Two well-known local artists are being featured in a Spring Gallery Exhibition at the Aiken Center for the Arts (ACA) in Aiken, South Carolina during the month of March. Herb Cohen and Jose Fumero, residents of Artists’ Alley in Blowing Rock for more than thirty years, will be two of several exhibitors whose works will be highlighted and available for sale to the thriving arts community in Aiken.
The Aiken Center for the Arts serves its community through the five exhibition galleries, art classes and workshops for all ages, cultural events and high quality original works of art in the Gallery Store. Aiken Center for the Arts offers a year-round calendar of activities, including a range of visual arts programs supplemented with periodic performing arts presentations and films
Blowing Rock has several important ties with the unique South Carolina town. Marcia and Dennis Quinn and Don and Teresa Caine, all seasonal residents of Blowing Rock, also have homes in Aiken. In March, 2007, they hosted a large group of BRAHM travelers and were excited about the opportunity to guide the group through the downtown ACA. Visiting similarly-sized art and history centers has been very helpful to the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum as the leadership finalizes its plans for the Blowing Rock Museum.
While visiting in Blowing Rock last summer, Leslie and Taylor Garnett, members of the Board of Directors at ACA, had the opportunity to meet Herb and Jose and to explore their studio and admire their work. They were very impressed with what they saw and began to dream of having these artists hold an exhibition in Aiken! Working with Kristin Brown, director of ACA, plans were soon formulated for the current spring show.
Herb and Jose began coming to Blowing Rock to spend time with friend and fellow artist Philip Moose in the early 1970s. Earning both a BFA and MFA from the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University, Herb has served as an instructor at Alfred University, a designer for Hyalyn Porcelain Company, Hickory, NC, and as Exhibits Director and Acting Director at the Mint Museum of Art in Charlotte. As an award-winning potter and sculptor, he has exhibited throughout the United States; served as juror for numerous exhibitions, fairs, and shows; and served appointments to regional committees and boards.
José, a graduate of the City College of New York (CUNY) and the Cooper Union Art School of New York, has made his living as a designer and stylist - specializing in fabrics and textiles - for multiple companies. As a painter and fiber artist, he has exhibited at the Mint Museum of Art, Charlotte; the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art, Winston-Salem; Palazzo Venezia in Rome, Italy; and museums and galleries throughout the Southeastern United States. José has also held teaching positions at Appalachian State University, Boone, NC; East Carolina University, Greenville, NC; and the Mint Museum of Art, Charlotte. Herb and José are also current exhibiting members of Piedmont Craftsmen, Inc. and the Southern Highland Craft Guild.
Many members of the BRAHM Board of Trustees will be in attendance at the Opening Reception being held on Thursday, March 6 at the Aiken Center for the Arts to honor their fellow Board members and to celebrate the recognition Herb and Jose so richly deserve.