New art gallery in Five Points to host opening celebration

Visual and repurposing artist Pamela Ann Vandervelde is excited about the opening of her new art gallery in Five Points. Located at 631 Harden Street, upstairs in Suites H and I, the Pamela Ann Vandervelde Gallery will feature the work of many prominent local and regional artists working in oils, watercolor, color pencil, and ceramics, including Beaufort artist, Cassandra Gillens, as well as Charleston’s Steven Jordan and Kevin Rockwell, and potter Gary Dexter.

The gallery opened for business on Wednesday, November 9.  To celebrate the realization of a dream, Vandervelde is hosting a grand opening event from 6 to 9 PM on Wednesday, November 30, featuring door prizes, food, adult beverages, a professional chocolatier offering free samples, live music, a reading of original poetry by Cassie Premo Steele, and a raffle with a chance to win a piece of original artwork.

Portrait artist and South Carolina native Pamela Ann Vandervelde says that it is the culmination of a lifelong dream to open her own gallery. She notes that her initials – PAV – are defined online in the Urban Dictionary as “the best there is,” which represents her hope, “to serve the arts community to the best of her ability and in such a constructive and positive way we enhance and better lives. She plans for the gallery to host regular openings, showcasing the work of new as well as established artists whose stories and art compel and inspire.  In addition to artwork, the gallery will offer an outside veranda space, extending an open invitation to anyone seeking a tranquil spot to have tea, eat lunch, socialize, or simply enjoy some alone time.

On November 30, poet Cassie Premo Steele will christen the space with a reading of a special poem composed for the gallery’s opening. California-based pianist John Vaughn will provide musical entertainment.  Among the featured artists are award-winning visual artist Steven Jordan, whose work is often centered on the beauty and poignant aspects of the low country, and Cassandra Gillens, whose uses hues as instruments to bring us into the American South and the stories of her Beaufort born grandmother. In addition, Kevin Rockwell, whose pet and animal-themed paintings provoke smiles, surprise, and laughter is presented.

Additionally, master craftsman and potter Gary Dexter will have works on display, including face jugs, created in old stone kilns, using historically accurate and time-proven methods. Dexter will be present at the opening to discuss his work.

Vandervelde has timed her opening to coincide with the advent of the holiday gift-giving season, and promises a diverse price-range to accommodate everyone’s shopping list and budget. In addition to art, the gallery will offer unique antiques and furniture created from repurposed items.  Additionally, the gallery’s gift shop will offer an array of handmade original items, such as fashion accessories, jewelry, chocolates, greeting cards, framed prints, and an alluring array of specially concocted perfumes. These items are most often made by upcycling items.  Of special note is the toilet paper roll jewelry.  Formal art lessons and wine and paint events will be offered with various artists as instructors.  For more information, to purchase artwork or arrange a private appointment or consultation, or to inquire about opportunities to become a featured artist, Vandervelde can be reached at 803-645-5501, or via e-mail at [email protected].

Pamela Ann Vandervelde Gallery is located at 631 Harden Street, upstairs in Suites H and I.  Remember that parking after 6 at Five Points is free.