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 2 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 7
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.

The Society of Bluffton Artists (SOBA) is celebrating the season of giving and creativity with its Annual Holiday Market, open November 3 through December 28 at the SOBA Art Gallery in Old Town Bluffton.

Each year, SOBA transforms its featured artist room into a cheerful boutique bursting with handcrafted treasures made by local artists. Visitors will find paintings, jewelry, ceramics, pottery, prints, photography, cards, stained glass, and wood art — plus festive décor and giftable pieces that showcase the heart of Bluffton’s creative spirit.

“This event truly captures the warmth and joy of our community,” said Karen Richards, President of SOBA. “Every ornament, painting, or piece of pottery tells a story. When you shop at the Holiday Market, you’re not just buying a gift, you’re supporting local artists and spreading a little Lowcountry cheer.”

The Holiday Market is open during SOBA’s regular gallery hours:


• Monday–Saturday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.


Sunday: 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

The Society of Bluffton Artists (SOBA) invites the community to an afternoon of local flavor, literary adventure, and artful giving. From 2-4 p.m. November 20, the SOBA Art School (8 Church Street, Old Town Bluffton) will host a book signing and fundraiser with celebrated Lowcountry authors Lynn and Cele Seldon, co-authors of the newly released 100 Things to Do in the South Carolina Lowcountry Before You Die.

Guests will enjoy refreshments and have the opportunity to meet the authors, who will be signing copies of their latest book. A portion of every book sold will benefit SOBA’s 18th annual Naomi McCracken High School Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarships to deserving graduating seniors pursuing careers in the visual arts.

The event is part of SOBA’s Holiday Scholarship Fundraiser, celebrating community creativity and education. Visitors can also explore SOBA’s Holiday Market, filled with handcrafted art, jewelry, pottery, photography, and more — perfect for holiday gifting.

Released last month by Reedy Press, 100 Things to Do in the South Carolina Lowcountry Before You Die completes the Seldons’ acclaimed travel trilogy, which also includes 100 Things to Do in Charleston Before You Die and 100 Things to Do in Savannah Before You Die. The book offers readers dozens of destinations and experiences from Edisto Island to Daufuskie Island, including Walterboro, Beaufort, St. Helena Island, Bluffton, Hilton Head Island, and more — making it a must-have guide and ideal holiday gift for locals and visitors alike.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Lynn and Cele to SOBA,” said Karen Richards, President of the Society of Bluffton Artists. “This event is a wonderful opportunity to support both the arts and local authors — and to give back to the next generation of artists through our scholarship program.”

Learn more about the authors at seldonink.com

Exhibit from Oct. 5-Nov. 1; opening reception from 4-6 p.m. Oct. 9 

The Society of Bluffton Artists (SOBA) is proud to announce its October Featured Artist Exhibit, Nature, Nostalgia & Whimsy, showcasing the vibrant works of painter Karen Magill. The exhibition will run from October 5 through November 1 at the SOBA Gallery, located in Old Town Bluffton. An opening reception, free and open to the public, will be held from 4–6 p.m. Oct. 9, offering art lovers the opportunity to meet the artist, enjoy light refreshments, and experience her work firsthand.

Magill’s artistic journey is deeply rooted in her passion for the outdoors and her love of plein air painting. She describes her creative process as both joyful and mysterious. 

“In finishing a painting, there’s a curiosity about who will choose it and why,” Magill said. “The visual and emotional communication is mysterious and joyful. To have my work chosen for a collector’s home or special place is an honor.”

Her work is celebrated for its luminous colors, sense of light, and ability to capture the imagination. 

“I’m told that my images jump off the canvas, have a special sense of light and color, make viewers smile or want to jump into the painting,” she added. “These responses are very rewarding and encouraging.”

Magill’s inspiration stems from her love of hiking, camping, and travel. This connection to nature infuses her work with both energy and serenity. 

“I am blessed with a boundless passion for painting—especially plein air—learning, experimenting, and improving,” Magill said.

The October exhibit, Nature, Nostalgia & Whimsy, will feature a collection that reflects these influences, blending a reverence for the natural world with a playful and nostalgic lens.For more about the artist and her work, visit KarenMagillArt.com.

Exhibit from Aug. 3-30; Opening Reception from 3-5 p.m. Aug. 7 

The Society of Bluffton Artists (SOBA) is proud to present “Everyday Life on Hilton Head,” a solo exhibit by Nancy Huson, as its August Featured Artist show. The exhibit will be on display from August 3rd through August 30th at the SOBA Gallery, located in Old Town Bluffton.

An opening reception — free and open to the public — will take place from 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday, August 7th at the gallery, offering the community a chance to meet the artist and enjoy light refreshments.

Nancy Huson draws inspiration from her daily walks through Hilton Head’s natural landscapes — its beaches, gardens, and marshes. Her oil and pastel paintings radiate with vibrant color and the quiet joy of everyday island moments. Whether capturing the delicate bloom of a lily or an ibis mid-hunt at Sea Pines Forest Preserve, Huson’s work is a visual journal of the serene beauty that surrounds her.

“I try to capture the beauty of those experiences with vibrant colors as I see them in nature’s light,” Huson said. “It is my hope that I can visually communicate the happy and peaceful feelings of my experiences with the viewer.”

Huson studied fine art and printmaking at Colgate University, and further honed her craft at studios in Kansas City and through workshops with accomplished plein air artists Carol Douglas and Greg Barnes.For more information about Nancy Huson and to preview her work, visit nancyhuson.com. For gallery hours and additional information about SOBA, visit sobagallery.com.

Reception to be held 3-5 p.m. July 10 at The Society of Bluffton Artists Gallery

The Society of Bluffton Artists (SOBA) is pleased to present “Flight-n-Fancy” by Janet Urbanic July Featured Artist Exhibit, on display from July 6 through August 2 at the SOBA Gallery in Old Town Bluffton. An opening reception is scheduled for 3-5 p.m. Thursday, July 10 and is free and open to the public.

Urbanic’s artwork reflects her deep appreciation for the beauty of the Lowcountry, particularly its captivating birds, serene marshes, and vibrant wetlands. Working primarily in oil and watercolor batik, she brings a gentle, often whimsical approach to her compositions, exploring the emotional connections found in nature and human relationships.

“I try to capture the softer side of life through my brush,” Urbanic said. “Whether it’s the grace of a heron or the whimsy of a watercolor batik, I’m inspired daily by the beauty that surrounds us.”

A native of Ohio, Urbanic relocated to Sun City nearly six years ago after retiring from a 25-year corporate career. She began painting in oils through a class offered by the Cleveland Museum of Art, building upon a creative foundation that began with teaching ceramics and china painting. Urbanic holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Hiram College, where she also pursued her love of art through elective coursework — including a formative trip to Paris to study the works of master painters.

Urbanic is a proud member of SOBA and also exhibits with the Art League of Hilton Head and at Sun City.

“Reflections of the Lowcountry”

Highlights serene marshes, coastal scenes and the tranquil beauty of Bluffton’s natural surroundings

The Society of Bluffton Artists (SOBA) presents “Reflections of the Lowcountry,” a solo exhibition by local artist Marie Camenares, on display June 1–28 at the SOBA gallery, located at 6 Church Street in Old Town Bluffton.

An opening reception — free and open to the public — will be held from 4–6 p.m. Friday, June 6.

Camenares’ work explores the quiet magic of the Lowcountry through pastel and watercolor landscapes that celebrate the golden marshes, tidal creeks, and ever-changing coastal skies. Her luminous paintings offer more than a scenic view — they capture the emotion and depth of place that define this unique region.

“The landscapes of the Lowcountry hold a quiet magic — where golden marshes stretch to the horizon, tidal creeks reflect the ever-changing sky, and the salt air whispers through the grasses,” Camenares said. “My paintings aim to capture the shifting light, depth of color, and sense of peace that makes this region so special.”

A Bluffton resident and lifelong artist, Camenares draws inspiration from the natural world around her. She specializes in pastels and watercolor — mediums that allow her to express both bold color and soft luminosity. Her background as a horticulturist and floral designer brings an organic understanding of color, form, and movement to her work.

Camenares studied art education at C.W. Post College and has spent years refining her craft. Her work has become a visual love letter to the Lowcountry, inviting viewers to pause, reflect, and see the beauty in their surroundings.

Exhibit is from May 4-31 with an Opening Reception from 4-6 p.m. May 8 

The Society of Bluffton Artists (SOBA) proudly presents “Low Country Classics,” a vibrant and heartfelt exhibit by May’s Featured Artist Lynne Drake. The show will be on display May 4 through May 31 at the SOBA Gallery in Old Town Bluffton. A public reception will be held Wednesday, May 8 from 4-6 p.m., where guests can meet the artist, enjoy refreshments, and immerse themselves in the beauty of the Lowcountry through a colorful and expressive collection of works.

This new collection captures the emotion, nostalgia, and natural beauty that define the Lowcountry.

“My current art reflects what moves and inspires me here in the Low Country, working in various mediums and styles,” Drake explained. “I love all things beautiful — form, color and emotion — and all the qualities that make something worth remembering and replicating.”

Art has always been part of the artist’s identity, with early memories of sketching life-size chalk figures on pavement. Her passion for creative expression led to a solo art show in the fifth grade and continued through a lifelong journey in the arts. She earned a BFA in graphic design and a MALS with a focus on art and education.

Throughout her career, she worked as a sign painter, graphic artist, and gallery manager in the Hamptons, and founded a Long Island art studio that exhibited local artists, hosted children’s art parties, and offered art instruction. She also taught art in a variety of settings — including private lessons, public education, group homes, and inner-city high schools through a program with the National Council of Unity.

Now settled in the Lowcountry with her husband — also an artist — she devotes her time to creating and teaching art at SOBA and Sun City.

“As long as I can remember, art has been just who I am — what I see and how I live,” Drake said.“Low Country Classics” offers a heartfelt glimpse into the artist’s connection with the region’s landscape, culture, and spirit. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore this inspired exhibit throughout the month of May at SOBA Gallery.

The exhibit is from April 6-May 3 and the open house is from 4-6 p.m. April 11 at The Society of Bluffton Artists Gallery in Old Town Bluffton

The Society of Bluffton Artists (SOBA) will spotlight the work of Janet Stevens in a featured artist exhibit from April 6 to May 3, 2025, at the SOBA Gallery in Old Town Bluffton. Art lovers are invited to an open house reception from 4-6 p.m. on April 11, where they can meet the artist and experience her captivating work in person.

Stevens’ exhibit is a celebration of the natural world, offering a collection of paintings that bring to life the beauty of landscapes and the distinctive character of local wildlife. Her work, which blends figurative expressionism with a deep reverence for nature, invites viewers to appreciate the quiet moments of wonder found in everyday surroundings.

“My art celebrates the natural world, focusing on the beauty of landscapes and the character of local animals,” said Stevens. “Each piece reflects my connection to the environment, capturing quiet moments of wonder. I enjoy creating serene compositions that honor the balance and harmony of nature.”

With a BA in Studio Art from Framingham State University, Stevens’ artistic expertise spans multiple disciplines, including painting, photography, ceramics, and Intaglio printmaking. She works across diverse mediums—oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, and pencil—to convey both the tangible and emotional essence of her subjects. Inspired by the awe and beauty of the natural world, Stevens masterfully transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary visual narratives.

The SOBA Gallery, located in the heart of Old Town Bluffton, provides an inviting space for both emerging and established artists to showcase their talents. The Janet Stevens exhibit is open to the public, and all artwork will be available for purchase.

For more information about the Janet Stevens exhibit or the SOBA Gallery, visit https://sobagallery.com.

Event Details:

📅 Exhibit Dates: April 6 – May 3, 2025
📍 Location: SOBA Gallery, Old Town Bluffton
🎨 Open House Reception: April 11, 4-6 p.m.