Visual artist Anastasia Chernoff is more than a sculptor and gallery owner, she is a catalyst for artistic collaboration and exhibition, and her gallery, Anastasia & Friends, is a regular gathering place for artists and arts lovers, especially during First Thursdays on Main. We caught up with Anastasia as she prepped for the February First Thursday Arts Crawl and asked her a few questions.

Jasper: How long have you been hosting other artists in your gallery on Main Street?
A: During the very first Mingle & Jingle on Main Street in December of 2009, I hosted my first show at Anastasia & Friends. This show was the first First Thursday, back when it was just the three of us – Mark Plessinger and Chuck LaMark participating in the art crawl on Main Street. A lot sure has changed since then.

J: What’s special about this month’s show?
A: What makes this upcoming show so unique is that so much of the art is BIG – I mean, REALLY big! Billy Guess, Eileen Blyth, Alex Smith and Mike Pope are showing some of their larger works that will practically encompass the gallery space. Oh, and BIG things come in small packages so there will be some smaller works available for sale at the exhibition, too.

J: How long will this exhibit run?
A: TheBIG show will run from February 5th through February 27th. Anastasia & Friends is open to the public Monday through Friday, from 9am-5pm.

J: Will any of your own art be in it?
A: I’m in the midst of creating a new body of work in my studio and will not be showing any of my personal work in this exhibition.

J: What’s coming up next for you after this?
A: In March, we’ll feature the sculpture of Columbia artist Renee Rouillier and the paintings of Beaufort artist Cabell Heyward.