D.S. Owens, Michael Drake and CASE Exhibit

The AHCNA is pleased to present two exhibits for August and September. The first is an exhibition of artwork from Michael Drake and D.S. Owens in our main gallery. The second is a group ceramics exhibit from Clay Artists of the South East (CASE). The opening reception for these exhibits will be held on Thursday, August 15 from 5:00 – 7:00pm, and is free and open to the public.

Michael Drake  “My love of perspective, nature, music and people in action is the passionate force behind my work.” says Augusta, GA. artist Michael Drake. Michael was born in Buffalo, NY, moving at an early age to Columbia, SC, his father’s hometown.  “My art story began in high school when my drawing of the front of AC Flora High School in Columbia, SC was chosen for the inside 1971 diploma cover.” This early start in the world of art was halted for 40 years while Michael worked in metal fabrication and later home repair and married and raised a family, settling in Augusta. “My wife bought me a canvas and some paint to jump start a return to art and it sat on the shelf for two years. After an injury while working with wood I decided to give it a go and now about 700 paintings later I’m looking at a full future,” Michael relates. Currently the artist works in acrylic on canvas but Michael looks forward to more exploration in watercolor, oil and three dimensional/abstract works. Michael is in tune with what “speaks to him and captivates him” and uses this as inspiration for his paintings.  His work can be seen on his website www.michaeldrakeart.com

 D.S. Owens is the sole proprietor of Mind’s Eye Photography, which was started in 2001, it Aiken, SC, and he is a member of Aiken Artist Guild, Art Association of Ridge Spring, the North Augusta Artist Guild. He is also a juried member of the “South Carolina Artisans Center”, that has been designated as “The Official Folk Art and Craft center of South Carolina” in 1998 by our state legislators, and a Juried member in the “Arts and Heritage Center of North Augusta, SC”  D.S., is in his Fourth career, now as a self taught Photographer, after being a mechanical engineer, an automobile dealer, and a real estate broker. All during these times he was still pursuing the field of photography, that he discovered and loved during his time In the Navy during the Vietnam war.  He is often referred to as a “Landscape Photographer” but has explored many other genres of photography including, Street Photography, Abstract Photography, & Travel Photography, but the love of just creating the image is what really motivates him to continue the quest to capture a moment in time. He believes that the “Art Of Seeing” is the key ingredient of any good photographer, and also believes that this ability can be learned.  He has been honored with winning 53 awards, and has been selected 4 times for the “Artist- In-Residence” program by the South Carolina State Parks.  His work is on permanent display at the Aiken County government building and many SC State Parks, and also many private collections, plus he has been published both in the US and internationally.  His work can be seen on his website, www.dsowens.com.

The ceramic group CASE (Clay Artists of the South East) will be bringing in their artwork to be displayed in the balcony gallery.  This year’s theme is “Clay is the Way.”  Elizabeth Barnes is the organizer of this group of clay artists who meet monthly to share clay ideas, and plan for future exhibitions. This group consists of hand builders and those who use the potter’s wheel.  CASE aims to bring people together who enjoy working with clay, ceramics, pottery.  The works are always interesting, intricate and creative.  If you are interested in joining CASE and participating in their show click here for their entry form.

Many A Good Egg Under A Ragged Hat

Sunrise Surprize final _ Drake

Path to Healng Drake

Morning Solitude by DS Owens

Let the music flow DS

Looking for a Catch Drake

victoria milheim

Vera DiVeto