Limestone Art Gallery Announces "Carolina Color Study" As First Exhibition Of 2022-2023 Academic Year

Charles Wyatt
Carolina Color

Limestone Art Gallery Announces First Exhibit Of The Academic Year

Upstate Artist Sarah Mandell To Present “Carolina Color Study”

The Limestone University Art Gallery has announced that its first exhibit of the 2022-2023 academic year will display the work of Upstate artist Sarah Mandell.

The exhibit, entitled “Carolina Color Study,” will open on Monday, Aug. 8, in the Hines & Riggins Center, and run through Wednesday, Sept. 26. Admission is free, and the Gallery is open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on weekdays.

Additionally, the Gallery will host a reception and talk from Mandell on Friday, Sept. 16, at 6 p.m.

Visitors should not expect to see the traditional paintings, pottery, or stone sculptures often associated with art exhibits. Instead, Mandell’s artistic work is a signature style of two-dimensional fiber art.

It is that distinct style that caught the eye of Gallery Director Emily Tuttle. “She pushes the traditional definition of what 'fine art’ is, and what media we use under that concept,” Tuttle explained.

“Carolina Color Study” will still showcase some familiar scenes, though, as Mandell uses needle felted wool fiber, wool yarns, and wool fabric strips to craft landscapes and abstract color studies inspired by the state of South Carolina.

Mandell, who grew up in Maryland, moved to South Carolina in 2010. She is a 2005 graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art, with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in environmental design. In addition to her work with fibers, she creates handmade jewelry and photography. She is also an interior designer and the author of two books. “Carolina Color Study” will be her first solo exhibition.