“This and That: the Art of Arla Crumlick Wible” opens at the Beaufort Art Association (BAA) January 5, and will run until March 1, 2020.  An opening reception will be held at the Gallery at 913 Bay Street in Beaufort on Friday, January 10, from 5 to 8 pm.  Light refreshments will be served.  There will also be on exhibit the work of over 75 other local artists, who are members of the Gallery.  The public is invited.

     Arla Crumlick Wible began her art career as an art teacher after receiving her degree in art from Kutztown University in Pennsylvania. She was studying to be an art teacher, but she found the program was substantially more focused on the fine arts, which opened doors to much more than teaching.

     “When I was a child, comic books were my source of art form, “ she says.  “I loved how a simple black line could express so much, and the bright colors were bold and amazing!  I gained more perspective while studying art in college as I was introduced to various media, art forms and skills.  I had gifted teachers who allowed for the expansion of my thoughts and feelings through the many forms at our disposal.”

     Arla first taught art in Philadelphia, PA; high school in the morning, and elementary school in the afternoon. Then, she moved to Towson, MD where she taught art in two elementary schools.  In Lewiston, NY, she started a family and began teaching continuing education classes and community college courses, as well as giving private lessons.  She opened her own small gallery in town.  Since moving to Hilton Head in the 1990’s, she was exhibiting her work in a number of area galleries.  She is a founding member of ART Beyond Tradition, and has been associated with both Art Lofts and Atelier in Beaufort.                      Arla considers herself an expressionist whose art reflects thoughts and ideas in a variety of media and styles.  “My art is painted words,” she says, “this and that.”

     Chartered in 1957, the Beaufort Art Association (BAA) is a tax-exempt membership organization.  Currently, there are around 175 local artists who are members, 75 of whom exhibit in the Gallery.  To find out more, contact Carolyn Jebaily, BAA Gallery Manager at (843) 521-4444, or go to the BAA website at www.beaufortartassociation.com.