Emerging South Carolina artist Sonya Diimmler brings dramatic color to dreamy contemporary landscapes and larger than life abstracts. Sonya discovered painting during a season of caring for her aging parents. Serendipitously painting became a way to process loss, navigate grief, and rediscover hope. The dynamic color, loose brushwork, and expressive mark-making, convey emotion and energy.
Sonya's artistic momentum gained public recognition in 2021 with a solo exhibit at Columbia Metropolitan Airport. Subsequently, she exhibited in solo and group shows across Columbia, SC. Recently, her abstract work was juried into several notable exhibitions, including the 2025 Biennial at 701 Center for Contemporary Art (701 CCA).
Beyond the studio, Sonya is active in Chapin, SC's creative community. As both artist and arts administrator, she has created and helped lead public art initiatives that bring color, connection, and creativity to the town.
Public Artwork
S&S Destination Mural
Chapin, SC 2020
Crooked Creek Park
Community Center Mural
May 2020
Arts Sail into Chapin
Ship of Drools
Summer 2019
Chapin Veterinary Hospital
Chapin, SC 2018
Exhibits
- 701cca SC Biennial, Juried Group Show, 2025
- Rob Shaw Gallery and Framing, Group Show, Nov-Dec 2025
- Pickens County Juried Group Show, Sep-Nov 2025
- Union County Arts Council, Group Exhibit, Sep-Oct 2025
- South Carolina State Fair, Oct 2025
- Greenwood SC Festival of Flowers, Juried Group Show, Jun-Jul 2025
- Crooked Creek Art League Annual Juried Show, Mar 2025
- Crooked Creek Art League, Still Hopes Juried Show, Nov-Dec 2024
- MIRCI 52 Windows Featured Artist, May 2024
- Union County Carts Council, Group Exhibit, Sep-Oct 2024
- Crooked Creek Art League Annual Juried Show, Mar 2024
- Union County Arts Council, Group Exhibit, Sep-Oct 2023
- The Coffee Shelf, Group Exhibit, Apr-Jun, 2023
- Chapin Chophouse and Decca Dessert Bar, Solo Exhibit, Oct-Dec 2022
- Union County Arts Council Art, Group Exhibit, Sep-Oct 2022
- Rob Shaw Gallery and Framing, Solo Exhibit, Aug 2022
- Crooked Creek Art League, Annual Juried Show, Mar 2022
- Postcard Art, Artists for Africa Charity Auction, Feb 2022
- Chapin Chophouse and Decca Dessert Bar, Solo Exhibit, Oct-Dec 2021
- Columbia Metropolitan Airport, Solo Exhibit, Jun – Sep 2021
- Favorite Vacation, Group Exhibit, Sweetwaters Coffee and Tea, Apr – Jun 2021 (Ongoing)
- Crooked Creek Art League, Annual Juried Show, Mar 2021
- Postcard Art, Artists for Africa Charity Auction, Feb 2021
- Midlands Moments, Group Exhibit, Sweetwaters Coffee and Tea, Oct 2020 – Jan 2021
- Crooked Creek Art League Fall Exhibit, Nov-Dec 2020
- Pawmetto Lifeline Adoption Show, Group Exhibit, Sweetwaters Coffee and Tea, Feb – May 2020
- Crooked Creek Art League, Annual Juried Show, Mar 2020
- Postcard Art, Artists for Africa Charity Auction, Feb 2020
- SC State Fair, Juried Show, Oct 2019
- Crooked Creek Art League, Annual Juried Show, Mar 2019
- Chapin Chamber of Commerce, Featured Artist, Dec 2019
- SC State Fair, Juried Show, Oct 2018
- Union County Arts Council Art, Group Exhibit, Sep-Nov 2019
- Crooked Creek Art League Fall Exhibit, Nov-Dec 2019
- Palmetto Fine Arts, Group Show, Jul-Sep 2019
- The Animal Show, Over the Top Gallery, Ridgeway, Group Exhibit, Feb 2019
- Chapin Chamber of Commerce, Featured Artist, Feb 2019
- Union County Arts Council Art, Group Exhibit, Sep-Nov 2018
- Crooked Creek Art League, Annual Juried Show, Mar-Jun 2018
Chapin Library, Solo Show, Jan 2018 - SC State Fair, Juried Show, Oct 2017
- Crooked Creek Art League, Annual Juried Show, Mar-Apr 2017
Awards
- PEOPLE'S CHOICE, Love Blooms Here, Crooked Creek Art League Annual Juried Show, March 2022
- HUGGINS LAW AWARD MASTERS, All That's Good, Crooked Creek Art League Annual Juried Show, March 2022
- WEATHER'S CONTRACTING AWARD MASTERS, Love Affair, Crooked Creek Art League Annual Juried Show, March 2022
- 1stPlace Amateur, Four Feet, Crooked Creek Art League Annual Juried Show, Mar 2019
- City Art Award, David & Mattie, Crooked Creek Art League Annual Juried Show, Mar 2019
- People’s Choice, Beach Solace, Crooked Creek Art League Annual Juried Show, Mar 2019
- 2nd Place, Love Transforms Us, Crooked Creek Art League Fall Juried Show, Oct 2018
- The Frank Hart Allstate Insurance Company Award, Magenta Earth, Union County Arts Council Art Exhibition, Sep 2018
- 1st Place Amateur, Brown Eyed Beggars, Crooked Creek Art League Annual Juried Show, Mar 2018
- Merit Award Amateur, Grille Soleil, Crooked Creek Art League Annual Juried Show, Mar 2018
- Merit Award Amateur, Orange Descent II, South Carolina State Fair, October 2017