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Three years ago, the Board of Directors of Beaufort Art Association (BAA) decided to take a pro-active approach to the association's non-profit gallery and designate a separate section called the “Brick Wall Gallery.”<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp; </span>It was created for members who wanted to rent larger spaces within the gallery to exhibit their work.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

To mark the Brick Wall Gallery's third anniversary, BAA is hosting an open house and reception to coincide with Downtown Beaufort's First Friday from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 3.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

With nine exhibiting members, the Brick Wall features the work of wood turner Frank Anson; fine art painters Priscilla Merrick Coleman, Linda Sheppard and Patricia Walsh; photographers Sandy Dimke, Gary Mullane and Karen M. Peluso; and mixed media artists Joan Templer and Arla Crumlick Wible. Each artist has a portion of the Brick Wall Gallery devoted to his or her art and will be on hand to discuss their work. Originals as well as prints and notecards by these artists will also be available. <span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

“This is an exciting time for the Beaufort Art Association, “ says Ron Ledlow, BAA President. “Over 15 years ago, the Beaufort Art Association Gallery opened its doors on Port Republic Street, then moved to the EIlliott House on Bay Street, and finally the present storefront location at 913 Bay Street. Our main purpose is to encourage, support and provide opportunities for the artistic growth of our members. With that in mind, the BAA Gallery welcomes all member artists to exhibit, whether they are established, professional artists or just emerging. By doing this, BAA contributes to the Beaufort community with aesthetic and educational experiences in the visual arts.” <span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

Another highlight of the event<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp; </span>will be a book signing by Brick Wall artist Gary Mullane. Mullane has recently published "Still<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp; </span>Standing: The Beauty of Southern Trees.”<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp; </span>He will be on hand to personalize each book purchased and will donate a portion of the proceeds for tree preservation.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

Beaufort Art Association Gallery has over 70 local artists exhibiting in their main gallery and boutique area.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp; </span>Besides wall art, the gallery also exhibits exquisitely crafted pottery, raku, fiber art and jewelry.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp; </span>Many of these artists will also be on hand on the evening of Aug. 3 to speak about their art. <span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

The public is invited to attend. Refreshments will be served.

<em>Photo at top:&nbsp;Daybreak over the Beaufort River by Karen Peluso</em>