March’s Photo of The Month

ShellyMarshall Schmidt

March 1, 2020

The healing power of horses.

“This photo is from the Silent Witness Exhibition, which is on display in the Brooks Gallery of the Aiken Center for the Arts, opening March 26. It represents the remarkable healing “connections” possible between off-the-track Thoroughbreds and military veterans suffering from the unseen wounds of post-traumatic stress. It is one of my personally favorite examples of this phenomenal relationship between horse and human – relationships that I have been privileged to witness through a number of programs and organizations to which I have been devoted for years.”

Shelly Marshall Schmidt

ShellyMarshall Schmidt

Shelly Marshall Schmidt is a commercial and fine art photographer known for her sensitive and insightful work – from portraits to action photography, both breathtaking in their composition and execution – and her innovative printing on a vast array of materials and fabrics. Shelly is particularly well known for lending her remarkable talent to a variety of rewarding and life-impacting programs. While her early career was fueled by “mechanical horsepower,” focusing on thoroughbred cars like Ferrari and Porsche, and championship racing at LeMans, LaGuna Seca, and other world-renowned motorsport circuits, this theme gradually shifted to “equine horsepower,” when she became a valuable collaborator with such groundbreaking and notable programs and organizations as Aiken’s Horseplay, Women Beyond Cancer, Aiken Equine Rescue, Saratoga WarHorse, the Silent Witness Exhibition, and New Bridge Polo Magazine; most recently, her work is featured in the upcoming national conference in Aiken, “HeART of the Horse.”

ShellyMarshall Schmidt

In the know

Ode to the Dandelion

They pop up unannounced, Unwanted, Dreaded by some. Tiny green sprigs brighten the dull brown of the winter lawn. They are the first to herald the spring scene, And they are the last to whisper “farewell” in the autumn. Soon bright yellow blossoms add color to spring’s welcome mat. “Dent de lion,” “Lion’s teeth” they are called, Ready to devour that lush, green lawn. Pull one out and, like Hydra, two will replace it. Quickly the yellow blossoms fade, Churning out small, cottony puff balls. Children delight in running with them Blowing the gossamer wisps in the air Launching their wishes on the wind. They rise like miniature hot air balloons Riding high wherever the wind takes them, Only to descend

James Andre, the Artist

“And if what they say is true — if every great painting is really a self-portrait — what, if anything, is James Andre saying about himself?” Explore his works and discover just that. He has a unique way about him, and his art is no different. Drawing from inner as well as outer inspiration, he connects to each piece. James invests heart and soul into his work, where energy and color are brought together to convey something more. View attentively, and listen closely — Andre’s brush speaks the language of movement, the energy of life. Lean in. FacebookTweetPin

Photo Of The Month: John Antaki

This photo was taken in Lagos, Portugal. It is a boat dock at Forte da Ponta da Bandeira located on the southwest tip of Portugal, facing Africa. I took this during my 2-week adventure through southern Spain; I visited Granada, Ronda, Gibraltar, Huelva, and Lagos. It is impossible for me to select one single favorite picture that I have taken, but this photo means a lot to me because it represents the beauty that can be found when traveling. FacebookTweetPin

Taylor Reynolds | Photo Of The Month

On the surface this photo is just a picture of a beer, but to me it captures so much more. It was taken on a sunset paddle tour of Stallings Island on the Savannah River. To me this photo encompasses the sense of community built around the love of the outdoors. It was sunset. People were paddling around, jumping off the large rocks that sit on this part of the Savannah River, and gushing over the adorable donkeys that reside on the island. It was my favorite day of summer and for that reason it is my favorite photo that I’ve ever taken. FacebookTweetPin

March’s Photo of The Month

ShellyMarshall Schmidt

The healing power of horses.

ShellyMarshall Schmidt

ShellyMarshall Schmidt

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Ode to the Dandelion

James Andre, the Artist

Photo Of The Month: John Antaki

Taylor Reynolds | Photo Of The Month