Great artists always plan ahead. A sculptor will approach a block of wood, stone, or clay with a vision of what the final product looks like, underneath all the material that needs to be chipped, carved, or scraped away. A painter will begin with a sketch, simple lines on paper that will serve as blueprints for the next masterpiece. A filmmaker will storyboard an entire sequence before a single frame is shot.
When working in her chosen medium of events, shows, and classes, Kristen McIntosh, executive director of the Art League of Hilton Head, is no different. She’s always planning, and, if you ask her what’s new, she won’t just tell you what’s next. She’ll tell you what has been planned well into the next year.
Putting the volume of upcoming events simply, she said, “We’re never short on things to do.”
The Art League Academy’s gallery and classroom on Cordillo Parkway,
First up is the can’t-miss Got Art? fundraiser, being held October 9. Started in 2007 as the Art League’s only annual fundraiser, this exciting event lets visitors not only support the organization but also take home their own work of art. And with a $175 ticket ($150 for ALHH members) ensuring each participant an art piece valued at $300 or more, there’s no reason not to attend.
“We generally get around 120 of our artists who generously donate their work, and we sell 100 tickets. Everyone with a ticket gets their name in a digital bucket, and when their name is called, they get to choose from everything on the wall,” McIntosh said. “It’s a complete win-win. Attendees get a night of entertainment and artwork valued at more than their ticket, and the event supports the programs that help us serve the local artists and the community throughout the year.”
Guests in the crowded gallery wait for their name to be called at GOT ART?
That year-long support will resume as normal once the massive undertaking of Got Art? is over, with gallery rotations and classes from some of the most renowned instructors in the country.
First up on the gallery rotation with be featured artist John Crum, whose pieces will be on exhibit from October 13 through November 13 at the Art League Gallery, located inside the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina. A 1973 graduate of the Ringling School of Art, Crum uses bright, vibrant colors to reinterpret the natural beauty of the Lowcountry through a lens of layered symbolism and unbridled joy.
Perusing the selections before the event begins.
The title of his show, “Finding the Rhythm of Nature: Art That Makes You Smile,” is apropos.
“His art just makes you smile – it’s very whimsical,” McIntosh said. “We’ll have several events where you’ll be able to meet John and learn more about his art.” That includes an artist’s reception on October 21 and a live demonstration on October 30.
Over at the Art League Academy on Cordillo Parkway, the next few months will see some amazing guest instructors joining local artists in providing experienced guidance for up-and-coming artists.
A live painting demonstration at the Art League Gallery.
“We’ve really been working hard these last few years to increase the caliber of artists we invite to teach workshops,” McIntosh said. “We bring in instructors from all across the country.”
These include Anne Strutz leading Marks In Motion: Oil & Mixed Media, October 4 and 5; Eve Miller teaching Painting the Pastel Landscape: Tools, Tips & Techniques, October 23-25; and Karen Wilharm instructing Painterly Realism for Oils & Acrylics, November 6-8.
Looking ahead to 2027, January will see Greg Barnes make his island debut with Painting With Light, Color & Impression in Oils or Pastels, January 7-9, and Marc Hanson leading Acrylics for Oil Painters, January 28-30.
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“These are some great instructors, and they really augment the incredible pool we have of local instructors who help with a full calendar year of programming,” McIntosh said. “The fact that our little academy on Hilton Head Island can attract students and teachers from across the country really speaks to the caliber of instruction. It’s so important and shows there is a need for it here. And we do bring in tourists who come here for workshops and then enjoy everything else the island has to offer.”
The Art League Gallery at the Arts Center at Coastal Carolina.
That list of classes covers only through January of next year. McIntosh already has plans nailed down for the Art League’s 30th Biennale national juried show, with artist Keiko Tanabe serving as judge and as instructor for Painting Impressions with Watercolor, April 20-22. The Art League will also be bringing back its Hilton Head Island Plein Air Paint Out, which last year saw 67 artists painting all over the island.
Artist John Crum will be on exhibit from October 13 through November 13 at the Art League Gallery, located inside the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina.
“Visitors and locals were engaging with the artists, then coming into the gallery to see the finished pieces,” McIntosh said. “It was a really great first-time event and we’re excited to bring art out into the community even more.”
From their annual Got Art? fundraiser October 9 and well into next year, the Art League of Hilton Head has more than enough inspiration planned to fill any calendar. Visit artleaguehhi.org to see the full line-up of classes and events.
Amie Baima and Maggie Washo attended last year’s GOT ART?