Alexis Holmes
palmettoreport@gmail.com

(Rock Hill, S.C.) — The Arts Council of York County recently concluded its inaugural members show featuring various pieces of work — including paintings, sculptures, photography and mixed media — from local and regional artists who are members of the group.

The show, March 19-April 25, was presented in the Dalton Gallery on Main Street in downtown Rock Hill.

“This show is really important,” said Mike Gentry, manager of the Dalton Gallery.  “In the show, there’s 37 pieces (and) then online there’s 38,” featured in a virtual gallery, he said.

Melanie Cooper, director of marketing for the gallery, said the show recognized the work of professional, student and emerging artists. “We are thrilled to have it,” said Cooper.

“This show is based on the Arts Council members, of those who are people in the community. Some are near in the York county area, some are (from) far (away) and this is their artwork, so this is a representation of folks in the community,” said Reba Bowens, director of membership for the Dalton Gallery.

Kirk Irwin, executive director of the Friday Arts Project who attended the show, said the arts can have an important economic impact on the community.

“That is why this exhibit’s important. It reflects a lot of the artists in our community, so you’re seeing what their hearts and minds are dwelling on,” said Irwin.

The exhibit also left an impression on a number of Winthrop University students, including some who attended for course credit.

“I visited the gallery and I really enjoyed getting a chance to look at the pieces displayed. I especially like that all of the pieces were not the same in terms of just paintings; it brought a lot of diversity to the show,” said Jaylan Scott, a political science major at Winthrop.

Scott, who is also an artist, said he now felt inspired to showcase some of his work on social media, after attending the members show.

Wilesha Moore, an exercise science major, said she went to the gallery, because she received extra credit for attending, but ended up having fun.

“I really had a good time at the Dalton Gallery showing and the people like, Mike Gentry, were so nice. I even asked about possibly purchasing a piece of artwork that I really liked,” said Moore.

She said she hopes to eventually develop an art collection that she can pass on to her kids someday.

Ari’Elle Scott, a political science major, said she wasn’t sure if she would enjoy visiting the Dalton Gallery, but she had a change of heart after see the artwork.

“I really liked it and I honestly felt bad, because I prejudged it by thinking it would be boring. I look forward to going to more shows like this in the future for sure,” said Scott.