Local artist selected for Bascom-Louise Gallery

Burke County's Jessica Stewart was one of 50 artists handpicked to show at the Bascom-Louise Gallery in Highlands, N.C. The 25-year-old artist graduated from Augusta State University in 2006 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and is now pursuing a Masters Degree in Ceramics at Georgia Southern University. Her work, Organic Totem, pictured above, is the only ceramic piece juried into the show. "Throughout history totems have expressed the beliefs and strengths of a community. The stacked totems that I have focused on consist of individual organic shapes that come together to create a larger piece," Stewart said. "These shapes all relate to each other and create a sense of balance and family. One cannot exist without the other, in a sense they are a community within themselves. "The exhibit will begin with an opening reception Oct. 20 and will continue through Nov. 21. Stewart will also be showing and selling other pieces in downtown Waynesboro, Nov. 17-18, at the annual Liberty Art show. For more information on the respective shows, go to www.thefineartcenterhighlands.org and www.libertysquare.org.