She re-located from Boston to Oxford — and it wasn’t primarily because Oxford is where she grew up.
Artist Sarah Beth Wiley is inspired by the scenery, dreams and memories of her hometown and the love of the arts that energizes this community.
An eagerly anticipated showing of her work upstairs at Bouré runs tonight through the end of January. The graphic artist, painter, photographer and craftswoman will present about 30 paintings and multi-media pieces incorporating her photography. Wiley will be on hand Friday evening, Nov. 29, from 5-8 p.m. for a reception at the Square restaurant with discounted drinks available. “There’ll be an opportunity to meet with attendees and show them smaller items, such as unframed prints and photos they might find more affordable for their holiday purchases,” Wiley said.
Wiley who describes her work as “non-traditional” said Oxford has always informed her artistic vision. She is also a graphic designer and currently the creative director for HottyToddy.com and Experience Oxford Magazine.
“Growing up in Oxford, I was always drawing,” she recalled. “By high school, I got my first camera and my life filled with imagery began. Two years studying fine arts at Millsaps College in Jackson Miss., a move to Boston, completing school at the University of Massachusetts with a degree in visual design, led to 15 years working for various design studios and advertising agencies. At the same time, I kicked off a series of solo and group art shows throughout the Boston area.”
Wiley says she had established a significant following for her work in Boston and hopes to jump-start interest here with this show. “To say I moved here because my mother lives here and this is my hometown would be true, but my true motivation is more connected to my art,” she explained. “I love the South and my husband Loyd and I wanted to come back here. This area has always inspired my art, even when I was living in Boston. When I was considering a move, I knew that besides New Orleans and Austin, Oxford was another Southern city that embraces the arts in a big way. I want to be part of the art scene here and make a personal contribution to its growth.”
Wiley says her holiday-timed show will blend perfectly with open houses planned by Square merchants and create a fun atmosphere for shoppers, artists and art fans. To learn more about Wiley’s work click on reasontobelievedesign.com
Story by Andy Knef, HottyToddy.com editor
