Learn basic techniques or refine your skills and explore new techniques. Trevor Foster is a master potter, well known for his large-scale urns and raku firing sessions. The handbuilding session is 10 a.m. to noon, and wheelthrown classes are 1:15 to 3:15, or 6 to 8 p.m. Glazes and firing are included: $125 plus $25 per 25 lbs of clay. To register: thealligatorhunter@hotmail.com, 803-707-5961, www.ArtWorksInBeaufort.org.
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