We are pleased to annouce the upcoming Charleston Artist Guild 2026 Lowcountry Tri-State Juried Fine Arts Exhibition . This year’s event will be presented in a hybrid format, with the online exhibition running April 18–25 and the in‑person celebration on April 25 at Hobcaw Brewery in Mt. Pleasant.

Lowcountry Tri-State Juried Fine Arts Exhibition Prospectus and Call for Entries

Artists participating in the in‑person exhibition should bring their artwork for hanging between 5:00–6:00 PM. The reception will follow from 6:00–8:00 PM, with the awards ceremony at 7:00 PM. Artists should plan to take their work home at the conclusion of the event.

Because CAG did not have budgeted funds for an in‑person event this year, several board members generously contributed personally to make this gathering possible. In that spirit, we ask everyone to help by bringing a dish to share. Alcoholic beverages may be purchased directly from Hobcaw Brewery—please drink responsibly and ensure safe transportation if you choose to partake.

We are honored to have two distinguished judges reviewing the online submissions this year:

Painting Judge: Silvia Belviso Blair

Silvia Belviso Blair, born in Bari, Italy, in 1979, is an accomplished artist with extensive training and international exhibition experience. After earning her art teaching diploma from the “De Nittis” Art School in Bari, she expanded her practice through a decade of study with Italian master Peppino Signorile at the “Ippogrifo” studio, where she explored a wide range of expressive techniques. She further specialized in airbrush painting in Florence and Rome, later collaborating with the Italian Airbrush Association.

Silvia has worked as a painter, teacher, and organizer of national art exhibitions and has continued to refine her photorealistic techniques since 2014 at the Blair School of Art in South Carolina with Dru Blair. She is currently an art instructor and co‑owner at the Blair Center for the Arts in Charleston, SC, and is represented by Dare Gallery and Sandpiper Gallery.

Photography Judge: John Herrel

John Herrel is an award‑winning fine art photographer celebrated for his striking landscape, nature, wildlife, and automotive images. After a multifaceted career in engineering, corporate management, and entrepreneurship, he now devotes himself fully to the creation of compelling photographic works inspired by both familiar and remote natural environments.

Based in Elgin, South Carolina, John is an influential leader in the photography community. He has served as Past President of the American Society of Photographers, Treasurer and Chairman of Photographic Competition for the Professional Photographers of South Carolina, and PPA Councilor. His long-standing commitment to image competition, education, and artistic excellence—paired with his broad experience across photographic genres—makes him a thoughtful and highly capable judge for this year’s exhibition.

We look forward to celebrating the creativity, dedication, and talent of our members through this special exhibition. Thank you for your continued support of the Charleston Artist Guild and for helping us foster a vibrant and welcoming artistic community. We hope you will join us—both online and in person—for an inspiring showcase of fine art created across the Lowcountry and beyond.

Warm regards,

Nancy DeMore

Director of Exhibits

The 2025 Signature Show is a juried online exhibit and is open to all residents of South Carolina. Entries are due by September 30, 2025 ENTER THE CAG ONLINE SIGNATURE SHOW HERE The Signature Show Awards Reception will be held on Sunday, October 12, 2025  at the Charleston Artist Guild Gallery 160 E. Bay Street, Charleston, SC 29401

CALL FOR ENTRIES:

The Charleston Artist Guild 2025 Juried Signature Exhibition is an online show and open to ALL South Carolina residents.

Over $1,800 In Prizes!

October 6 - October 13, 2025

ENTRY DEADLINE IS SEPTEMBER 30

Current CAG membership is NOT required to enter this exhibition. However, we do welcome your membership.

Entry Rules: Original painting, drawing or photography artwork completed within the past two years is eligible. Workshop or class art is ineligible. View the CAG Signature Show Prospectus for important entry information

This summer, our amazing volunteers partnered once more with Pattison’s Academy Summer Camp to help campers create vibrant acrylic paintings of their favorite subjects. Since 2004, this annual workshop has become a beloved highlight for campers and their families—often outshining beach trips, aquarium visits, and even horseback riding!

This year, 50 enthusiastic children participated, some painting hand-over-hand, others independently. Their canvases burst with hearts, rainbows, fish, dancers—even a platypus and penguin! Despite multiple and severe disabilities, including some terminal conditions, these incredible children poured joy and creativity into every brushstroke.

One camper even held the brush in her mouth to paint since her arms, hands and legs did not function. The rooms were filled with shouts of delight, devices that enable them to navigate their environment and many workers. The experience was inspiring for all involved. Volunteers described the event as “a blast” and deeply moving.

In the past we made pillows from the fabric canvases they painted. Additionally, we pay to have note cards made using the images of their artwork. These note cards are donated to Pattison’s Academy to use throughout the year to raise funds to educate the children that attend the school. Learn more about the school at pattisonsacademy.org.

Want to join the fun next summer?

Contact Norma Cable at 843-814-5104 or ballentn@bellsouth.net. We’d love to have you!