Anniversary art show

Staff report

CALABASH—Sunset River Marketplace gallery is observing its 10th anniversary with a month-long celebration starting Friday, June 1.
Highlights will include free drawings for gift certificates, original paintings, prints, pottery, hand-blown glass, jewelry and other items. There will also be artist demonstrations, live music and other events June 1-30.
The gallery at 10283 Beach Drive (N.C. 179) in Calabash opened its doors on June 1, 2002.
On Friday, June 1, the art gallery will mark 10 years of operation at its original site in the historic fishing village of Calabash. The 10,000-square-foot gallery is widely known for its eclectic mix of fine art and crafts from the Carolinas.
Several of the gallery’s artists have exhibited at the gallery since 2002. Their works will be featured throughout the month in a special Tenth Anniversary Exhibition. Featured artists include Jill Hope, Elaine Bigelow, Ramona B. Bendin, Brian Evans, Ardie Praetorius, Sue Coley, Susan Dade, Judy O’Brien, Mark Hilliard, Betty Bee and the late Victor Gerloven.
Other events include a series of free artist demonstrations onsite at the Calabash gallery. Gallery owner Ginny Lassiter will kick off the celebration with an acrylics demo from 2-4 p.m. June 1.
Calabash potter Joe Jeffcoat will demonstrate throwing on the pottery wheel from noon-3 p.m. Wednesday, June 6.  Pat Smelkoff will share the art of Zhostovo (Russian stroke painting) from noon-3 p.m. Thursday, June 14.
On Wednesday, June 20. from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., glass blower Jim Downey will demonstrate the exciting art of flame work. Additional presentations are posted on the gallery’s website (www.sunsetrivermarketplace).
A free performance by singer/songwriter Calabash Flash is scheduled for Saturday, June 9, from 2-3 p.m. A Creative After Hours class with jewelry designer Beth Wicker will take place on Wednesday, June 13, from 6-8 p.m. ($35 fee).
From Monday, June 25, to Friday, June 29, the gallery is hosting a five-day abstract acrylics workshop with nationally known artist Sterling Edwards (Class is full. Call for waiting list and fee).
Celebrations also include free daily drawings for an assortment of gift certificates, original art, limited edition prints, pottery, hand-blown glass, artisan-crafted jewelry, custom-designed pillows and more. The public is encouraged to enter multiple times, but no more than once each day. Entry forms are at the gallery.
In a related Facebook promotion, the gallery will award a free gift certificate to someone selected at random on the Sunset River Marketplace Art Gallery Facebook page. Participants simply “like” the page to be included.
Gallery hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. For information, call 575-5999 or visit the website: www.sunsetrivermarketplace.