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Nature Is the Gallery for Lander Photographer’s Show at Lake Greenwood State Park

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Lander University art professor, Jon Holloway, discusses the South Carolina Outdoor Project at Lake Greenwood State Park during a recent art walk. Nature provides the gallery space for the exhibit, which features 26 of his colorful photographs and continues through Oct. 24. Photo by Allison Devore

Photographs of South Carolina's rich landscapes - from the mountains to the sea - can be found hanging in a most unusual gallery of trees.

The gallery for the South Carolina Outdoor Project is at Lake Greenwood State Park and features 26, 40-by-60 inch photographs by Jon Holloway, a Lander University art professor who is internationally recognized for his works capturing people and the interesting environments in the world around them.

For Holloway, who has had numerous solo and group exhibitions throughout the United States, the state park's "natural gallery" was a stretch beyond his usual shows.

"I have always explored a variety of exhibit opportunities outside the 'traditional' gallery," said Holloway. "This exhibit is accessible to the public via car, bike, or walking. The natural landscape becomes the gallery space."

The concept was developed as an opportunity for people to explore the outdoors during the COVID-19 pandemic and have a chance to view art away from indoor presentations. The lack of a formal museum or gallery setting doesn't hinder a person's enjoyment of Holloway's creativity.

"This exhibit celebrates the beauty and diversity of South Carolina. I hope visitors will realize that South Carolina has an amazing landscape from the coast to the mountains," he said.

However, getting the photographs from "concept" to "installation" was a bit challenging. "The installation was a process that had to be explored prior the actual install date, just to make sure everything would hold up to the natural elements."

The coated canvas prints are hanging from the trees by cord. He experimented with several works at home before the event to perfect his outdoor gallery techniques. While the gallery is at risk for damage by rain and storms, Holloway said the uncertainty is part of the process.

The South Carolina Outdoor Project made its debut recently during an art walk through the outdoor gallery adjacent to Lake Greenwood. Holloway talked to guests about the colorful nature photographs, which mostly feature landscapes but also capture the beauty of wildlife.

The photographs can be viewed through Oct. 24 at the Oaks Point Area of Lake Greenwood State Park, starting to the right of the visitor center. State Park admission is $3 for adults; $1.50 for S.C. seniors, and $1 for children age 6 - 15. Children age 5 and under get in free.

Holloway worked with Fayette Yenny, manager of the Lake Greenwood State Park, to coordinate the logistics of the show. The response from visitors has been very positive.

"Even while installing the artwork, visitors loved the concept. The Lake Greenwood State Park has received numerous compliments of the work, and it has been a good calling card to explore the unique state parks that South Carolina has to offer the public."

The show has appeal for students of all ages, who can learn about art in a nontraditional way. "It is a great opportunity for students to see firsthand, how art in the community can make a difference," said Holloway, who received a Lander University President's Grant to defray the costs of the printing.