Surrounded by family and friends at his Denmark Gallery Sunday afternoon, Denmark artist Jim Harrison was presented South Carolina’s Order of the Palmetto by State Representative Bakari Sellers on behalf of the state of South Carolina and Gov. Mark Sanford. Remarks by Sellers and Harrison were punctuated with laughter and appreciation by those present.

Before reading a letter of congratulations to Harrison from Sanford, Sellers commented on the positive effect growing up surrounded by Harrison’s community involvement as well as by his art. Seller’s read from Sanford’s letter, “ I paraphrase several of your quotes, “Keep standing in front of the wrecking ball with your paintbrush and pen…and continue your love affair with old buildings, old things, and old ways.” For your work in preserving our heritage on canvas and in our hearts, we extend our gratitude. You are, indeed, a legend in your own time, and your influence in the world of art will be as enduring as your art itself. While it is difficult to compress and describe all you have done for your community and our state in a letter, your generosity and talent will have a positive effect on our citizens for generations to come. Thank you for upholding the highest ideals of servant leadership in everything that you do.” Sellers reiterated Sanford’s appreciation to Harrison for his contributions to South Carolina through his community service as well as with his art.

Harrison responded to the honor in his trade-mark low-key, humorous style when he said, “I don’t know what to say. This is awesome! I feel good, but also I feel sad. Now that I have received the highest honor there is, things will be down-hill for me now.” On a more serious note, he went on to credit his parents, his family, and his many teachers and mentors for his accomplishments. He noted that he inherited his attention to detail and orderliness from his father, and his persistence in working until he achieved his goals to his mother. “These kinds of honors are really for our parents even though they are not here to be part of the ceremony.” Harrison said. Looking at his wife of over 30 years, he credited her with the success of the Gallery. “Margaret was with me at the first sidewalk art show I went to in New York. She was with me when I looked through the windows of Hammer Gallery and voiced my goal to one day have a show there…then she was with me when I did have shows at Hammer. She started the Gallery 20 years ago and ran it successfully. She is still an important part of the Gallery operation today although now we have a wonderful, talented, hard-working staff to take care of a lot of the day-to-day details.” “Bamberg County claims Jim Harrison as one of our biggest assets. I claim him as a dear friend. He truly has the best interests of Denmark and Bamberg County at heart.” Bamberg community leader Nancy Foster said.

Donald Brant of Olar, Harrison’s biggest collector, said,”I am excited that I had the opportunity to purchase the collection of the original art for all of Jim Harrison’s Coca Cola Collection and to be able to share this collection of his work with museums all over the country. I congratulate Jim on his accomplishments as an artist and that he still paints creating new images. I wish him many more years of creating art that shows our world at it’s best.”

“I love Denmark.” Harrison said with a grin. “I hope to spend the rest of my life right here, painting South Carolina,” he concluded.

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