“Paint What You Love and Love What You Paint,” an exhibit of works by artist Mary Treadwell, will be the featured exhibit Sept. 6 through Oct. 2 at Society of Bluffton Artists.
An opening reception to meet the artist will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Sept. 9 at the gallery, 6 Church St. The event is free and open to the public.
Treadwell’s love of art has followed her since childhood – to Paris in 1994, to London in 1995, back to Paris in 2001, to Texas in 2004 and to the Lowcountry in 2015. In fact, Treadwell has traveled extensively to Thailand, Korea, Myanmar and throughout Europe.
“I always brought along my painting kit and would try to experience the atmosphere and light of the area,” she said, “A painting is like a diary. It brings you back to that day and you can recall the smells, light, the colors, and the weather, as well as who you were with.”
Treadwell’s artwork is primarily in permeate intense watercolor. Her works reflect a broad range of subject matter ranging from colorful fish to bright flowers and from traditional landscapes to realistic cityscapes.
Treadwell’s work is featured in private collections in many homes and businesses around the world.
She has taught art classes on cruise ships. Additionally, she studied art and worked as a painter and an artist in Paris, London and Texas. In Paris, Treadwell studied with Chantel Chauvinere-Riant, a famous watercolorist and sculptor.
Throughout her residency in Paris, Treadwell taught privately and at the Organization of Economic and Cooperation Development (OECD).
SOBA is part of the flourishing art hub in Old Town Bluffton’s historic district. As a nonprofit art organization, SOBA offers regular art classes, featured artist shows, exhibitions, scholarships, outreach programs and more.
Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. For more information and a complete calendar of events, visit sobagallery.com or call 843-757-6586.
