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Exhibitions
Archives
The Art of Stephen Chesley: Twilight, Slight Rain Poetic
Realist Paintings |
While influenced by the likes of Rembrandt, Winslow Homer, James Whistler, George Seurat, Edward Hopper and even Jackson Pollock, Chesley is primarily self-taught. Sometimes described as dramatic and even foreboding, his works tend to make more obvious the drama found in the ordinary. As the artist himself explains, “I wish to make you wonder what is just around the bend, over the horizon, or behind a window. I strive to create a mystery, to portray a presence of massive form by not portraying it, or a presence through the unseen that casts a shadow or reflection. Something is just a breath away, a step or a shift of the eye.” |
Bhutan,
the Cloud Kingdom Opening Reception:
Thursday, September 13, 2007, 5:30–7:30pm |
 The
tiny Buddhist kingdom of Bhutan lies high in the world’s tallest
mountains – the Himalayas. Closed to outsiders until late
in the 20th century, Bhutan, with its rural way of life, unspoiled
natural wonders, and Buddhist philosophy, may be considered a modern
day Shangri-La. This exhibit provides a view into the people, customs
and landscape of a country few people get to explore. |
The
Mystical Arts of Tibet: Mandala Sand Painting -The
Architecture of Enlightenment A
Richard Gere & Drepung Loseling Production An Opening Ceremony will begin this rich and rewarding experience for Art Museum visitors. The visiting Tibetan Monks from the Drepung Loseling Monastery will begin by preparing the site for the Mandala Sand Painting with 30-minutes of chanting and music. After the Opening Ceremony, the Monks will start drawing the line design for the Mandala. Throughout their time at the Museum, the Monks will pour millions of grains of sand into place. |
 The
Monks conclude their creation of the Mandala after approximately
30 hours of teamwork with the consecration of the Mandala. During
the closing ceremony, the Monks dismantle the Mandala, sweeping
up the colored sands to symbolize the impermanence of all that exists.
The Sand will be carried by the Monks to the ocean – accompanied
by the public – where the sand will be ceremonially poured
to disperse the healing energies of the Mandala throughout the world. |
| Schedule of Events: |
Columbia,
South Carolina artist Stephen Chesley didn’t intend to become
an artist. His degrees are in urban regional planning (BS from Virginia
Commonwealth and MA from Clemson University’s School of Architecture),
but after spending a brief time in that profession, he turned to
his lifelong love of drawing and painting. Brooding landscapes are
what Chesley is renowned for, and while on first glance they are
read figuratively, there’s an abstract, mysterious quality
that intrigues the viewer. 
| Tuesday, October 9, 5:30-7pm | Opening Ceremony |
| Thursday, October 10, 7pm | Lecture - The Symbolism of the Mandala Sand Painting |
| Sunday, October 14, 1:30-3:30pm | Closing Ceremony |
Visit MyrtleBeachOnline for The Sun News' coverage of the event.
For additional information about the Drepung Loseling Monastery visit
MysticalArtsOfTibet.org.
| Related Events at Coastal Carolina University: The
Bryan Gallery at Coastal Carolina University will present Mystical
Images of Tibet: Sculpture & Photographs September 6 -
October 19 For more information, contact the Bryan Gallery at (843)234-3466 |
The Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum
3100 South Ocean Boulevard
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
phone 843.238.2510
fax 843.238.2910
artmuseum@sc.rr.com