Betsy Jackson-Craig, Lancaster SC
Member Since September 2008
Artist Statement Betsy Craig, talented artist from Lancaster SC, has done Commissioned work for the NASCAR Nextel Cup Joe Gibbs Interstate Batteries Race Team - a Limited Edition Print: Dale Jarrett: Daytona’s Reigning Star (1994); the McDonalds Race Team Christmas Card (1993) and a Racing Collectibles Limited Print: Homeward Bound, following the Gulf War in 1991.
Among her Exhibitions are Metrolina AIDS Project: Guess Who's Coming To Dinner? Juried Benefit Dinner Plate Auction in 2003 (Enfantasia - The Enfant Fantasy); Winthrop University - Winthrop Alumni Juried Art Exhibit in 1997 (Family-Tree House) and 1998; Winthrop University Alumni Juried Ceramics Exhibit in 2001; and the Winthrop University - Annual Ceramic Show/Sale in 1997.
She also had a major exhibit for 1 year at the Talladega Motorsports Hall of Fame, which included the following:
· Richard Petty - Reflections
· Richard Petty - A Generation Remembered
· Davey Allison - Dawn of the Phoenix
· Darrell Waltrip
· Dale Jarrett: Daytona’s Reigning Star
In 1994 she enjoyed the honor of having her sculptural Christmas ornament, Eleven Ladies Dancing, displayed on the White House Christmas tree.
After a break from her art for a few years she exploded back on the scene and opened 2007 with an exhibit at the Lancaster County Council of the Arts. In March of 2008 she exhibited at Bob Doster's Backstreet Studio. Both of these locations are in her hometown of Lancaster, SC where a revival of the arts is taking over along the streets of downtown. Her next exhibit is April 2009 at the Rotunda in Rock Hill, SC. This show will feature her collection of pregnancy belly casts and associated infant photography.
These exhibitions highlighted her classic pieces as well as her latest pieces including ceramic spheres, and ceramic organic-shaped candleholders coupled with driftwood stands. Several of her trademark "Candy Wrapper" vases were on display as well.
Her latest sculptural pieces "Babies For Sale" and "Mimicking Nature" gathered quite a bit of attention. Patrons searched the pieces and their inner souls for answers to some very difficult questions regarding the extent people and science are willing to go in order to have children. This is a subject Ms. Craig is all too familiar with. Science vs. nature vs. income in regard to human reproduction are hot-point debates being raised daily in our society.
Ms. Craig's family & heritage is near and dear to her heart. The pleasures and struggles of her experiences (which are not unlike a lot of families) are repeated symbolically in pieces such as "Woman Tree", "Family-Tree House", and “From Mother to Child - Under the Rug". These and more can be seen at www.cyiART.com.
Betsy is a graduate of Winthrop University, in Rock Hill, South Carolina. She earned her B.F.A. (ceramics) in 1998.
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