Camellia gallery celebrates artists, its 10th anniversary

Adrianne Lively, owner and director of Camellia Art and Framing, has spent much of her lifetime pursuing a career in fine art.

The gallery will have its 10th anniversary celebration on Thursday, Nov. 3. The event will showcase the work of six of her gallery artists.

“It’s hard to imagine,” said Lively. “A friend and I started off a business, Camellia Art Inc., 30 years ago. A short time later, with a new vision, I took the lead, bought the business, and that was the beginning of Camellia Art and Gallery.”

In spite of being encouraged by her family to seek out a career in finance or medicine, as they all had done, Lively continued to focus on creating, collecting and exhibiting fine art. Earning a BFA was a serious step toward her art career goal, and graduate work in Italy added to her artistic commitment. Her early work included efforts as a graphic artist.

But her most notable accomplishments were made after her arrival on Hilton Head Island, when, over time, she created The Camellia Gallery down on Pope Avenue, in place since 1985, and more recently, the 1-year-old Camellia Art Gallery on Main Street. Both are recognized for the high quality of the work of the gallery artists and for custom framing.

“I’m the kind of gallery owner who enjoys being in close touch with my artists and our collectors,” said Lively. “I think it has been key to building strong relationships and to making my work, and the work of our gallery associates, so rewarding.”

Gallery associates at Camellia, which began at eight, now number around 24.

Upon entering the Pope Avenue gallery, which has undergone some serious updating in the past year, one is surrounded by quality artwork.

Among that work is that of Bluffton artist Louanne LaRoche.

LaRoche, who has known Lively for a long time and whose work has been the feature of a number of Camellia exhibits, says her “Market Conversation” painting was inspired by a vintage travel photo posted on a friend’s Facebook page. “I never know where inspiration will trigger a painting,” she said. “It is always a gift to connect to slices of life and channel the moment through painting.”

Artist Brucie Holler’s work has evolved over time. Now, having moved more and more toward an abstract format, her paintings are loaded with strength and power.

“Happiness” is a new colorful, completely abstracted piece by Lynn Parrott. Parrott, a longtime artist on Hilton Head Island, and an equally long associate at Camellia art, is known for her lush landscapes.

Eileen Blythe’s bright, light-hearted, abstracted work in acrylic and often with graphite may be created on paper, canvas, even on panels or cradled birch.

Laurie McIntosh also uses brilliant color to present her version of a broad, diverse grouping of delightful, whimsical subjects.

Jan Swanson will capture your attention with her paintings, done in mixed medium and often on panel box and even oil on board.

“We’ve all grown over these years as artists and collectors,” said Lively. “I am excited about trends in the appreciation of fine art, and particularly, the collection of original artwork. Our gallery visitors are making investments in original work, and I am so impressed by their interests and sophistication. They also know that, if a piece of art moves you, then it is a perfect piece to add to your collection.”

This story was originally published October 26, 2016 at 10:34 AM with the headline "Camellia gallery celebrates artists, its 10th anniversary."