The Heart of Art in Calabash

Sunset River Gallery’s grand re-opening ceremony on January 12 will kick off a year full of art-related events.

In addition to a wealth of other upcoming events, Sunset River Gallery will hold a grand re-opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, January 12 from noon to 5 pm. The ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce will take place during the first hour, and refreshments will be served throughout the afternoon. There will also be free gift certificate drawings and gallery tours. The public is invited and there is no charge to attend.

Larry Johnson, who purchased the gallery from previous owners Ginny and Joseph Lassiter, will be on hand to meet visitors and discuss his collection of 20th-century art, which is now on display and available for sale at the gallery along with works by many North and South Carolina artists.

Since the change in ownership in June 2022, there have been considerable cosmetic upgrades to the gallery to include new flooring, new paint and changes to the entryway. The recently installed road-front digital sign features multiple message boards.

“We’re excited to celebrate our new look and our continued presence as a vibrant local and regional art gallery,” says Samantha Spalti, artistic director for Sunset River Gallery. “We hope to see many of our local community members, artists and town leaders at the gallery’s grand re-opening!”

Sunset River Gallery caters to both area visitors and a growing local community of full-time residents seeking fine art for their homes and businesses.

Featuring work by North and South Carolina artists, the gallery is well known in the area for its collection of oil paintings, watermedia, pastels, photography, hand-blown glass, fused glass, pottery and clay sculptures, turned and carved wood, unique home decor items and artisan jewelry.

The gallery has two onsite kilns and five wheels used by its pottery students. Art classes and workshops are currently being offered on a limited basis. The FrameCenter, located within the gallery, is open Wednesday through Friday from 12 to 5 pm and by appointment. Call framer Louis Aliotta directly at (910) 368-7351.

A recent 20th Century Art installation features rare and valuable fine and modern art, primarily impressionist and abstract. Artists represented include Wolf Kahn, Emile Gruppè, Angel Botello, Raimonds Staprans, Ed Mell, Vladimir Cora, Bernarde Sòjournè, Moses Soyer, Raphael Soyer, Tadashi Asoma, Hunt Slonem, Ida Kohlmeyer, Rolph Scarlett, Jean Xceron, folk artist Mose Tolliver and sculptor Glenna Goodacre.

Want to go?
Sunset River Gallery
10283 Beach Drive SW, Calabash
Hours are Monday to Saturday, 11 am to 5 pm
(910) 575-5999
sunsetrivermarketplace.com

Upcoming Events
Thursday, January 12, 2023
Grand Re-Opening
12 to 5 pm
Ribbon-cutting ceremony with Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce, new signage, gallery tours, refreshments, gift certificate drawings

Wednesday, January 18
Paint & Party
5:30 to 7:30 pm
Gullah Gal w/shrimp

Thursday, January 19
Coffee With the Authors
11 am – 12 pm
Teri M. Brown (An Enemy Like Me)

Thursday, January 19
Jazz Night
5 to 7 pm
AfterHours band

Thursday, February 9
Coffee With the Authors
11 am to 12 pm
Thomas Kelso (Stability Island)

Wednesday, February 15
Paint & Party
5:30 to 7:30 pm
Coffee Cup on Wood Block

Thursday, Mar. 9
Coffee With the Authors
11 am to 12 pm
Carole O’Neill (The Silent Victims)

Saturday, Mar. 11
Abstract Collage Workshop
10 am to 4 pm
Instructor Christiana Rioli

Thursday, Mar. 17
Jazz Night
5 to 7 pm
AfterHours Band

Thursday, Apr. 13
Coffee With the Authors
11 am to 12 pm
Johnny McWilliams (Intersection)