Mark Hilliard photography featured June 2 – 25

Sunset River Marketplace art gallery in Calabash, NC will feature works by renowned low country photographer Mark Hilliard

from June 2 -25. Titled Kaleidoscope: Unique Visions of the Carolina Coast, the collection exemplifies the talent and emotional reach of this dedicated photographer.

Included in the Sunset River Marketplace show will be Hilliard’s signature low country landscapes and wildlife photos – including his popular ultra high-speed hummingbird photograph, water reflections and shots of nesting birds.

A landscape, wildlife and fine art photographer for 50-plus years, Hilliard has chased his photographic visions all over the world. He leads many workshops and offers a line of insightful instructional DVDs. Hilliard is an active member and past board member of the Carolina Nature Photographers Association as well as North America Nature Photography Association and the Professional Digital Imaging Association.

The artist began dabbling in black and white photography at the early age of 13, and the hobby quickly became a lasting and important part of his life. While serving in the US Navy, he traveled extensively before taking a position with Eastman Kodak in upstate New York. After his retirement, he began shooting nature photographs on a full time basis.

In 1997, Hilliard moved to Murrells Inlet, SC and lived aboard a small boat. He spent much of his time exploring and photographing the waterways, islands and wildlife of the low country. He is now well known and respected as an advocate for environmental issues.

About his photography, Hilliard states, “I tend to concentrate on the smaller, secret side of nature that most people overlook, a different view on the world that surrounds us each and every day. I work in color (but black and white and infrared photography have a special place in my heart; they tend to show a different view of things we pass by every day). I look at my photographs as portraits of nature rather than pictures, and I often spend hours with a single subject.”

Hilliard prints many of his pieces on heavy waterproof canvas, which he stretches around a wooden frame. Then he paints over the images with acrylic glaze, the result being gallery wrap photographs with a unique three-dimensional aspect.  Gallery owner Ginny Lassiter says, “Our clients love the vibrant yet elegant appeal of Mark’s work. When you hang one of his landscape triptychs (three pieces designed to be hung together), it’s like adding a wall of windows to your room.”

About Sunset River Marketplace

Since opening in 2002, Sunset River Marketplace has become an active supporter of performing, literary and visual arts in the area. The 10,000 square-foot gallery features work by over 150 North and South Carolina artists. Its on-site pottery studio has two kilns and four wheels for use by students. Ongoing oil, pastel and watercolor classes are also provided, in addition to workshops by nationally known artists. The gallery’s Coffee With the Authors program features presentations by local and regional offers. A Paint & Party series provides a fun after-work experience for those with no previous art background. The gallery’s framing department offers full-service, on-site custom frame design.

Sunset River Marketplace is located at 10283 Beach Drive SW (Hwy 179), Calabash, NC. Regular hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit the website (www.staging.careful-crib.flywheelsites.com) or “like” the gallery’s Facebook page, which is updated daily. Reach the gallery by telephone at 910.575.5999.

Sunset River Gallery