“Now and Zen,” by Stephen Chesley, Boyd Saunders, and Russell Jeffcoat

This exhibition features the diverse artistic styles of Stephen Chesley, Boyd Saunders, and Russell Jeffcoat. Join us at the opening reception that will take place on Friday, November 15, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. to celebrate their work.

Stephen Chesley was born in Schenectady, New York, in 1952, Stephen Chesley displayed an early passion for art, nurtured by his family and influenced by the creative beat generation in Virginia Beach during his childhood. After receiving his Master’s Degree in Urban Planning from Clemson University, Chesley turned his focus to painting. His work, described as “poetic realism,” has been recognized nationally, including being featured in the Columbia Museum of Art and selected for exhibitions at the Smithsonian. His pieces often reflect a deep connection to nature, including welded and carved sculptures. Chesley continues his creative journey with a commitment to exploring the intersection of landscape, light, and emotion in his art.

Boyd Saunders
Boyd Saunders is a celebrated painter, printmaker, sculptor, and illustrator, known for his powerful visual storytelling and mastery in printmaking. A Distinguished Professor Emeritus at the University of South Carolina, Saunders established the university’s Printmaking Program and co-founded the Southern Graphics Council International. He holds degrees from Memphis State University, the University of Mississippi, and the University of Alabama, and has studied in Florence, Italy. His works are included in prestigious collections worldwide, from the South Carolina State Museum to the Gibbes Museum of Art in Charleston. Saunders is also an accomplished author and an influential figure in printmaking education.

The exhibition runs from Wednesday, November 13 to Sunday, November 17, with gallery hours from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.