MAIN GALLERY EXHIBITIONS

South Carolina members of the Portrait Society of America

From February 13 through March 20, 2024, the main gallery at Aiken Center for the Arts will share a collection of works by South Carolina members of the Portrait Society of America. This exhibit embodies the diverse essence of the nation, from sweeping landscapes that capture the natural beauty of our country to vibrant figurative works. This collection celebrates the myriad facets of American identity. Visitors will find themselves immersed in a visual narrative that honors the finest of fine art in our country. Join us in celebrating these artists during a free reception on Thursday, February 13th from 6-8pm.

“Into the Woods”

Landscape and abstract artist Jessica Graham joins area woodworkers Richard Cale, Eddie Huff, John Jones and Janet and Walt Koertge in the main gallery.

SC members of the Portrait Society of America present “Spirit of America”

Step into the “Spirit of America”. The exhibit embodies the diverse essence of the nation. From sweeping landscapes that capture the natural beauty of our country to vibrant figurative work. This collection celebrates the myriad facets of American identity. Visitors will find themselves immersed in a visual narrative that honors the finest of fine art in our country.

Upcountry Fiber Artists present “The Tomato of Time”

“The Tomato of Time” is a textile exhibit by Upcountry Fiber Artists. As a group challenge to practice the Pomodoro Technique (working steadily in 25-minute increments, with 5 minute rest periods in between – developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980’s. Cirillo used a tomato (“pomodoro” in Italian) shaped timer.), each artist designed and created a 12×12 art quilt inspired by the phrase “Tomato of Time”. We found we tended to approach concepts of time in unique ways, reflecting our diverse styles of art. This was the starting point for artistic reflections on the meaning of time. From interpretations of the tomato-shaped timer itself, we delved into examinations of the past, the present, and the future. This resulted in everything from nostalgic looks backward to representations of how clocks rule our lives, from the promise embedded in a tiny seed to the natural world’s transformations across seasons over time.