On Thursday, July 13, artists Sue Porterfield and Terry Smith presented dozens of paintings at downtown Augusta’s Sacred Heart Cultural Center, located at 1301 Greene St.
First built in the very late 1900s, the Sacred Heart Cultural Center is now a well-known downtown historical site that highlights the work of many artists residing within the CSRA.
“We do about six shows a year and always have these open receptions for the artists to kick it off,” said Sacred Heart’s Cultural Center Executive Director Millie Huff. “The artist picks their own theme, and sometimes the results are sort of thematic and other times it’s not; it’s about things the person is passionate about.”
Huff also said those involved with the Sacred Heart Guild believe art should be protected and promoted in the Augusta area, because of its role in bringing the community together for something positive and even uplifting.
“It’s a very supportive community,” she said.
As attendees sipped wine, snacked and perused the Great Hall’s new gallery, featured artists Porterfield and Smith interacted with onlookers and answered questions about their individual pieces.
“There are several pieces that really stand out to me, and they’re all just stunning. [Porterfield and Smith] just have so much talent,” said the center’s Program and Marketing Manager Sabrina Dickson. “People should absolutely come and visit the art hall, because people can see these works of art for the next two months, and they’re available for purchase with a percentage of the proceeds going towards supporting Sacred Heart … it’s definitely important the community plays a part in that.”
Dickson said she believed both artists’ usage of nearby locations was important because it would encourage others to venture out in the local community, and experience something new.
“A lot of people in Augusta don’t realize how much beauty there is,” said Smith. “Some of my work depicts Brick Pond Park, and some people have never been to that area in North Augusta, but it’s really beautiful.”
With his biggest painting illustrating Phinizy Swamp illuminated by the summer sun, Smith said myths of bothersome bugs and wild animals have discouraged some folks from ever visiting.
“An awful lot of people have never been there, and they just assume they’ll be eaten alive by mosquitos and alligators,” he said. “But people need to go out and realize there’s a lot of beauty within their own home area, and it’s worth painting.”
Smith also said he thinks art and its appreciation is important, because he believes painting is an unavoidable habit or urge humans are born with.
“I think there’s something primal in human beings when it comes to painting,” he said. “I mean, when you think about it, one of the first things children want to do is making marks from paints and fingerpaints … the act of painting is basically very satisfying, which is why I think digital artwork will never take the place of actual, hands-on work.”
While Smith’s works displayed several calm nature scenes inspired by various locations in the CSRA, Porterfield’s paintings featured a handful of wild animals, people and oceanic views from across the country and a few international areas, including the beaches of Aruba.
“I take photographs wherever I go and if I see one that really inspires me I paint from that,” said Porterfield. “I like to use the nature I see as inspiration.”
Focusing on recreating the essence of local landscapes, Porterfield mentioned that she oftentimes enjoys adding some sort of live animal on the canvases, because it makes everything feel more realistic and impossibly alive.
“I like bright colors and I figured, you know, if you want something hanging in the house, then you want something happy,” she said. “I hope people feel happy seeing these.”
In fact, Portefield and Smith’s paintings were both considered as enormously impressive, which led to many works being sold.
“It’s always nice to come down and see the artist as well as their work,” said Patsy Pennington, an event attendee. “I have not met [Porterfield] before, but both her and [Smith]’s pieces are very nice … they’re off places my husband and I have frequented in the past.”
Pennington said one of her favorites of Porterfield’s depicted a place her uncle’s favorite location – Cades Cove – which is located in America’s Great Smoky Mountains.
“After retiring, [from being a civilian with a long career in management for at least 1 year]. it’s great to have a second chance at life,” said Smith. “But painting is like golf – sometimes it’s more frustrating than it is pleasant. It’s still a great release and outlet though … it’s 180 degrees from what I was doing as a government bureaucrat.”
Like Porterfield, Smith said he simply hopes his temporary exhibit at the Sacred Heart Cultural Center will be appreciated by the community, and will result in them venturing out and taking more pride in their hometown.
The Sacred Heart Cultural Center will be displaying these pieces between July 14 and Sept. 1 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
To view the exhibit or learn more about it, visit: https://sacredheartaugusta.org/event/4794/?event_date=2023-07-16
