Carolinas artists showcased in annual summer show in Southport

Artists from throughout the Carolinas, from the mountains to the coast, have brought their paintings and pottery to downtown Southport’s Franklin Square Gallery for its annual Summer Regional Show that opened June 21 and continues until July 17.

Susan Dade’s watercolor ‘Weigh in’ is an entry in Franklin Square Gallery’s Summer Regional Show. It was inspired by Southport’s annual King Mackerel Festival in October.

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This juried exhibition highlights the work of already well known artists in Brunswick and New Hanover counties and many others from throughout North and South Carolina.

New talent, as well as practicing professionals, have been invited to submit their latest work.

A traditional part of the show is the July 4 raffle offering ticket holders a chance to own local art for $1. A collection of prints, pottery, original paintings, as well as gift items, will be raffled at 5 p.m. July 4.

The artwork has been contributed by The Associated Artists of Southport, which manages this community gallery and plays host to this regional exhibition.

The public is invited to purchase raffle tickets either at the gallery or from any gallery member, and ticket holders need not be present to win.

Both judges for the Summer Regional Show are from North Carolina. They first select the content of the show from submissions, then determine award winners.

Two-dimensional judge Vae Hamilton of Wilmington is known for her collage techniques and workshops and has exhibited in many countries around the world.

Three-dimensional judge Dina Wilde-Ramsing of Conover has published many ceramic textbooks, and her work is in galleries throughout the state, including the North Carolina Pottery Museum in Seagrove.

Awards ranging from best in show to honorable mention were presented at an artists’ reception Tuesday, June 22.

Throughout the course of the regional show, exhibiting members of the Associated Artists of Southport will have their watercolors, oil paintings, and functional and decorative pottery on display in an accompanying members show in the gallery’s mezzanine.

Franklin Square Gallery is in an historic building behind Franklin Square Park two blocks from the waterfront. Formerly the Southport school and then town hall, it is in itself a local attraction.

It is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and will also stay open Sunday afternoon, July 4, until after the 5 p.m. raffle.