Side-by-Side
Monochrome Visions in Color
October 2024 Issue
By Edwina Hoyle
Do you remember the movie, The Wizard of OZ? As children we watched in amazement as Dorothy’s black-and-white world in Kansas suddenly changed into the colorful world of Oz. In a flash, the movie transported us from a world without color to one with a vibrant yellow brick road, fields of bright red poppies, and ruby red slippers. Colors transformed the scenery on the screen and opened our eyes to possibilities.
Art does that. It unlocks our creativity and imagination, introduces us to possibilities, and is always open to interpretation.
The Art League of Hilton Head Academy and Lifelong Learning of Hilton Head are collaborating on a special exhibit this month.
“We are thrilled to announce another exciting collaboration between two local non-profit organizations. This will be the third year collaborating with Lifelong Learning. Our upcoming art exhibit features a side-by-side theme of black and white photographs re-interpreted into colorful works of art. The exhibit showcases subject matter through the lenses of local photographers and the skillful hands of our local artisans,” said Amy Wehrman-Jones, Art League Academy Manager.
Open to the entire community, a call to show asked photographers to submit a photograph, edited to black and white; and artists to interpret, reimagine, and re-create the photograph in their own medium, but in color. This is not an ordinary exhibit, but rather one with a twist— the artists do not get to see their chosen photo in color until opening night of the exhibit. The first 50 artists and photographers who responded are featured in the exhibit, “Side-by-Side Monochrome Visions in Color.”
Once the black-and-white photographs were received, Amy uploaded them to a data base where participating artists selected one photograph that inspired them. The artists will use their own vision, creativity, medium, and color to produce their art based on their photo pairing.
Amy said quite a few non-members submitted their work. “We received submissions from Beaufort, Sun City, Belfair—all new names who will get exposure, and it may even be their first experience to exhibit. Whether art is a hobby or pastime, these collaborations with other organizations bring out new artists.”
From October 21 though November 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day, visitors are encouraged to come see the artistic re-creations hung next to the inspirational photograph. “It will be interesting to see how the color and style resembles or differs from the photograph and to admire the creativity of the artist and the beauty of the photography.”
A celebratory reception will be held on October 25, 2024, from 5 to 7 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public. Attendees will vote for three Peoples’ Choice Awards: their favorite photograph, their favorite artist re-creation, and their favorite pair (photo and art). The exhibit will be held at Art League Academy, located at 106 Cordillo Parkway.
Artwork Featured (L to R):
Top: John Keating & Jan Ross
Middle: Eric Jones & Julie Schroeder
Right: Kristen Sakati & Chris Kohmescher
The Facts —————————————————————————
• The Art League of Hilton Head is a nonprofit visual arts organization with an art gallery and teaching Academy that welcomes artists and students in all media at all skill levels. Classes are taught by professional art educators. The Art League Gallery is located inside the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina and features local art created by more than 200 member artists.
• Lifelong Learning is a non-profit offering continuing education for mature adults. Class subjects include history, philosophy, art, gardening, architecture, and more. Students can attend an unlimited number of classes each semester for a low flat fee.
• Elizabeth Millen, founder and publisher of Pink, submitted a photograph that inspired artist, Don Taylor. We can’t wait to see his version of her photograph!