Wellard: Art League of Hilton Head sharpens focus on Lowcountry art

The Art League of Hilton Head, known initially as the Hilton Head Art League -- began its journey in 1971.

Early organizers knew what was needed and knew how to put things in order to bring about their vision.

"It was a tangle of artists, appreciators ... intelligent, creative individuals facing a complicated goal," said Diann Wilkinson, a two-time past president and 16-year board member, of the Hilton Head Art League. "They not only accomplished their goals but found unexpected success."

Their combined vision put in place a creative core for the visual arts, which continues by way of the Art League of Hilton Head Gallery, the Art Academy, an ongoing series of arts events and programs, and the awarding of scholarships.

"We continue to be dedicated to the earliest values in place way back in those formative years," said Janice Gray, president of the Art League of Hilton Head. "But we have added several new directions -- channels, really -- which are directed at today's Lowcountry and its art community."

The Art Gallery

The Art League's gallery exhibit was fully in place for the September show -- "David Millman: Portrait of the Human Spirit" -- on the day of my visit. The gallery was also filled with 100 pieces of a broad swath of members' artwork. There is a professional look to the gallery, with the work positioned around the room and a kind of nerve center desk off to the side. The desk was loaded with information about the league, details about upcoming events, schedules for the Art Academy and an invitation to an upcoming fundraiser evening called "Got Art."

Gray was at the desk helping member Nancy Haverland, who wanted to secure tickets for "Got Art."

"I love the professional look of the gallery," Haverland said " ... and I look forward to every month, when a new exhibit is installed."

"See it, buy it and join in," Gray said. "It's kind of my mantra for the Art League of Hilton Head. We look to this gallery as a kind of destination, a place to start. This is the place for artists and their community to come together and appreciate the opportunity to know each other better."

Gray directed me through the gallery. In a side area at the front was a display of extraordinary jewelry and beads. The artwork was a mix of well-known, established artists as well as newer, emerging ones.

"I'd like to see every single Hilton Head artist who would like to hang a work in our gallery," Gray said.

The Art League of Hilton Head Academy

The Art League of Hilton Head Academy has undergone a number of iterations. The newest direction, under the leadership of Judy Pizzuti, the Art Academy administrator, is exceptional.

Its location, on Cordillo Parkway, is the former Creation Station, but there is a new look and new focus, which is noted in the Art Academy 2015 Class Schedule, along with a timeline and associated expenses.

Whether your passion is oil painting or watercolor, abstract art or landscape painting, printmaking or photography, Pizzuti has put in place a class or series of classes that will capture your imagination.

Some of the presenters are the highly recognized and highly regarded -- Ted Jordan, Don and Joyce Nagle, Addison Palmer, Alexandra Sharma, Lynda Potter and Art Cornell among them.

Gray serves as the league's president. Board members include John Barrett, Pat Batten, Margaret Crawford, Jim Hales, Larry Heichel, Ted Jordan, Juliana Kim and Iris Magidson.

Originally from Birmingham, Ala., and a graduate of Auburn University, Gray arrived on Hilton Head in 1980 to accept a position at Cherry, Bekaert and Holland.

Recently, Gray and her board have taken steps to focus on the arts community in the Lowcountry, and to bring the mission of the volunteer-driven league before the artist members and the community by way of their website.

"We are working to balance the needs and interests of the artists in the Lowcountry with the needs and interests of the greater community," Gray said. "Our response has been gratifying. We are looking forward to the future."

ART LEAGUE FACTS

The Art League of Hilton Head promotes and supports the visual arts through education, exhibitions and partnerships.

For more information, contact:

The Art League of Hilton Head, 14 Shelter Cove Lane

Call 843-681-5060 or visit www.artleaguehhi.org

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 September 24, 2015 at 2:37 PM with the headline "Wellard: Art League of Hilton Head sharpens focus on Lowcountry art."