Lee Artist of the Month is newcomer to arts scene

Randy Burns / The Item Curtis Begley of Sumter is the September Artist of the Month for the Lee County Arts Council. The 67-year-old pencil artist straightens one of the 35 drawings on display at the Opera House in Bishopville.

By RANDY BURNS
Item Staff Writer
rburns@theitem.com

BISHOPVILLE – At 67, Curtis Begley doesn't fit the typical mold of a rookie artist.

He worked as a professional engineer for more than 20 years in Sumter, and he retired about 10 years ago. Not too long ago, Begley, of Sumter, took his first art class.

Now the pencil artist, who has been making drawings for seven or eight years, is the Lee County Arts Council's Artist of the Month for September.

As part of that recognition, Begley's artwork will go on display at the Bishopville Opera House — the first formal art exhibit of his drawings.

"For some time now, art has been the one love of my life," Begley said.

A pencil artist, Begley's drawings of dogs and flowers — mostly dogs — require meticulous precision and, thus, are time consuming.

"I guess I have spent, for the most part, 50 to 60 hours a week on my art," he said.

He estimates that he has about 60 drawings to his credit, and 30 to 35 of those will be on display on the walls of the Opera House throughout the month of September.

Begley's work breaks preconceived notions of pencil art.

Created by pencils consisting of about 130 colors, Begley's drawings look more to the untrained eye like they are paintings of watercolor or oil.

Visitors to the Opera House are going to be impressed, arts council officials say.

"We are very excited to have Mr. Begley's art on display this month," said Visual Arts Committee member Robin Brunson. "We invite everyone to come on out."

The public also is invited to a reception that will be held in Begley's honor from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 13 at the Opera House.

There is no admission charge, and refreshments will be served. Visitors will be able to talk with the artist. Prints of his artwork will be on sale; however, most of the drawings on exhibit are not for sale.

Begley said art is a hobby, not a second career.

"I don't draw to make money," he said. "I do it because I love it."

Pencil art has become an important and well-respected genre in recent years, Begley said.

"We are very lucky to have some excellent pencil artists in Sumter," he said.

Begley's willingness to participate in the September art exhibit at the Opera House is tied to his passion for art.

"I am here because I want to show these art pieces," he said. "I want people to see my work."

The Opera House, 109 N. Main St., is open from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. weekdays. There is no daily admission charge.

The monthly artists' receptions are an opportunity to meet and talk with the artists, Brunson said.

For more information, call the arts council at (803) 484-5090.