Sunset River Gallery announces Calabash-themed plein air event and exhibition

CALABASH, NC (WWAY) — Sunset River Gallery is inviting the community to celebrate the charm and beauty of Calabash through a day of outdoor painting and a month-long art exhibition.

The gallery’s “Calabash Explored” event begins Saturday, Sept. 5, with a plein air paint-out featuring several local artists painting throughout Historic Calabash.

Artists will set up easels along the Calabash waterfront, River Road, Beach Drive and other familiar locations to capture the town’s scenery in natural light. Plein air painting, a French term meaning “open air,” involves creating artwork outdoors while observing the landscape firsthand.

The public is encouraged to stop by throughout the day to watch the artists at work.

The event will conclude with a Wet Paint Sale and opening reception from 3 to 5 p.m. at Sunset River Gallery, where visitors can view and purchase artwork created during the day’s paint-out.

Participating plein air artists include Gail Black, Susan Barnard, Allison Fanelli, Carol Iglesias, Beth Barger, Diane White, Clay Johnson and Michael Cahill.

“Direct observation is an essential ingredient, as the ‘eyes-on experience’ is what feeds the imagination,” artist Clay Johnson said.

The “Calabash Explored” exhibition will also feature Calabash-inspired studio works by Terry Swanson, Pappy Khouri, Debanjana Bhattacharjee and Janet Boschker. The exhibit will remain on display through Oct. 5.

“We love being part of the Calabash community and hope this show expresses that,” Gallery Director Samantha Spalti said. “Please visit the artists during the Paint-Out and join us at the reception on the 5th. We can’t wait to see you!”

Sunset River Gallery, located in Brunswick County, showcases the work of more than 100 regional artists and features paintings, photography, pottery, glass art, woodwork, jewelry and other fine art.