Artcetera: New Hilton Head gallery features work of accomplished artists
Adrianne Lively led the way into her new Main Street Gallery last week past a brilliantly colorful paintings of cow, a muscular horse, and a glassy waterway, whose course was determined by sea grasses and marsh vegetation. At the rear of the gallery was a huge abstracted work.
Approaching her work area, Lively, who has for 29 years offered Hilton Head Island gallery experiences, invited me in take in her new Camellia Art & Gallery on Main Street.
The Camellia Art & Gallery on Pope Avenue was always filled with the work of accomplished artists, and to that end, nothing has changed.
Both galleries will represent the same artists. Lively will continue to oversee the day to day operation at both locations.
"It wasn't perfect timing," said Lively of the new gallery, with a laugh. "I had just finished the renovation of Pope Avenue ..." I began to realize that the location was a perfect fit, and actually, in terms of the future of Camellia Art, it was perfect timing. "
Attractive glass and the tallest doors invite the art appreciator inside.
Inside is the large format painting of the horse -- 42 x 72 inches and painted in mixed medium on paper --called "Stepping Out." It was created by Helen Durant of Atlanta.
"There's a kind of rustic look on entering Camellia on Main," said Lively. "It's quaint and comfortable...but it really sets off the most sophisticated collection of art."
Entering her work area, she pointed out her office, then immediately walked over casually, and pulled out a number of 7 feet tall, vertical cabinets, which, when rolled out, revealed rows and rows of hangers which held hundreds of framing options.
Lively then began pointing out the paintings which filled the room, and further describing the work and the backgrounds of the artists who created them.
"One of my favorites of the many components of my gallery life is the close relationship I share with our artists," said Lively. "I have enjoyed meeting them, gathering them into our gallery family, and particularly watching the direction of their work."
Visitors should pay attention to the abstract pieces by Brucie Holler who lives on Hilton Head Island, particularly her "Intertidal I, " 27 x 40 inches or her huge "Low Tide III," in mixed medium on paper.
"Sienna Over Red," -- the astonishing cow face -- is a whopping 40 x 40 inches, in oil on canvas. It is by artist Greg Osterhaus of Roanoke, Va.
"Still Waters" by Laura Fontaine, of Charleston, is a 48 x 48 inch painting in oil on canvas.
The artists in place at the Main Street location are those whom you all have come to know and anticipate at the familiar Pope Avenue location. Also watch for the work of : Eileen Blyth, Louanne LaRoche, Laurie McIntosh, Lynn Parrott, Jan Swanson, Daly Smith, Stephanie Shank, Robert Ferguson, Margaret Elliott and Vicki E. Long.
"One of the greatest gifts of my role at the gallery, is building relationships with our artists and clients," said Lively.
She laughed when we talked about her background. Lively pointed out that she came from a family of CPA's and medical professions in Pittsburgh, PA.
"But I always had a creative spirit," said Lively. "Happily for all of us, my parents were supportive in my earliest efforts, the beginning of a new direction for me."
The new gallery plans an official opening is planned in September
Camellia Art & Gallery, Main Street35 N.Main StreetHilton Head IslandCall 843-785-3535 or email Adrianne@CameliaArt.comGallery Hours: 9 a.m. to r p.m. daily and by appointment
Artist, musician, teacher and writer Nancy K. Wellard focuses on portraying and promoting the cultural arts, first in Los Angeles and, for close to 30 years, in the Lowcountry. Email her at nancykwellard@gmail.com.
This story was originally published August 27, 2015 at 5:04 PM with the headline "Artcetera: New Hilton Head gallery features work of accomplished artists."