Aster Hall, Scoop Studios add new exhibits on Friday

The hot new gallery that just recently opened on Upper King Street, Aster Hall, promotes "art for life" as their slogan, and the entire store is fresh and inspiring. Tomorrow night would be a great time to check them out as they will be having an opening reception for contemporary artist Benjamin Hollingsworth.

A former American and European soccer star, Hollingsworth "is a young, contemporary artist who works in the abstract with a painterly aesthetic," said gallery director Sean Ferneau. "Using a variety of mixed media — from oil on canvas to spray paint on found wood — Hollingsworth takes serious themes, such as death, poverty and rebirth, and turns them into sparkling representations of vibrant color and texture," he said.

In addition to Hollingsworth's collection of works, Aster Hall is a veritable oasis of fun, functional art from a large variety of artists — local, regional and national. Ranging from one-of-a-kind jewelry by co-owner Angela Hall to three-dimensional wall sculptures to a variety of other art forms, each piece definitely has a unique edge to it.

"Visual artists trained in varying media and movements work in both a traditional framework with canvas, oil and noble metals, as well as outside the lines of what's expected with mediums like fire, spray paint, tire rubber and gunshot residue. Aster Hall also

collaborates with local artisans creating handblown glass & handmade cards, journals, evening bags, leather/suede work, and men's carry-alls," adds Ferneau.

Hollingsworth's one-man exhibition will open to the public tomorrow night, 6-9 p.m. at Aster Hall, 481 King St. For more information, contact the gallery at 557-3198.

Ryan Cronin: React

Scoop Studios will be having a solo show for featured New York artist Ryan Cronin tomorrow night. This will be Cronin's first solo show in Charleston as part of his East Coast Summer Tour. "Cronin's unique style has a playful reference to contemporary issues that adds humor to his broad brushstrokes. His almost juvenile paintings cause reactions from viewers that both entertain and disturb at the same time. Visitors notice Cronin's work immediately when they come in the gallery. His paintings stand out because the vibrant colors do not just speak to you; they scream" said Scoop Studios co-owner, Colleen Deihl. "Cronin's influences, pop songs and hand-lettered signs, are more apparent than his formal artistic training. This leads to art that is free of association and full of surprise," she continued.

The artist remarks, "When someone encounters one of my pieces I want them to experience a new perception or sudden insight and above all, to enjoy themselves in the process. I hope the encounter will change their day, maybe give them something to think about or remark upon later. And if the painting and the viewer really get along, perhaps it will be the start of a lifelong relationship."

The exhibit, titled "Ryan Cronin: React," will take place at the gallery at 57 1/2 Broad St., 5-8 p.m. tomorrow night and will be on display through August. For more information, call the gallery at 577-3292 or visit them online at www.scoopcontemporary.com.

"Leave your reservations at the door. Your reaction is necessary!" said Deihl.