Please join the Seabrook Island Artist Guild for a reception
to meet Gretchen and view her creative artworks.
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
4:30-6:00 pm
Seabrook Island Lake House
Gretchen Prater is a versatile and accomplished artist whose work spans watercolor, oil, and pastel. She is best known for her luminous landscapes, expressive portraits of children and dogs, and richly observed floral paintings. Her artistic journey began early—so early, in fact, that her mother often found her painting directly on the walls. Gretchen laughs that this was simply the beginning of a lifelong passion.
She pursued formal art training in college, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts, and continued her studies throughout her career with artists she deeply admired. Among those who influenced and encouraged her are Wolf Kahn, Charlie Reid, and Mary Whyte, along with several other distinguished mentors who helped shape her artistic voice.
Gretchen shares, “I am inspired by nature, and today my muse is the South Carolina landscape, my children and grandchildren, and painting dog portraits.” Working fluidly across oils, pastels, and watercolors, she brings sensitivity, color, and emotion to each medium she touches.
Like most artists driven by true passion, Gretchen paints nearly every day. Her commitment to the arts extends beyond the studio. She served for over 20 years as an active board member of the Montclair Art Museum in Montclair, New Jersey, and is a member of the Art Students League, the Pastel Society of America, and the National Arts Club.
Gretchen was the Director of the Yard School of Art in Montclair, NJ, and taught at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. In addition, she taught art to individuals living with Multiple Sclerosis, for which she received a special award from the MS Society of New Jersey.
Gretchen hopes you enjoy viewing her paintings as much as she has enjoyed creating them.
Please come and enjoy Gretchen Prater’s delightful artistic work in the Lake House during February, and come to the reception on Tuesday, February 3, from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm.
We have so much more to show and tell you about us on our website, www.seabrookislandartistguild.com.
-Submitted by Seabrook Island Artist Guild
(Image credit: Gretchen Prater)