By: Aimee Fitzgerald
January Marks the New Year; in the New Year, comes the opportunity for new beginnings. This month, Charleston Crafts Gallery features the works of our newest members, some who joined us in the fall, and others who just joined this month. Come in and enjoy the newest inspired collection by the artisans at Charleston Crafts Gallery, 140 East Bay, Suite D, in downtown Charleston. Work by six of our newest artist members featuring Polymer clay artscapes, ceramics, jewelry, Mosaics, paper cutting art, and woodworking. Come and meet the gallery’s artists who are available to meet on the evening of the first Friday art walk, January 3rd, from 5 to 8 PM. Stop by and welcome the New Year!
Jennifer York, was named Lowcountry artist of the year in 2024, was a new member of the Cooperative Gallery, beginning in fall of 2024. This month, the gallery will be featuring her paper cutting artworks, which feature unique architectural details, as well as her original drawings on paper cuttings, imbedded in installation pieces.
Ruth Ballou is a ceramicist who creates unique sculptural constructions out of ceramics with stunning subtle glazes that delight the eye. She learned this process while studying in France, and now brings this process to the Lowcountry.
Jenn Brower is a jeweler who makes stunning pieces of art fashioned completely from tiny rings of silver or gold. Modeled upon chain maille, an ancient form of hand crafted armor, her work had elevated the craft into art jewelry in the form of unique earrings, necklaces and bracelets.
Thia Beniash creates unique images in polymer clay, which are framed and ready for display in the home. She draws on her love of the Lowcountry for her inspiration in her images.
Randy Aschenbrenner creates fine examples of the woodworker’s craft in his work. He is new to the Gallery, joining less than one month ago. Come see his work and say hello!
Aimee Fitzgerald is a Mosaic Artist. She creates stunning images from tiny pieces of hand painted, broken tiles, refashioned into art. Her images are evocative of the ocean, sea birds and Lowcountry life.
While these members are in the spotlight, the work of all the Gallery’s members are also on display and available for purchase, including jewelry, wood puzzles, encaustic paintings, mixed media collages, fiber art, apparel and accessories, as well as functional and decorative objects in wood, ceramic and glass.
Charleston’s destination for Fine Craft since 1989, the gallery is located at 140 D East Bay Street, in the heart of the French Quarter, on “Gallery Row”. The gallery is open Daily, 10:00-6:00 and staffed by its friendly and knowledgeable member-artisans. Charleston Crafts Cooperative Gallery is a dynamic community of more than two dozen jury-selected artisans, all from South Carolina, making this the city’s only exclusively local craft gallery. For more information call 843.501.7522 or visit www.charlestoncraftsgallery.com.
