Gallery features Ophelia Staton; reception July 16th, talk 17th

Calabash gallery features abstract Cary, NC artist Ophelia Staton

In a show that opened July 1 and runs through July 31, Sunset River Marketplace in Calabash, NC is featuring Works By Ophelia Staton, a Cary, NC artist known for her colorful abstract mixed media pieces.  There will be a reception to meet the artist on Friday, July 16 from 5 to 7 p.m. On Saturday, July 17, Staton will present a gallery talk and painting demonstration at the gallery from noon to 2 p.m. The public is invited to attend at no charge and reservations are not required.

“This is the first time I’ve met Ophelia,” gallery owner Ginny Lassiter said, “But I’ve been aware of her popular art journaling and mixed media classes at Jerry’s Artarama, so I’m especially looking forward to her gallery talk and demo!”

In a statement about her work, Staton said, “I paint to express myself.  Each mark, scribble or stroke of my brush is a conversation between me, my materials and the substrate.  I show up and begin working with no preconceived notions or ideas of the end result.  I see the process of painting as a journey and I am intrigued by the unknown of where each mark or brush stroke will take me.  For this reason, I am in love with abstracts.  Painting is a passion for me.

I absolutely love working in layers.  I invite the viewer to come closer and notice that there is more beneath the surface. My goal is to create a work of art that will engage the viewer and foster a dialogue.”

The show includes 23 different works, including nine eight-inch square pieces, which are hung in a grid to mimic a single large painting. According to Lassiter, a unique feature of Staton’s work is that it complements any décor – contemporary or traditional, abstract or realistic.

About Sunset River Marketplace

Located in coastal Brunswick County, Sunset River Marketplace caters to both tourists and a growing local community of full time residents seeking fine art for their homes and businesses. Featuring work by approximately 150 North and South Carolina artists, the gallery is well known in the area for its collection of oil paintings, watermedia, pastels, photography, hand-blown glass, fused glass, pottery and clay sculptures, turned and carved wood, unique home décor items and artisan jewelry.

There are two onsite kilns and five wheels used by the gallery’s pottery students. Art classes and workshops are currently being offered on a limited basis. Call the gallery for details.

Special Covid 19 Notice: To meet North Carolina State guidelines, Sunset River Marketplace requests that patrons who are not fully vaccinated wear face coverings and requires the use of hand sanitizer plus six-foot social distancing between gallery visitors and at the cash register.  The gallery staff conducts thorough cleaning of surfaces upon opening and closing and during the day and has placed complimentary hand sanitizer throughout the gallery for visitor use.

The gallery address is: 10283 Beach Drive SW, Calabash, NC 28467.  Hours are Monday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information, call 910.575.5999 or visit the website at www.staging.careful-crib.flywheelsites.com. Daily updates are available on the gallery’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

The FrameCenter, located within the gallery, is open Wednesday through Friday, 12 noon – 5 p.m. and by appointment. Call framer Louis Aliotta directly at 910.368.7351.

Sunset River Gallery