Arizona native Jason Huffman recently moved to South Carolina and is introducing himself to the Upstate through his upcoming exhibition, “An Introduction,” April 4 through 20 in Gallery III at the Artists Collective | Spartanburg. An ArtWalk reception will be held Thursday, April 20.

“My work is a range of wildlife, country living, portraits and realism, mostly oil on canvas with some pencil sketches on canvas,” Huffman, a self-taught artist, says. “This is a collection of my art from the most recent to some from a few years back. It is an introduction of my artwork to the Spartanburg area. I hope people will enjoy seeing my art and maybe get some inspiration.

“Having been represented in several galleries in Arizona, I was very fortunate to have the support of local collectors,” he adds. “The most important thing is for me to be a part of the artist community here.”

Previously, Huffman did graphic design, painted murals for a museum, had his own gallery-studio and been a jeweler for several years. “Being a self-employed artist, I've had sporadic spans of artwork created in between jobs of sustenance,” he says.

“From an early age, as far back as I can remember, I’ve drawn and painted,” Huffman says. “In school, when the other kids were running and playing, I would find something, anything to draw on. Art has been a lifelong obsession; it is not an option – I have to create, whether it is a sketch, painting or sculpture. It is something I have always done. I have tried many different mediums including pencil, oil, watercolor, bronze, glass and jewelry. At this time in my life, I seem to be focused on painting.”

Huffman says he was drawn to make the cross-country, life-changing relocation from Arizona to the Carolinas because it is where his ancestors first settled. “I’m looking forward to this new beginning and being a part of the artists community in the Spartanburg area.

He became a member of the Artists Collective, where he has a studio, in 2022. “ACS has a beautiful building to showcase the area’s local and regional artists. The Artists Collective is truly a group of the nicest people who are determined to help promote any artist's ambition.”

The 30 pieces of art in the exhibit will be available for purchase, with price ranging from $95 to $2,000.