FOUNDING ARTISTS OF SGA
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JAMES MRAVEC
SGA Operating Gallery Manager "Currently, my creative work has been focused on narrative illustration, nature conservation and expressive painting. I come from an illustration and design background which is heavy on representational art that is influenced by a narrative. I have personally been exploring the application of paint into a more expressive form. My paintings have been striving for a balance between the brush strokes and the realism of the subject. I have been searching for strokes of paint that can add emotion to the narrative of the image. The images should be structurally concise but have an emotive quality from the paint. I am looking for a poetry of visuals to aid in the communication of the story. I have been interested in animals and wildlife conservation since I was young. I have recently started a series of paintings which are titled the Hand of Man. In these paintings, I am exploring the effects of humans and the presence of man on animals in the wild. This includes thoughts on how the environment of the animals can be changed and affected for good or bad. I am trying to get the viewer to think about the inter-connectivity of nature and humans and how this can change the animals and how this could also indirectly affect people. I want the viewers of this art to think about what man has done to the habits of animals and how this could inadvertently affect us. The images from this series all include some visual clue to the Hand of Man without necessarily showing any one person. I hope that these personal paintings can be used in some format to help with natural conservation efforts." James Mravec is a full-time professor at SCAD teaching in the Illustration department. He is new to the Savannah area and is looking forward to exploring nature in Georgia and being inspired for new artwork. www.JamesMravec.com IG: @jimmravec |
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JIME WIMMER
SGA Assistant Operating Gallery Manager Jime has dedicated herself to the art of drawing. Despite her experience with paint, she decided to focus entirely on drawing due to her deep passion for it. Creating intricate lines and getting lost in the process brings her immense joy, and she affectionately refers to her artwork as "Prettylines." Jime has always been captivated by the organic nature of lines, whether they are curious, scratchy, implied, delicate, or simply beautiful. Her artwork aims to bring clarity to complexity and is a reflection of her emotional energy flowing through her fingers, making both conscious and subconscious connections to her creations. She earned her MFA in Illustration from Hartford University, CT and a BS in Art Education from Keystone College, PA in 2006. After a decade of teaching high school students, Jime decided to pursue a career at the college level. She became an Assistant Professor of Art at the University of Central Oklahoma before becoming a full-time Professor at the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2018. But Jime's artistic journey doesn't end there. Alongside her successful ventures of self-publishing, art directing, and showcasing her work in galleries, she has found joy in collaborating with her husband, Mike, on a project called Wimmer's Woods. Through this venture, they combine their childhood love for art inspired by enchanting tales and magical quests with their passion for nature. You can also find her on Instagram @wimmerswoods |
GARY COVELL
"I started out as a small child drawing what I saw around me in everyday life. When I began to read I liked action, adventure, war, and science fiction stories. I am mostly self-taught. Family gave me large rolls of paper on which I drew out stories. I was hospitalized with a weak lung during this time. A kind Doctor drew my portrait and that experience motivated me to later draw portraits. After a tour of duty in the U.S. Navy I settled in Savannah with its rich artistic history. In the mid 90’s, while working in an unrelated field, I sold my first piece of art, a fifeteen minute pencil portrait drawing, done while sitting on the sidewalk of Riverstreet. I began drawing portraits in other squares and parks in and around downtown Savannah and in Charleston. Some of the many art festivals I’ve participated in were the "Fine Arts on the River" events. At one of those events, I won 1st place in the painting category with my first abstract painting, done in pastel, titled, “Riverstreet, Savannah River & Bridge." (see below) This image was printed on their event shirts, their marquee banner and has been on the cover of "The Savannah Scene" magazine, numerous times over the years. Other events I’ve participated in have been the "Sunshine Festival" on St. Simons Isl, the "Ogeechee Seafood Festival" in Richmond Hill and other events on Tybee Isl. and in Blufton SC. I draw what I see, for example, portraits, landscapes, man-made landmarks, still life’s and nature mostly with pastel, graphite, or watercolor. I was a member of the Savannah Art Association and was invited to join their co-op, The Chippewa Gallery. When this gallery closed, I became one of the founding members of The Savannah Gallery of Art at 304 E Bryan St. in 2021. |
I’ve been experimenting with acrylic abstract painting recently and I try to convey a story of balance or sometimes imbalance, with color, composition, mediums, and tools. My abstracts relate to my previous work in that I first develop an idea in my mind’s eye and then begin a process of an underdrawing. Sometimes I don’t even have an idea as I start. I just let the paint tell its own story. I let it flow and swirl from the container, brush or tool and in no particular form or direction. I throw, pull, scrape, and push the colors until the painting follows it's own course. I also enjoy learning the guitar." GCovellFineArt@gmail.com, http://www.instagram.com/GaryCovellFineArt and online at https://www.garycovellfineart.com/ |
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PAT LAMAR
Pat Lamar was raised in Indianapolis, Indiana. She has always been active in community and music; a family heritage. She began her painting career in the 1980’s by accepting an invitation from a close friend to try a class. Her love of Art and the endless possibilities became a lifelong passion. After taking a few classes and much practice, Art became an integral part of her life; eventually teaching classes in Oil and Acrylic painting; then opening her own Studio and Store. She hosted many fine Artists from all over the Country for Seminars. Illness over the next few years forced her to take a sabbatical. Eventually returning to an active life after a Transplant, she has continued her passion in Watercolors. Her interests are unlimited. It has been said that her work is very diversified..from Still Life to Impressionism, including subjects from Nature and all of life’s gifts! Now exhibiting in Savannah and other areas, presently at the Savanna Gallery of Art. She has won awards from the Savannah Art Association and Artist of the Month at the Landings Art Association, Her Fine Art and numbered prints are available through Facebook, Instagram, and her Website: patriciarlamarart.com, at the SGA Gallery, or by contact at patricialamar93@aol.com / 770-335-4927 Member of: American Watercolor Society Southern Watercolor Society Watercolor Society of Indiana Georgia Watercolor Society Art League of Hilton Head Society of Decorative Painters |
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WILLIAM "ROY" YARGER
Roy started woodworking at an early age under the watchful eye of his father, Royden, an accomplished woodworker in his own right. Roy continued woodworking as a hobby during his career with IBM that took him from Dearborn, MI; Poughkeepsie, NY; Boca Raton, FL, and finally to the Atlanta area in 1984. He retired after 30 years with IBM and worked a few more years for an IBM reseller in Roswell, GA as Director of Technical Services. He retired and relocated to Brunswick, Georgia in 2006 where he opened Woodfall Studio to create his one of a kind pieces. Roy moved to Savannah in 2015 and has continued his artistic endeavors. His father gave him his Sears Craftsman wood lathe and after he turned his first piece in 1994, he was hooked. Roy has focused his woodworking almost exclusively on woodturning and the lathe since that date. Roy has attended Arrowmont arts & crafts school, and studied under Kip Christensen and Michael Mocho. His work has been greatly influenced by master woodturners Dale Nish and Rudy Osolnik. He is a member of the American Association of Woodturners, the LowCountry Turners and founder of the Golden Isles Woodworkers. He has been a featured demonstrator at numerous Woodturning clubs in the Southeast through the years. Awards: He has received numerous awards for his work through the years. Publications: Woodturning Design Issue #1, 2004, Woodturning Design Issue #6, 2005, Woodturning Design Issue #14, 2007. Sunshine Artist, Art Show reporter from 2002 thru 2012. STATEMENT: "I have worked with wood most of my life. I started at a very young age assisting my father, Royden, on his many woodworking projects. I have always found wood and woodworking a relaxing, enjoyable hobby. Like everything in nature, each piece of wood has its own character. Each piece is much like every other piece in the species, but each is also very different. Much like every one of us. I have found few things in life more enjoyable and satisfying than seeing that personality emerge from each piece of wood and doing my best to bring out its beauty and character. I try to save and preserve what Mother Nature has created. Most of the wood I use comes from trees that have been felled due to disease, storms or development and destined to be hauled to a landfill. Woodturning is one of the ways that we, as individuals, can preserve a little of a tree that once lived and stood proud. I try to give each piece of wood a new life." |
WAYNE CHAMBERS
For an impressive span of 59 years, Wayne has dedicated himself to the art of painting. Hailing from Virginia, he found his artistic muse in the cityscapes and skyline vistas of Richmond, eventually earning the esteemed title of Retail Merchants Resident Artist, a position he held proudly for 15 years. Today, numerous pieces of Wayne's art grace the walls of prominent Boardrooms and Galleries.
In the year 2000, while on a three-week vacation in Savannah, Wayne discovered a new wellspring of inspiration as he captured the essence of its iconic Historic Homes on his canvases. Among his notable works is a depiction of the renowned Mercer House, immortalized in the book and movie "The Garden of Good and Evil." Wayne's exceptional talent did not go unnoticed in the local art scene, leading to commissions to design and paint the covers for the "Tour of Homes" program for an impressive 12 years.
Wayne's artistic journey led him to hone his skills at prestigious institutions such as the New York Arts Students League and Virginia Commonwealth University. A true lover of sharing knowledge, he found fulfillment in teaching both at the Georgian Continuing Education Program and through private instruction.
In Wayne's watercolor pieces, you'll find breathtaking portrayals of Low Country marshes, serene tropical beaches with graceful birds, lively city garden squares, and stunning penthouse views of Savannah. His art resonates with the beauty and charm of these diverse landscapes, showcasing his mastery of the medium and his unwavering passion for capturing the world through his brushstrokes.
"Everywhere I look, I see a painting!"
Facebook: Wayne Chambers Gallery
For an impressive span of 59 years, Wayne has dedicated himself to the art of painting. Hailing from Virginia, he found his artistic muse in the cityscapes and skyline vistas of Richmond, eventually earning the esteemed title of Retail Merchants Resident Artist, a position he held proudly for 15 years. Today, numerous pieces of Wayne's art grace the walls of prominent Boardrooms and Galleries.
In the year 2000, while on a three-week vacation in Savannah, Wayne discovered a new wellspring of inspiration as he captured the essence of its iconic Historic Homes on his canvases. Among his notable works is a depiction of the renowned Mercer House, immortalized in the book and movie "The Garden of Good and Evil." Wayne's exceptional talent did not go unnoticed in the local art scene, leading to commissions to design and paint the covers for the "Tour of Homes" program for an impressive 12 years.
Wayne's artistic journey led him to hone his skills at prestigious institutions such as the New York Arts Students League and Virginia Commonwealth University. A true lover of sharing knowledge, he found fulfillment in teaching both at the Georgian Continuing Education Program and through private instruction.
In Wayne's watercolor pieces, you'll find breathtaking portrayals of Low Country marshes, serene tropical beaches with graceful birds, lively city garden squares, and stunning penthouse views of Savannah. His art resonates with the beauty and charm of these diverse landscapes, showcasing his mastery of the medium and his unwavering passion for capturing the world through his brushstrokes.
"Everywhere I look, I see a painting!"
Facebook: Wayne Chambers Gallery
