COLUMBIA, S.C. (April 11, 2018) – Artista Vista, the Midlands’ most celebrated gallery crawl, returns Thursday, April 19,  and Saturday, April 21, 2018. Vista galleries will open their doors from 5-9 p.m. Thursday, April 19 (for Art Night), and these special shows will also be available for viewing during regular gallery hours April 21 (for Art Day), as part of this free, signature Vista gallery crawl.

In its 27th year, Artista Vista participating galleries will feature regionally and nationally renowned artists, as well as local artists from the Midlands. Attendees can chat with gallery owners and artists while taking in paintings, sculpture, pottery and jewelry.

Art Night (Thursday, April 19, 5 – 9 p.m.):

            Gallery Participation:

• Carol Saunders Gallery (922 Gervais St.): Carol Saunders will pay tribute to the Vista’s brand new Stormwater Studios, a collective of artists formerly known as Vista Studios. The gallery will show new works by Eileen Blyth, Stephen Chesley and Laura Spong, artists at Stormwater Studios. Carol Saunders Gallery will host an opening reception for this show during Artista Vista, on April 19, from 5-9 p.m., and also feature jewelry and fine gifts.
• Ellen Taylor Interiors (1012 Gervais St.): Ellen Taylor Interiors will feature work by local artists and artists from Tennessee and North Carolina. Ellen Taylor will also offer wine, shopping and an opportunity to meet the artists.
• if ART Gallery (1223 Lincoln St.): if ART presents “International Art Ambassadors,” an exhibition of artists whose work is on loan at the United States Embassy in Bern, Switzerland. Artists Roland Albert, Michael Cassidy, Stephen Chesley, Mary Gilkerson, Jay Owens, Edward Rice, Laura Spong, Leo Twiggs, Enid Williams, Mike Williams and David Yaghian. There will be an opening reception during Artista Vista, from 5-9 p.m. on April 19.
• Lewis + Clark (1001 Huger St.): Lewis + Clark presents “Incandescent Activity,” recent work of lamps, robots and artifacts by Clark Ellefson.
• Lucas Sams at Motor Supply Co. Bistro (920 Gervais St.): Lucas Sams, a multi-media artist, will have new and recent paintings in his exhibit “Lucas Sams: World Symbol, and Other Paintings.”
• One Eared Cow Glass (1001 Huger St.): One Eared Cow Glass will feature their colorful hand-blown glass and offer live glass blowing demonstrations.
• That Godzilla Guy at Saki Tumi’s ARTuncorked (807 Gervais St.): Featuring the final show of Sean McGuinness as That Godzilla Guy, and wine tasting and light hors d’oeuvres.
• Stormwater Studios (413 Pendleton St.): The Resident Artists at Stormwater Studios will present “Stormwater: Studio Premier Show of New Work,” the first exhibit of their work in their brand new studio and gallery space. Artists include Eileen Blyth, Stephen Chesley, Heidi Darr-Hope, Pat Gilmartin, Robert Kennedy, Sharon Licata, Michel McNinch, Kirkland Smith, Laura Spong and David Yaghjian. Additionally, USC at Stormwater Studios will present BFA painter Kara Mitton will also show new works in her exhibit, “Aberrant Reflections.”
• Studio Cellar (912 Lady St.): Attendees are invited to paint their own pieces, enjoy drinks and see art by Studio Cellar instructors.

Complimentary Shuttles:

• Free shuttles will take attendees back and forth between Lincoln Street, the heart of the Vista, and Huger Street, where several Vista galleries are located.

Grand Opening of Stormwater Studios, 6 p.m.:

• Join Stormwater Studios artists, city officials and more, for their official grand opening and champagne cork popping.

Children’s Activities on Lincoln Street, 5 – 7:30 p.m.:

• Artista Vista will offer face painting and a balloon artist on Lincoln Street between Gervais and Lady Streets.

Lantern & Light Parade:

• Join artists and make your own lantern with free materials near the Lincoln Street canopy from 5-8 p.m. Then join other parade participants for the Lantern & Light Parade at 8 p.m.to celebrate art in the Vista. The parade leaves from the Lincoln St. Tunnel entrance (at Lady St.), and will parade, by foot, through the Vista. Juried cash prizes given to best lantern, best use of costume and best kids’ lantern.