Editor’s note: Cat Kingery is young artist from North Augusta, and she provided an artist’s perspective on the Augusta Poster Show to supplement reporter Skyler Andrew’s story.
by Caitlyn Kingery
Augusta residents and art enthusiasts were in for a delightful experience on July 14th as event organizer Jason Craig hosted the highly anticipated Augusta Poster Show at CANDL Fine Art Gallery. This remarkable event showcased a diverse array of creative talents, providing a unique opportunity to celebrate the love for the city through limited edition posters.
The show and sale served as a unifying platform, inviting the community to come together, appreciate the artwork and acquire a piece of Augusta’s vibrant history. Fueled by a passion for poster design, Craig embarked on the journey of organizing the Augusta Poster Show to bring artists and art enthusiasts together.
In preparation for the show, the artists were presented with a simple question: What aspects of Augusta inspired them the most? Before commencing the design process, they were encouraged to delve into their personal connections and sources of inspiration, reflecting upon what makes the city unique and captivating to them.
Curated by a multitude of talented artists, the Augusta Poster Show delivered an impressive collection of one-of-a-kind designs, meticulously printed in limited quantities. These carefully crafted art pieces encapsulated the essence of Augusta, showcasing the artists’ creativity and their deep connection to the city. With a wide range of styles and concepts, there was something to suit every individual taste. The event was an immersive celebration of creativity, offering a delightful fusion of art, community, and the shared love for our city.
Autumn Von Plinsky
Autumn Von Plinsky, the recipient of the Augusta Poster Show People’s Choice Award, emerged as a crowd favorite with her captivating artwork titled “Flora & Fauna of The Savannah River.” The piece presents a whimsical depiction of various wildlife species that inhabit the picturesque landscape along the Savannah River.
When discussing her inspiration, Von Plinsky shared that nature has always been a pervasive theme throughout her work and personal interests. She expressed a deep fascination with birds, bugs, and plants, and emphasized how these elements, along with their regional variations, contribute to the unique essence of a place. Von Plinsky finds solace in the outdoors of Augusta, as it serves as a reminder of home, encompassing the characteristic flora and fauna that thrive within the city’s natural environment. With her poster, Von Plinsky captures this essence by incorporating hints of ecology and organismal science, reminiscent of field guides, while also infusing a sense of warmth, coziness, and playful charm.
Interview with Jacki Mayo Van Dyke
Q: “Why do you believe it is important that the nature of Augusta is well represented in the art community?”
A: “It’s definitely not the only type of representation I feel is important or needed in the Augusta art scene, but it stems from the same place – it’s important to show the world in all its facets, and, while this poster definitely isn’t the most serious subject (hey, it’s cute animals playing games), there’s definitely an element of wanting to inspire fascination and admiration for the natural world. We share any space at any time with plants, animals, etc., and they’re out here doing their thing just like us, trying to make the best of things, enjoy life, and get by.”
Q: “Did you get inspiration from a specific spot along the Savannah Tiver?”
A: “I did! There’s a particular clearing along the river I spent a lot of time at in high school with friends. A little embellishment was added, but that’s the inspiration!”
Q: “What do you think the future holds for the Augusta poster show?”
A: “Honestly, many good things. Even from last year to this year, I feel like the community is building around it, the viewer community and the artist community. I think the event could continue to build as a way to make and strengthen connections between artists in Augusta and to bring even more positive associations to our town.”
Q: “What advice would you give anyone on the fence of submitting their work for next year’s show?”
A: “It’s a cliche (that I’m going to butcher), but it’s still valid – you can’t make a hit if you don’t swing. If you feel connected to Augusta, if you have an idea you want to explore, submit it! But beyond that, just keep making things and exploring – whether or not you make it in the show, there’s always room and need for more art in the world.”
A time-lapse of Plisky’s entire creative process for this piece can be found on her Instagram page, providing viewers with a glimpse into her journey as she brings the evergreen scene to life.
Zimmerman
Leonard Porchop Zimmerman, a highly acclaimed artist renowned for his captivating creations, achieved resonant success with his latest artwork, “A boy can dream.” The earth-toned autumn scene, illuminated by the golden hour, features a water tower radiantly emerging through a canopy of trees and vines. Zimmerman shared the inspiration behind his poster, reflecting on memories from his childhood home located on Spring Hill Terrace, a tranquil dead-end street nestled on the side of the Hill near Heard Ave. Zimmerman recounted how he would often gaze up at the water tower from his childhood home, dreaming of Alphabet City (Downtown Augusta), visible through its structure. Years later while recording drone footage of the water tower, a profound realization washed over him—his childhood home appeared in the footage, reinforcing a connection that spanned across time. Zimmerman finally realized that the water tower, a silent witness to his dreams and aspirations, had also observed him all those years ago. As Zimmerman’s artistic journey continues to flourish, admirers eagerly anticipate his future exhibitions and ventures. “A boy can dream” exemplifies Zimmerman’s skill in capturing the essence of childhood nostalgia, transporting viewers to a realm where dreams and memories converge.
Mural artist Addison Nidday described his participation in the Augusta Poster Show as “the raddest experience” of his career thus far. Nidday expressed his delight at being featured in and attending one of Jason Craig’s events. His poster, which showcases an advertisement for the former Coca-Cola building Downtown and delved into its historical significance, held a powerful personal meaning to Nidday. Reflecting on his experience at the show, Nidday described it as unforgettable and cherished, expressing his admiration for being showcased alongside his creative heroes. He admired the exceptional artworks displayed, which he considered the “most rad pieces of work” he had ever seen. Interacting with these artists not only brought him happiness but also fostered a sense of belonging. Nidday expressed his joy in being able to engage with, get to know, and connect with fellow creatives during the event. He praises event organizer Jason Craig for all the opportunities that came with joining the show.
Jason Craig
Reflecting on the vibrant nature of the city and its unwavering support for independent events, Jason Craig expressed his deep sense of gratitude for being part of such a dynamic community. He acknowledged the incredible artists participating in the show, recognizing their ability to consistently astound with their phenomenal creations.
Craig emphasized the value of assuming leadership within the art community and actively pursuing one’s aspirations, asserting that achieving desired outcomes requires taking the initiative and making them a reality. If you want there to be more art events, don’t wait for the next one to pop up- Create your own!
Jason Craig is an accomplished independent graphic designer and illustrator, who has been an integral part of the Augusta arts and design community. With rich experiences spanning over two decades, he has contributed as an artist, organizer, and advocate in various capacities. Throughout his career, Craig’s dedication and talent have made a lasting impact on the arts and design landscape of Augusta.
A list of all artists involved can be found here https://www.augustapostershow.com/home#artists
doesn’t include the Waffle House, is it really a love story?”
Expressing enthusiasm about being involved in the show,
she shared her happiness, emphasizing the event’s
excellence as a concept. She praised Jason Craig’s
exceptional skills in organizing art events.
For more coverage of the Augusta Poster show, visit https://theaugustapress.com/augusta-poster-show-draws-crowds-paying-artistic-homage-to-the-garden-city/
