The Society of Bluffton Artists (SOBA) is set to host its much-anticipated LARGE ART Show, a bold exhibition featuring oversized works from the region’s most talented local creators. Running from January 6th through February 15th, this dynamic showcase pushes the physical and creative boundaries of the canvas, inviting viewers to experience art on a grander scale.
Among the featured participants is Missy Gentile, a renowned local abstract artist and SOBA instructor. Drawing inspiration from her time in Paris and her deep-seated values of human connection, Gentile’s work often features vibrant oil enamels and expressive forms that prioritize emotion over rigid structure.
A Philosophy of Freedom
Gentile’s approach to art can be summed up by a quote from the legendary Helen Frankenthaler that she often shares with her students: “One of the first rules is no rules.”
For Gentile, abstract painting is not about replicating a specific image, but about capturing a feeling.
“My art reflects my vision of no boundaries,” Gentile says. “What the eye sees is what it is—how it moves you is most important.”
“Wildest Dream” is a striking abstract work that translates the fluidity of thought into a high-energy visual field. Dominated by a cool base of teals and deep blues, the piece uses high-contrast streaks of neon pink, red, and yellow to create a sense of electric movement.
The composition is anchored by a faint, circular glow near the center, which provides a moment of stillness amidst the chaotic, rain-like verticality. This suggests a central core of clarity or a “source” within the subconscious. Ultimately, the painting captures the fleeting, vivid nature of a dream—blurring the line between deep, quiet emotion and bursts of intense inspiration.
The work is 5′ x 9′ oil on canvas.
Service, Connection, and Color
While her influences range from the masters—Picasso, Rothko, and Matisse—her primary inspiration is deeply personal. Gentile draws from her core values of service and human connection, as well as the world around her in Bluffton. Her work serves as a visual bridge between her inner life and the viewer’s experience.
For Gentile, success isn’t measured in technical perfection, but in the reaction of the observer. If a piece can evoke a memory, stir an emotion, or simply bring a smile to a stranger’s face, she considers her mission accomplished.
About SOBA:
The Society of Bluffton Artists (SOBA) is a non-profit cooperative that has served as a creative anchor in the Lowcountry for over 30 years. Located in the heart of Old Town Bluffton’s historic district, the gallery features a rotating collection of original work from more than 100 local artists, with entirely new exhibits hung every month. Beyond its vibrant exhibition space, SOBA operates an adjacent art school offering workshops for all skill levels and provides scholarships and outreach programs to nurture the local arts community.
Contact Information & Gallery Hours
For more information regarding the “Large Art” exhibit or upcoming classes, you can reach the gallery through the following channels:
- Address: 6 Church Street, Bluffton, SC 29910 (Corner of Calhoun and Church Streets)
- Phone: 843-757-6586
- Email: classes@sobagallery.com (for Art School inquiries)
- Hours: * Monday – Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. – Sunday: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.