The second annual "Sea Island September" Art Exhibit sponsored by The Beaufort County Arts Council will be held at the ARTworks Gallery on Boundary Street and will run from September 4th - 26th.

The group exhibit will feature the work of lowcountry artists who reside in and are inspired by the Sea Islands of South Carolina. Working mainly from the Gullah tradition, this group of artists include Diane Britton Dunham, Mary I. Mack, Claudette Humphrey, Marie Lewis, Saundra Renee Smith, Hank Herring, Susan Molada Madison, Sonja Griffin Evans, Elayne Scott, and Johnnie Simmons. These artists create pieces whose subject matter runs the gamut from depictions of everyday life, such as hanging laundry out to dry, to works of deep historical significance which comment on The Slave Passage. Whether by self-taught artists or skilled professionals, the works in this show will inspire a deeper understanding of life in the Lowcountry, as seen from each artist's perspective.

Although the work displayed in the show is drawn from a deep cultural tradition rooted in slavery and the difficult socio-economic conditions of African Americans in the rural south over the past century, the vibrant, colorful pieces reveal very little of this dark past. Instead, the themes focus on daily tasks such as hanging laundry, fishing, or dressing for church.

Whether drawn by the culture of the Sea Islands or attracted by the bold colors and familiar subject matter, this is a show that will appeal to both serious collectors as well as those looking for a piece that reminds them of the Lowcountry.

An opening reception which is free and open to the public will be held on Friday, September 4th from 5:30 to 7:30pm. Gallery hours are Tuesdays – Fridays, 11am – 6pm and Saturdays, 12noon – 4pm.