Artists Collective | Spartanburg will present “The Beach: Sun, Sand, Water and People,” an exhibition of paintings by Garry Turpin, on view July 28 – Aug 22, 2026, in Gallery III.
Through a colorful collection of 12 to 15 works in oil on canvas and watercolor, Turpin captures the beauty, movement, and human energy of the beach. His paintings reflect the magnetic draw that brings people from all walks of life to the shore, whether they come for the water, the weather, the sunsets, or the simple pleasure of being near the sea.
In “The Beach,” Turpin looks beyond the landscape itself to explore the people who animate it. His work offers glimpses of beachgoers roaming the sand, gathering in groups, relaxing, interacting, and finding joy in the shared experience of sun, sand, and water. The result is an exhibition that celebrates both the wonder of coastal places and the pleasure they bring to those who visit them.
“I hope to provide a glance at the wonder and beauty of the beaches,” Turpin says, “and even more importantly, the people and the relaxation and pleasure the beach brings to those who visit.”
Turpin has been an artist for 26 years. He holds a BS in Studio Arts from Mars Hill University and has worked as a graphic designer, illustrator, and business owner. His exhibition history includes Artisphere in 2005, a solo exhibition at the Spartanburg Library, and numerous juried exhibitions throughout North Carolina and South Carolina, including Artists of the Upstate 2025 and the 2025 Artists Collective | Spartanburg Annual Juried Exhibition.
Turpin’s connection to Artists Collective | Spartanburg reaches back to the organization’s early years. He was one of the founding members of West Main Artists, later stepping away to care for ailing parents before rejoining the organization after it had become Artists Collective | Spartanburg.
He describes exhibiting at ACS as a “great opportunity for exposure” and a chance to meet and interact with other artists. He also praises ACS as a place filled with “great folks, impressive management, good opportunities, and a learning and sharing environment.”
An ArtWalk reception will be held during the exhibition, giving visitors an opportunity to meet the artist and experience the work in person.
Artwork in the exhibition will be available for purchase, with prices ranging from $95 to $1,200.
