Buried Treasure

Members of the Artists Collective | Spartanburg didn’t stop creating because of quarantines and shutdowns over the past year due to COVID-19 – they kept on creating. Now, many are ready to make room in their studios filled with all that creativity, so they can create more. That’s a boon for patrons who want to…

Members of the Artists Collective | Spartanburg didn’t stop creating because of quarantines and shutdowns over the past year due to COVID-19 – they kept on creating.

Now, many are ready to make room in their studios filled with all that creativity, so they can create more. That’s a boon for patrons who want to purchase quality art pieces – pottery, jewelry, glass, paintings, photographs and more – at reduced prices.

In the “Buried Treasures” exhibition – Feb. 1 through 26 – many ACS artists will display and sell their works in Gallery II and Gallery III. Prices will start at $5.

“People looking to buy great art at a great price will find an abundance of options at this ‘warehouse sale,’” says exhibition organizer and Collective member Judy Martin, who will have some of her glass pieces on exhibit and offered for sale.

“Some of our artists have wanted to do this so they can have more room in their studios to make more art,” Martin continues. “Three-D artists are always experimenting with new ways of doing something in their medium. Some things are pleasant surprises, but with experimentation there is always a learning curve and those pieces are good but not up to what is wanted by the artist.

“Seeing newer artists such as Tom Zumbach starting out in a new medium, fused glass, and wanting to try everything in glass, he will have some that he doesn’t care for, for example,” she adds. “As a veteran glass artist, there are many pieces I have kept for looking back on the journey of 15 years, and now is the time to make more room.”

Other artists who will have works on display and for sale include Sydney McMath (painting), Patrick DeCrane (painting, drawing), Chuck Reback (photography), Jim Weber (pottery), Janice McElligott (painting), Nancy Williamson (pottery), Chuck Bishop (pottery), Judy Martin (glass), Sally Weber (clay), Ari Carver (pottery), Rosemary McLeod (jewelry), Joan Wheatley (clay), Mary Verandeaux (painting, fused glass) and Patty Wright (photography).

“Many of our artists have been at work in their medium for years,” Martin says. “Jim Weber has 50 years under his belt making pottery. Chuck Reback has years taking pictures. There are some artists that have changed or added a medium to their artwork. Mary Verandeaux is an accomplished painter and is now adding fused glass.

“We hope people will get some joy from this show and will take some of that joy home with them to enjoy each day,” she adds.