The Fine Arts Center of Kershaw County (FAC) will hold an opening reception for the first Bassett Gallery Exhibition of the 2015-16 season featuring the works of illustrator and painter, Manda Stahl McKay and husband Chris McKay, professional concert photographer in the Bassett Gallery on Saturday, September 26 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Both McKays are Camden natives. The exhibition will run through October 25. The reception will have a cash bar and light hors d’oeuvres will be provided by Ashley’s at McCaskill’s Farm. The public is encouraged to attend this one-of-a-kind exhibition.
About the Artists:
Manda Stahl McKay is a medical and veterinary illustrator turned painter living in Athens, GA. As a child in Camden, Manda took art classes at the FAC. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia and her Master’s degree from the Medical College of Georgia. She then worked for two years as the illustrator at Auburn University's College of Veterinary Medicine before returning to Athens to freelance in veterinary illustration.
Manda is new to the fine art world, but her paintings have been displayed in numerous solo and juried exhibitions in the Southeast. In 2013, she won Best in Show in the “Southworks” juried exhibition. Her artwork has appeared on album covers for local bands, which is practically a requirement for an Athens artist.
A love of nature is evident in her subject matter. Feathers, shells, bones, fruit, and flowers are arranged in bold, simple compositions. The influence of her former profession can be seen in her realistic technique, but unlike medical illustrations, her paintings are meant to persuade rather than inform.
Chris McKay is best known for his concert photography for such national publications as Pollstar and Rolling Stone. His images can also be found on such international photography sites such as Corbis Images and Wire Image. Chris' work has recently been seen in: Rolling Stone, USA Today, US Magazine, Time Magazine, Wall Street Journal, TV Guide, Huffington Post, NBC News, Parade Magazine, Glamour, Vogue, In Style, Variety, LIFE Magazine, New York Post, VH-1 Behind The Music, The Today Show, MTV3, ABC News, Vibe, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, New York Daily News, Entertainment Weekly, Guitar Player, Rhythm & Drums, Billboard, People Magazine, E! Entertainment Television, BET, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Hollywood Reporter and many more!
His recent work for WireImage /Getty includes: Ringo Starr, Sam Smith, President Bill Clinton, Fleetwood Mac, Gregg Allman, Amanda Shires, Paul McCartney, Lake Street Dive, Todd Rundgren, Judas Priest, Alice Cooper, Kacey Musgraves, The 1975, Jake Owen, Steel Panther, The Cadillac Three, Eli Young Band, Pitbull, Enrique Iglesias, J Balvin, Lady Antebellum, Jeff Foxworthy, Blue Oyster Cult, Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Wet Willie, John Mayer, Run DMC, John Legend, Sarah McLachlan, Aziz Ansari, His Holiness The XIV Dalai Lama and too many other to name. He is the Georgia Music Hall of Fame’s only official show photographer.
For more information, please call the Fine Arts Center at 803-425-7676 or visit the FAC website at www.fineartscenter.org. The Fine Arts Center is located at 810 Lyttleton Street in Camden. Office hours are Monday through Wednesday and Friday, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and Thursday 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
The Fine Arts Center is funded in part by the Frederick S. Upton Foundation and the South Carolina Arts Commission, which receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional funding provided by the City of Camden, Kershaw County, and BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina along with donations from businesses and individuals.