Two new art forms will be on display at this year's Diverse Arts Show, an exhibition that highlights the visual artistic variety in the region.

The fourth annual event will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, at the Orangeburg County Fine Arts Center's Lusty Gallery. Light hors d'oeuvres will be served during the show Thursday evening.

Orangeburg-area artists Sheryl Davis, Alice French, Pennie Sifly and Jo Wyrosdick began Diverse Arts in 2006 to feature the creations of local individuals in various art disciplines.

French said this year's exhibit will feature unique pieces in wood and metalworking by John Frick and wood turning by Tom Kerr. Original jewelry from Denmark native Salley Williamson will also be featured.

"We're just thrilled with the three new artists that we have," French said. "I think we always have to be looking. Some people are just hiding; they're a little leery about stepping forward and saying, 'I do this.'"

In addition to displaying his work at Diverse Arts, Frick will also provide musical entertainment on the piano.

"I've done woodwork for 10 years and metalworking for the last three years," Frick said. "The last 1-1/2 years I've done blacksmith work."

An example of Frick's work includes a red-and-yellow painted gamecock, made from plow blades, horseshoes, blade cutters and a rake.

"People give me stuff, and I envision what I can do with it while I pile it up," Frick said. "I enjoy what I call junk art, just picking up what others consider pieces of trash and trying to make something out of it."

The Diverse Arts Show is Tom Kerr's first exhibit. He started working in the medium as a hobby three years ago.

"Ben Pendarvis, who is a well-known turner in this area, got me started," Kerr said. "Most of my turning is what's known as natural edge, or pieces that still have bark."

"I like to turn unusual pieces of wood," he said. "I learned that the most interesting grain patterns around are found in tree crotches and roots. When you get into the wood, the grains are really fascinating."

Williamson, who grew up in Denmark and lives in Asheville, N.C., said she works mostly with sterling silver, freshwater pearls, semiprecious stones, leather and silk when making her jewelry.

"I started creating pieces as a hobby after attending a class on basic jewelry design," Williamson said. "Creating original pieces quickly became an obsession, and I began to sell my work in local shops."

"Growing up, I never wore jewelry," she said. "I didn't even have my ears pierced until I was 26. I finally did this because I appreciated the artistic quality of the earrings and other jewelry I saw on women around me."

Sifly said 150 to 200 people turned out for last year's show. She said she wants Orangeburg to be as excited about the show as she and her fellow artists are.

"The main reason for us to do this is to show Orangeburg how much talent we have right here," Sifly said.

For more information about the Diverse Arts Show, call 803-536-4074 or visit ocfac.org.

T&D Staff Writer Phil Sarata can be reached by e-mail at psarata@timesanddemocrat.com or by telephone at 803-533-5540. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

Guitar lessons at Fine Arts Center

Christopher Jenkins will begin teaching guitar lessons at the Orangeburg County Fine Arts Center in November. He will give a brief performance and answer questions about the classes at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29.

Jenkins is a performer and teacher in Columbia, where he is pursuing graduate studies with Christopher Berg. He completed his bachelor's degree in performance at George Mason University, where he studied with Larry Snitzler.

Jenkins has performed in master classes with Pepe Romero, Roland Dyens, Martha Masters, Gilbert Biberian, Gallardo Del Rey and Joaquin Clerch.

In July 2006, he attended the Interpretation of Spanish Song Festival in Granada, Spain. He was also chosen to perform at the La Guitarra Festival in Santa Maria, Calif., in September 2007. In addition to performance, Jenkins teaches students of all ages and is a member of the Guitar Foundation of America.

For more information, call the OCFAC at 803-536-4074.

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