Sunset River Marketplace, Calabash, N.C.

When rains come to Brunswick County, North Carolina, people don’t go to the beach or swim in the ocean. They seek other diversions. One alternative is Sunset River Marketplace, a 10,000 square-foot art gallery filled with art works in every medium. Jewelry, pottery, oils, watercolors. Name the medium and the gallery has it. Not only does it display works by local and regional artists, it offers workshops, presentations on a multitude of topics and discussions by local authors. It’s a place that locals frequent. I seldom walk out of there without buying something. I love the place!!

►Coffee with the Local Authors
Unless a holiday interferes with the schedule or some other circumstance prevents it, the first Thursday of the month from September through April, three or four writers form a panel and discuss their books and answer audience questions. Sometimes it’s a single author who explains writing style, talks about getting started in writing or discusses a pertinent topic on writing. The event is free to all who attend.

►Creative Exchange
The second Wednesday of each month throughout the year when schedules permit, the gallery hosts a presentation on a fascinating topic such as efficient packing for travel, scrapbooking and fashion jewelry. December always has a holiday theme. Cost of the event is $5, which includes lunch.

► Workshops
Artist Sterling Edwards presents “Acrylic Abstracts” from September 20-24. Edwards is a watercolorist with a unique style that art lovers respect.

►Exhibitions
The gallery highlights artists and their works inside the front door. Past displays include “Watercolors with a Transparent Touch” by Richard Staat and “Barns of the American Landscape,” a group exhibit.

►Classes
Want to learn to paint in watercolor? Oils? What about learning pottery? A variety of classes are offered, including those for children.

►Custom Framing
No matter the size or style, the gallery has thousands of choices for framing and matting. I’ve had several paintings framed there. The results are great.

Owner Ginny Lassiter is friendly and knowledgeable. Check out the gallery at 10283 Beach Drive, Calabash, N.C. 28467, at http://www.sunsetrivermarketplace.com/ or call 910-575-5999.