Exhibition pairs paintings and jewelry

The Society of Bluffton Artists will present a collaborative exhibition this summer that brings together painting and jewelry design through a shared artistic vision.

“Quiet Contemplation with Expressive Flair” will be on display July 5 through Aug. 1 at the SOBA Gallery in Old Town Bluffton. The exhibition features paintings by Bluffton artist Virginia Cassidy alongside handcrafted jewelry created by Doris Jones Vargas.

An artist reception is scheduled from 4 to 6 p.m. July 10. Visitors will have an opportunity to meet both artists while enjoying wine and light hors d’oeuvres.

At the center of the exhibition is “Quiet Contemplation,” a five-panel painting series by Cassidy. According to SOBA, the collection forms a unified scene featuring luminous color, peaceful imagery and whimsical elements.

Vargas created her “Expressive Flair” jewelry collection in response to Cassidy’s paintings. The collection incorporates images from the original artwork into handcrafted wearable pieces designed to reflect the themes and visual elements of the paintings.

Each jewelry piece includes a signed and numbered reference card identifying the painting that inspired the design. Organizers said the cards create a connection between the original artwork and the jewelry collection.

The original “Quiet Contemplation” paintings will be offered for sale during the exhibition. Proceeds will benefit SOBA’s “forever home” capital campaign fund.

Cassidy works from her home studio in Bluffton and is a self-taught acrylic and mixed media artist. She began painting full time after retiring from a career in business consulting in 2019. Her work includes landscapes, florals and abstract compositions that emphasize color, texture and imagination.

She is an exhibiting member of both the Society of Bluffton Artists and the Art League of Hilton Head.

“For me, art is like magic,” Cassidy said. “Everything I create comes from imagination, intuition, and exploration. Every blank canvas holds the promise of a new adventure.”
Vargas earned an undergraduate degree in visual arts from Central Michigan University and a master’s degree in elementary education from Grand Canyon University. She teaches elementary school in the Jasper County School District.

Her jewelry designs are inspired by Cassidy’s paintings and combine handcrafted earrings with artistic storytelling.

The Society of Bluffton Artists is a nonprofit organization that promotes visual arts through exhibitions, classes and community events. The organization said its programs are designed to provide opportunities for artists at all skill levels while supporting Bluffton’s arts community.

The SOBA Gallery is located at 7 Church St. in Old Town Bluffton. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.