Please join the Seabrook Island Artist Guild for a reception
to meet Susan and view her work.
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
4:30-6:00 pm
The Lake House Art Wall Hallway
Susan’s Artistic Journey: From Europe to the Lowcountry
Susan’s passion for art began in the colorful swirl of childhood creativity. As an elementary school student, she spent countless hours sketching and painting, early signs of a lifelong love affair with visual expression. That love deepened during her family’s six-year stay in Europe, where she was surrounded by world-class art and breathtaking landscapes. The masterpieces of the Old World and the beauty of the countryside left an indelible mark on her young imagination.
After a fulfilling career in social work in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Susan took a step back from professional life to raise her children. Once they reached high school, she returned to her creative roots, studying under local artists and exploring new techniques. A turning point came in 2008, when artist Barbara Buchanan introduced her to the vibrant world of pastels. Susan was captivated by the medium’s richness and expansive range of colors. What began as curiosity quickly became a true artistic calling. A love affair was born!
Over the years, she has refined her skills through workshops with renowned pastel artists including Stan Sperlak, Susan Nicholas Gephart, Jen Evenhus, Lyn Asselta, Jacob Aguilar, and Eve Miller. Her work has been featured in juried exhibitions in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and South Carolina. Among her accolades are multiple awards from the North Charleston Arts Fest and the Pastel Society of South Carolina.
Susan is currently the treasurer of the Pastel Society of South Carolina and an associate member of the Pastel Society of America. Her involvement in these communities reflects both her commitment to the craft and her desire to support fellow artists.
For 34 years, Susan and her husband Andy vacationed on Kiawah and Seabrook Islands, always dreaming of one day calling the Lowcountry home. That dream became reality in May 2021, when they relocated full time from Pennsylvania. Today, Susan continues to be inspired by the serene beauty of the marshes, ever-changing skies, and the lush memories of her Pennsylvania garden.
Please join the Seabrook Island Artist Guild for a reception showcasing Susan’s art on Tuesday, September 2, from 4:30 – 6:00 pm at the Lake House.
-Submitted by Seabrook Island Artist Guild
(Image credit: Susan Hodge)