Kiln Opening: Exhibition at Gallery 80808 and SC Poetry Prize Book Launch

(Above: One of the photographs to be included in the exhibit.)

“The Kiln Opening”
Gallery 80808/Vista Studios
808 Lady Street in downtown Columbia, SC

(Above: One of the ceramic works to be displayed. Click on any image to enlarge. Other images below are from the show's photographic works.)

Ceramics, Wrought Iron, photographs and artistic chandeliers by

John Sharpe
Venetia Sharpe
Bri Kinard
Ashley Padgett
Michelle Hinson

OPENING RECEPTION:
Thursday, August 27th
from 7 - until 9

GALLERY HOURS:
August 27 - September 1
from 4 - 7 daily

“The Kiln Opening”

This is John and Venetia’s first Gallery showing. John and Venetia acquired their skills as they traveled around the world. John served as a Special Forces Soldier traveling the world. Both Venetia and John lived in Central America, Europe, and all across the US. There work frequently incorporates sights, sounds, and experiences from their travels. Both artists enjoy creating using whatever is available. Their primary focus is ceramics followed by steel and then photography.

Bri Kinard, Ashley Padgett, and Michelle Hinson have shown their art locally. Bri and Ashley’s artwork is mainly sculptural. Bri has created several complex installation pieces around Columbia and has had many requests for her work. Ashley’s work is unique the lines of her work seem to flow in a manner that makes the piece appear to move. Michelle creates functional and sculptural art. Michelle’s pottery has unique forms and warm colors. Michelle will also display a few artistic photographs.

The title of the show “The Kiln Opening” refers to when the artist opens the kiln to see how their work looks. Factors affecting the finished artwork are numerous from kiln temperatures to quality of the raw material. Opening the kiln is exciting for the artist because it is the first time they get to see their finished work. "This is my kiln opening to the public," says artist John Sharpe.

ON FRIDAY EVENING:

BOOK LAUNCH
for S.C. Poetry Book Prize winner Delana R. A. Dameron
"How God Ends Us"

Friday, August 28th from 6:30 - 8:00
at Gallery 80808/Vista Studios, 808 Lady Street
Free to the public
Additional information: (803) 777-5492

The press release for this important book launch reads:

There is hope, and there is love, as life’s challenges surface in the poems of DeLana R.A. Dameron. Death comes to the young; it comes to the old. It comes from nature; it comes at the hands of man. It is seen; it is known.

But there is more in these poems. There is seeking and discovery. Conflict and resolution. Pain and consolation. And once again, hope and love.

Dameron’s “How God Ends Us,” published this spring by the University of South Carolina Press, is the fourth winner of the S.C. Poetry Initiative’s annual South Carolina Poetry Book Prize. You’re invited to celebrate its launch with Dameron from 6:30-8 p.m. Aug. 28 at Gallery 80808/Vista Studios. The event will feature food, music and readings from the book.

This will be a homecoming for the 24-year-old Columbia native, who lives in New York City and is spending most of August in residency at The Constance Saltonstall Foundation for the Arts in rural New York State.