Sunset River Marketplace in Calabash, NC, presents Elements of Nature from Saturday, Jan. 14 through Saturday, Feb. 25. The exhibition features the wildlife woodcarvings of Ocean Isle Beach artist Jim Comer along with clay vessels and art pottery by Wilmington artist Brian Evans. An opening reception is set for Saturday, Jan. 14 from 2 – 5 p.m. The public is invited.
Jim Comer, Green Heron, wood
Jim Comer began carving and painting birds and ducks as a hobby over 42 years ago, originally working in basswood on New York’s Long Island. These days, living in Ocean Isle Beach, NC, he prefers tupelo (black gum) wood because of its highly desirable working characteristics for stability and finely detailed surfaces.
Brian Evans, vessel, clay
As a young student, Wilmington, NC clay artist Brian Evans studied under Hiroshi Sueyoshi and Don Johns. He has since developed his own following, receiving many honors and awards, including a regional artist grant for New Hanover County. He says, “I make pottery because I find the tactile experience of artistic expression in clay exciting. The feeling of the clay in my hands and the rhythm of the potter’s wheel can be quite therapeutic… My pottery mainly consists of vessel forms, which I enjoy because they are an intimate part of the daily ritual in people’s lives.
Gallery owner Ginny Lassiter says, “This is a wonderful way to start the new year. Both Jim and Brian exemplify creativity and excellence. I’m excited to showcase their work in this special show.”
Sunset River Marketplace showcases work by approximately 150 North and South Carolina artists, and houses some 10,000 square feet of oils, acrylics, watercolors, pastels, mixed media, art glass, fabric art, pottery, sculpture, turned and carved wood and artisan-created jewelry. There are two onsite kilns and four wheels used by students in the ongoing pottery classes offered by the gallery. A custom framing department is available. There are realistic and abstract art classes as well as workshops by nationally and regionally known artists. For more information, call 910.575.5999 or visit the website at www.sunsetrivermarketplace.com.
Sunset River Marketplace is located at 10283 Beach Drive SW (Hwy. 179), Calabash, N.C. Regular hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For daily updates, “like” the gallery’s page on Facebook