Capoeira Classes Offered in Charleston

Capoeira transcends martial arts, music, and ritual. It was born on the streets of Brazil. It is a philosophical framework for approaching and interacting with the others and the world at large. It is a deep and holistic art form that pushes the practitioner to the proverbial limits - physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Charleston's Capoeira Performance Arts group performed at the Charleston Arts Coalition Launch Party last February. Now, Charleston youth can learn this amazing art and sign up for classes at http://www.capoeiracharleston.com/

Lowcountry's First "Barcamp" on Saturday, October 24

Organizers of BarCamp Charleston (a.k.a. BarCampCHS) have secured a modern, tech-friendly venue for the first-of-its-kind event in the Lowcountry.

The 40,000-square-foot Lowcountry Innovation Center (LIC) (http://www.lowcountryinnovationcenter.com/), located at 1535 Hobby St., North Charleston, SC 29405-1939, was created to provide the digital infrastructure and business incubator office space required by the region's expanding "knowledge-based industries" sector. Although BarCampCHS isn't limited to technology topics, BarCamp's heritage of technology education makes it well-suited to the LIC's facilities.

The LIC will host BarCampCHS from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24. Registration for the event is free and open to anyone, but will be capped to the first 200 who sign up at http://www.barcampchs.org.

The BarCamp movement (http://www.barcamp.org) began in 2005 in response to an annual invitation-only technology conference called FooCamp. The name BarCamp refers to FooCamp as a play on the hacker term "fubar."

BarCamps follow a format also known as an "un-conference," in which participants pick the topics and lead the sessions at the day-long events. Though often associated with its tech-industry roots, after hundreds of affiliated BarCamps around the world, the focus has broadened to whatever topics interest participants. The convening of an area's first BarCamp is often considered a milestone event in the development of a community-based tech/creative economic sector.

BarCamp Charleston is an all-volunteer group of people who are working together to produce the Lowcountry's first un-conference. Principal organizers have been active in multiple local creative and tech-based groups and are available for interviews. Because this camp is being developed for the Lowcountry, organizers are alert to touches that could reflect local tastes and deliver local flavor. The conference is sponsored by rehava Real Estate Store, an innovative full service real estate firm that offers homebuyers 50% of its commission back at closing. Media sponsors are the Charleston City Paper, CHARLIE, TheDigitel.com, CRBJ and Social Media Club.

Jonathan Green Works at the City Gallery

The City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs presents a 2009 MOJA Art Festival Exhibit at the City Gallery at Waterfront Park titled "Jonathan Green & Protégés" The show, featuring original works of Jonathan Green, Juan Diaz, Reynier Llanes, Jean Dornevil, and Willie Leftwich, opens on September 13 through October 4, 2009. The City Gallery is located at 34 Prioleau Street in downtown Charleston. Admission is free.

See a Wish; Make a Wish at Plum Elements

Last week to see the interactive exhibition Wish, by local mixed media and assemblage artist Tina Hirsig at Plum Elements, 161 1/2 King Street.

Meet the artist at the closing reception, Thursday, September 24th from 5-7:30 p.m. The exhibition runs through September 26th. Art reviewer Nick Smith wrote this about the show, "Hirsig's wish for open-minded teachers and administrators won't always be fulfilled. At best, she'll encourage others to dream and question the status quo of our school system. As an educator, she feels that she doesn't have much of a voice, so she expresses her opinions through her art. If that's the case, then she's expressed herself eloquently at Plum Elements."

Charleston's home for artful living, Plum Elements is located at: 161 1/2 King Street. Hours are Monday through Saturday from 10-ish a.m. until 6 p.m., on Thursday until 7 p.m. and
by appointment. For more information contact: 843.727.3747 or info@plumelements.com.

Nathan Durfee Solo Show & Robert Lang Studios’ New Gallery Opening October 2

On October 2, Robert Lange Studios will be moving to a new location at 2 Queen Street while mounting perhaps its most ambitious show since its gallery opening five years ago. Starting at 5 p.m. on October 2, the anniversary of the gallery, artist Nathan Durfee will present “Thoughts Between the Sky and Sea.” Durfee’s popular original paintings, ink drawings, and sketchbooks will remain on exhibit through October.

Gallery owner Robert Lange says, “Nathan’s paintings ignite the imagination of creative people, drawing them into an uncharted nostalgic world of the curious and inconceivable. I can’t think of a better artist to jump start our new location.”

For the opening, Durfee has created over thirty-five of these curious and whimsical works. Durfee’s paintings will not be the only thing for patrons to enjoy; the massive 2700 sq. foot space will have new work from all twelve RLS artists, as well as some creative renovations and special touches.

The old antebellum warehouse where the gallery is relocating has been charged with creative energy since the early sixties. Local renowned sculpture, Willard Hirsch bought the building and turned it into his studio. It has remained occupied by artists ever since.

“The sculptures I walk by everyday in Washington Park were created in the room I will soon have my easel set-up,” says Lange. “The space has such a rich artistic history I feel inspired just entering it.”

The exterior of the 1840 building will remain the same and is build out of local gray brick. The lettering can still vaguely be seen reading C. Wulbern & Co. Warehouse No. 2. In designing the front entrance to the space over thirty years ago, Hirsch handcrafted metal sculptures to adorn the window panels. Lange will be adding his own personal touch to the exterior by hand painting the new gallery sign.

Still to be seen on the interior are the massive 12-by-12 foot beams, exposed brick walls, and arched windows. To bring an element of the Lowcountry into the space Lange purchased an 8-foot-by-16-foot wall of marsh grass floating in resin that will be backlit in one of the rooms.

“Between our five year anniversary, Nathan’s solo show, and the new space, I think there is a lot to celebrate,” says Lange. “Charleston’s art scene has embraced us for the last five years and I think the opening is a great way to say thank you.”

Social Wine Bar & Restaurant will provide the catering; while Charleston Grill provides specialty drinks and Chocolate will be making dessert treates. The opening reception is free and open to the public on October 2 from 5:00 to 8:00 at 2 Queen Street and coincides with the French Quarter Art Walk.

Free Day at the Gibbes Museum of Art, September 26

The Gibbes Museum of Art, with support from the Junior League of Charleston, will be offering a Folk Art Community Day on Sept. 26 with free admission and family activities from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Junior League Community Days are held quarterly to offer visitors the opportunity to experience the Gibbes' programming free of charge.

Community Day events will include art-making activities for children, a ballet performance by Once Upon a Ballet, and beverages from Rising High Cafe. Visitors can also enjoy the special exhibition "Ancestry & Innovation: African-American Art from the American Folk Art Museum."

The Gibbes is located at 135 Meeting St. Go to www.gibbesmuseum.org for more information or details.

HELP paint Eco-Carnival games for the Green Fair in Marion Square

We are looking for a few talented men and women who are willing to give of their time by helping us paint our Eco-Carnival games for the Green Fair in Marion Square. Leave your permanent mark on these games that will be used at Green Fair (and other events) throughout the state! We will have food, drink, and music to make this a painting PARTY!

We will have plenty of paint and brushes, so just bring your imagination (and a friend) because we have a total of seven unique games.

We will be meeting at my house at 614 Williamson Drive in Mount Pleasant on Saturday, September 12th starting at 10am.

If you are unable to attend but know someone with skills, please pass the word!

Please RSVP so we know how many to expect!
--
Suzie Webster
Managing Producer, SC Green Fair
843-513-2655
www.charlestongreenfair.com

SC Film Commission 200k award available

The South Carolina Production Fund
South Carolina Film Commission

Overview

In February 2011, the South Carolina Film Commission will award a maximum of
two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000.00) to the University of South Carolina
and Trident Technical College to collaborate with media professionals to produce
a short dramatic film. Each school has the ability to receive up to one hundred
thousand dollars ($100,000.00) each for their collaborative project.

To partner with USC, you must submit a script and project overview to USC’s
Principal Investigator. No more than 20 scripts will be accepted. Of the 20, three
will be chosen. Submission deadline is September 18, 2009. If your project is
one of the three, you must complete the comprehensive Production Fund
Application for Finalists package described in Section II for review by a panel
of film professionals called the Production Fund Review Panel who will choose
one single grant award winner.

To partner with Trident Technical College, you must submit a script and project
overview to the SC Film Commission. No more than 20 will be accepted.
Submission deadline is September 18, 2009. Of the 20, three will be chosen. If
your project is one of the three, you must complete the comprehensive
Production Fund Application for Finalists package described in Section II for
review by a panel of film professionals called the Production Fund Review
Panel who will choose one single grant award winner.

This is a two step process: First submit a script and project overview (described
on page 5) by September 18th, 2009. Three projects for each school will become
finalists. Finalists must complete the application package described in Section II
and deliver to the SC Film Commission by December 8th, 2009.

Upon award in February, the colleges and producing teams must work with a film
professional to determine the final budget and timeline. The project will be
broken down using professional scripting and budgeting software such as Movie
Magic and a producer’s workshop training session for South Carolinians will be
held reviewing the process.

Deadlines:
September 18, 2009: USC will accept up to 20 script/proposals. They will
review these proposals for the next month and choose three acceptable
scripts/projects. Submit to Susan Hogue HOGUES@mailbox.sc.edu
Susan Hogue, 803 467 9888 or hogues@gwm.sc.edu
University of South Carolina Art Department
McMaster College
1615 Senate Street
Columbia, SC 29208