Former interior designer and Aiken native Julie Adams, began her artistic journey in her free time as a mother taking classes when she could. By the 1990s, Julie’s boys were in college and she had time to nurture her talent while living in Atlanta. Fast forward to 2008, Julie moved back to Aiken, opened her own studio, and began to teach. She started with five students in her cozy loft studio on historic Laurens Street. At present, she has 23 students, some who have been with her since the very beginning, and has expanded into an additional studio.
Julie’s niche is figurative and portrait art but, as a lifelong learner, she's currently exploring landscapes. Julie begins teaching her students art basics. Once they have that mastered (usually around four weeks), the students are encouraged to be unique and explore their personal visions while they create. Many students enjoy bringing their friends and families to observe their artistic journey in action. Julie especially enjoys seeing the students’ bond and friendships within the class, feeling that this synergy aides in the creative process. She stresses that feeling comfortable in the creative environment will mold camaraderies that will last outside the classroom.
Julie’s paintings have been shown in the Sumter Gallery of Art, Atlanta College of Art, Quinlin Art Center, Brenau College, The Etheridge Center and the Aiken Center for the Arts. When asked if anyone has shaped her as an artist, she fondly mentioned Phillip Carpenter and Al Beyer, both former instructors.
The artwork of Julie’s students will be exhibited at the Aiken Center for the Arts December 8th through January 19th. The Opening Reception will be held December 8th from 6 pm to 8 pm. Over 140 pieces will be on display and for sale encompassing a variety of styles from abstract to impressionism.
Julie Adams Fine Art is located at 143 Laurens Street NW.
The work of Silversmith, Danielle LoMonaco, will also be on exhibit at the Aiken Center for the Arts beginning December 8th. Danielle has been making jewelry for over a decade. She spent more than 7 years working in a fine jewelry store specializing in custom bridal, stone setting, and repair before opening her own studio in February of 2021. She now focuses on one of a kind designs featuring hand selected, all natural, and ethically sourced stones from independent stone cutters in the US. All of her pieces are made to the highest standards and completely hand-fabricated from Sterling Silver. Her pieces in this exhibition will feature Savannah River Agate, a stone native to the CSRA.