Arts & Culture

ART & SOUL

The Lowcountry’s natural beauty stirs the creative minds of area artists.

By Linda Lanier

For nearly 200 years, little Bluffton sat upon the banks of the May River, deep in the heart of the South Carolina Lowcountry, like an old lady in her finery, whiling away the sunny days and exchanging pleasantries with the neighbors. But about 40 years ago, long after the steamboats stopped unloading passengers at the county dock on Calhoun Street, people began traveling down old coastal Highway 17, taking a few back roads, and discovering this little village and its moss-covered magic. Artists and makers were drawn to Bluffton by its inherent beauty, peaceful nature and warm hospitality. A lively artists’ community sprang up in historic Old Town where the stunning scenery of the Lowcountry provides inspiration for painters, sculptors, and photographers.

CREATIVE SPIRIT

The Society of Bluffton Artists (SOBA), on the corner of Calhoun and Church streets, is a cooperative featuring more than 100 local artists, and it also offers art classes for those just discovering their talent. The quirky, colorful building is a great place to check out established and emerging artists. SOBA’s exhibits are new every month. No matter the medium, Lowcountry influences run throughout the pieces, from the fine detail of painted feathers on a sea bird to watercolor landscapes of tangled live oak branches and striking photographs of the sun setting on the May River.

Over at The Store, you’ll find one of Bluffton’s leading ladies. Babbie Guscio has owned the shop for more than 40 years in this building that dates to 1904. The Store is known for its “funky and fabulous finds” and often hosts fun events and shows throughout the year.

“When I first arrived in Bluffton, it was like a blank canvas to me,” Guscio says. “I, like many others, discovered that we could paint a beautiful picture here.”

FINE ART AND FINE EATS

The eclectic cultural district of Bluffton is known as much for its vibrant arts scene as for its natural riverside beauty. Celebrate both in equal measure at the 18th annual Historic Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival. This week-long event serves up locally harvested seafood and decadent Lowcountry cuisine alongside rich history, culture and art. Don’t miss the Streetfest, a juried fine art show featuring more than 100 artists from ten states, plus good food, music and Southern hospitality. Join the festivities from October 15 – 23. blufftonartsandseafoodfestival.com

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SOCIETY OF BLUFFTON ARTISTS

The Society of Bluffton Artists (SOBA) is a cooperative gallery of local artists in the heart of historic Bluffton. With works from more than 100 artists, the gallery is always full of original art created locally. With new exhibits every month, there’s always something fresh. Next door to the gallery, the SOBA Art School offers classes for children and adults as well as guest speakers specializing in a wide range of art forms. 843.757.6586 • sobagallery.com G sobabluffton e sobagallery

Artists clockwise from top: Missy Gentile, Dennis Lake, and Lauren Terrett.