Sun City show features two art forms

Sun City Carolina Lakes in Indian Land recently melded two art forms into a singular experience.

The SCCL Art in the City and Photography Club joined forces to present “Collaboration III: Artistic Mixing.”

Artists and photographers from the clubs signed up for the event and were randomly paired.

“This would be simple with no 20-question form to fill out about your interest. … Photographers shared work they had brought with them and inspirational selections were made by the anxious artist,” said Cindy Moeykens, artist and event coordinator.

This is the third year, and the collaboration continues to grow.

“We have grown from 23 teams the first year, to 31 teams the second and this year we have 42 teams, for a total of 84 pieces. Artists are always looking for inspiration. By linking up with a photographer we get to experience someone else’s perspective,” Moeykens said.

This year’s twist mandated that the artists must use more than one medium in creating their work. Artists included works in watercolor, acrylic, ink, fabric, modeling clay, chalk, thread and other materials. One piece even employed sound to evoke a special tone.

The artists had six weeks to turn in their interpretations.

Thereafter, the photo and art were hung side by side with a photo of both the photographer and artist. Opening Night of the exhibit featured music, food and the exhibit participants.

Richard Krasnoff’s “Asheville’s Self Proclaimed Mayoral Candidate” features a photograph of a man he encountered at Asheville’s Bele Chere festival.

“This guy was talking to my wife and I took a picture of him from across the street. I like to take photos of people the most because of the expressions and emotions that come through,” Krasnoff said.

Artist Jane Moeller was paired with Krasnoff.

“I was excited when I saw his photo, because I have actually seen this man in Asheville too, so I felt like I understood what it was all about,” Moeller said.

She was named the People’s Choice artist winner.

“(Jane) really interpreted my photo well. I was so impressed at how she captured it. It’s fun to have someone else look at your work and do their own,” Krasnoff said.

Krasnoff’s wife, Melissa Lawson, also participated in the show as an artist.

“I actually have been taking photos for years and it is really intuitive for me. I chose to paint in this show and am excited that I was able to break through my fear of not doing a good enough job. I don’t have extensive training, so it’s always a challenge,” Lawson said.