It's A Garden Party

Kicking things off with a reception this Friday, Jan. 8, Fabulon — Center for Art and Education presents Garden Party, a solo exhibition featuring the works of local artist Julia Deckman. The reception, which will be held from 5-8:30 p.m., includes light refreshments and is open to the public.
Deckman grew up in Annapolis, MD. With the encouragement of a creative family, her art career began as a toddler with an easel in her grandfather’s backyard. “I have been painting ever since,” she says.
“Annapolis was a beautiful place to grow up. Living on the water and spending my childhood outdoors certainly influenced my creative direction,” says Deckman, who then fell in love with the Lowcountry of South Carolina while attending the College of Charleston from 2003-2007. Although she moved back to Annapolis after graduation, she says fate led her back to Charleston a few years later in 2012. “I couldn’t be happier.  Charleston is full of innovative people, has an incredibly rich history, and is a very humbling and inspiring place to live,” says Deckman
Because Garden Party is Deckman’s first solo exhibition, she says she wanted to focus on her “roots” as an artist. “As I child I would paint acrylic still lifes, but later I truly fell in love with painting while learning about the dynamic works of Georgia O’Keeffe,” she says. “I find all of her works beautiful and inspiring, but I was especially drawn to her florals. My Garden Party pieces are floral and botanical and aim to dramatically emphasize organic beauty.”
Consisting of 20 paintings depicting luscious florals and organic beauty, Deckman’s Garden Party collection will be on display through Jan. 30 and the pieces are available for purchase at Fabulon.
All 20 paintings that are part of the exhibit are oil on canvas. “I’ve also used acrylics in the past, but all of the pieces in Garden Party will be oil on canvas. I enjoy how versatile oils are and how vibrant the colors can be,” says Deckman, who describes her artistic style as “Bold, vibrant and organic.”
Fabulon owner Susan Irish met Deckman over the summer at a lecture. The two artists exchanged information and Irish eventually reached out to Deckman about her work. “Before I knew it she was offering me representation in her gallery as well as a solo exhibition opportunity,” says Deckman, who plans to participate in some classes and workshops at Fabulon once the show winds down.
“I’m extremely thankful to Susan for this opportunity. She puts so much passion and effort into all of Fabulon’s shows and has made the whole process very easy and exciting,” says Deckman.
Garden Party, featuring the works of Julia Deckman opens Friday, Jan. 8 with a reception from 5-8:30 p.m. at Fabulon, located at 1017 Wappoo Road. You can follow Deckman on Instagram at @byjdeckman or visit www.byjdeckman.com to learn more about her and her work.