We are so excited to be able to present our first Virtual Art Exhibit. This show features the latest large works by each of our artists.   While we had originally planned to open our show with personal invitations to the gallery, with some ingenuity, we are presenting the Large Works Show virtually.  We look forward to the day when we can do openings at the gallery again, but until then we hope you can grab a cool drink and take a little time to visit the site instead.   If you would like to learn more about each artist please also visit the artist's tab and peruse the biography's for each artist here on the website. Please call us at 843-314-0298 or email us if you would like more information - [email protected]   

To view the show click on the following link---best if viewed from a laptop or computer--enjoy:  

​Island Art Gallery Virtual Show

Pictured above: "Roosting and Stalking", watercolor by Zan Thompson--one of twenty-five large works presented in the Gallery Virtual Show.

We hope you will take a moment to browse through our gallery today.  Despite these troubling times one thing is for sure...artists keep creating.  Perhaps the silver lining of COVID-19  is an opportunity for more  time in the studio---whatever the reason the results are beautiful and we are so proud of all of our artists!  

Yesterday artist Keith Wilkie brought us a whole new wall of paintings we want to share with you!! He has been with the gallery for a  long time and  has always been a strong supporter of us -- so today the spotlight is on you Keith!!!

Keith Wilkie, painter, sailor & traveler from an early age, captures the quiet, peaceful and sometimes stormy nature of familiar coastal scenes, landscapes and marine subjects.  From the Carolinas to the Chesapeake Bay to Europe, the Caribbean and beyond, his work evokes memorable maritime moments encountered by nearly all of us – whether it is a salty breeze at the beach, surf before an approaching storm, wildlife in the marsh or just fishing.
“My grandmother had a print of Winslow Homer's "Breezing Up" over her mantel and that scene pulled me in for as long as I can remember.  Water is definitely part of my soul, and it’s usually the salty variety.  I grew up fishing and boating with my grandfather and dad on the beaches and waterways of the Carolinas.  I can sit for hours and simply watch the water – whether rough or calm, sparkling from the sun or dark in the night.  A great deal of inspiration arrives while on the water in a boat, whether sailing, fishing or simply cruising local waterways.  Inspiring scenes are enjoyed daily while at our home on Yonges Island, exploring the surrounding Lowcountry or during travel overseas.  I try to capture those feelings, the light and mood when I paint, regardless of the subject.”
Keith’s work has been exhibited at the Annapolis Maritime Museum (Annapolis, MD), Coos Art Museum (Coos Bay, WA), Biggs Museum (Dover, DE), Washington County Museum of Fine Arts (Hagerstown, MD), Peninsula Gallery (Lewes, DE), the Buffalo Naval Park Museum (NY), South Carolina Maritime Museum (Georgetown, SC), Healdsburg Center for the Arts (Healdsburg, CA), Richesons School of Art & Museum (Kimberly, WI), The Gallery in Paso Robles (CA), Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage Museum (Hermitage, TN), the Cape Fear Studios (Fayetteville, NC), Gallery West (Alexandria, VA), Gallery Underground (Crystal City, VA) and the Island Art Gallery in Pawleys Island, SC.  With paintings on the cover of Robert Lackey’s Kingdoms of the Marsh, as well as 48º Sailing Magazine (Seattle, WA) and Living Here Magazine (Myrtle Beach, SC), his work also appeared in Fine Art Connoisseur , American Art Collector, Southwest Art Magazine, Acrylic Works & The Artist’s Magazine.
A member of the American Society of Marine Artists and Oil Painters of America, Keith’s work can be found in private collections across America, in the U.K. and the permanent collection of the S.C. Maritime Museum. 
Keith works from his waterfront home studio on Yonges Island near his beloved Charleston, SC .  With everlasting support from his wonderful wife and daughters, his other interests include cooking, fishing, sailing and cruising nearby waterways on his boat "Salty Brush".   Now retired from an International Real Estate career at the U.S. Department of State and having traveled to scores of countries overseas, Keith also holds a U.S. Coast Guard captain's license.

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How fortunate we are to have Helli's beautiful work hanging in the gallery.  Helli's body of work shows her incredible ability to capture light,  each piece emanating a warmth that just makes you want to be where she was when she painted it!  

Born and raised in London, Helli was exposed to great art from a very young age and spent much time in cities all over Europe visiting museums and studying the old masters, her favorite being the impressionists at the Musee d'Orsay in Paris.  In 1972, at the young age of 14,  she was thrilled to have her work exhibited in the mall galleries near Buckingham Palace in a traveling show.    

As an 18 year old aspiring artist she studied Graphic Design at Saint Martin's School of Art. Upon graduating with honors she formed D&H Advertising and was fortunate to work with Saatchi and Saatchi as an Art Director. She was responsible for several major accounts including British Airways, Toshiba, Garuda Airlines, Riva Boats and Gucci.  Her travels took her to Sydney, Hong Kong and across Europe exposing her further to the fabulous world of art.

Helli states "Through the years my library shelves have become lined with the written works of artists like  Sargent, Sorolla, Zorn and Monet that continue to inspire me. I am on a wonderful journey of learning and evolving and have studied with some of the greatest artists/teachers such as Quang Ho, Ron Hicks , Daniel Keys and Nancy Guzick.
I have always loved painting "en plein air" using sketches as inspiration back in the studio. I am most passionate about painting from the model trying to capture the mood of the moment.   I am a member of the Impressionist Society and have been chosen to be part of the exhibition several times including being honored with an award from Kevin MacPherson."

For more information about any of Helli's painting pictured above you can email the gallery at [email protected].

As a young Southern boy Witzel filled his days trekking through the forest, canoeing the cypress rivers; fishing and exploring the natural world around him. He developed a love of Southern flora, fauna and creatures which has been sustained into his adult life, now influencing the subject of his art. Witzel thus was especially honored to be Artist-in-Residence for the South Carolina State Parks system for a second year in a row. In 2020 he was awarded the residency at Table Rock State Park, and created an original piece that now welcomes park guests when they enter the visitors center. Witzel says “The South is full of hauntingly romantic landscapes, whether you are in the low country, the midlands or the mountains. I’m proud to represent the most beautiful state in the Union.”

​“Tablerock, From Cabin 4”, oil on canvas, 18”x24”. (NFS). #witzelart was proud to be selected as Artist in Residence for the second year in a row with the South Carolina State Parks. This is the awe inspiring view. However, it’s even more impressive from the top. 

Congratulations to Brenda Lawson and Maura Kenny for bringing home awards for the South Carolina Watermedia Society's 42nd Annual National Show!  For more information about SCWS and to view the 2019 winners click here.

Maura Kenny is pictured on the left in front of her painting "The Green Gate" with the model.   Brenda is pictured with her painting "Spare Parts" on the right.  We are proud of both of you!!

Hello all---due to the COVID-19 crisis we will be moving the Annual Spring Show down the road a bit---we WILL have the show as soon as we know we are safe to do so!  So keep painting and check in frequently as we will post changes here--
​Take care!!

This is a Call for Artists to participate in the Island Art Gallery’s Spring Show to be held May 2020.  Opening reception will be on Friday, May 22, 2020, 5:00- 7:00 pm. The theme of this show is:  "The Color of Light".  Artwork should be submitted by Saturday, May 16th, 2020.  Entry fee is $20 for artists outside the gallery.   The show will hang in the gallery for two weeks--pick up is June 4th-6th.  Opening reception will be on Friday, May 22, 2020, 5:00- 7:00 pm. One entry per person. 
Requirements: 

1. Format –  Maximum painting size will be 20x24 including frame, if not framed must be 1 1/2" gallery wrapped canvas. 3D pieces are also accepted as long as they do not exceed 24" height, width or depth.  Please make sure that the artwork is ready to hang with proper wire.
2. All work must be original, not created in a class or workshop, created in the past year, and not previously shown in Georgetown County, SC. 
3. Artist must submit 3-4 sentences, on the application form, on your creative process.  Did you paint plein art, from a photograph (your own or one with permission), any use of computers, or apps, or is it totally from your imagination, etc.  The process should be transparent.  
4. Work must be for sale and your price should reflect  a 25% gallery commission. 
5. Please securely attach a tag to the back of the canvas with your name and contact information. 

This show’s entries will be judged by an outside judge.  We look forward to your participation in the May Show.  If you have any questions please email ([email protected]) or call the gallery (843-314-0298).  Entry forms are available at the gallery or you may email us and we will to forward you one.    

On January 4th, 2020 from 5 pm- 7 pm the Georgetown County Watercolor Society will be hosting their opening reception of their annual show at Island Art Gallery.   The Juror for the GCWS Annual Exhibit this year will be the very talented Charleston artist Bob Graham!    We hope you will stop by and be a part of the fun!  Light refreshments will be served and the winners will be announced that evening.  The Georgetown County Watercolor Society has been in existence for over 30 years and has been an integral part of supporting the arts in Georgetown and Horry  counties.  For more information regarding GCWS check out their website:  georgetowncountywatercolorsociety.com/