In Bloom: A Botanical Celebration
In Bloom is a collection of dynamic floral acrylic paintings from local artists Kalah Crawford, Angela Zokan and intricately designed flower arrangements created by Ikebana artist Lin Ko, which celebrates the beauty of Spring in all its colorful, magical glory.
Meet the Artists:
Angela Hughes Zokan
Growing up many things were important to me, but nothing was as important as the little yellow paint set and brush. It did not matter that all of the colors ran together or the paints were cracked, what mattered most was the fact that I was quickly engulfed and transported to the place of my choosing with the simple swoop of a brush. The brush allowed me to escape the chaos and create my own personal oasis at a young age.
This passion for art continued to grow at Rollings School of the Arts, Summerville High School, and the University of South Carolina where I received her Bachelors of Art in Art Education and Interdisciplinary Masters of Art, including a study abroad in Italy. I credit my love for arts and art education to my supportive family and the professional art educators I was surrounded by throughout grade school, college and teaching.
My works tend to evolve as I mature into different stages of life. I classify myself as a painter, however I am continually manipulating different mediums and ideas within my artworks. This experimental nature is so important to me and helps keep everything fresh.
Works have been displayed throughout South Carolina from the Flowertown Festival, Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, Charleston’s Artist Guild, SC State Fair, Tapp’s Art Center, Artista Vista, the Lexington Old Mill, and Red Bird Gallery, Calhoun Street Gallery, Midlands Pediatric Dentistry, Hotel Trundle and are available for purchase at McIntosh Antiques and Gifts in Columbia, SC and Marsh on the May in Bluffton, SC. I have participated in various local art events such as Cottontown Art Crawl and Melrose Art in the Yard.
While working as an art educator at Gilbert Elementary School, I began to be involved with the community in which I taught and lived. Working with international mixed media artist Khaldoune Bencheikh for two summers on the Transitions mosaic, inspired me to create and involve the community of Lexington with mosaics as well. These mosaics involved working with thousands of students to create unique pieces for their community.
As of 2019, I have taken a step back from the classroom to focus on my family and art. I miss the classroom, smiles and excitement, but have enjoyed the opportunity and "change of plans" the Lord has provided for me. I have been able to grow and develop so much more as an artist.
Instagram: @ahugheszart
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Kalah Crawford
Artist Kalah Crawford, based in Columbia, SC, found her passion in the art industry in 2017. Taking one single art class in 1999, Kalah Crawford found that drawing came easy for her. Though she surfaced a few basic paintings in the past, she never found an interest or will to learn more about it until then. She is on her way to paving a way for her future to become a full-time artist.
She is the CEO of A.D.D. Art by Kalah, LLC and is in the process of furthering her education in art. She was recently acknowledged in the Columbia, Greenville and Charleston Business Monthly Magazine as a Woman to Watch. Her art is inspiring and captures the attention of her audience using an expression without boundaries. In 2021, Kalah was nominated and selected for recognition by Richland County School District 2 in Columbia, SC, for Black History Month as one of the influential Artists and Musicians.
As more opportunities open for Kalah, she understands the importance of continuous growth, educating herself and being true to her unique abilities to create freely. So where does A.D.D. Art by Kalah come from? It’s Artistically Diversified and Defiant Art created by Chakalah (Kalah) Crawford.
Inquiries or Sales: www.addartbykalah.com
Instagram: addartbykalah
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Lin Ko
Lin immigrated from Taiwan to USA in 1984. She has a MA degree in Chinese Literature from National Taiwan University (1973) as well as a Master of Library and Information Science degree from the University of South Carolina (1992).
Lin already had 13 years of teaching and research experience in international and domestic universities before starting her library career with Richland Library in 1991. She has retired from Richland Library as a branch manager since 2013.
Lin, a certified Sogetsu instructor, has been very active in practicing and promoting Ikebana art since 1998. She is a former President of Ikebana International chapter 182 of Columbia. Moreover, she is now an active member of North & Central America Regional (NCAR) Ikebana International Sensei Committee.
Lin teaches Ikebana in person and online.
Inquiries or Sales: linkosc@gmail.com