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National Geographic photographer Sam Abell to hold an exhibition at Center for Photography

By Olivia Pool

Sam Abell

Sam Abell/Provided/The Center for Photography

The photograph 'Cardinal' by National Geographic photographer Sam Abell. The renowned photographer's works show tonight during the 'A Photographic Journey' exhibit at The Charleston Center for Photography.

The Center for Photography has brought legendary National Geographic photographer Sam Abell to Charleston to teach a weeklong workshop. Unfortunately for the public, the workshop sold out almost immediately. However, the center is offering a photo presentation of Abell's "A Photographic Journey" today at 7 p.m. The exhibit is free and open to the public.

Abell has worked with the National Geographic Society since 1970 and has photographed more than 20 articles on various cultural and wilderness subjects. He also has lectured on photography and exhibited his images to audiences throughout the world.

In 1990, Eastman Kodak published a retrospective monograph of his photographs titled "Stay This Moment: The Photographs of Sam Abell." A companion exhibit of his work was shown at New York City's International Center of Photography in November of that year. Abell's book credits include "Contemplative Gardens," "The Inward Garden: Creating a Place of Beauty," "Meaning, Australia: Journey Through a Timeless Land" and "Seeing Gardens." In 1998 he collaborated with author Stephen Ambrose on "Lewis & Clark: Voyage of Discovery" and again in 2002 on "The Mississippi: River of History." That same year, he worked with author Leah Bendavid-Val to produce a retrospective of his life and work titled "Sam Abell: The Photographic Life," which will be available for purchase at the Center for Photography this week.

For more information, visit the center at 654-D King St., online at www.center4photography.com, or call 577-0647.

William Berra

Painter William Berra returns to Charleston for a show of his new works at the Sylvan Gallery in April. Berra's famous golden beach paintings are accompanied by those with the bright blue skies and white buildings of Greece. An opening reception will be held Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the gallery, 171 King St.

Berra's work is strongly influenced by the Italian artists of the 19th century; the anti-academics exploring individual marks made with paint.

"Berra believes the viewer can follow the process and the sense of the artist's movement of paint across the surface. This varies from the polished finish of the academics' works, although a representational image remains creating a balance between old school and contemporary approaches," says gallery owner Joe Sylvan.

Berra's work is figurative and often includes his well-known beach scenes. His travel paintings take the viewer through many locations, particularly Italy and, of course, New Mexico. His most recent adventure was to Greece. For more information, contact the Sylvan Gallery at 722-2172.

Potter Bill Campbell

Friday from 5 to 8 p.m., there will be an opening featuring Bill Campbell's flambeaux fine art pottery at the Hamlet Gallery.

An established potter of more than 30 years, Campbell is presenting a new 30-piece collection of his flambeaux art pottery.

"The glazes dance with surprising vibrancy in unexpected patterns. Functional pots become little moments of celebration within the day-to-day routine," says gallery owner Stephanie Hamlet.

This exhibit will be on display through May 15. For more information, contact the Hamlet Fine Art Gallery by calling 722-1944, or visit them online at www.hamletgallery.com or in person at 7 Broad St.

'Storytellers' at Corrigan

The Corrigan Gallery is currently presenting the first duo show of works by Charleston's own Manning Williams and John Hull, the new head of the studio art department at the College of Charleston.

"Storytellers: John Hull and Manning Williams" opens with a reception Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the gallery at 62 Queen St. This is the first group of new paintings by Williams in several years, and Hull's first gallery drawing show.

John Hull tells stories of life passages. "No matter how many different series or narrative ideas I explore as a painter, I think I end up telling the same story," explains Hull.

Williams is a storyteller of repute. Learning as a child that the great competition is to top the last story told, he practiced long and hard to trump others. Williams' creation of tales easily found its way into his paintings. Most often telling stories of the South and the American way, Williams wants to begin a dialogue, stir up questions and create a debate; to express the comedy and tragedy of life in one visual example and to repeat the story as often as is necessary.

For more information on either of these artists, contact the Corrigan Gallery at 722-9868, or online at www.corrigangallery.com.

'Translations'

"Gena Grant: Translations" presents sculptural pieces that create harmony through the inspiration of dance and theater.

Grant's background in the arts is extensive. While earning a double major in drawing and sculpture at the Atlanta College of Art, Grant joined a traveling dance and singing theater group. Such publications as Rolling Stone and The New York Times highlighted Grant's theatrical group with critical acclaim. This led to a long career as a professional dancer and choreographer. With her tremendous artistic background, Grant's work has transformed into performance art and sculptural installations.

According to Grant, her sculptures convey that "slowly but surely, new life does rise out of chaos." Grant's sculptures start in turmoil, but a deep order emerges.

"Translations" will be on display at the City Gallery until April 20. A gallery tour led by the artist will be held Saturday from 3 to 4 p.m. followed by a light reception from 4 to 6 p.m. at the City Gallery at Waterfront Park. This gallery tour is free and open to the public. The City Gallery at Waterfront Park is owned by the city of Charleston and managed by the Office of Cultural Affairs. It is located at 34 Prioleau St. For more information, call 958-6484.

'He Painted, She Painted'

This will be the fifth year that married couple Scott and Kaye Penegar have put together the "He Painted, She Painted" exhibit. The exhibit, taking place at the Spencer Art Gallery, consists of paintings of the same subject matter, done in each artist's unique style.

The show is a friendly competition in which each artist chooses an equal number of subjects. Then the other artist will have to paint the chosen subjects in his or her particular style. The paintings are exhibited beside each other and create an interesting juxtaposition of how the same view can be interpreted in totally different ways by two artists who just happen to live in the same house. There will be a reception for the show Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. at The Spencer Art Gallery, 55 Broad St. For more information, call 722-6854.

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