An extraordinary exhibition of abstract art, presented by Art Beyond Tradition, opens at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina on Hilton Head Island, SC on Friday, September 10, 2010 with a reception in the Walter Greer Gallery from 5:00-7:00 PM.  Thirteen fine artists are presenting their latest works including paintings in oils, acrylics, watercolors and collage, as well as sculptures in stone.

The following day, Saturday, September 11, the artists are holding a coffee event at the gallery beginning at 10:30 AM to walk the public through the show, explaining their artwork.  The show continues through September 24. Admission to the gallery is free, and all the artwork is for sale.

Artists participating in this show include: Deanna Bowdish, Cindy Chiappetta, Art Cornell, Marilyn Dizikes, Jo Dye, Anne Hakala, Vickie Jourdan, Sharon Collings Licata, Mary Jane Martin, Joan Templer, Arla Crumlick Wible, Caroll Williams, and Irene K. Williamson.

The Art Beyond Tradition group of abstract artists was formed in 2005 and held its first exhibition the following year at the Arts Center. The extraordinary collection of abstract art was reviewed as one of the most exciting, colorful and unique presentations on Hilton Head Island. The gallery was ablaze in color, design and ideas. Showing every two years, the second show, also at the Arts Center, was held in 2008, and the presentation of “On the Edge” was another overwhelming success.

The 2010 show, “Different Strokes,” lives up to its title in a variety of ways. Once again, the artwork is totally new, totally abstract and totally unique. Over the years, the artists have honed their skills, expanded their vision and delivered a strong statement of their art that is way beyond the traditional.  Each artist brings new ideas and different strokes to this show.

All of the artists in the group have been recognized for their work and are constantly striving to give voice to their muse as their paintings and sculptures evolve. Art Cornell, an acclaimed author, poet and painter of abstract art says, “I strive to create unique pieces of art that must stand the test of time through the use of color, texture and form. Then, and only then, will I have succeeded as an artist.”

Mary Jane Martin is at play when in her studio on Lady’s Island. She works using watermedia and mixed media to create playful paintings on canvas, paper and boards. “My work reflects my interpretation of the world I live in and this year, I can truly say it’s a year of coloring outside the lines.”

“Abstraction encourages me to push the limits of my creativity,” says Irene K. Williamson. “For me, each painting is an adventure…a discovery that excites and sharpens my imagination. A successful painting results from the unique fusion of mind and matter that enables me to express an idea in a new way. “

According to Arla Crumlick Wible, “We exist in a box of space and time. We think our individual lives are important and complicated, but, in essence, we are one and life is a circle. Life is simple! Life’s elements are as simple as the basic elements creating art! My paintings express this simplicity.”

Jo Dye, whose collages express her love and understanding of the Lowcountry, describes the influence of her environment on her work: “Surrounded by nature, I am continually inspired to incorporate the colors and textures around me, in an abstracted interpretation. I look for new ideas and subjects and explore any technique that interests me. This show gives me an opportunity to incorporate assemblage and collage as well as mixed media, and to continue to experiment and grow.”

Marilyn Dizikes, an award winning artist who has had some of her work traveling the state in the SC watercolor exhibit last year, has created unique paintings influenced by recent travel in Greece. She describes her work as speaking the universal language of art. The basis for individual artist’s work is a reflection of their lives, where they lived, where they studied and places they’ve loved.

Joan Templer who joined the Art Beyond Tradition group this year was born in South Africa, where she taught art for many years. After immigrating to the United States she and her husband lived in New York and Atlanta. Now living in Beaufort, Joan says, “My work is constantly inspired by the expansive, ever changing light on the water whether in abstract or semi-abstract form.”

Deanna Bowdish, is an artist and art gallery owner. Her work focuses on the sparing essentials of color, shape and texture.  She creates bold tactile surfaces dragging color in progressive, deliberate layers with a wide range of created and found tools.  Deanna pursues vibrancy in her art by playing on the struggle between structure and chaos.

Abstract art is somewhat of a mystery to some viewers. Vickie Jourdan talks about her approach to painting. “People often ask me if I have something specific in mind when I start an abstract painting,” says Vickie. “Actually everything that is going on in my mind at the time influences the painting. I think about pushing paint around, playing with texture, experimenting with mediums, and exploring color combinations. What if I do this? What if I do that? Then all of a sudden a special feeling comes over me and I know the painting is finished.”

Caroll Williams was educated as a graphic designer, but her passion in art is creating assemblages and collage, working mostly with old and found objects. “The end results of my work,” she says, “depend almost entirely on the nature of the materials I find or am given, so the serendipitous aspects of this process can be both daunting and thrilling, and the making of each new work is a challenge and an adventure.”

Sculptor Sharon Collings Licata from Columbia, SC, works in a variety of media: stone, clay, and formed stone. Sharon says she always finds herself returning to a sense of motion in her art. “It is important that it be viewed from all sides,’ she adds. “ Only then can one get a sense of all the interactions of space and line that came into play during creation.”

The Walter Greer Gallery at the Arts Center in Shelter Cove is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. till 4:00 p.m. On Saturday, September 11, the gallery is open from 10:00 a.m. till 2:00 p.m. and Saturday, September 18 from noon till 4:00 p.m. Admission is free. For more information call the Arts Center at 843-686-3945.

The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina is a non-profit performing arts organization that also oversees two art galleries and conducts regional arts educational programs.