The Society of Bluffton Artists (SOBA) invites the community to celebrate its Grand Reopening and Ribbon Cutting Event with a full day of art, student exhibitions, and family-friendly activities in the heart of Bluffton.

The celebration will take place April 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., beginning at the Bluffton Public Library and continuing at the SOBA Gallery and Art School, SOBA’s new home in Old Town Bluffton, located across the street from the former gallery building.

The day begins with the High School Student Art Exhibition Opening Reception from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the library. Guests can enjoy light refreshments while viewing artwork created by students from three Bluffton high schools. All pieces will be available for purchase, with 100 percent of proceeds going directly to the student artists.

The celebration continues from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at SOBA’s newly reopened gallery and art school on Church Street. Visitors are invited to explore the new space and view exceptional artwork by more than 90 local artists, highlighting the vibrant creative community that defines Bluffton’s historic arts district.

A special ribbon cutting ceremony will take place at 1 p.m., marking an exciting new chapter for SOBA and its ongoing commitment to supporting artists, students, and arts education throughout the Lowcountry.

Throughout the afternoon, guests can enjoy refreshments, meet local artists exhibiting work on the lawn, and participate in hands-on art activities designed for visitors of all ages.

“This reopening celebrates not only our new space but also the incredible community that supports the arts in Bluffton,” said SOBA President Karen Richards. “We’re excited to welcome residents and visitors alike for a day filled with creativity, connection, and celebration.”

The event is free and open to the public.

For more information, stop by the SOBA Gallery on Church Street, visit sobagallery.com, or follow SOBA on Facebook and Instagram.

The Society of Bluffton Artists (SOBA) is proud to announce a special exhibition featuring donated artwork by member artists, with proceeds supporting the organization’s ongoing capital campaign fund.

Running March 3 through April 4 at the SOBA Gallery’s new location, 7 Church Street in Old Town Bluffton, this rotating exhibition highlights the generosity and creativity of SOBA artists who have donated original works to help strengthen the future of the Bluffton arts community.

Featured artists for the month of March include Julia Kamenskikh, Sue Mentis, Pearl Mintzer, Jean Macaluso and Jan Urbanic, along with a special inclusion of artwork by Betty Hintz, a founding member of SOBA. The Hintz piece has been generously donated by her family in honor of her lasting legacy within the organization. Additional donated works may be added throughout the exhibition, showcasing contributions from these artists and more.

A public artist reception will be held from 4-6 p.m. March 5 at the SOBA Gallery, inviting the community to enjoy the artwork, meet fellow art supporters, and learn more about the capital campaign initiative.

“This exhibition is a celebration of both artistic talent and collective generosity,” said Karen Richards, the SOBA president. “Each donated piece plays a role in sustaining our gallery and expanding opportunities for artists and art lovers alike.”

The Society of Bluffton Artists (SOBA) will celebrate the creativity and talent of local high school students in its annual High School Art Show, on display April 2 through May 8 at the Bluffton Public Library, located at 120 Palmetto Way. A public reception honoring the student artists will be held at 11 a.m. on April 11 at the library.

This year’s exhibition features artwork from students at Bluffton High School, May River High School, and Cross School. The exhibit highlights a wide range of artistic disciplines and reflects the strong arts education programs within these schools. Many participating students are already building foundations for future careers in art, design, and photography.

“SOBA’s mission is to provide art education and art appreciation to the local community,” said Lynn Newsom, SOBA event organizer. “With this annual high school art show, we’re able to give students an opportunity for public recognition for their talents and achievements, similar to that given to student athletes, science projects, and music concerts.”

Cross School will present work from five students in digital photography, digital painting, and digital mixed media. According to John Cullinen, arts teacher at Cross Upper School, the school’s arts program continues to grow, offering students opportunities in photography, digital, and traditional art.

“We are excited to participate again this year and appreciate the opportunity to showcase our work in the community,” Cullinen said.

Bluffton High School will also showcase work from five students, featuring media arts, photography, ceramics, drawing, and painting. Bluffton High School is unique within the county for offering four focused areas within its art department: Photography/Media Arts, Drawing, Ceramics, and Painting. Students may choose a specialization and pursue advanced coursework, including college-level classes.

May River High School’s visual art department emphasizes building a strong foundation in art and design while encouraging students to develop their individual artistic voices, said Beth Schlieger, fine arts department chair.

“From utilitarian to aesthetic, students have created works for the SOBA Art Show that both reflect who they are while responding to the intended audience,” Schlieger said.

The SOBA High School Art Show is free and open to the public during regular Bluffton Public Library hours.

For more information about SOBA and its programs, visit www.sobagallery.com.

The Society of Bluffton Artists (SOBA) Gallery and Art School are relocating to a new space in Old Town Bluffton and continuing their mission with the same artists, classes, and creative community that patrons know and love.

SOBA’s current buildings on Church Street are being sold. As a result, the Gallery will be closed from February 15 through March 2nd, reopening Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in their new location directly across the street at 7 Church Street, Bluffton, SC.

While the address is changing, everything that makes SOBA special remains the same. 

Same artists. Same classes. New space. Same creative community. 

“This move marks an exciting new chapter for SOBA” said Karen Richards, president of SOBA. “Nothing about who we are is changing. Our artists, exhibitions, classes and special events will continue with the same creative energy and connection our community knows and loves. We can’t wait to welcome everyone into our new space.”

Upcoming 2026 SOBA Events Include:

• SOBA Featured Artist Events Return to the Gallery
• Adult Art Classes – Begin March 2026 
• Expanded Youth Art Program – Launches March 2026
• Annual High School Student Art Show, April 2 – May 8th at the Bluffton Public Library 
• Artists on the Lawn during Old Town Bluffton’s Mayfest 2026
• The 32nd Annual SOBA Judged Show – August 2026
• SOBA’s Holiday Market  –  November – December 2026

A Forever Home for SOBA 

While SOBA  is grateful to be able to remain in Old Town Bluffton by leasing  space right across the street, the organization has also set its sights on securing “A Forever Home for SOBA”. To achieve this goal, the Society had launched a capital campaign to raise funds for the purchase of a permanent space.

“We want to thank everyone who has already contributed so generously to the campaign,” Richards said. “With the continued support from the Bluffton community, we hope to achieve this goal within the next few years” 

To learn more about classes, exhibitions, events, or how to support SOBA’s goal of finding “A Forever Home” in Old Town Bluffton, visit www.sobagallery.com or follow @sobagallery on Instagram and Society of Bluffton Artists on Facebook.

The Society of Bluffton Artists will honor the life and legacy of Betty Thorpe Hintz, one of the seven founding members of SOBA and a beloved Lowcountry artist, with a special exhibition featuring her artwork and prints from Jan. 5 to Feb. 1 at the SOBA Gallery, located at 6 Church Street in Old Town Bluffton. 

The Hintz family has generously donated Betty’s work to the gallery. Proceeds from all sales will be directed to our campaign fund to find a new permanent home for the SOBA Gallery.

Betty Thorpe Hintz was born in Chicago in 1924 and lived a remarkable global life before settling in Bluffton in 1985. Her journey took her to Indonesia, the Philippines, South Africa, Singapore, and Bermuda, where she raised her family, worked in community organizations, and immersed herself in the cultures around her. She learned multiple languages, volunteered extensively, and embraced every opportunity to grow.

Art remained a constant thread throughout her life. Betty painted, china-painted, exhibited widely, and supported the local arts community. She was a founding member of the Society of Bluffton Artists and the Guild of Bluffton Artists. Her solo show, East of Suez, marked her 90th birthday and reflected her deep connection to the places she lived and loved.

Betty graduated from the University of South Carolina at age 71 and later taught courses on the art and culture of Southeast Asia. She stayed active in Bluffton’s cultural, social, and environmental circles for decades. Her curiosity, generosity, and energy touched friends, neighbors, and many who only met her once.

“Betty gave so much to SOBA and to this community,” said the Hintz family. “Sharing her artwork with the gallery keeps her spirit alive in the place she loved.”

The January exhibit will showcase a curated selection of her paintings and prints that reflect her world travels and artistic range. 

The public is invited to visit the exhibit at SOBA Gallery throughout January.

The Society of Bluffton Artists (SOBA) invites the public to experience “Large Art,” a bold and visually striking exhibition running January 5 through February 15 at the SOBA Gallery, located at 6 Church Street in Old Town Bluffton.

This dynamic show features oversized works by SOBA member artists who embrace scale as part of the creative process. From vibrant abstracts to expressive mixed media and contemporary compositions, Large Art highlights how working big can unlock new energy, movement, and storytelling in art.

“Large Art allows our artists to push boundaries—physically and creatively,” said Karen Richards, president of SOBA. “These pieces demand attention and invite viewers to step closer, linger longer, and truly engage.”

Art With a Purpose: Supporting SOBA’s Next Chapter

In addition to celebrating large-format artwork, this exhibition carries special significance for the organization. SOBA is currently raising donations to secure a new, permanent home, ensuring the nonprofit can continue supporting local artists, hosting exhibitions, and serving as a cultural anchor in Bluffton for years to come.

Proceeds from artwork sales, along with direct donations during the exhibition, will help fund SOBA’s relocation efforts. Visitors are encouraged to support not only the artists on the walls, but the future of the arts community itself.

“SOBA has long been a creative heartbeat of Old Town Bluffton,” Richards said. “As we look toward our next home, community support is more important than ever.”

Exhibition Details

What: Large Art Exhibition
When: January 5 – February 15
Where: SOBA Gallery, 6 Church Street, Old Town Bluffton, SC

The exhibition is free and open to the public during regular gallery hours.

Come for the art. Stay for the impact. And help SOBA build the next chapter—one bold piece at a time.

Discover Unique, Handcrafted Gifts and Décor at SOBA Art Gallery in Old Town Bluffton

The Society of Bluffton Artists (SOBA) is thrilled to announce the return of its Holiday Market, a seasonal showcase featuring handcrafted, one-of-a-kind gifts by local artists. From November 4 through December, the SOBA Art Gallery’s featured artist room will transform into a festive shopping destination for the community. Visitors can explore and purchase a wide array of artfully crafted items perfect for the holiday season, including wreaths, small paintings, holiday décor, and gift-worthy treasures. Each piece is thoughtfully created by talented Bluffton artists, making the Holiday Market an ideal stop for unique and personal holiday shopping.

“The Holiday Market is a beloved SOBA tradition, perfect for anyone looking for a unique holiday shopping experience,” said Karen Richards, President of SOBA.

The Holiday Market opens on November 4, and will follow regular gallery hours:

• Monday-Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Sunday: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.