Vista Studio Artist at Night on the Nile Gala

Please note: At the time of this post there is still a wonderful exhibit at Gallery 80808/Vista Studios, 808 Lady Street in downtown Columbia, SC. Winter Exhibition features art by Stephen Chesley, Mike Williams, Ed Wimberly, and David Yaghjian through February 5. Weekdays 10 – 5; Weekends, 1-5.

THIS POST IS ABOUT NIGHT ON THE NILE, a black tie gala recently held at the Columbia Museum of Art, a celebration of the 10th anniversary of the museum at its Main Street location and the opening of Excavating Egypt. Several Vista Studio artists were invited to paint/decorate/alter one of the exhibit’s tote bags for a silent auction.

(Above is a view to the lobby during the gala. Click on image to enlarge.)

(Above is Vista Studio artist Robert Kennedy with his wife. Below is Robert’s tote bag.)

(Click on image to enlarge.)

(Above are Vista Studio artists Jeff Donovan on the left and David Yaghjian on the right.)

(Above is Jeff’s altered tote bag…after being covered in layers of clay slip, fired, and mounted on a wooden panel in order to hang on a wall. It is called, Alligator Handbag! Click on image to enlarge.)

(Above is David Yaghjian’s tote bag…with the words “Cobra Snake for a Necktie”. Click on image to enlarge.)

(Above is Vista Studio artist Michel McNinch posing with her altered totebag, a unique 3D creation!)

(Above is Doni Jordan’s totebag donation. She’s a regular visitor to Gallery80808/Vista Studios who couldn’t come to the gala but wanted a photo of her work! Doni and her tennis team won a state championship.)

(Above is part of the tote bag display. The area was a bit crowded with interested potential bidders and gala guests. It was difficult to photograph some of the tote bags, including the very, very well done one created by Vista Studio artist Ethel Brody, pictured below in her outstanding archaeologist attire!)

(Everyone looked radiant at the gala…as is obvious in the photo above of Jeff Donovan and Ellen and David Yaghjian.)

This post is being written by Vista Studios artist Susan Lenz, who forgot to take a photo of her own tote bag. Perhaps the tarot card seer, Lady Noor, above should have mentioned Susan’s forgetfulness….but Susan took a photo of her piece before turning it in. It’s below. Click on images to enlarge.)

(Susan Lenz’ tote bag…hand embroidered front….

…and machine embroidered back.)