Friends of Friday Arts Project
2024-10-02 - 2024-11-23 | Courtroom Gallery, at the Gettys Center 201 E Main St, 2nd Floor Hallway, Rock Hill, SC, 29730, United States
RECEPTION: NOV 7
Dylan Bannister, M.C. Churchill-Nash, Abigale Clapham, Devann Donovan, Harry E. Edwards III, Aba Hutchison, Sarah Kennedy Irwin, Fred Shope, J. Michael Simpson, Sara Simpson, Brandi Voigt Fox
EXHIBIT OVERVIEW
We like to make space to show work created by artists in our community. In that spirit, our final exhibit of the year—Friends of Friday Arts Project —showcases artwork by artists who actively participate with us in some way.
This year, the Friends of Friday Arts Project exhibit is a collection of artwork selected from pieces submitted by each artist from their personal body of work.

Reception | Friends of Friday Arts Project
2024-11-07 18:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Courtroom Gallery, at the Gettys Center 201 E Main St, 2nd Floor Hallway, Rock Hill, SC, 29730, United States
EXHIBIT DATES: OCT 2 — NOV 23, 2024
Dylan Bannister, M.C. Churchill-Nash, Abigale Clapham, Devann Donovan, Harry E. Edwards III, Aba Hutchison, Sarah Kennedy Irwin, Fred Shope, J. Michael Simpson, Sara Simpson, Brandi Voigt Fox
EXHIBIT OVERVIEW
We like to make space to show work created by artists in our community. In that spirit, our final exhibit of the year—Friends of Friday Arts Project —showcases artwork by artists who actively participate with us in some way.
This year, the Friends of Friday Arts Project exhibit is a collection of artwork selected from pieces submitted by each artist from their personal body of work.

Contagious Laughter Exhibit
2025-01-03 - 2025-02-21 | Courtroom Gallery, at the Gettys Center 201 E Main St, 2nd Floor Hallway, Rock Hill, SC, 29730, United States
RECEPTION: JAN 9
works by Doug McAbee
EXHIBIT OVERVIEW
Art can change people. Humor has a similar effect. Doug McAbee uses these two mediums to bring positive and hopeful messages to his viewers.
EXHIBIT STATEMENT
I was taught the power of laughter and humor by my father and I seek to channel that power into my creative work. Knowing that art has the power to change how people think, I have chosen to communicate positive and hopeful messages to my audience through my work.
Often using imaginative creatures as stand-ins for the characters in my narratives, my work focuses on the challenges that face all humans regardless of race, gender, or class. These issues are communicated through narratives and while the problems and dualities are acknowledged, there is always a sense of hope that we will overcome these challenges with kindness and community.
The drawings on wood, steel sculptures, and murals I am currently producing are approachable by viewers of all ages. As viewers engage with the works of art they will connect with the absurdity, the liveliness, and the humor in the work. Whether for a few seconds or perhaps longer, my hope is that connection will create change.
ARTIST BIO Doug McAbee learned to weld at age 7. While his imagination was running wild, his father began teaching him practical construction methods with steel. The sense of play and exploration he valued then is still with him as he creates whimsical and organic drawings and sculptures.
Doug was born in Spartanburg, SC and he grew up there as well. He earned his MFA at Winthrop University and works as Professor of Art at Lander University in Greenwood, SC. He lives out in the middle of nowhere with his family and their dogs and he creates drawings and sculptures when he’s not teaching.
Doug is interested in using humor, color, and narrative in his artwork. His father was a great storyteller and Doug is interested in the power of imagery and story in his visual communication with viewers. Doug creates indoor and outdoor murals, as well as indoor and outdoor sculptures and sometimes exhibits them together in immersive visual experiences in galleries.
He was also raised by wolves.

Reception | Contagious Laughter Exhibit
2025-01-09 18:30 - 20:30 | Courtroom Gallery, at the Gettys Center 201 E Main St, 2nd Floor Hallway, Rock Hill, SC, 29730, United States
EXHIBIT DATES: JAN 3 – FEB 21, 2025

EXHIBIT OVERVIEW
Art can change people. Humor has a similar effect. Doug McAbee uses these two mediums to bring positive and hopeful messages to his viewers.

Headspace Exhibit
2025-03-03 09:00 - 2025-04-18 17:00 | Courtroom Gallery, at the Gettys Center 201 E Main St, 2nd Floor Hallway, Rock Hill, SC, 29730, United States
RECEPTION: APR 4
works by Brittany Freeman & William Gold
EXHIBIT OVERVIEW
Freeman’s work explores suburbia and seeks to capture the array of emotions that define this setting—ranging from moments of joy to experiences of solitude. Gold’s work examines the psychology of self and communal perception in relation to our own finiteness and the legacies we leave. These artist’s works invite viewers to consider healthier ways of viewing our own lives and the beauty found in unforeseen places.
EXHIBIT STATEMENT
Brittany Freeman
ARTIST STATEMENT Suburbia. In my series of acrylic paintings, titled “Suburbia” I aim to unravel the complexities of everyday life in the suburbs. With a vibrant palette of colors, I seek to capture the array of emotions that define this unique landscape, from moments of joy and connection to the quieter, more solitary experiences that often go unnoticed.
Growing up in suburbia myself, I’ve always been fascinated by the delicate balance between comfort and longing that permeates these neighborhoods. In this series, I delve into themes of isolation and the struggle to maintain a sense of self amidst the monotony of suburban routine.
Additionally this collection explores the role of creature comforts—like technology, media—in shaping our experiences and perceptions. These elements serve as both a source of solace and a distraction, offering brief respites from the hustle of suburban life while simultaneously contributing to a sense of disconnection.
Through my art, I aim to ignite discussions about the intricacies of suburban life, encouraging viewers to contemplate their own journeys and how they navigate the complexities of contemporary existence. Ultimately, “Suburbia” serves as a voyage of self-discovery—a gentle nudge to recognize the hidden beauty within the mundane, amidst the hustle.
ARTIST BIO Brittany Freeman is a multidisciplinary artist hailing from the heart of the Midwest, whose faceted approach reflects the diverse landscapes of her upbringing. Raised in various suburban settings across the US, Brittany’s art is a vivid tapestry woven with themes of suburban life, neurodivergence, acceptance, comfort, and escapism.
Brittany’s artistic journey began with textiles, making realistic animal sculptures, each piece a reflection of her intricate understanding of form and the emotional ties between people and pets. This work led to a fruitful career in toy prototyping and work in film and theater as a prop-maker. However, a major car accident in 2016 left her unable to sculpt for several years, prompting a transformative shift in her practice.
Turning to acrylic painting as a means of expression, Brittany discovered a newfound passion that resonated deeply within her soul. Drawn to its versatility and immediacy, acrylic painting became Brittany’s primary medium, allowing her to explore themes of identity and connection with a boldness and clarity previously unattainable.
In her vibrant and evocative paintings, Brittany captures the essence of human experience with a sensitivity and depth that transcends words. Figurative in nature, her works pulse with life, each brushstroke a testament to the complexity and beauty of the human spirit.
Bold colors and impressionistic style characterize Brittany’s art, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in a world where emotion reigns supreme and the boundaries between reality and imagination blur. Through her art, Brittany seeks to forge connections, sparking conversations and fostering empathy in a world often devoid of understanding.
As Brittany continues to evolve as an artist, she remains committed to pushing artistic boundaries and challenging perceptions, using her creativity as a force for change and healing. With each new piece, she invites us to embark on a journey of self-discovery, where acceptance and connection illuminate the path forward.
William Gold
ARTIST STATEMENT My artwork is about dealing with mental health and about how we think about ourselves and how we think we are perceived. It also covers the concept of mortality and what we think people will remember about us when we pass.
This work covers the last couple of years from my lowest times in my life and the realization of my own mental issues to recovering and being in a better place to where I feel like I can manage my own mental health and have a better sense of self.
I like to utilize needle felting into my paintings to contrast the darker subject matter like the skulls, creating them separate from the canvas and then adhering them by a strong glue and/or needle felting them through the canvas. I’ll start off covering the canvas with either a bright or dark color to set the tone or mood that I’m feeling and pick a couple of colors before hand to complement the background. By incorporating my own interests, either about coffee or nature, I can personally see myself or my own mental state at that time. I usually do not know what the finish piece will look like when I begin. A new element or different composition will be used in order to surprise and challenge myself and I can create something that’s new to me.
ARTIST BIO I’m an artist residing in Rock Hill, SC. Most of my earlier work has been in Acrylic, Oil, and Ink, but the last couple of years I’ve been working in Fiber Art and exploring how I can integrate it into my paintings.

Reception | Headspace Exhibit
2025-04-04 17:00 - 19:00 | Courtroom Gallery, at the Gettys Center 201 E Main St, 2nd Floor Hallway, Rock Hill, SC, 29730, United States
EXHIBIT DATES: MAR 3 – APR 18, 2025
works by Brittany Freeman & William Gold
EXHIBIT OVERVIEW
Freeman’s work explores suburbia and seeks to capture the array of emotions that define this setting—ranging from moments of joy to experiences of solitude. Gold’s work examines the psychology of self and communal perception in relation to our own finiteness and the legacies we leave. These artist’s works invite viewers to consider healthier ways of viewing our own lives and the beauty found in unforeseen places.

Entangled Exhibit
2025-05-01 09:00 - 2025-06-27 17:00 | Courtroom Gallery, at the Gettys Center 201 E Main St, 2nd Floor Hallway, Rock Hill, SC, 29730, United States
RECEPTION: JUN 5
works by Claire Kiester & Kim Thomas
EXHIBIT OVERVIEW
Entangled explores the intersection of creativity and sustainability. Claire Kiester and Kim Thomas present works that encourage viewers to consider the value of the often overlooked or discarded—to examine our established routines and the materials that are part of our daily lives.
EXHIBIT STATEMENT
Claire Kiester
ARTIST STATEMENT “Entanglement” is an exhibition exploring the prevalence of patterns within our society and the residue they leave behind. Viewers will begin to take notice of systems and patterns throughout their daily lives. The show features pieces from Kiester’s new series of colorful, knotted paracord works and sculptural wall pieces. Over 50% of the utilized materials will be recycled and repurposed. Included works explore texture, materiality, and sustainability. Challenging the viewer to investigate the pieces and re-evaluate the resources at their disposal to create. Showing others the continued possibilities of items they discard, inspires them to look at recycling in a new way and incorporate it into their own lives. With this exhibition, Kiester is determined to inspire new audiences and empower them to explore their own sustainable creativity.
ARTIST BIO Claire Kiester is a fiber artist, printmaker, and public artist from Chapel Hill, NC. She completed her BFA at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2021 and now resides in Charlotte, NC. Her work has been featured in galleries and events such as Goodyear Arts, McColl Center, Peel Gallery, The Compound Gallery in Emeryville, CA, and The LeRoy Nieman Center in Chicago, IL. She has created many large-scale public art installations throughout North Carolina. These include her pieces for The Charlotte International Arts Festival, Charlotte SHOUT!, and Uproar Festival of Public Art.
Kiester currently works as a teaching artist at Studio 345, an afterschool program for at-risk youth, and as an artist in the greater Charlotte community.
Kim Thomas
ARTIST STATEMENT My works are a visual discussion around climate change, nature, and our insatiable consumer culture. As an intersection between all three issues, found single-use plastics are often used as a key material in my artwork. In manipulating debris through a variety of media—primarily sculpture, installation, and printmaking—I present the viewer with an everyday object in an unexpected, new form. I am particularly interested in the way these forms mimic human consumption and its relationship to pollution, which spreads over and suffocates the world around us, just as plastics become entangled in the environment. My works are abstract embodiments of this process, usually on a larger scale, in an attempt to envelop the scope of issues we face in the​​ Anthropocene. Each piece brings with it the narrative associated with its materiality, the juxtaposition of nature and man-made, and challenges the viewer to contemplate their own relationship with these materials.
ARTIST BIO Kim Thomas is an internationally exhibiting artist working with the relationship between the natural environment and discarded materials, especially plastics. Her works have been exhibited in various venues, including at the University of Georgia, Athens, GA, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, Latitude 53 in Alberta, Canada and Museo del Brigantaggio in Itri, Italy. In 2011, she was selected for her solo exhibition at the Brooks Museum in Memphis, TN.
Thomas holds her MFA in Studio Art from Memphis College of Art. She currently lives in her native Charleston, SC. She is the proud single mom to a preschooler. Thomas is also a full-time high school Art teacher.

Reception | Entangled Exhibit
2025-06-05 18:00 - 20:00 | Courtroom Gallery, at the Gettys Center 201 E Main St, 2nd Floor Hallway, Rock Hill, SC, 29730, United States
EXHIBIT DATES: MAY 1 – JUN 27, 2025
works by Claire Kiester & Kim Thomas
EXHIBIT OVERVIEW
Entangled explores the intersection of creativity and sustainability. Claire Kiester and Kim Thomas present works that encourage viewers to consider the value of the often overlooked or discarded—to examine our established routines and the materials that are part of our daily lives.

Friends Exhibit 2025
2025-11-14 08:00 - 2025-11-22 17:00 | 3 Locations: Courtroom Gallery, Loading Dock Gallery & Ramble On Records, Old Town, Rock Hill, South Carolina
