Now that the CSA Community Center has reopened after a year of sensible precautions, there’s once again an art exhibit waiting just about any day of the year in the Shops at Sea Pines Center. The gallery there at the Community Center is where The Artists of Sea Pines make their home.

It’s one of the reasons people come to The Shops at Sea Pines Center – for the pure enjoyment of it. The Artists are reopening after months of precautions on Thursday, June 3, in concert with our regular First Thursdays Art Market outside in the plaza.

The Artists of Sea Pines offer not just a browse through a gallery, but rather a connection with the work of neighbors and fellow Sea Pines residents, of people who mostly started as visitors and decided to make Hilton Head Island their home. In a lot of cases, the chance to discover the artist within them came from their move to Sea Pines.

Founder Rosemary Kimball noticed in 2012 that so many Sea Pines residents were interested in banding together as artists that there was a waiting list for the then-existing club. The chance to learn from each other, exhibit their works, and socialize over the subject they love prompted 35 artists to join immediately. Today, 55 Sea Pines residents are active in The Artists of Sea Pines.

A Magnetic Location

“Being right here has helped build membership, because we’re located in The Shops at Sea Pines Center,’ Rosemary said. “The CSA Community Center here is also the meeting place for lots of other clubs and social groups. We have a new art exhibit opening every four months, and so the people who come to meet or socialize find out what we’re up to all along.”

The Women’s Club of Sea Pines is one of those organizations that also gathers at the Community Center. Or, rather, it is several of those organizations, because the Women’s Club encompasses many interest groups that meet here, such as bridge clubs, biking, golf, mah jongg, and even line dancing. Their book club maintains a lending library at the Center, and a collection of jigsaw puzzles is there for enthusiasts.  For more information on activities email: wcsppresident@gmail.com.

“With all that’s going on here, our Artists of Sea Pines work at the Center is always on display,” Rosemary said.

A Natural Beneficiary

From the beginning, the Artists of Sea Pines has contributed support for the Sea Pines Forest Preserve. Ten percent artists’ sales go to the Forest Preserve, and they also donate art for the silent auctions at the two big Forest Preserve fundraising events: the Picnic in the spring and the Bonfire in the fall.

“Giving back seems like the least we can do,” Rosemary said, “because a lot of us didn’t have the chance to take up painting or photography until we moved here. Now that we’re here, our natural surroundings – such as the Forest Preserve – provide a lot of the inspiration for our art.”

Though a few members are lifelong pros, many of the Artists of Sea Pines began with classes at the Hilton Head Art League Academy just beyond the gate on Cordillo Parkway.

“All in all, Sea Pines is a great place to practice our art. We are awfully thankful to live in such a beautiful and interesting place,” Rosemary said, “and we’re glad to call The Shops at Sea Pines Center home.”

Artists and art lovers can contact Rosemary at 843-422-3223.