About the Show "Beginnings"

Local artists united to celebrate life and all types of "beginnings" as each artist explored the theme from their unique perspective which resulting in a multi faceted display. The show opened on December 3 from 5-9 p.m. which was during the French Quarter Art Walk at 140 East Bay Street , downtown Charleston, between the blocks of Queen and Broad. The amazing location where this show was held is still available for lease and you can view more information about the property by clicking here or you can view a map for directions.

The exhibit was free and open to the public and in keeping with the theme of "Beginnings", 50% of all sales went to benefit the Lowcountry Pregnancy Center.

The event included artwork from 7 local painters, photographers, and sculptors. "Volcanoes in the Kitchen", a local group of singer songwriters/musicians played opening night.

About the Artists

Painting

Alex Radin has always enjoyed the act of creating. He is primarily a painter working in oils and acrylics. Alex attended the Columbus College of Art and Design in Columbus, Ohio and graduated with a BFA. His work has shown in both solo and group exhibitions in Ohio, South Carolina, North Carolina, Illinois, and Texas at venues ranging from the Charlotte Institute of Art to galleries and alternative spaces, as well as at the Columbia Museum of Art. He has traveled nationally encouraging and training artists, and he has guest lectured at schools such as the Charlotte Institute of Art and at conferences, as well as taught several art courses and workshops locally and nationally. His work has been published in many forms of media including books, editorial publications, and on the cover of CD’s. He has also worked in the web, graphic design, and illustration field for over 9 years. Alex’s work can be seen at www.truthillustrations.com.

Amelia (“Mimi”) Whaley was born in Charleston, SC, grew up at Edisto Beach, SC and currently lives in Mt. Pleasant, SC. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of South Carolina. Mimi has been painting since 1985 and is a member of the Charleston Artist Guild, South Carolina Watercolor Society and CIVA (Christians in the Visual Arts). Her paintings have been reproduced as cover art for music tapes, CD’s, books, and she has illustrated several books for Ariel, a Ministry of Proclamation. She also recently designed and painted the artwork for the shield of St. John’s Episcopal Chapel in Charleston, SC.

Mimi also enjoys leading day or weekend workshops in watercolor, collage and the release of creative play. In 2009, she led a weekend workshop in North Carolina entitled “Made in His Image: Finding and Flowing in Your Creative Gifts” where participants were encouraged to discover and express their creative gifts through prayer and collage. You can view more of her work at www.ameliawhaley.com and visit her blog at www.mimispaintingaday.blogspot.com that not only shows recent work but each year offers an in-depth description of the annual juried 16-day Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibition in Marion Square where she is one of more than 100 South Carolina exhibiting artists.

Adele Simmons grew up in Charleston, SC. Since a very young age, she has had a passion for creating. Her favorite medium is painting with acrylics, but she also likes to dabble in photography. She is inspired by spending time observing and being a part of the simple beauties in life such as the activities of birds and squirrels, sunsets and how a new one is painted every night, flowers, being in the mountains and spending time with family and friends. Recently her work was featured at the November 2010 Darkness to Light Gala.

Photography

Mahmood Fazal is a native of Pakistan. He was raised in Kuwait until he moved to the United States for college where he attended Spartanburg Methodist College and The College of Charleston.

Self taught in film photography, digital photography, and the digital darkroom, Mahmood’s love of photography started at an early age. He has won several local photography contests and also has had the privilege of being a contest judge himself. As the owner of Mood Photography, he has been serving the Charleston area for over 10 years. He is also currently one of the instructors at the Charleston Center for Photography where he teaches classes and workshops on photography and Photoshop. You can view more of his work at www.moodphotography.net.

Sculpture

Jan Bihlear was born and raised in Charleston, S.C. on James Island just 8 miles away from Folly Beach-the Edge of America. While the beach has always held a fascination for her, it was not until 2008 that the broken shells upon it began to capture her attention. Once captivated by the beauty and intricate design that only the broken ones could provide, she has since then joyfully made creation after creation, each one as unique and beautiful as each of us are.

Karen DeLoach is a painter, muralist, sculpter, teacher, filmmaker, wife and mom. She has been creating art since school (BFA, MA) at her home-based studio, Earthen Vessels Art. She paints in oils, acrylics and texture paint on canvas, wood and walls. She was the 2007-08 North Charleston Artist-in-Residence. She has had shows at the Saul Alexander Gallery, City Gallery and the Charleston Aquarium. Her mural work can be seen in restaurants, private homes and on line (earthenvesselsart.com). She sells her pottery at the SC Artisan’s Center and teaches studio art as well as high school filmmaking. Her entry for the 2009 National Film Challenge was screened on November 4, 2009 at the Terrace Theater. 

Mixed Media

Sara and Alex Radin are the founders of Artist on Fire and enjoy collaborating on projects. Alex was born and raised in Long Island, N.Y. and enjoys exploring when creating, focusing on conceptual art and is primarily a painter. Sara was born and raised in Charleston, SC. She has always enjoyed creating, whether it be through writing, dancing, singing, choreography or design. They have worked designing shows and creating art together for over 8 years. 

Live Music

"Volcanoes in the Kitchen" is a band of  singer songwriters and musicians consisting of Drew Hadley, Gabrielle Hadley, Hannah Hadley, and Charles Rouse. Drew, 19 years old, composes music, plays the guitar, djembe, didgeridoo & other percussion instruments. Gabrielle, 16 years old, composes music, plays the keyboard and has a passion for sketching & working with various artistic mediums. Hannah, 14 years old, composes music, plays the harmonica and is learning the mandolin. She also loves to dance and explore movement. Charles, 19 years old, plays the djembe and guitar and is a student at Trident Tech. in Charleston, SC. All four members of the group reside and love the adventure of living in Charleston, SC. "Volcanoes in the Kitchen" has a grassroots, singer songwriter sound that passionately sounds forth what's in their hearts to the world.