Alison Sigethy makes southern debut

I like things that move. I have always been fascinated by the patterns, rhythms, and randomness of motion, so, I use movement — both physical and optical — to animate my work. I’m not simply trying to catch the viewer’s attention, but their imagination, as well. Art stirs our emotions and inspires our dreams. It has the power to heal, soothe, and motivate. I aim to create work that does all of these things. Working together with architects, engineers, and interior designers, I create exciting, innovative sculptures for hospitals, schools, restaurants, and other public venues.

Alison Sigethy is a professional artist who works out of her studio in the Torpedo Factory Art Center in Alexandria, Virginia. She graduated from Marymount University in Arlington with degrees in interior design and art history. Today, her work focuses on issues such as ocean conservation, sustainability, ecology and education. She has exhibited her work nationally, along with appearances in American Craft Magazine, Christian Science Monitor, Washington Post and USA Today.

Sigethy’s talents extend beyond fine art. She is a skilled kayaker, having competed in the Greenland National Kayak Championships, in which she has won eight medals. She has paddled most of the famed and treacherous Northwest Passage. In 2010, Sigethy was a member of the US team at the Harbin Snow and Ice Carving Competition.

Founded in 2013, ArtFields transforms a small South Carolina town into a hub for the arts community. In just two years, the festival has grown into the largest arts competition of its kind in the region. This year, 400 artists from 12 Southeastern states were selected to participate in the nine-day event. Likewise, this third installment of the festival drew a record number of submissions, proof that ArtFields is rapidly gaining regional prominence.

«I am impressed with the ArtFields organization and how it mobilizes a community around the arts», remarked Sigethy. «It’s an honor to be selected, and I’m looking forward to the event. I’ve always loved the beaches of South Carolina – they’re wonderful for kayaking. I believe my Sea Core sculpture will really appeal to residents and festival guests who love the water as I do».

Each of Sigethy’s signature Sea Core Bubble Tubes is a unique and painstakingly handcrafted glass sculpture filled with water and colorful components reminiscent of ocean creatures. A small, hidden mechanism produces a constant bubbling effect within the Sea Cores, evoking life and movement. «The sound of the bubbling water is incredibly soothing, even therapeutic», she added. «I have placed Sea Cores in commercial settings, but my goal is to see them become fixtures in hospitals and cancer treatment centers».

Artists participating in ArtFields will be eligible for $100,000 in prize money, with winners selected by a combination of public votes and a juried panel of professionals. The fair’s Top Prize is $50,000. The Juried Panel Prize winner will receive $25,000, while the People’s Choice 2D and 3D winners will each take home $12,500.

With a population of less than 10,000, Lake City exemplifies Southern hospitality and charm. Located on the coastal plain of central South Carolina, the town’s economy has traditionally revolved around farming. Today, the town is building a reputation for supporting local artists and craftspeople and fostering arts education. ArtFields is a centerpiece of those concerted efforts. The mission of the nonprofit organization behind ArtFields is to provide a welcoming space for some of the Southeast’s best artists, while offering compelling and enriching arts education programs to the public.