Elizabeth (Beth) Schlieger

October 2024 Issue
Lowcountry Originals

Photography (top) by
Cassidy Dunn Photography

Elizabeth (Beth) Schlieger
Art: Multifaceted Artist—works range from traditional painting to theatrical costumes
Career: High School Visual Art Teacher and Board President May River Theatre (Artistic Director, Director, Costume Designer)
Current Residence: Bluffton Hometown: Marshall, Wisconsin
Family: Married 31 years to Don Schlieger;
2 children: Alex (28) and Cait (27)

When and how did you discover your artistic talent? How and/or why did you choose this medium? What do you love about it?
My earliest memories of creating are drawing horses with my father; I was about 4. I do not work with one medium, but flow amongst painting, ceramics, and costume design. I love the physicality of the medium, and when I have the time to fully immerse myself in the process, the rest of the world disappears. With ceramics there is something in the process that connects me to the environment. Utilizing material that was harvested from the earth and creating art from it just feels like the ultimate human experience. And with costumes, who doesn’t like creating a whole new world? I started making my own costumes in elementary school. As an actual art, I landed a job at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina as a wardrobe supervisor. They were down a draper, so I tapped into my earlier interests, and here I am, designing and creating the costumes for all of the shows at May River Theatre. For me creating the visual experience of a production is the ultimate “painting”, just the “brushes” are different.

As a “creative” you are unique. What makes you the most YOU!
It has to be my ability to look at the big picture and gather the pieces needed to create the world I want to, whether on a canvas or stage. It is the way I conceptualize and put small ideas into larger creations that sets me apart.

What is your background?
What (or who) gave you the courage to fearlessly pursue your artistic passion?
My mother and her belief that her children could become whatever they set their minds to. (Also, I’m the youngest of seven, and you have to be a bit fearless in that situation alone.)

What’s the best encouragement you’ve ever received in pursuing your artistic talents? 
It’s definitely my husband’s endless support every time I sign up for the next adventure. The best encouragement is your family’s support!

What do you hope people who view your art “get” out of it?
A moment. My paintings and photographs tend to reflect nature and architecture, often the simple things we are too busy to notice, but they are beautiful in that moment. With my costumes, set designs, and directing, that moment involves creating an experience the viewer can be immersed in and leave the rest of their day behind.

Tell us about a time when all good vibes came together, and you rocked it—
that moment you felt on cloud-nine.
I adore sitting in the back of the auditorium at each performance and listening to the audience get lost in the world I helped create.

In your artistic pursuits, what is your proudest moment so far?
My children are also artists—one a visual artist and the other a performing artist. My proudest moments involve watching them grow and excel in their own right. I’m also so proud that my husband and I created an environment that let them be brave enough to pursue their own artistic dreams.

In addition to your art, what is something people
would be surprised to know about you?
Some people know me through the theatre and are surprised to find out I am a full-time teacher and visual artist. Other people know me as a visual art teacher and are surprised to find out about the amount of theatre I do in the community.

What’s something unique in your house or studio that more than likely no one else has?
One of my hobbies involves going to estate sales. In addition to finding unique props and costumes for shows, I also collect signed prints and paintings. Nothing famous, but I feel like it connects me with an element of humanity, the artist who created it, and the owner who originally treasured it.

What’s something you’ve always wanted to do, but haven’t done yet?
More travel! I’d love to do a studio-based experience in southern France, or get lost in a professional theatre’s costume warehouse.

What encouragement do you have for those who are just
beginning to pursue their artistic selves?
Just do it. Don’t worry about doing it right or doing it the way someone tells you. Mistakes and experimentation lead to discovery and growth.

What do you want to scream from the mountains top
about art, creativity, or life in general?
Just because you aren’t good at drawing and painting doesn’t mean you aren’t good at art! Some people excel at glue. Go create something, whatever it is, and see how good it makes you feel.