[gallery columns="5" ids="25037,25042,25038,25041,25039"]

<em>From left: “Just Gathering Dust”; “Best of Breed” by Neil Jansen; “A Storm Gathering”; "Sea Oats” by Margery Boyle; “Gathering Strength”.</em>

Experience the blending of two art forms – the beauty of floral design coupled with Beaufort Art Association’s painters, photographers, and jewelers. This will be a treat beyond compare. For the next two months, October through November, the featured artist show at BAA will be entitled “Gatherings”. Maggie Engstrom, owner of Sweet Bay, Beaufort Art’s next door neighbor on Bay Street, has created eight stunning arrangements that will be displayed at the BAA gallery. These arrangements were designed during the summer and artists were invited to pick up their paint brushes or cameras and create their own works of art to complement each floral display. This will be a fun exhibit for all to experience.

Walking down Bay Street, pedestrians will immediately notice the Beaufort Art Association window display called “Family Gathering”, a more traditional Thanksgiving scene surrounded by paintings of fruit and fall colors as well as “Gathering Your Thoughts”, an abstract horizontal design of contemplation. Entering the gallery, a platform will feature “Hunting and Gathering in the Lowcountry” which was designed around a tobacco basket with cotton and dried pods and antlers. To the right, “A Storm Gathering” features a captivating beach scene with shells and bent grasses, depicting wind. Continuing around the gallery, “Just Gathering Dust” is a mannequin covered in peacock feathers that will be accented by art depicting old ruins and birds. “Gathering Strength” and “Gathering Together” have also been created by Sweet Bay and are included in the show with accompanying art.

The exhibit opens on Monday, September 28 and runs through November 28. Opening reception will be Friday night (Downtown’s First Friday), October 2 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wine and light refreshments will be served. The public is invited to attend.