Maye River Gallery welcomes four new artists in upcoming exhibit

Maye River Gallery, a mainstay of Old Town Bluffton’s art scene, will debut a group exhibition featuring four newly joined artists from Aug. 5 through Oct. 5 at its location at 16 Church Street. The show marks the first major exhibit for these artists since the gallery’s relocation to the corner of Church and Boundary streets last year.

Founded in 2007 by a collective of area artists, Maye River Gallery began as a collaborative space in historic Bluffton and has since evolved into a vibrant venue showcasing fine art created by about 18 regional artists working in a wide range of media. This autumn’s exhibit highlights four diverse talents joining the gallery’s collective for the first time.

Lauren Arsenault, known for her expressive water-media compositions, focuses on capturing emotion and movement through layered washes and dynamic brushwork. Her pieces often evoke a strong sense of atmosphere, bridging abstraction and suggestion.

Carol Iglesias, who works in oil and pastel, explores light and atmosphere through luminous landscapes and softly rendered compositions. Her technique emphasizes subtle transitions of color and tonality, often with serene, open locales illuminated by diffuse light.

Terry Jacklin brings framed fused-glass sculpture to the gallery. Her work combines form, texture and color in three-dimensional panels and freestanding pieces imbued with luminosity. The gallery will give visitors a chance to meet Jacklin at a “Sip and Stroll” event planned later in July.

Carolyn Shultz presents large-scale mixedmedia still-life collages. Drawing on materials such as textiles, paper, paint and found objects, the works layer textures and shapes into bold compositions that defy traditional format. Her pieces often reference domestic and botanical themes with modern graphic energy.

The gallery routinely rotates exhibits, offering an eclectic selection that reflects the diversity of Lowcountry artists in disciplines from photography and mixed media to painting and sculpture. It has earned a reputation as an art destination offering both fine art and accessible work in varied styles and price points, with positive reviews from local interior designers and collectors.

In addition to the exhibit itself, Maye River Gallery hosts occasional receptions and artist meetandgreets through the season. The gallery’s Summer “Sip and Stroll” event drew attention in July, introducing Jacklin and her glass pieces in an informal setting of beverages and conversation.

While the opening of the fall exhibit is Monday, Aug. 5, students and visitors are welcome anytime during normal hours: daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Last year’s relocation into an updated modern space on Church Street offers more wall and display area than the original venue, allowing for ambitious installations and larger formats.

Maye River Gallery remains deeply embedded in the Bluffton community after 17 years of operation, committed to supporting local and regional artists and offering art workshops, special shows and community engagement. Its current roster includes a mix of established and emerging talents working in landscapes, abstraction, collage, fine craft and mixed media.

For more information about the new exhibit or the gallery’s roster and events, call 8437572633 or visit mayerivergallery.com.