Art competition “Nature Reconsidered” and photography competition “Trail” opened this week at the Southern Arts Society in Kings Mountain. Both are judged shows with cash prizes.
“Nature Reconsidered” is an art exhibition that aims to explore the ever-changing relationship between humans and nature. Artists were asked to create work that references, investigates, challenges and/or celebrates our relationship with the natural world.
There is a wide variety of media featured in the show – painting, drawing, glass, photography and mixed media. Thirty-eight artists from around the region entered 76 pieces of work for this year’s exhibit. While the majority of entries reflect the beauty of our natural world, there are several that play on the impact or interference of man with our environment.
The “Trail” photography exhibit features photos taken on the Gateway Trail over the past two years. There are 13 entries from five photographers in this show. The butterfly garden at the top of the Gateway Trail continues to be a prime spot for great photographs. Much of the trail is surrounded by trees which requires photographers to be patient and search out interesting flora and fauna to capture on film.
Judging both shows is Michael Grady, an exhibiting artist, writer and professor of art at Appalachian State University. Grady grew up in South Carolina but lived for three decades in New York and San Francisco before relocating in 2008 to his ancestral homeland in North Carolina.
Grady has a special interest and expertise in spirituality and art, expressive arts therapy and Asian philosophy and culture. He has exhibited his paintings and lectured in Germany, New Zealand, China and throughout the U.S.
The public is invited to meet the artists at a reception from 6-8 p.m. Saturday. Awards for both competitions will be announced at 7 p.m. This is a free event. Dress is casual. Masks are required to enter. More of the work in the exhibit can be seen on the website and Facebook page of Southern Arts Society.
“Nature Reconsidered” and Trail” will be on display in the galleries of Southern Arts Society through Nov. 5. Visitors are required to wear a mask and practice social distancing while visiting the gallery.
For more information, visit www.SouthernArtsSociety.org, contact 704.739.5585 or email [email protected].