Meet The Artists

2024 Lowcountry Artist of the Year, Jennifer York,  is an adventurous cut paper artist whose work reflects her lifelong passion for exploration and creativity. Raised in rural Indiana before moving to Asheville, NC, Jennifer founded Jennythreads Studio, where she created handmade apparel for nearly two decades before shifting her focus to fine art. Her dynamic practice blends sculptural paper art, intricate cuttings, and mixed media. Her works have been featured at the Gibbes Museum of Art and the National Sculpture Exhibition, among others. Currently based in Charleston, SC, Jennifer’s art – often inspired by the natural world – has been featured in major exhibitions, including at the Burroughs-Chapin Art Museum and ARTFIELDS.

Kelly Brewer is a passionate artist whose work celebrates the beauty of shared experiences through the interplay of light and nature. Using oil on canvas, Kelly explores both personal and universal themes of connection – between people, animals, and places. Recently, Kelly traveled across Kentucky, gathering oral histories and stories from the people they encountered along the way. The result of this journey is The Commonwealth of Kentucky, a book that weaves together these stories with Kelly’s artwork and the words of author Beth Pride. Kelly’s art invites viewers to reflect on the common threads that bind us all, whether through intimate animal portraits or sweeping landscape scenes.

Mark Lexton is a third-generation goldsmith from Pee Dee, SC. Inheriting his passion for jewelry making from his grandfather and father (both skilled artisans in the trade), Mark began crafting jewelry inspired by his wife Lisa’s equestrian lifestyle, launching his first collection with a gold dressage pin. Mark continues to draw inspiration from his family, animals, and the natural beauty of South Carolina. Known for their exceptional craftsmanship and timeless appeal, Mark’s hand-forged pieces are designed to be treasured heirlooms.

Andre Berg is a seasoned traveler and photographer with a 30-year career in photography. His work, both striking and raw, captures landscapes and portraits that tell authentic stories of people and places he’s encountered. With deep involvement in humanitarian efforts across Africa, the Middle East, and the Caucasus, Berg’s photos reflect his compassionate and immersive approach to storytelling. After years of travel, he settled in the Lowcountry, where he now runs a gallery and continues to grow his art.

Leanne McJunkin Coulter and Rhonda Davis, longtime friends and the creative minds behind Daufuskie Blues, are dedicated to reviving a centuries-old craft in a setting as rich in history as it is inspiring. Their studio, nestled in the charming and historic Maryfield School on Daufuskie Island, South Carolina—accessible only by boat—offers a one-of-a-kind experience in the heart of the Lowcountry. Here, art and education blend seamlessly, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in both the craft and the captivating island culture.

Sally Lesesne is a proud SC native who is a distinguished painter with over 30 years of professional experience. Honing her craft at Converse College, the University of Texas, and Oxford University, she is a diverse artist of multiple mediums. Sally has shared her expertise through teaching, and her work has been showcased both in the US and abroad. Sally’s summer months are filled with plein-air painting in some of the world’s most picturesque locations, ranging from the Mediterranean to the Bahamas and China.

Landrum Tables breathes new life into Charleston’s history. Founded by native Charlestonian, Capers Landrum Cauthen, Landrum Tables specializes in handcrafted furniture made from locally reclaimed wood – preserving the past while creating unique, soulful pieces for modern living. Capers has dedicated his craft to rescuing wood from Charleston’s past and giving it a second life.

A transformative drawing class sparked Beth Blackwell Cullen’s passion for painting, prompting her to transition from a successful career in real estate and hospitality into the world of art. Known for her bold use of color and abstract landscapes, Beth has earned multiple awards and currently serves as Director of the Virginia Highland Plein Air Painters. As an Impressionist artist, she skillfully blends vibrant hues with nature’s splendor, drawing inspiration from the beauty around her. The stunning Lowcountry landscape will surely inspire both Beth and her workshop participants this October at Palmetto Bluff, where she’ll share her joy of teaching and art through her dynamic pastel workshops.

Arun Drummond, a South Carolina native, brings nearly two decades of expertise in educating others about the rich culture of the coastal South and Lowcountry. A talented mixed-media artist since 2004, his work has been featured on the Food Network and in Conde Nast Traveler. Join Arun at Palmetto Bluff this November to explore his creative journey and experience the vibrant culture of the Lowcountry through his art.

Play with fire with encaustic visual artist Pam White! Based in Bluffton, South Carolina, Pam uses encaustic wax, which has allowed her to mix natural elements of the Earth into each piece, painting water using fire and manufacturing her own interpretation of what she sees. The unpredictability of the encaustic wax medium is a constant inspiration and challenge for her, which in turn helps inspire and help her to continually challenge herself to grow as an artist.