Art retrospective

Black and white images highlight art show; Hecht debuts coastal paintings

Billy Cone's artistic journey began 27 years ago when a university physics photography course hooked him on the possibilities of photography. Since then, he has developed his signature style traveling through Europe, shooting thousands of sights, scenes and societies, and his works have been exhibited extensively in both Paris and the United States.

"A purist in the use of the camera, Cone's photography shows human emotion and conditions," remarks C. Reynolds Brown, director of the Louise Wells Cameron Museum. And acclaimed photographer Brownie Harris also speaks highly of Cone, saying "Billy has the appreciation of the aesthetic values for light and form, and artistic concepts of composition."

It is no big surprise, however, that Cone has an affinity for the arts as he comes from an entire family of art enthusiasts. "The prominent Cone Family has been a patron of the arts for over a century. Utilizing the funds from the Cone Family 'Denim Dynasty,' great aunts Claribel and Etta started The Cone Collection in 1898 when they traveled to Europe collecting Matisse, Picasso, Cezanne and Van Gogh. One of the world's most important collections of modern art, it is currently housed in the Cone Wing of the Baltimore Museum of Art," explains public relations specialist Jo Ann Stadtmueller of EpicVu.

Cone's first ever exhibit in Charleston will be at 6 p.m. July 1 at the Real Estate Studio, 214 King St. This impressive book signing and art show entitled "Billy Cone Retrospective" will consist of black and white images reflecting his 27-year career photographing all over the world. "Retrospective" is definitely an exhibit that will be worth your while. For more information about the opening reception, call 703-861-8878. And to see more of Cone's work, visit www.billycone.com.

Susan Hecht's Summer Pleasures

This Saturday, skip over to Sullivan's Island's Sandpiper Gallery for the opening reception of Susan Hecht's newest collection of coastal paintings, "Summer Pleasures." The reception is 6-8 p.m. and there will be refreshing icy treats - a Sullivan's Island favorite - courtesy of the new Heron Grocery.

Gallery owner Julie Sweat says the show will include some of the artist's favorite subjects: "the peaceful landscapes of the Carolinas and paintings that highlight the spirit of everyday people." "Growing up in Charleston, painting people relaxing and playing on the beach is a topic that Susan gravitates toward, and she focuses on capturing them in 'their moment,'" said Sweat.

"I think people are at their best at the beach - whether you are watching kids playing and enjoying life, being engrossed in the process of building the greatest sandcastle ever or lost deep in contemplative thought. The sheer enjoyment of being in such a place that puts everything into perspective for us is something that I try to capture," says Hecht.

Hecht has explored many creative avenues of the visual and performing arts but painting has always been her main focus and that which challenges her to explore her talents and the medium even further. She typically works in oils or slower drying acrylics, and often uses a warm, inviting palette to try to capture beautiful, leisurely moments. "Susan's paintings trigger happy memories of time spent on the coast and give her work universal appeal. It is such a pleasure introducing collectors to her work and seeing the immediate smile of recognition," says Margie Veitel, gallery art consultant. Hecht likes to leave her paintings somewhat unfinished and not tell the whole story, leaving the interpretation to the viewer, she said.

Additional work by Hecht can be seen at the Edward Dare Gallery, downtown on Broad Street's Gallery Row. The Sandpiper Gallery is at 2019 C Middle St., Sullivan's Island. For more, contact the gallery at 883-0200 or visit www.sandpipergallery.net.