Southport Magazine

By Carla Edstrom

A new art studio and gallery has arrived in Southport on Howe Street smack dab in the middle of town. Located in the beautiful shopping center that shares Wade’s Jewelers, Sotheby’s Realty, and Shopgirl, the Joseph Bardani Art Studio has arrived in full grandeur. Opening its doors in September, the studio is a COOP of several painters under the masterful direction of artist Joseph Bardani. 

Bardani is not new to Southport or to the art community. He has been a painting instructor at Brunswick Community College on Lord Street for several years, and his stunning work is hanging all over town.  The Bardani Studio is currently residence to 12 local artists, many of whom are students of Bardani’s and are also well-recognized artists around the Southport area.  The current members include Bardani, Barbara G. White, Kathy Lenihan, Donna Ferrandino, Nancy Adelis, Donna Kanish, Christy Hadley Jacks, Anne McElroy, Judy Droitcour, George Humphreys, Nina Mucha, Cathleen Thompson. There is a variety of genres and skill levels to enjoy. 

“We have good artists and some beginners as well.  All but one have been students and many still are, so I have seen incredible advances in their talent.  Many are selling their art quite well. Each artist shares a minimal amount for the space,” Bargain said.

On December 9th, the studio and other businesses hosted a very successful open house and block party to celebrate and introduce themselves to the community. “I actually had been thinking about this type of open studio for quite a while.  Maybe since I first got here 9 years ago,” said Bardani.  “I really got interested during the peak Covid period about a year ago.  My private lessons were diminishing and I needed to be closer to Southport than my home in Little River.  About June of this year I found this place on Howe Street, just one block from my original studio some nine years ago. I thought it was good karma.” 

The art community in Southport is alive and thriving with many new residents seeking out a place to create art every year. “When I started teaching some seven years ago I really did not know what to expect.  I have learned and grown as a teacher and an artist from all my students.  They make me a better painter.  I have about 90 students now and every one of them has different styles and techniques.  Each one has their own DNA sort of speak on their painting.  I have seen incredible growth in each student.  I am so proud and it will leave a permanent memory on me of each and every painting they do,” he said. “I find new inspiration through everyday life.  Through my students, and through the beautiful surroundings here in Southport.”

With colorful paintings hanging on the walls nearly up to the ceilings, and the artists consistently making art on the premises, the Bardani studio is a great place to absorb the artistic magic. You can talk to the artists while they work and become accustomed to their style and interpretation of their art. It’s an immersive art gallery/studio space. “I love this space.  The moment you enter you feel welcomed,” said Bardani. “It smells like art, it feels like art, and we have conversations every day about art, art programs, art history.  I have quite an extensive art library that I have collected over the years.  We also will watch YouTube videos of other artists.  The artists have come up with their own website, Bardanigalleryartists.com.  It is still in its infancy, but it is going well.  Donna Kanich and Donna Ferrandino are making it happen.”

The shopping center that houses the gallery has a nice, tree-lined sidewalk and an all-exclusive feel. It’s just a quick stroll from downtown and close to other shops making it a must-see while you are in town. “We have had pretty good traffic already and we have had some sales as well,” said Bardani. “I think the pandemic, for the most part will actually help us at this point.  Most people are ready to get out and see the town of Southport and what it has to offer,” he said.

“If the lights are on, we are open,” said Bardani. Most days, the hours are 9-6 pm daily.  Cash, Venmo, Paypal, and Zelle can all be used to purchase your favorite painting. You can also catch up on the artists on the gallery website Bardanigalleryartists.com.