And just who is ‘SHE’? Stacy O’Sullivan, co-owner of the gallery in the alley known as Art & Soul of Aiken, explains, “The whole idea came out of one of our artists, Amy Ness.”
Each month the co-op gallery designates a full wall for a spotlight of one of the artist’s work. In anticipation of her month as featured artist, Amy created an exhibit in a series of paintings called ‘SHE’. “They were amazing!” Stacy conveys.“The paintings spoke to me personally about the ancestral bonds that women have — their strengths, creativity and versatility. As a series, they touched on all these powerful tendrils that say ‘strong women.’”
Stacy was so taken with Amy’s theme that she asked her whether she would be open collaborating with the other artists to turn it into a complete show.“Amy quickly agreed, so we called 28 artist friends to a meeting and it just grew and evolved from there,” Stacy says. “I can’t really tell you what you are going to see, because it has just exploded!” she laughs. “Everyone is excited about the subject matter and there will be all different disciplines and mediums.”
SHE will run from February 1 – 29, with a big celebration slated for February 14, 6 – 9 pm. The evening’s festivities will include wine and hors d’oeuvres, live music, dance, spoken word, and performances! Stacy notes that the entire community is invited to “celebrate the divine feminine and how it speaks to you.”
While many of the works for the exhibit are being kept a surprise, Stacy mentions one piece, a large sculpted tree goddess, which she expects to be truly awe inspiring.“It lends itself to be a collaborative piece, so many of us will be adding to her,” Stacy says with an impish grin.
All the works in the “SHE” exhibit will be for sale; however, the purchasers must agree to leave the artwork at the gallery until the conclusion of the show. Stacy assures that there will be pieces in all price ranges. “One of our pillar missions at Art & Soul is to make art sustainable as well as affordable for all. We work collectively and like a co-op, so we have a low overhead which makes it possible to offer quality original art at extremely low prices.”
Artists committed to the project include Karey Santos, Betsy Hughes, Cheryl Dillinger, Stacy O’Sullivan, Brian O’Sullivan, Anne Hunter, Dana McMenamin, Sandra French, Dawn Maggio, Beverly Marcotte, Joya Jimenez DiStefano, Amy Lynn Lockard-Ness, Ronald Buttler, Ilaina Van Pelt, Joy Johnson, Tania Tipene, Makenzye Barfield, Ryan Young, Laurie Scahill Adamson, Mac Sledge (Arolia McSwain), Anita Huggins Padgett, Shirley Reese, Tracijo Drummond-Bush, Charlotte Kuehn, Debbie Black, Danielle Mckie, Caroline McKie, Gretchen Hash-Heffner, Linda Warren, Lyda Day, and Charlie Cocotas.
“I can’t wait to see what all comes out of it!” Stacy bubbles, adding, “Some of the works I’ve already seen are just exquisite and moving. This is going to be something never seen before in Aiken! We are so excited and look forward to sharing this unique and inclusive community wide exhibit with everyone.”
