Charleston Arts Coalition

American College of the Building Arts Competing for $250,000 from Pepsi Refresh Everything

2010-11-17T20:37:00.002-05:00

Great news for the American College of the Building Arts (ACBA)! The college has been selected to compete in the Pepsi Refresh Everything online poll. Pepsi gives away $1.3m in grants each month to people, businesses, and nonprofits with ideas to positively impact their communities. Through an online poll, voters can choose their favorite ideas. So if you support ACBA, you can vote at the school’s page at http://www.refresheverything.com/acba, and can also text 104043 to 73774. Last time I checked (and voted), the college still had a long way to go to the top, so they need your help.

If voted as the top idea, ACBA will receive $250,000 to support scholarships, recruitment, the building of a new science lab, and to fund materials for the six trade workshops.

The only college of its kind in the United States, ACBA trains future artisans in the traditional building arts of architectural stone, carpentry, forged architectural ironwork, preservation masonry, plaster working, and timber framing while at the same time providing a quality academic education resulting in Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees.

The college’s mission is to educate and train artisans in the traditional building arts to foster exceptional craftsmanship and encourage the preservation, enrichment, and understanding of the world’s architectural heritage through a liberal arts education. In order to fulfill its mission, ACBA has the following goals:

* To offer a comprehensive educational program that embodies the apprenticeship model while also providing a quality academic and artistic education.
* To effectively increase the quality as well as the number of master artisans throughout the United States in the major building trades.
* To elevate the position of skilled artisans trained in the building arts in the United States, reawakening respect for work that has been greatly devalued in the 20th and 21st centuries.
* To serve as skilled stewards of historic buildings in the United States and internationally through well-executed traditional building practices appropriate to each structure and the environment.
* To achieve national status as an institution integral to preservation and sustainable building practices.

ACBA has been described by Mayor Joseph P. Riley as “Charleston’s gift to America.” And it is no exaggeration as ACBA is truly a national institution, with graduates working in preservation and sustainable building across the country. The National Trust’s Preservation magazine noted in its September-October 2009 issue that, in the absence of skilled artisans, the nation’s historic structures are in great danger. ACBA is a unique school producing students fluent in the building arts and able to communicate effectively with historians, architects, and engineers. Their unique skill set will ensure the artistic and structural integrity of the built environments in cities across the country far into the future.

Here is a video that Stylee PR & Marketing created for the college this year. We talked to the founder, John Paul Huguley and students about what makes their school so outstanding and different.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUwK0y0WG0s&feature=player_embedded

Charleston Jewish Community Brings “Jews and Baseball: An American Love Story” to Charleston

2010-10-12T22:38:00.001-04:00

2010 marks the inaugural year for the annual Jewish Film Festival created by the Charleston Jewish Experience. For their first annual event titled “A Night of Jewish Film,” they selected Jews and Baseball: An American Love Story, a documentary produced for PBS (will air next year). This documentary that debuted earlier this year in Israel is produced and directed by Peter Miller, narrated by Dustin Hoffman, and written by the Pulitzer Prize winning former New York Times sportswriter, Ira Berkow.

Jews and Baseball: An American Love Story is a documentary about the contributions of Jewish major leaguers and the special meaning that baseball has had in the lives of American Jews since the 1860s .

More than a film about sports, Jews and Baseball is a story of immigration, assimilation, bigotry, heroism, the passing on of traditions, and the shattering of stereotypes. The film features a rare interview with the legendary Hall of Fame pitcher Sandy Koufax as well as interviews with Larry King, Kevin Youkilis, Shawn Green, Yogi Berra, Ron Howard and many others.

The film will light up the screen of The Sottile Theatre on October 24, 2010 at 7:45 p.m. Prior to the movie screening, the organizers will host a desert & champagne reception and present the Melvin and Judith Solomon Humanitarian Award for the Arts to Judith Solomon. Mrs. Solomon is the grandmother of my dear friend, Jessica Solomon Bluestein who is the executive director of the Charleston Regional Alliance for the Arts.

Since October is the National Arts and Humanities month, the timing of the award is really appropriate. The Melvin and Judith Solomon Humanitarian Award for the Arts was created to honor the Solomons as lifelong supporters of the arts in Charleston and Jewish culture and to inspire others to do the same. Melvin Solomon, a successful businessman, played a key role in establishing Spoleto USA, contributed to medical research and care at MUSC, and both he and Judith were recognized by the Association of Fundraising Professionals by their Lowcountry Philanthropy Award.

There are many reasons for establishing a Jewish film festival in Charleston, but first and foremost the organizers hope to inspire a greater appreciation and long-lasting connection among members of the broader Charleston community by showcasing our rich traditions but also our modern Jewish culture. The event will start a tradition of featuring iconic Jewish filmmakers and movies as well as honoring individuals devoted to supporting the arts and Jewish culture in our city.

The Sottile Theatre is located at 44 George Street. The desert and champagne reception starts at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $50 for the film and reception, and $20 for the film only. For information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.CharlestonJewishExperience.com. To view the movie trailer, please visit www.jewsandbaseball.com/trailer.html.

OPEN Invites Everyone for a Sneak Peak of this year's Fall Art Season, September 11

2010-08-20T16:08:00.002-04:00

On September 11, 2010, the Charleston Regional Alliance for the Arts kicks off Charleston’s fall season with "OPEN," a multi-disciplinary arts event open to the public, featuring an abundance of artistic and cultural offerings in the tri-county area with the greater goal of breaking down the barriers to participation in the arts. It is an opportunity to awaken the senses of attendees to the wonderment of the arts with a personal guided tour by local arts organizations. The free event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Memminger Auditorium in downtown Charleston, SC.

The Alliance introduces the first ever annual preview of the arts where local arts organizations and collectives will be given the opportunity to captivate, intrigue and cultivate new audiences as well as existing arts patrons. Attendees of this arts expo can expect a cultural marketplace of interactive arts booths where they can buy tickets, memberships and merchandise as well as get information by talking with arts organizations about their mission, programming and events.

In addition, there will be performance stages, multi-media presentations and a family fun arts corner where spectators will get to “taste” a sampling of Charleston's arts. An open-air courtyard of vendors and street performers will add to the arts extravaganza which includes an art installation of Jarod Charzewski, debuting on Friday, September 10th in an invite-only Patron Preview cocktail party. With this year's theme, Camelot and the Round Table, all participating arts groups will unite under one roof with the common purpose of showcasing the vitality of the arts in our tri-county area. Sighting of knights, heralding trumpeters, hanging Renaissance flags and a round table is expected.

Participating arts organizations include City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs, Charleston Concert Association, Charleston Stage, Creative Spark Center for the Arts, Taylor Music Group, Chamber Music Charleston, Redux Contemporary Art Center, PURE Theatre, American College of the Building Arts, Gibbes Museum, Flowertown Players, Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art, League of Charleston Theatres, Yo Art Inc., Moranz Entertainment, Charleston Fine Art Dealers Association, Charleston Ballet Theatre, City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department, Jazz Artists of Charleston, Charleston Documentary Film Festival, South of Broadway Theatre Company, Deuce Theatre, Capoeira Charleston and Carolina Storytellers Network.

“I invite every member of our community to open the door to experience the magic of the arts at our event,” says Jessica Solomon Bluestein, executive director of the Charleston Regional Alliance for the Arts.

“Art should never feel exclusive but rather shine a spotlight where all can feel brilliant in a new universe of expression. Everyone is welcome to our event and all will be invited to discover the secrets of producing a show, singing a song, writing prose, creating a dance, painting a canvas, acting a scene and much more,” continues Bluestein.

In addition to performances, the Alliance will introduce “A Ticket to the Arts” coupon book, enticing new audiences to experience the arts. The Alliance in partnership with its sponsors is also providing the arts organization with the opportunity: to market their organizations in a new way at “OPEN” with interactive art booths; showcase themselves through performances, presentations, and/or youth arts activities; personally network with donors at the “OPEN” Patron Preview party at no cost to them; learn valuable participation and design techniques in a pre-event marketing training; and entice new audiences to experience the arts with discounts and added value coupons in the saver booklet.

The event is sponsored by Piggly Wiggly, Wachovia/Wells Fargo, Knology, PDA, William Aiken Rhett House, Call Experts, Clear Channel, Social Restaurant and Wine Bar and the American College of the Building Arts. For more information about the event, contact Jessica Solomon Bluestein at 843-724-6440 or by email at Jessica@ArtsCharleston.org. The event is free to public. The Memminger Auditorium is located at 56 Beaufain Street in downtown Charleston, SC. For more information, please visit www.artscharleston.org.

The Charleston Regional Alliance for the Arts is dedicated to the shared realization of a dynamic and thriving arts community by serving arts organizations in the region of Charleston, SC with resources and best business practices. Acting as a catalyst and facilitator for Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties, the Charleston Regional Alliance for the Arts envisions an engaged community that is fully expressive, creative and inspired by the arts.

City Gallery at Waterfront Park: Call for Exhibit Proposals

2010-07-23T09:36:00.001-04:00

Calling All Contemporary Artists!

The City Gallery is now accepting exhibition proposals for our 2012 exhibition schedule. We are a contemporary art gallery looking for a wide range of art work, including installation, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, multimedia, etc. A solo or group exhibition may be proposed. The deadline for submission is September 1, 2010.

The City Gallery maintains certain criteria for our exhibitions. The gallery only produces fine art exhibitions, and anything outside this realm will not be considered.

*For more information call or e-mail the City Gallery.

About City Gallery at Waterfront Park

The City Gallery at Waterfront Park is a venue for artwork that is new, vital, and innovative--with a focus on broadening the Charleston art outlook. The gallery provides a contemporary visual arts center to exhibit the work of local, regional, national, and international professional artists. Each year, the gallery produces six to eight exhibitions, along with artist's lectures and other educational programs.

How to submit:

1.Drop off a proposal package in person

2.E-mail proposal package to Erin Glaze at Glazee@charleston-sc.gov

3.Mail proposal package to the City Gallery:

(adress listed in contact information block)

Proposal package should include but is not limited to:

1. Letter of intent

2. Curriculum vitae

3. Past press

4. High resolution art work images

(atleast 300 dpi)

5. Projected budget

(i.e. artwork shipment/transportation, gallery guide/brochure, postcard invitation, outside exhibition banner, opening reception catering and beverage, installation materials, etc.)

Artwork images (listed from top to bottom)

1. The City Gallery Piece by Jonathan Brilliant

2. Untitled (Red) by Samantha Magowan

“BREAK THE DEAL!”

2010-06-14T14:25:00.001-04:00

“BREAK THE DEAL!”

LEGISLATORS STILL HAVE A CHOICE

TO DO THE RIGHT THING!

THE STORY BEHIND THE BUDGET DEAL

AND THE GOVERNOR’S VETOES

Dear Arts Supporters:

One legislator has been forthright in telling his constituents why next week, the Governor’s vetoes will be sustained unless we can get our legislators to ‘BREAK THE DEAL”. We thought you would want to know this important information. Please read the following from House Majority Leader, Representative Kenny Bingham (R-Lexington Co.):

“In the House of Representatives, our first try to pass the final budget conference report, failed by a vote of 47 to 69. After several days of intense negotiations, we were finally able to pass the budget, but only by the slimmest of margins and without any help from the House Democrats. This set the stage for what we now have before us. As a result of not having the support of House Democrats throughout this years budget process, this allowed the Governor and a group of his closest allies, to hold us hostage with this year's budget. We were faced with the dilemma of either agreeing to accept his line item vetoes, or he was going to veto the entire budget document which would have required that we start the budget process over from scratch. A process that took 5 months to complete the first time, and one that would have been next to impossible to complete prior to government having to shut down on July 1st.

Therefore, when the House Democrats informed us on the last day of session that they would not help us override the Governor's veto of the entire budget, we were left with no other real option but to agree to sustain the Governor's line item vetoes. While this is clearly not the kind of news that I hoped to be sending you, it is unfortunately the truth. So barring the Governor having a change of heart, or some other unforeseen circumstance, I anticipate that the Governor's vetoes will be sustained.”

WE CAN BREAK THIS DEAL!

THIS IS THE LAST BILL THAT WILL EVER CROSS OVER GOVERNOR SANFORD’S DESK. THE VETO MONEY THAT IS SLASHED FROM THE ARTS COMMISSION (#32 & #105) AND ANY OTHER AGENCY, WILL NOT BE RE-DIRECTED TO ANY OTHER AGENCY, PROGRAM OR SERVICE. THE BUDGET PROCESS IS COMPLETE AND WAS BALANCED, VOTED ON, AND PASSED BY THE HOUSE & SENATE. THESE VETO CUTS DON’T HELP ANYONE – BUT THEY DO HURT THE ARTS! THEREFORE, THESE LEGISLATORS HAVE NOTHING TO LOSE AND MUCH TO GAIN BY BREAKING THE DEAL AND OVERRIDING THE GOVERNOR’S VETOES. OUR LEGISLATORS WORK FOR YOU! LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD!

IF YOU FEEL THAT THE ARTS ARE IMPORTANT TO YOU, YOUR COMMUNITY AND OUR SCHOOLS, CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS AND TELL THEM TO “BREAK THE DEAL”. CONTACT YOUR HOUSE MEMBERS IMMEDIATELY AND THEN YOUR SENATORS – in your home district or in Columbia BY TUESDAY! Even if you have already contacted your legislator, you may want to contact them again with this new information, asking them to BREAK THE DEAL!

OVERRIDE VETO #32 & VETO #105

Governor Mark Sanford has issued vetoes that will decimate the South Carolina Arts Commission and state arts funding as we know it! Veto #32 cuts “Statewide Arts Services” totaling $1,212,733 – a little over HALF of the Arts Commission’s budget. This funding represents their budget for programs, services, grants and related personnel, leaving the agency but a shell of itself with no ability to carry out its mission and undermining 40 years of work as the catalyst of arts funding and services in our state. This funding also includes arts education – such as the nationally recognized Arts in Basic Curriculum Project (ABC). Veto #105 cuts the $250,000 in stimulus funds for their competitive grants program, which funds local arts programs in communities and school districts in every county of the state. These grants fund arts education, general operating support for local arts organizations and efforts to grow the arts economy of our state through cultural tourism. These drastic cuts will virtually leave the Arts Commission incapable of serving the citizens of this state.

The State Museum is holding a rally at the Statehouse on Tuesday at 11:30 AM. Please feel free to join them and bring your own signage that says something like “Support the Arts – Override Veto 32 and Veto 105” or “Break the Deal!” Override Veto 32 and Veto 105 and support the Arts.”

For contact information of all House and Senate members, go to the Arts Alliance web site: www.scartsalliance.net and click 2010 General Assembly Contact List.
If you don’t know who your House or Senate member is, go to http://www.scstatehouse.gov/cgi-bin/zipcodesearch.exe and type in your zip code to bring up your legislator’s contact information.
For contact information on your legislative delegation, go to: http://www.scstatehouse.gov/countydelegationinfo/cntymast.html.

Here is some other helpful information:

House Fax: 803-734-2925

House Ways & Means Phone number (Rep. Dan Cooper’s office) 803-734-3144

Senate Fax: 803-212-6299

Senate Finance Committee Phone number (Senator Hugh Leatherman’s office) 803-212-6640

Please share/forward this email to your colleagues and friends, board member, volunteers, affiliate organizations, teachers. Share it through your address lists, using social media outlets like Facebook and Twitter. This is a case where NUMBERS MATTER!

If you believe in the work of the South Carolina Arts Alliance, please support our work with your 100% tax deductible contribution at:

http://www.scartsalliance.net/membership/membership-application/ . THANK YOU!

"Celebrating 30 Years of Service to the Arts"

Betty Plumb, Executive Director

South Carolina Arts Alliance

P. O. Box 2442

Rock Hill, SC 29732-4442

PH 803-325-2435; FX 803-325-2463

Betty.Plumb@scArtsAlliance.net

www.scArtsAlliance.net

SC Artists Retreat May 15-16

2010-05-08T12:51:00.002-04:00

The South Carolina Arts Commission is hosting the 2nd annual statewide Artists Retreat next weekend, May 15 & 16 at Hand Middle School in Columbia, SC. Make sure you register ASAP.

From the SC Arts Commission site:
"You'll have numerous chances to learn about your fellow artists, their interests and current projects. You'll also have time to try your hand at some new artistic endeavors, and together we'll focus on envisioning our future and bringing the vision to life. Sessions will be led in a relaxed atmosphere by artists from South Carolina and beyond.

All this (and lunch each day) for only $45. Attendance is limited, so register today!"

This program is part of the South Carolina Artists Venture Initiative. You can learn more about the retreat and register at their blog here.

The S.C. Artists' Ventures Initiative, a broad-reaching project at the Arts Commission, is dedicated to improving conditions for S.C. artists by helping them develop the knowledge and skills to build satisfying, sustainable careers.

This is an incredible opportunity to connect with artists from across the state, learn more about the SC Arts Commission and the incredible resource they are, and there will even be mini Pecha Kucha's--if you've ever been to Pecha Kucha Night in Charleston or any other city, you already know how awesome they are.
This whole retreat is about helping you as artists grow your art and your careers, looking at the needs of the individual and the community, and how we can work together for the benefit of us all.

So make sure you get signed up for this incredible opportunity immediately. We'll see you in Columbia!

We Have a Logo!

2010-04-01T00:02:00.003-04:00

Big Thanks to Megan Lange, artist, gallery owner and graphic designer extraordinaire. Here is the new Road Show Charleston logo:

Arts agency to hold forum tonight to get community ideas

2010-03-29T10:36:00.000-04:00

The S.C. Arts Commission is holding seven public forums around the state, including one tonight in North Charleston, to give state residents a chance to offer input on the agency's 2011-2020 Long-Range Plan. The forums are part of "the 2010 Canvas of the People" (playing off the canvas artists use for painting and the verb "canvass," meaning "to survey").

Tonight's forum will be held from 6:45 p.m. to 8 p.m. at North Charleston City Hall, 2500 City Hall Lane. The program is free and open to anyone who's interested. Those who can't attend but would like to comment on the plan or offer suggestions can fill out an online survey.

For more info, visit the Canvas of the People Web page or contact Milly Hough at (803) 734-8698.

Enter The Artist's Magazine 27th Annual Art Competition!

2010-03-29T10:14:00.001-04:00

Win cash and see your artwork featured in the pages of The Artist's Magazine. There's more than $25,000 up for grabs in 5 categories. But hurry—the deadline is May 3, 2010. Click here for more information or to enter online!

5 First Place Awards:$2,500 each
5 Second Place Awards:$1,250 each
5 Third Place Awards:$750 each
15 Honorable Mentions:$100 each

Students and beginners: visit artistsmagazine.com to find out how you can participate in a special category just for you!

Compete and win in 5 categories:
Abstract/Experimental • Animal/Wildlife • Landscape/Interior
Portrait/Figure • Still Life/Floral

Art Studios for Rent Downtown

2010-03-24T18:44:00.001-04:00

So many artists need space. Check out this great opportunity!

Art Studios available for rent downtown- $200/month, with 24 hour access, monthly open studio events and exhibition opportunities. Call Tina 843.709.1279 or Angie 843.693.3482 to schedule a tour!

If you haven’t seen Spark Studios and Gallery lately, plan to attend the next Open Studio on Friday December 18th, 6-9 pm, featuring the work of Danny McSweeney, Amanda Momeier, Angie Brown, Jen Husvar, John Davis, Michael Barnett, and Tina Christophillis. It’s a whole new Spark- the heavy layer of clay dust has been washed away and fresh coats of paint have been applied. And with the addition of five newly constructed studio spaces, Spark doubles its creative population.

Spark Studios and Gallery at 12 Hagood Avenue, reinvents itself. The downtown art space shifts focus from pottery instruction to local art hub. Spark now hosts a hive of working artist studios, an exhibition space for local contemporary artists, and an expanded class curriculum. Spark has been a Charleston mainstay since 2006, serving the creative community with pottery classes led by owner Danny McSweeney. Danny will soon be heading to Mexico to concentrate on his work, handing over the management reins to Angie Brown and Tina Christophillis.
Currently home to several potters, a glassblower, a stone sculptor and a painter, a few studios still remain open for rent- and all media are welcome. Spark hosts monthly Open Studio and Exhibition events, inviting the public to come meet the resident artists and view their work.

Exciting things have been planned for the new Spark Studios and Gallery. Regular exhibitions of local artists will be held in the main gallery in conjunction with the open studio events for the resident artists. Classes will resume in the spring with a broader scope, including drawing and painting.

Call for Submissions for Women Painting Women Group Show - Robert Lange Studios

2010-03-18T12:09:00.001-04:00

Robert Lange Studios is looking for female painters that paint women for the upcoming “Women Painting Women” Group Show, opening November 5, 2010 as part of the Charleston Fine Art Dealers’ Association’ Charleston Fine Art Annual.

This show will be from 5:30 – 8:30 on Friday, November 5 and is open to the public. The fine art weekend events include exhibits on Friday, plein air demonstrations in Washington Park during the day on Saturday with the Charleston Art Auction to follow Saturday night. The show will be a celebration of contemporary women painters and held at Robert Lange Studios’ 2 Queen Street location. In addition to the weekend events, the Gibbes Museum will be displaying works by prominent women painters, including a collection of paintings by Henrietta Johnson, who in 1707 became America’s first woman artist by painting portraits in Charles Towne’s (now Charleston).

S U B M I S S I O N S
All paintings must be by women of women. Email submissions to info@rlsart.com (subject line Women Painting Women Submission). You do not need to submit the work(s) you would like in the show, you can email a few images of other works and then create something once you know you are participating.
If you are new to our group shows here’s the short of it: Traditional 50/50 split of sales, unless you are exclusively in a gallery whose contract won’t let you participate in group shows unless they receive a portion of the sales, in which case it is a RLS Gallery 30/Gallery 30/Artist 40 split, we cover shipping work back to the artist. You will receive an official show contract once your accepted with more details.

D E A D L I N E S
- Email submissions as soon as you can.
- September 1 National Press Deadline. We must have all participants names and images for advertising. If your piece is not complete that’s ok, it will just not be included in the press kit.
- October 15 Local Press Deadline, Mailers, Email blasts
- All work received by Oct. 27 All pieces must be framed and ready to hang.
- We will be hanging the show on Nov. 1
- Show opens on Nov. 5 (come, drink, have fun!!) and it will come down at the end of the month.

Masters of the Building Arts Festival Dedicated to Restoring Pride in Artisan Trades and Preserving Cultural Heritage, April 15-17

2010-03-16T17:12:00.002-04:00

The Masters of Building Arts (MBA) Festival, hosted by the American College of the Building Arts (ACBA), will be held on April 15-17, 2010 in historic downtown Charleston, S.C. The College will roll out the red carpet for master artisans from all over the United States as well as its students and faculty who showcase their skills and artistry of the building arts.

The event kicks off on Thursday, April 15, with a wine and cheese reception and book signing of Ingrid Abramovitch’s new book, Restoring a House in the City. A former magazine editor at House & Garden and Martha Stewart Living, Abramovitch is a journalist who writes about design and architecture. She has contributed to such publications as the New York Times, Elle Decor, Cookie, the Wall Street Journal, and Departures.

The book includes the stories, told in words and photographs, of 21 antique homes in ten cities. The houses range from a Greek Revival townhouse in Charleston to a double-wide brownstone in Troy, NY. ACBA trustee, Harriet McDougal, widow to Wheel of Time author, Robert Jordan, will host the garden party at her historic home located at 129 Tradd Street. Tickets for the book signing are $10 per person.
The signature and most anticipated event of the weekend is Fête des Artisans, a celebration of the exceptional craftsmanship of the College’s faculty and students. Fete des Artisans also pays tribute to the College’s connection with Les Compagnons du Devoir, the world renowned French training school for artisans, and inspiration for ACBA. The exclusive event will take place at the Old Charleston Jail on Friday, April 16, from 7 to 11 p.m. and will feature live music, fine French fare prepared by local chefs, open bar and silent auction. Tickets for this event are $50 per person in advance and $60 at the door. French attire suggested.

The Old Charleston Jail Campus will be buzzing with the activity of outdoor workshops given by accomplished national artisans and ACBA students as well as tours of the property and live music on Saturday, April 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. as the Masters of the Building Arts Festival opens its door to prospective students and general public. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience exquisite craftsmanship and watch the students and faculty working on special projects in their chosen trades of architectural metal, plaster working, masonry, stone carving, timber-framing and carpentry. Free lectures and workshops include a presentation by Ingrid Abramovitch, Sidney Wagner of Eclectic Interior Design Group. This event is open to the public and there is no cost for admission. Food and beverages will be available for sale.

To purchase tickets please call 843-577-5245 or visit our website at www.buildingartscollege.us.

Charleston Road Show Info

2010-03-11T17:52:00.005-05:00

So if you haven't heard about the Charleston Road Show already, you're going to be hearing a lot more. This is a really exciting opportunity for arts organizations and people aged 23-39 years old in Charleston to get to know one another better.

We are currently in the process of taking applications for the participating organizations. There was an orientation session this morning, but if you couldn't make that, don't despair. Please get in touch with me, Stacy Huggins, project coordinator for the Charleston Road Show. You can call me at (843) 364-8333 or email me at charlestonroadshow@hotmail.com. I will be happy to send you a questionnaire and set up a time to talk more with you about it.

We will be publishing more information when the organizations have been chosen, but in the meantime, please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions you may have! Once we have the organizations chosen, we will begin accepting applications for the participants--the Roadies.

This project is a collaboration of the South Carolina Arts Commission and the Charleston Arts Coalition. Check out the SC Arts Commission webpage about the original program in Columbia. Here is a YouTube video made about the first Road Show.

Interested in learning more about Road Show?
Contact:
Stacy Huggins
(843) 364-8333
charlestonroadshow@hotmail.com

Road Show Orientation Session This Thursday!

2010-03-10T10:36:00.002-05:00

All Charleston arts organizations interested in learning more about the upcoming Charleston Road Show are invited to an informational session this Thursday at the City Gallery at Waterfront Park.

The meeting will take place at 11 am with Stacy Huggins, Charleston Road Show Coordinator, and Katie Fox, Program Director for Arts in Education with the South Carolina Arts Commission.

The program, its mission and goals will be explained and a presentation by Katie Fox, coordinator of the Columbia Road Show on which the Charleston edition will be based. Learn more about what the Road Show organizations and participants can expect, and what will be expected of them.

The Charleston Road Show will be an exciting program to develop audience participation among 23-39 year olds in Charleston. Participants will visit local arts organizations, affording them the chance to learn more about the arts & organizations in Charleston and the organizations to reach new audience members & learn from them.

We are looking for arts organizations of all disciplines to participate. This program is administered by the Charleston Arts Coalition.

Please contact Stacy Huggins with any questions at (843) 364-8333. The meeting will last approximately 1 hour.

Charleston Road Show Orientation Session
Thursday, March 11, 2010
11 am at City Gallery at Waterfront Park
34 Prioleau St
Charleston, SC 29401

American College of the Building Arts is Launching “Sweet Sixteen” Campaign to Raise Money for Scholarships

2010-02-23T10:27:00.001-05:00

Do you share a passion for well-made homes and buildings, structures that endure? Do you admire the people who build and maintain them? If you answered “yes” then you may want to learn about the American College of the Building Arts (ACBA): the only college in this country teaching old-world artisan skills at the same time providing a first-rate liberal arts education.

ACBA was established to solve a growing problem in building preservation that became evident in 1989 when Hurricane Hugo swept through Charleston, SC and severely damaged many of the city’s historic structures. Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. and the citizens of Charleston sought to restore these buildings to their historic glory by using traditional building methods and materials. It was discovered that in spite of Charleston’s commitment to historic preservation, there were only a few local craftsmen trained and qualified for the task. The lack of master craftsmen is not unique to Charleston, as quality and design and craftsmanship training have been steadily declining throughout the nation.

ACBA is launching its first online marketing campaign, Sweet Sixteen, to increase awareness and support of the College. The goal is to reach 16,000 people within 16 days, while raising a minimum of $160,000 – just 10 bucks a person.

If you choose to support the College with your $10, please pass the Sweet Sixteen message to your network of family, friends, and associates with your appeal for everyone to do the same. . . this rapid multiplication of the Sweet Sixteen message should result in a little from a lot of people and it will make a big difference. The Sweet Sixteen deadline is March 3, 2010.

Tuition for an ACBA student is $19,000. There are many qualified young people across the country who cannot afford it. Each dollar raised helps to recruit more deserving students while it also helps to provide a first-rate liberal arts education.

CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT AN ARTISAN!

SC Arts Commission Forum Coming to Charleston March 29, 2010

2010-02-22T11:34:00.003-05:00

Please join the Charleston Arts Coalition at the Open Forum hosted by the South Carolina Arts Commission to contribute your vision for the future of the arts in our state!
North Charleston City Hall, Monday, March 29th 6:45 - 8 pm

From Charleston City Paper:
S.C. Arts Commission seeking public input on the arts
State of the Arts
by Christina Janke

The South Carolina Arts Commission wants to hear from you. They are holding seven forums across the state to get public feedback on the arts.

“We want to have the public say what they value in the arts in their community,” says Communications Director Milly Hough, who describes the forums as a sort of brainstorming session. “We want to hear what they want to see happen, what’s already there that they love ... Different communities bring in different values.”

They’re looking for ideas on what to put into their upcoming long-range plans that will span over the next 10 years, starting in 2011. Hough encourages everyone, not just artists, art educators, or media personnel, to come to these forums so there can be a more widespread idea of what people really want to see happen in the arts.

The first forum will be held at the Columbia Museum of Art on February 22. There will be one coming to the North Charleston City Hall on March 29. For more information, visit southcarolinaarts.com or call Milly Hough at (803) 734-8698.

Studio Space Available

2010-02-12T11:44:00.000-05:00

Hi Artists and Friends, Please forward this on to anyone you think may be interested. Thanks!

Just wanted to let everybody know about a great new opportunity for studio space located downtown just off the crosstown at 656 King Street. Nic Roberts and his partner Lane are looking for artists to inhabit about 10 private studios and 10 communal studio memberships that are currently being laid out to fill a warehouse space on King Street next to the Center for Photography. Is you studio space too small, are you overpaying for it, or is it taking up too much room in your house? This is a great opportunity to become part of a community of artists in Charleston who want a space to work and to share their cool craft capabilities with others. The space, tentatively called Tivoli Studios, will be a center for exhibiting awesome artistic creations and abilities, as well as a place for a non-profit venture to introduce disadvantaged kids to the world of working as an artist. Participate as much or as little as you like, but to have a private studio or be a member of the communal one, you gotta be a believer. Green conscious, and progressive, and boasting an interior inspired by botanical gardens, this space will be used to host events of all kinds and is a great opportunity to get your product or art more foot traffic and interest than it might otherwise get. Once these studios go up, it will take no time at all for them to go like hot cakes. There will also be a second location for heavy duty, loud and messy arts! Reserve your studio today and be in business by the time the market starts back up! And they are affordable!!!!! Anyone who gets to be a part of Nic and Lane's vision will be lucky to call 656 King Street the home of their creative inspirations! Please contact Nic Roberts at 843-367-2524 or email him at nicrobertsusa@yahoo.com for more information.

--
Libby Ganong
Add Libb Designs
1A Wesson Ave
Charleston, SC, 29403
843.469.9123
www.addlibbdesigns.com

Charleston County Schools music students to perform in concert with world-renowned electric violinist Mark Wood!

2010-02-10T17:10:00.002-05:00

International recording artist Mark Wood, one of the original members of the multiplatinum selling Trans-Siberian Orchestra and creator of the revolutionary Viper electric violin, is working to inspire young string players with “Electrify Your Strings,” his groundbreaking music education program. He and his band, the Mark Wood Experience, will perform in concert with music students from many Charleston County Schools on Friday, March 19th at 7:00.

Mark Wood is the owner and operator of Wood Violins, one of the largest electric violin manufacturing companies in the world. He studied under Maestro Leonard Bernstein, and is a Juilliard-trained violinist and Emmy-winning composer who has done string arrangements for Celine Dion and others. In addition to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, he has worked with Lenny Kravitz, Billy Joel, Everclear, and many others. The Mark Wood Experience includes other members of Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

Mark will be performing with the students on his handcrafted 7-string fretted electric Viper violin. This exciting event will transform the student musicians into a full-fledged Rock Orchestra! The audience will be entertained by Mark’s original material, as well as his exciting arrangements of music by Led Zeppelin, Cream, The Beatles, and more.

As part of this year’s “Electrify Your Strings” tour, Mark has been spending much of his time performing at schools all across the country, and has worked with orchestra directors to create more than 50 student rock orchestras. His music programs build on the strong foundation in classical music provided by the music teachers at each school he works with, creating a partnership with educators to create a learning experience for music students that can grow and evolve from year to year.

To prepare for this concert, Mark will be spending several days during the week leading up to the concert visiting schools all over Charleston County, performing for and rehearsing with students. The end of the week will include a full two-day workshop with the entire band. In these workshops, students learn improvisation, composition, and personal expression on their violins, violas, cellos and basses.

Utilizing Mark’s music arrangements that were sent to the district prior to this
visit, the music students will perform in a live concert, open to the public:

Friday, March 19 at 7:00PM
North Charleston Performing Arts Center
5001 Coliseum Dr
North Charleston, SC 29418

Tickets are $20 (plus applicable fees) and can be purchased in advance at the coliseum ticket window, charged by phone at 1.800.745.3000, or purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com.
For more information on “Electrify Your Strings,” please visit www.electrifyyourstrings.com.

To find out more about Mark Wood, please visit www.markwoodmusic.com.
The Viper electric violin is one of several electric instruments manufactured by Mark’s company Wood Violins – check them out at www.woodviolins.com.

Tickets are available through Ticketmaster. Here is a link: CHARLESTON ALL STAR ROCK ORCHESTRA.

PLEASE consider sponsoring this event or connecting us with someone who would really value this kind of exposure to Fine Arts students and their families!

We welcome sponsors at all levels as well as artists, parents, students, fellow musicians, and Mark Wood fans to join us for an evening that will be "Electric"! Please have anyone you know that is interested in sponsoring this amazing event, please contact Zoe Roff at 937-6586.

Charleston Scene debuts March 11, 2010!!

2010-02-08T15:11:00.001-05:00

Take 2 very worthwhile minutes of your time to learn about the new incarnation of Preview Magazine that will the the all-color, expanded, ultra-fabulous CHARLESTON SCENE!

Charleston Scene magazine promo number 1 from charleston scene on Vimeo.

"Arts in Crisis: A Kennedy Center Initiative 50 State Tour" in Charleston

2010-02-08T12:48:00.002-05:00

Tuesday, February 23rd at 9 am, Michael Kaiser, President of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts will visit Charleston, SC on his 50 state tour. This is a not to be missed opportunity for arts organizations and administrators across the country!

The "Arts in Crisis Tour" provides an opportunity for representatives of arts and cultural organizations to participate in two important tasks: engage in conversation with Michael Kaiser, one of the most respected arts leaders in the U.S., and execute the important lessons he has learned through past experiences. During the event, attendees will gain first-hand information and practical advice that is of particular interest to arts organizations seeking a new direction in order to survive or, at the least, remain sustainable.

Michael Kaiser has successfully restructured, reinvented and revitalized numerous well-known arts organizations by aggressively thinking outside of the proverbial box. His actions have successfully turned-around organizations on the brink of failure through the use of ten simple steps. Mr. Kaiser is the author of The Art of the Turnaround and initiated the "Arts in Crisis" program.

If your organization has experienced a decline in revenue, reduction in charitable contributions, decreased attendance, or all of the aforementioned, the information presented in the following programs will be extremely useful as you prepare for the challenge of a drastically different future. These programs will especially be helpful for members of non-profit boards.

EVENTS:
Book discussion and review
Saturday, February 13th, 2pm at City Gallery at Waterfront Park
Admission is free; RSVP at (843) 958-6484
Michael Kaiser's book The Art of the Turnaround is available for purchase at Blue Bicycle Books, 420 King Street.

Discussion with Michael Kaiser
Tuesday, February 23rd, 8:30 am Registration/Coffee; 9-11 am Discussion
College of Charleston's Simons Center for the Arts, Recital Hall, 54 St Philip St
Admission is free; Advance reservations required; call The Charleston Concert Association at (843) 727-1216 or email CCAGrants@aol.coom

Networking Lunch
Tuesday, February 23rd, 12-1:30pm at City Gallery at Waterfront Park
Admission is free to attendees of the discussion; RSVP at (843) 958-6484

Arts in Crisis: A Kennedy Center Initiative is hosted in Charleston by the Charleston Concert Association in partnership with the South Carolina Arts Commission, the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs, and College of Charleston School of the Arts

Iaconfano's Restaurant Looking for Artists Interested in Showing their Works

2010-01-28T12:14:00.001-05:00

Iacofano's Italian Bistro & Bar on Coleman Blvd. in Mt. Pleasant is looking for artists that would like to have an art show at the restaurant possibly paired with wine and tapas. They have a jazz night starting on the 3rd Thursday in February and that may be a good match. If you know of any interested artists they can email John Iacofano john@iacofanos.com or the event coordinator Matt Rabon at mrabon@iacofanos.com.

How Much Is that Doggy in the Wondow?

2010-01-14T12:45:00.002-05:00

Hello Artists!

WALK Gallery, LLC is excited to tell you about our newest collaboration with Charleston Animal Society (CAS) on an art show titled, How Much is that Doggy in the Window?

Our hope is that you will donate a work of art for this show to benefit CAS. What does not sell will be entered into the 2010 A Furry Affair, CAS's annual fundraiser, in June. To donate your work please email us at entry@walkgallery.org for details. All artwork will need to be dropped off by Feb 5, 2010 ready to hang. Allison Bolduc will be accepting artwork at the CAS facility off of Remount Road, and a downtown drop off location will be announced later through email.

The artwork needs to be related to animals. 2d work is preferred, but if you have a 3d piece you're interested in donating please send a picture of it. Please fill out the attached donation form and bring it with your art donation when you drop it off. The artwork will be in the Millennium Building windows on the corner of King and Calhoun and at 501 King Street.
Download: Donation Form

This is a great opportunity to get your work seen, and its for a great cause. The works will be up through Southeastern Wildlife Expo (SEWE), where potentially tens of thousands of people will see it. The work will be up through February.

If you have any questions please email Christina Bailey at entry@walkgallery.org

Thank you for all your support toward bringing an awareness to the public about CAS, and the services they provide for our furry friends.

Sincerely,

WALK Gallery Volunteers

Jurried Art Show NYC March 13-28, 2010

2010-01-12T14:58:00.002-05:00

BWAC Juried Art Show

Call to Artists for Submissions
Deadline for submissions: January 11, 2010 (or Late entry deadline: January 25, 2010)
Gallery show dates: March 13th-28th, 2010 Weekends 1-6 PM

Opening Reception: Saturday March 13th, 2010 1-6 PM
Jurors:

Anne Strauss - Associate Curator, Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC
Nicholas Baume - Director & Chief Curator, Public Art Fund, NYC
Mark Hughes - Director, Galleria Lelong, Chelsea, NYC
Bill Murphy - Associate Professor & Gallery Director, Printmaker & Painter, Wagner College, NYC
Awards

Best of Show: $1,000. The artist whose work is juried as ‘BEST of SHOW’ will receive a $1,000 cash prize and a complimentary one-year BWAC membership.

PEOPLES’ CHOICE: $500. The artist whose work is voted ‘Best’ by attendees at the Show opening will receive a $500 cash prize and a complimentary one-year BWAC membership.

CURATORS’ CHOICE: $250. The artist whose work the Show Curators, (Anna Annus Hagen, Joseph Anastasi, Fritz (Steven) Weiss and Bill Murphy) choose for excellence will receive a $250 cash prize and a complimentary one-year BWAC membership.

CERTIFICATES Certificates will be awarded in the following categories: Best Oil Painting, Best Acrylic Painting, Best Watercolor Painting, Best Photograph in Traditional, Best Photograph in Digital formats, Best Mixed Media, Best Assemblage or Installation, Best in Classical Pastel/Drawing/Print/Graphic media, Best in Computer-aided Drawing/Print/Graphic media and Best Sculpture.
Show Details

THEME: "Wide open spaces… arms wide open… eyes wide open… Just feel all the possibilities of knowledge and freedom and love. But as with all things, there is the inevitable opposite. Wide open to attack… wide open to a lawsuit… wide open to corruption… wide open to failure…What kind of phantasy phrase is this? What does it really indicate? This juried show looks to explore this idea of “wide open”, in all the hidden niches of our collective psyche."

ELIGIBILITY: This call for submission is open to all residents of the U.S. and its Territories 18 years of age or older. This is a juried exhibition for artists working in all traditional and non-traditional 2D and 3D media, except for film/video. All artwork must be original in concept, design and execution. Note: Crafts, kit work or reproductions after original works in other media (such as giclees), unless used as part of a mixed media work, will not be considered.

Oversize Work, Assemblages and Installations are welcome at the discretion of BWAC, but must meet all other specifications and be delivered, installed and removed by the artist (or their agent).

JUDGING: Final judging will be on site. Jurors may reject entries that differ significantly from their digital images. Decision of the judges is final.

SUBMISSIONS AND FEES:
Only original works may be submitted. They must be in a .jpg file format. No slides, photographs or DVDs. CD’s will be accepted when application is submitted by mail.
Early Bird Submissions (through January 11): $45.00 for up to three (3) images, plus $8.00 for each additional image.
Submissions between January 12 and January 25: $65 for up to three (3) images, $10.00 for each additional image.
All entry fees are non-refundable

BWAC prefers an Online Entry, mailed CD entries are charged an extra $10 uploading fee. All entry fees are non-refundable.
Cost of Entry is $45.00 for up to three (3) images ($55.00 if mailed) plus $25.00 for up to three (3) additional images. All entries must be registered/received by midnight, January 11, 2010. Late entries will be accepted between January 12 and midnight January 25, 2010, at an additional flat fee of $20.00.

Click here for directions for online submission:
https://www.wideopenartshow.org/home

Pecha Kucha Charleston Vol. 5 Set for Jan. 21

2010-01-11T17:22:00.002-05:00

Volume 5's coming to a location near you.

January Blahs will be banished on January 21 at Charleston’s first Pecha Kucha event of 2010. Volume 5 of the popular forum for creatives from diverse industries and backgrounds will be presented at a downtown Charleston location which will be revealed three days prior to the event.

You can purchase your tickets by following this link.

CITADEL - CALL FOR ENTRIES

2010-01-05T10:13:00.001-05:00

CALL FOR ENTRIES

The Citadel’s School of Humanities and Social Sciences invites emerging and established South Carolina artists to enter an exhibition that will be juried by the cadets of Professor Tiffany Silverman’s art history class. On view in the lobby of the main academic building, Capers Hall, the exhibition will open on Friday, March 5th and run through Wednesday, April 21st. All types of 2-D media and techniques are encouraged, including painting, printmaking, multimedia, and photography.

To enter, please submit up to 3 JPEG images of 2-D works no larger than 24” x 24“ (including frame) along with a CV and a statement about your artistic influences and creation process to Tiffany Silverman at tiffany.silverman@citadel.edu by February 1, 2010.

Footlight Players: Footlight looking for designers for our new Fashion Fundraiser!

2009-12-28T14:37:00.000-05:00

CAN YOU DESIGN A DRESS, THEN MAKE IT? IF “SEW,” HERE IS AN OFFER TOO GOOD TO REFUSE!

Whether you are an emerging designer with hopes of being the next Runway star or someone of any age or background who has been sewing her/his whole life and loving it, here is your chance to:

Showcase your talent, Earn some $$$
Help The Footlight Players
…all at the same time!

The Footlight Players and The Hat Ladies are in high fashion once again, in conjunction with the play, Five Women Wearing the Same Dress. Here is how the fundraiser works:

*You design a dress. It could be one to wear to the store, the finest restaurant, the theater, the prom, a wedding, etc. It could be for an adult or for a child.

*You determine the cost of YOUR dress.

*You determine what percentage of your sale price you will donate to The Footlight Players (Ex: Dress price =$150, donate 30% to Footlight then you get $105 and Footlight gets $45 per dress).

*Your dress will hang in the Lobby of The Theater for the entire run of Five Women Wearing the Same Dress. (March 11-28, 2010). During this time, 5 patrons will have the opportunity to buy your dress.

*You then make five dresses of this design, custom fitting it for each buyer.

All participants receive these additional perks:

2 complimentary tickets to a private performance of the play, Thursday, March 11, 2010
Your name in the playbill
Your name on a poster in the Lobby
Your name and contact information next to your dress
The chance for your dress to be chosen to appear on the TV show, Lowcountry Live, during opening week of the play.

That is right! Your unique design may be seen walking down the street, going out on the town on 5 different women. It will be admired by hundreds of theatre attendees as well as tourists here for Charleston Fashion Week, which runs concurrently.

HOW TO APPLY
Initial application includes: Name, address, phone number, email, and brief description of your passion for fashion; due JANUARY 15, 2010
Sketch of your dress due February 3 , 2010
Finished dress due: FEBRUARY 24, 2010

ALL MATERIALS ARE TO BE MAILED/DELIVERED BY THESE DEADLINES TO:
FOOTLIGHT PLAYERS
ATTENTION: FASHION
20 QUEEN STREET
CHARLESTON, SC 29401

QUESTIONS? PLEASE CALL (843) 722-7521 or e-mail info@footlightplayers.net

Jeffrey Day on Crowded Calendars & Much Needed Conversations

2009-12-08T10:52:00.005-05:00

I frequently read the arts blog Carolina Culture by Jeffrey Day who has been reporting on the arts in Columbia, and across the state of South Carolina, for some 20 years. This morning I came across this posting, which echos many of the frustrations, ideas and passions of the Charleston arts community. One of the goals of the Charleston Arts Coalition is to help coalesce all the exciting events happening in our community, for the betterment of all. Charleston Culture was born from the need for a comprehensive, all-inclusive calendar of the many events going on in the Holy City. Please make sure you are utilizing this amazing, totally free & fantastic tool to help promote yourself, your art, your causes.
And check out Jeffrey's blog too!

From Carolina Culture by Jeffrey Day:
When will artists and arts groups start talking to one another?

At the end of my rope a few weeks ago I wrote on Facebook: Why the hell is everything going on at the same time?! (Actually I wrote: I've only been covering the arts in Columbia for 20 years, so maybe I just need a little more time to figure this out: why does everyone schedule everything at the same time on the same day?)

Several people pointed out that this is the sign of a healthy arts environment.
I agree to a point, but we have a small arts audience that’s already fragmented. Instead of it getting more broken up and losing the little clout it has, I’d like to more coming together.

A few recent examples of too much at once:
A panel discussion about the State Art Collection and a reception for a show drawn from that collection as well as two art shows on Main Street. I had to miss the chamber music concert that night.
Another evening included an artists’ panel, an art show opening, a poetry reading and another opening.
Then there was the Friday and Saturday of an opera, a dance performance and a play - something that couldn’t actually be done.

There’s a good, or maybe bad, case study Thursday.
That evening Main Street will be awash with seven art shows and some music and dance. At the same time Compass 5 in Cayce opens an art show and one more is happening at if Art Gallery. The Midlands Clay Art Society is holding an event at Gallery 80808/Vista Studios too. There’s even an overlap in the artists showing at Frame of Mind on Main and Compass 5. And yesterday (Monday) I learned there's another art and design event, this one through the Columbia Design League, going on at the same time as well.

Why doesn't everyone just stand in a circle with guns drawn like at the end of "Reservoir Dogs"?

Some people will make it to more than one of these places, but with all that Main Street activity, I doubt there will be many. I also truly doubt those who start on Main Street will ever make it over the river and down State Street or vice versa. I haven’t yet figured out how I’m going to do it - and I want to. (One should keep in mind that these are art shows so you can see them some other time, but I know how that goes.)

The time is past for arts groups, art businesses and artists to start talking to one another and coordinating events for everyone’s benefits. We’re never going to avoid all scheduling conflicts, but we can do better.

(One thing that came up on the Facebook discussion was the need for a comprehensive calendar, but I don’t know anyone who has the time, money or inclination to take this on and artists and arts groups don’t submit information to the calendars the already exist.)

Let’s start with something manageable.

How about staggering activities and have each venue let visitors know what’s going on at other places the same night? That would turn a crowded calendar into something positive.
Looking long-range, how about a gallery association like those in other cities?

“Too much going on at once” is mostly my problem; it’s my job to go to as much as I can and I get pretty obsessive about it. Call me idealistic, but I want to see you at everything too.

(Look for more commentary in the coming weeks about this and related issues such as cross-discipline programming and the shortcomings of social networking sites in spreading the word. And please share your ideas in the comments section below.)

at 1:46 AM Posted by Carolina Culture by Jeffrey Day 20 comments

Creative Charleston Survey for New Carolina/Parliament

2009-12-07T23:18:00.002-05:00

Hello Creative Charleston!

New Carolina/Parliament (the people that brig you Pecha Kucha Night Charleston) and Charleston Regional Development Alliance are asking your help with a study being conducted on the ways in which the arts contribute to the economy of the Charleston Region. We are asking all artists, musicians, and craftspeople in the region to fill out a short online survey about the “business” side of your artistic endeavor. We want to know more about the kind of art you practice and how your important work helps our region’s economy. Too often the arts and creativity are left out of economic development plans—this is your chance to help us document and demonstrate the importance of the arts in the Charleston region.

We want to stress that all your responses will be kept confidential and if there are any questions that you would rather not answer, then you can skip those. We don’t ask for your name with the exception of asking if you would be willing to be contacted for any follow-up interviews. You are under no obligation to leave your name, however.
The survey can be accessed at http://tinyurl.com/charlestonart. It will take you no more than 15-20 minutes to complete. We encourage you to complete the survey at your earliest convenience and please forward this email to any fellow friends in the creative economy.

We are so grateful for your assistance. Your participation is critical. Remember the survey can be found at http://tinyurl.com/charlestonart.

Thank you,
Beth Meredith

WALK: Call for Entries

2009-11-28T15:13:00.001-05:00

Hello Artists!

Call for entries for, Juxtaposition: artists respond to poets and poets respond to artists is extended to December 15!

Download the entry form and mail it to WALK Gallery, LLC, PO Box 639 Charleston, SC 29402 or drop it off at Plum Elements, 161 1/2 King Street, by December 15th! Make sure you include the $20 entry fee, the entry form, your artist statement, and 3 examples of your work.
Download: Entry Form

A little about Juxtaposition:
12 poets and 12 artists will be selected by jury to participate inJuxtaposition: artists respond to poets and poets respond to artists. Poets will use the Japanese poetry form of a Haiku in response to a work of art, or an artist will respond to the poets
Haiku. Any form of 2Dimensional artwork will be accepted.

The exhibition is scheduled for March 5 – April 30, 2010. An opening reception will be announced closer to the exhibition dates.

Studio Spaces for Rent

2009-11-28T12:49:00.001-05:00

SPARK COMMUNITY STUDIOS NOW HAS MULTIPLE STUDIO SPACES AVAILABLE FOR RENT.

$200/MONTH INCLUDES MONTHLY STUDIO STROLLS AND 24 HOUR ACCESS.

SEE BELOW FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT SPARK COMMUNITY STUDIOS.

Spark Community Studios was formed to provide a constant workspace and show space for professional artists in the Charleston area. Spark COmmunity Studios remains Charleston's only art space devoted solely to working artists. Twice a month, we open our doors to the public, offering studio strolls. During this time, the general public are welcome to meet the majority of our members and study their art.

In June 2006, Spark Studios and Gallery was formed. Spark Studios and Gallery has remained a successful gallery off the beaten track for years. However, as the art scene in Charleston has grown, so has the need for community art studios. Eventually, Spark Studios and Gallery decided to focus on the growth of professional local artists, rather than concentrating on classes or traditional gallery space. Eventually Spark Community Studios was born: It remains Charleston's only art space devoted solely to working artists. Members of Spark Community Studios receive private studio space, participation in bimonthly studio strolls and web presence on Spark Studios Community website. Spark Community Studios is open to the public so that visitors can browse a large variety of artwork.

CONTACT

LAUREN @ 843-442-7931

DANNY @ 843-817-1937

FOR MORE INFORMATION.

SPARKCOMMUNITYSTUDIOS@GMAIL.COM

the6Pzzzzzz

2009-11-18T15:50:00.003-05:00

Low Country Artisan Collective’s Best of the Best Show, Saturday, Nov 21 and Sunday, Nov. 22

2009-11-16T12:18:00.001-05:00

For immediate release: November 4, 2009
Media Contact: Cookie Washington: 259-8108

Operation Art!

Local fine art meets homelessness prevention at the Low Country Artisan Collective’s Best of the Best Show, Saturday, Nov 21 and Sunday, Nov. 22 - noon to 6 p.m. at Number 10 Storehouse Row on the old Naval Base in North Charleston. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Emergency Repairs work of local non-profit, Operation Home. A private Preview Party takes place Friday, November 20, from 6 to 10 p.m.

The event showcases more than 25 fine artists, representing every medium the Low country has to offer, says Torreah Cookie Washington, an esteemed art quilter, who is coordinating the show along with her friend, renowned painter, Arianne King Comer.

“There is a long tradition of enormous good coming out of the partnership between art and philanthropy,” explains Washington, who notes that the upcoming sale offers work by greater Charleston’s top talents at a diverse variety of price points. “The title, Best of the Best, speaks both for the incredible work that will be for sale, and for the double-your-pleasure factor that this show enables anyone to afford to give art and charity as holiday presents.”

Washington notes that Operation Home’s mission to provide safe housing for those in need is a cause that touches many of the artists personally. “Even in the toughest economic times, as we’re seeeing now, Charleston has always supported its creative community in extraordinary ways; but most artists have known at least some period in their lifetime when they did not have housing security,” she explains. “They know how scary and unsafe that feels, and they are delighted to use their gifts to make a difference in the lives of others.”

Preview the art at www.artscuttlebutt/bestofthebestartsale.com

For more information on the Best of the Best show, email Cookiesews@aol.com

Operation Art!

2009-11-11T16:39:00.001-05:00

Local fine art meets homelessness prevention at the Low Country Artisan Collective’s Best of the Best Show, Saturday, Nov 21 and Sunday, Nov. 22 - noon to 6 p.m. at Number 10 Storehouse Row on the old Naval Base in North Charleston. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Emergency Repairs work of local non-profit, Operation Home. A private Preview Party takes place Friday, November 20, from 6 to 10 p.m.

The event showcases more than 25 fine artists, representing every medium the Low country has to offer, says Torreah Cookie Washington, an esteemed art quilter, who is coordinating the show along with her friend, renowned painter, Arianne King Comer.

“There is a long tradition of enormous good coming out of the partnership between art and philanthropy,” explains Washington, who notes that the upcoming sale offers work by greater Charleston’s top talents at a diverse variety of price points. “The title, Best of the Best, speaks both for the incredible work that will be for sale, and for the double-your-pleasure factor that this show enables anyone to afford to give art and charity as holiday presents.”

Washington notes that Operation Home’s mission to provide safe housing for those in need is a cause that touches many of the artists personally. “Even in the toughest economic times, as we’re seeeing now, Charleston has always supported its creative community in extraordinary ways; but most artists have known at least some period in their lifetime when they did not have housing security,” she explains. “They know how scary and unsafe that feels, and they are delighted to use their gifts to make a difference in the lives of others.”

Preview the art at www.artscuttlebutt/bestofthebestartsale.com

For more information on the Best of the Best show, email Cookiesews@aol.com

Americans for the Arts E-Advocacy Center

2009-11-05T11:48:00.001-05:00

I just took action on this important arts issue and I hope you'll take

a moment to do the same. As expected our representative voted against this appropriation. The dearth of arts support in SC stems from the continued low taxation in SC as well as the national representatives who deny the importance of the arts to the citizens of the state. Herein is a letter you can send to Henry Brown, expressing your concerns about his vote.

Please Follow This Link to Take Action on Important Arts Issues

http:// capwiz.com/artsusa/utr/2/?a=14261276&i=66081996&c=

If your email program does not recognize the URL as a link, copy the entire URL and paste it into your Web browser.

"Playful Pianos at Piccolo" Call to Artists

2009-11-04T21:23:00.002-05:00

You are invited to participate as an artist, or suggest an artist you know to participate in “Playful Pianos at Piccolo”. Inspired by a sensational project in London, Creative Spark, Fox Music and the City of Charleston’s Office of Cultural Affairs will be placing pianos all over town. In the spirit of Piccolo Spoleto, when the whole town is a stage, everyone will be welcome to play them.
These pianos will be painted by artists like you and then auctioned off after the festival, raising money for music scholarships. Fox Music is providing the instruments and transporting them to and from artists’ studios in February. You would have about 6 weeks to finish painting them. Artists will be offered a stipend of $250 each, which you can opt to donate to scholarships if you prefer. If you would like to be part of the “Playful Pianos” project, please respond to creativecarol@bellsouth.net and we’ll give you all the details soon.

Thanks for your interest,
Carol Antman
Creative Spark
www.creativespark.org

Charleston Fine Art Annual, November 4, 6, 7, 2009

2009-10-13T10:51:00.002-04:00

Over the past ten years, the Charleston Fine Art Dealers’ Association (CFADA) has grown from just a handful of founding members to 13 member galleries that continue to help transform Charleston’s art market and to set standards of professionalism. This November, CFADA welcomes avid art collectors and nationally renowned artists to celebrate its 10th anniversary and continue the tradition at the Eleventh Charleston Fine Art Annual. As Charleston’s premier weekend dedicated to the visual arts, the Charleston Fine Art Annual features more than 25 leading artists, exhibiting at CFADA member galleries and painting in Washington Park. The event takes place on November 4, 6, 7, 2009. Proceeds will benefit Charleston County High Schools’ fine art programs.

The fine art weekend kicks off on Wednesday, November 4 with the first of a new three part lecture series on Women in Art, organized by the Gibbes Museum of Art. For ticket information on the lecture series, please visit www.gibbesmuseum.org. The next event takes place on Friday, November 6 at 5:00 p.m., featuring an art stroll and gallery openings at CFADA member galleries. Each gallery will present works by prominent local and visiting artists who travel to Charleston every year to participate in this prestigious event. This free event is open to public.

On Saturday morning, November 7 starting at 9:00 a.m., locals and visitors alike will once again mingle and watch artists at work as they donate their time and talent to creating masterpieces that will be later auctioned off at the Charleston Art Auction to benefit the Charleston County High Schools’ art programs. The ever-popular plein air event, Painting in the Park, takes place at Washington Park from 9:00 a.m. till noon.

The Sixth Annual High School Art Competition, a platform for young talented artists to showcase their unique works, is part of the plein air event and will start at 11:00 a.m. at Washington Park. The finest student works will be on display and judged by a panel of celebrity judges. The winners will be announced at 11:30 a.m.

Saturday evening will be dedicated to auctioning fine works of art, featuring historically significant paintings and drawings together with contemporary works by recognized American artists. The creations from Painting in the Park will be auctioned interspersed between other works. The Charleston Art Auction will start at 7:15 p.m. at the Renaissance Charleston Hotel, 68 Wentworth Street, downtown Charleston. Reservations are highly recommended as seating is limited. Ticket are $50.00 (contributed to the Charleston County High School Art Programs, this includes a fully illustrated sales catalogue) per person.

Founded in 1999, the Charleston Fine Art Dealers’ Association is the source of fine art in the South and consists of the city’s prominent galleries. The association promotes Charleston as a fine art destination for avid collectors and passionate art enthusiasts and supports the artists of the future. CFADA has donated more than $140,000 to local high schools, the Gibbes Museum of Art, Redux Art Center and the Studio Art Department at the College of Charleston. For more information on CFADA, please visit www.cfada.com and for ticket reservations for the auction call 843-722-0128.

Redux’s Annual Call to Artists

2009-10-13T10:49:00.000-04:00

Redux is the premier contemporary art venue in South Carolina offering opportunities for emerging and established artists to exhibit in historic downtown Charleston. Exhibitions are not limited to any media, and all applicants will be considered for solo, group, and two person shows for 2010.

This year’s exhibitions and residencies:

The official deadline for all entries is postmarked November 16th 2009.
Artists will be notified of results by mail on or before December 15th 2009.

Please visit our website for answers to frequently asked questions
http://www.reduxstudios.org

To apply for an exhibition you must submit the following:

• Application [download from website http://www.reduxstudios.org/exhibitions/apply.html ]
• $35 Application Fee (pay online with Paypal or mail a check with your application)
• portfolio of recent works (5 - 15) that can be in slide, cd, dvd, or video format.
• Inventory list including titles, dates completed, sizes, and mediums.
• Artist Statement
• Artistic Resume
• SASE for return of materials

Submit all materials to:

Redux Contemporary Art Center
136 St. Philip Street
Charleston, SC 29403

Please visit >> http://www.reduxstudios.org/exhibitions/apply.html

Capoeira Classes Offered in Charleston

2009-09-29T15:55:00.002-04:00

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

2009-09-28T10:53:00.004-04:00

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

2009-09-17T17:17:00.002-04:00

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

2009-09-17T11:23:00.001-04:00

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

2009-09-17T11:13:00.000-04:00

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

2009-09-17T11:11:00.001-04:00

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

2009-09-09T12:28:00.000-04:00

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

2009-09-04T15:47:00.001-04:00

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

Post Your Name, Contact, Comments so We Can Continue This Coversation

2009-08-25T19:44:00.003-04:00

The Coalition has regular Meet and Greet meetings for Members where you get a chance to talk one-on-one with people that you met at the Creative Town Hall, share ideas and start a new partnership. Post your comments, your ideas and suggestions or your contact info if you want to be contacted by other attendees. Thank you for participating!

Town Hall Meeting August 25

2009-08-25T17:25:00.005-04:00

The Charleston Arts Coalition conducted a survey titled the " Voice of the People" - results of this survey were presented at its Creative Town Hall meeting on August 25.

Some Survey Facts:
What's missing in Charleston arts community:
- public awareness
- creative arts district
- leadership
- networking
- support from business community
- networking
- creative community needs to be seem as professional
- multi-functional facility

277 people took the survey - leading age group 40-49 (28%)

72% of the surveyed people believed that there is a need for a group that unites the creative arts community in Charleston.

Special Guests that attended the Town Hall meeting:

Katie Fox and Jeanette Guinn from the SC Arts Commission
Ellen Dressler Moryl, Director of the Office of Cultural Affairs
Marty Besancon, Cultural Arts Director of the North Charleston Cultural Arts
Mark Sloan, curator at the College of Charleston's Halsey Institute
Karen Chandler, co-founder of Charleston Jazz Initiative and Arts Management Professor at the College of Charleston School of the Arts
Sharon Gracie, Artistic Director and Co-founder of Pure Theater
Kyle Barnette from the Charleston Ballet Theater

Moderator:

John Zinsser of Pacifica Human Communicatrions
Contact: jzinsser@conflictbenefit.com

In the audience:

West Fraser, artist, Helena Fox Fine Art
Lese Corrigan, artist/owner at Corrigan Gallery, president of CFADA
Robert Lange, artist/owner, Robert Lange Fine Art
Tom Starland, publisher, Carolina Arts
Erin Glaze, director, City Gallery at Waterfront Park
Nandini McCauley, marketing coordinator, School of the Arts at CofC
Angela Mack, director, Gibbes Museum of Art
Marla Loftus, Gibbes Museum of Art
Patrick Bryant, Parliament
Jim Braunreuther, arts coordinator, Charleston County Schools
Duda Lucena, musician, Brazilian singer and guitar player
art teachers, performers, designers, artisans, art enthusiasts

If we didn't include your name, feel free to include it in comments.

Tweeting Live from the Creative Town Hall Meeting at Wachovia Auditorium

2009-08-25T17:20:00.002-04:00

We are preparing to start our Creative Town Hall meeting at the College of Charleston's Wachovia Auditorium. We are going to share ideas, suggestions and comments live on Twitter as well as post our survey results here on this blog. We welcome your comments on our blog.

The Spaces Between Your Fingers Project

2009-08-20T17:14:00.002-04:00

Today, just before closing, a young guy came into my gallery. He looked like an interesting, arty dude, and he started to tell me about his community art project he's launching, called The Spaces Between Your Fingers Project...it's pretty cool. He's traveling across the country, headed west from Philadelphia, to Seattle, down to southern California, back east. He's only been in Charleston for 6 hours and he's driving up to Chapel Hill tonight. His goal is to meet 3,000 creative individuals in 30 days. Very cool. I wish he could stick around to meet all the CAC kids at Town Hall on Tuesday!
Check out his website and see for yourself. Matt is the man behind this, and he's printed up all these cards for people to draw their own hand's outline on, and then fill it with advice to America. The cards are then to be mailed back to him in Philly and there will be a whole exhibition of them. You're supposed to go around and find the hand that fits your own perfectly, and the advice that is contained therein, well, that's for you. He's going to scan them all and put them online, so you can find your own card down the road, if you can't make it to the exhibition. Being a writer, I'm sure Matt will take this project into something even more than just the visual display.
I have 10 of these cards, so if you want one, let me know! email stacyhuggins@live.com
I hope you will check this out, and be inspired, moved, motivated, whatever! It's great to see the work of other Creative people in our country--makes you feel like all the hard work going on in Charleston and beyond really has a purpose and will make a difference.
Keep up the good fight guys & cheers!
Stacy

Nursing Creativity Through the Economic Slump on August 25

2009-08-18T15:55:00.001-04:00

The Charleston Arts Coalition in partnership with the College of Charleston’s Tate Center for Entrepreneurship will host a Town Hall meeting titled, “Nursing Creativity Through the Economic Slump,” on August 25, 2009 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Wachovia Auditorium at the College of Charleston. The meeting is open to all Charleston creatives that are interested in exchanging ideas and bringing awareness of the importance of creative business for a thriving and prosperous cultural city. The Coalition will also announce the survey results and address the main issues that came up in the survey.

“The Coalition was created to be a voice of the people. Our goal is to host events where this voice can be heard,” says Jessica Solomon Bluestein, president of the Coalition. Meeting attendees are encouraged to share ideas and suggestions; panelists selected from different creative disciplines include Ellen Dressler Moryl, director of the Office of Cultural Affairs; Mark Sloan, curator at the College of Charleston's Halsey Institute; Karen Chandler, co-founder of Charleston Jazz Initiative and Arts Management Professor at the College of Charleston School of the Arts; and Sharon Gracie, artistic director and co-founder of PURE Theatre. The meeting will be facilitated by John W. Zinsser of Pacifica Human Communications.

The Charleston Arts Coalition, a cross-disciplinary coalition of voices aspiring to unite Charleston’s creative community, was established as a vehicle for expression and is evolving into a collaborative effort to promote and enhance Charleston’s rich array of creative disciplines including visual, culinary and performing arts, architecture, design and much more.

The Charleston Arts Coalition provides a forum and virtual gateway for creative individuals, organizations and businesses to collaborate on projects, exchange ideas, host special events and, in general, promote creativity in Charleston through advocacy, outreach, promotion and educational and professional programming.

The College of Charleston's Wachovia Auditorium in the Beatty Center is located at 5 Liberty St., Charleston. For more information about the coalition or to get involved, please visit www.charlestonartscoalition.com. Join our Facebook group to rsvp.

BB&T Charleston Wine + Food Festival Poster Competition!!

2009-08-13T13:33:00.007-04:00

The BB&T Charleston Wine + Food Festival and Charleston Magazine call for entries for the 2010 Poster Comptetion DUE August 28!

Applications available for the 2010 competition at www.charlestonmag.com

The competition is on! Calling all artists to compete for a chance to win $1,000 and the title of Official Poster Artist of the 2010 BB&T Charleston Wine and Food Festival.

The winning poster (to be determined by a panel of judges representing both the local culinary and art communities) will be showcased in a special insert in Charleston magazine's December 2009 Food & Wine issue, and used for official retail merchandise.

Entry into the competition is free and open to all residents of Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester counties 18 years and older.

Artists' designs should illustrate Charleston's unique culinary culture and exhibit characteristics that would appropriately represent the Festival, while highlighting the 5th year anniversary of the organization. Artists are required to incorporate the signature wine stain (available with the application) into the design.

The deadline for all submissions is August 28, 2009.

For information about the competition, visit Charleston Magazine or email art@charlestonwineandfood.com.

"Measure: Creatures Great + Small" at Robert Lange Studios this September

2009-08-10T22:43:00.001-04:00

Charleston-based painter Robert Lange plays with scale by shrinking massive animals and blowing-up mini animals in a series of 25 new works entitled Measure: Creatures Great + Small. On view from September 4 thru September 30, 2009, at Robert Lange Studios, the show is a unique investigation into how the size of an animal effects our interaction with them.

At the modest age of 28, Lange was recently the American Heart Association’s featured artist. He received a BFA from Rhode Island School of Design and is best known for creating bodies of work in a hyper-realist fashion.

In December of 2008, Lange’s acclaimed series Still + Life portrayed still lives with the addition of living elements such as birds and humans. In his upcoming Measure show, Lange is now giving the viewer a unique and whimsical perspective of nature; a tiny lion sits regally on a chair or a huge penguin follows a pedestrian down the sidewalk.

Some humorous, some obvious, and some more subtler but in each painting Lange has illustrated how much animals are missing from our everyday by placing them in common scenarios. For example, in one of the pieces for his September show titled, The Fox + The Pear, Lange has depicted a tiny fox sitting in a bowl next to a pear. The fox is scaled to be the same size as the pear and in a charming way sits as though he isn’t a bit out of place.

“The reason for playing with the comparative size of each animal versus their surroundings is to make people take notice. There is an intrigue that is created and captivates the viewer by skewing the scales,” says Lange. “I can’t help but feel a certain amount of disconnection from animals and nature in general and a desire to bring both into my life and at least make people think about a possible addition to theirs.”

In The Viewer, one of the works from his upcoming show, Lange paints a giant owl being viewed by two people in a museum-type setting. Due to the relative scale of the viewers and creature, the people appear overwhelmed by the twenty-foot owl before them. This piece exhibits not only the artist’s feeling towards how our natural world is now displayed but also his humbled feeling as an artist towards capturing the quintessential essence of the subject.

“I wish through realism to create a seamless feeling that makes people second guess if tiny pandas really exist or what their experience would be like to have a giant chipmunk standing next to them,” says Lange. “It’s import to me that I’m always asking questions of the viewers through my paintings and that my audience looks to find the answers.”

Measure: Creatures Great + Small series will hang at Robert Lange Studios at 151 East Bay St. from Friday, September 4 – Wednesday, September 30, 2009. The opening reception will be Friday, September 4, from 5:30 – 8:30 PM and the artist will attend.

Please visit www.robertlangestudios.com or call for more information 843.805.8052. Digital images are available upon request.

Call For Entries

2009-08-04T13:48:00.000-04:00

The Citadel’s School of Humanities and Social Sciences invites emerging and established South Carolina artists to enter an instructional exhibition that will be juried by the cadets of Professor Tiffany Silverman’s art history class. On view in the lobby of the main academic building, Capers Hall, the exhibition will open as part of The Citadel Parents’ Weekend on Friday, October 23rd and run through December 1st. All types of 2-D media and techniques are encouraged, with a subject focus on the people and places of the South Carolina Lowcountry. Selected artists may have additional lecture and publicity opportunities.

To enter, please submit up to 3 JPEG images of 2-D works no larger than 24” x 24“ along with a CV and statement about your artistic influences and creation process to Tiffany Silverman at tiffany.silverman@citadel.edu by September 15, 2009.

CharlestonCulture.com on Caterpillar Art

2009-08-04T10:40:00.002-04:00

Check out Caterpillar Art's blog on Word Press, great write up on CharlestonCulture.com. Thank you to Tara for the CAC/CharlestonCulture love!

Spread the word about CharlestonCulture.com to your friends, colleagues, clients, visitors to Charleston...everyone! And if you haven't created your profile, do so immediately! It's free, easy to use, open to ALL disciplines of art, and the calendar allows you to post all your events for the public to see--'Say, what's going on today in Charleston?' Hmmm, one site that tells you all the arts events happening across town...give them the answer.

Want to get the word out about your art? Have great turnouts for your events? Make more money in this stressed economic time? Create your totally FREE profile and post all your events on CharlestonCulture.com! You can link your profile back to your website, add images, bio and contact info. If you're in the arts, of any kind, interested in the arts, or just looking for something arty to do in Charleston, CharlestonCulture.com is for you!
What are you waiting for?

OUTSIDE the BOX workshop, Sept. 11-12

2009-07-31T14:12:00.002-04:00

a carol mcgill workshop

OUTSIDE the BOX, two
september 11th & 12th
ISLE OF PALMS, SC

A FUN workshop, anyone can participate:
beginner to old pro. come enjoy!

paint OUTSIDE the BOX
and around and upside down!

you will create one oversized painting in acrylic
Learn painting concepts of VALUE SCALE and RHYTHM
Create your own color palette from housepaints
Expand study of a theme to form your composition

Thursday & Friday 9:30 - 2:30
get acquainted session Thursday evening at the artist's home

$250 plus canvas and minimal supplies
checks received by August 11th early bird discount: $200

For more info, contact Carol @
CM1Spirit@comcast.net
www.CarolMcGill.com

Charleston Creative Co-Op Available

2009-07-23T16:47:00.001-04:00

Two Great Upcoming Benefit Events- Check them OUT!

2009-07-20T15:25:00.004-04:00

FUNDRAISER FOR ELLA WATSON
On July 23rd, there will be a fund-raiser for artist, Ella Watson, a young artist needing a liver transplant to survive at the Lowcountry Artists Gallery. The fundraiser, music, libations, and a raffle, will include a silent auction of Ella's art work and local artists' work. Portions of the proceeds will be going to Ella's Awesomeness Fund which is a grant for artists with medical conditions (you can read more at ellasliver.com ).

MARGOKAUFMAN GALLERY.COM PRESENTS:
Contemporary Women, a benefit for the Center for Women
On Wednesday, July 22 Margo Kaufman Gallery will be turning the space at 438 King St into an art gallery and hosting a fundraiser for the CFW. The show will highlight new works by Charleston's most talented female artists: Sharon Lacey, McLean Stythe, Helen Rice, Sally King Benedict, Kaminer Haislip, Zelda Grant, and Maria Costa. Refreshments will be served and the artists will be present. This is a one night only event. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the art will be donated to benefit the CFW's job counseling program. $10 donation at the door.
Wednesday, July 22 | 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
438 King Street, Downtown Charleston

We Need YOUR Feedback

2009-07-08T10:30:00.004-04:00

Dear Friends,

If possible, please answer the following question by tommorrow at
5PM. Your feedback is greatly appreciated!

Based upon a recent study of the NEA, audience attendance for arts events is rapidly decreasing. Have you found this to be true at your events? If so, when did it begin or can you offer any specific statistics or other thoughts to be shared with the Post and Courier?

The Post and Courier is running an article analyzing participation in the various arts groups in Charleston. In light of a recent study conducted by the National Endowment for the Arts, which states that turn out of arts events is rapidly decreasing, they hope to compare the city to national trends and see if the occurrences have any correlation to the economy or if there is something else driving arts participation.

2009 Palette and Palate Stroll Taking Place on July 17, 2009

2009-06-17T10:44:00.002-04:00

The Charleston Fine Art Dealers’ Association’s Fourth Annual Palette and Palate Stroll is one of the most anticipated visual art and fine food events in the South. This year’s event will take place on Friday, July 17, 2009. Fine art and food connoisseurs will stroll through the historic streets of downtown Charleston, sampling tastings from thirteen of the finest local restaurants in the beautiful setting of thirteen prestigious galleries. The Palette and Palate Stroll starts at 5:30pm and ends at 7:30pm.

The 2009 pairings are: Ann Long Fine Art & Oak; Carolina Galleries & Circa 1886; Charleston Renaissance Gallery & High Cotton; Corrigan Gallery & Cypress, John Carroll Doyle Art Gallery & 82 Queen; Ella Walton Richardson Fine Art & Social; Helena Fox Fine Art & Carolina’s; Horton Hayes Fine Art & Shine; Martin Gallery & Fat Hen and Wild Olive; Robert Lange Studios & FIG; Smith-Killian Fine Art & McCrady’s; The Sylvan Gallery & Halls Chophouse and Wells Gallery & Charleston Grill.

The event is presented as part of the Charleston Fine Art Dealers’ Association’s Studio Series, benefiting its visual arts scholarship fund. Money from the scholarship fund has been awarded to organizations such as Redux, the Gibbes Museum of Art and the College of Charleston School of the Arts. The 2009 event is sponsored by Charleston Magazine. Cost is $30 per person and tickets are limited. Reservations are required. Tickets can be purchased by calling 843-819-8006 or on-line at www.cfada.com.

Founded in 1999, the Charleston Fine Art Dealers’ Association consists of the city’s prominent galleries working together to promote Charleston as a fine art destination for passionate art enthusiasts, avid collectors and talented artists. Since 2004, CFADA has donated more than $140,000 to local public high schools and scholarships for future artists.

2009-06-17T10:39:00.005-04:00

Check out the Charleston Arts Coalition at the Charleston Civic Design Center's Civic Action exhibition! Opening reception June 25, 2009 from 5:30-8 pm. Come see what the Coalition is doing to improve life in Charleston and learn about other local grassroots groups who are working hard to make this the best place to live and work. Get involved!

Civic Action Exhibit Opening on June 25, 2009 at Charleston Civic Design Center

2009-06-17T10:39:00.002-04:00

OPENING:
June 25th, 5:30-8:00pm

EXHIBITION:
June 26th -August 7th, weekdays
9:00-5:00pm

Where:
Charleston Civic Design Center
85 Calhoun Street

ADMISSION:
Free

The Civic Action Exhibition is a showcase of local grassroots organizations and the work they are doing to improve Charleston. For the exhibition the Charleston Civic Design Center gathered a variety of different organizations to demonstrate how the work of each of the organizations contributes to a larger action that is
changing our city for the better.

The exhibition was centered around a simple question put to each or the organizations. “What is the most promising opportunity to improve our community, and what action will your organization take to make a difference.”

We hope that you will join us June 25th for the opening, when each organization will answer this question two ways. Starting at 6:30pm each organization will give a short five minute speech addressing the question, and they will also all reveal the showcase pieces they designed which will be displayed in the CCDC’s gallery space for the remainder of the exhibition.

Exhibition Features:
Architecture for Humanity
Charleston Holy City Bike Co-op
Charleston Arts Coalition
Louie’s Kids
Charleston Horticultural Society
Lowcountry Earth Force
Charleston Miracle League
Pecha Kucha Charleston
Charleston Moves
Pour it Now
Fields to Families

CharlestonCulture.com Launch Party Video

2009-05-18T13:15:00.002-04:00

If you couldn't make it to the party, check out the video here:

CharlestonCulture.com Launch Party from Anthony Spencer on Vimeo.

thank you!

2009-05-15T11:43:00.003-04:00

Thank you to everyone who attended the CharlestonCulture.com Launch Party last night at Robert Lange Studios--it was amazing! Thanks again to Shine for the food & swinging after party, British Wine Merchant for the wine and DJ Icebread for the fabulous soundtrack. And especially a huge thank you to all who came! What an incredible arts community we have in YOU.

Please visit CharlestonCulture.com and create your free profile, add your events to our calendar and check out all the arts events of all types happening right here in Charleston!

LILA celebration on May 15th

2009-05-13T16:20:00.001-04:00

Friends -

Please come on May 15th 6-8PM to our special celebration of "To Kiss a Biting
Spider" - The Burke High School literary magazine made possible through
Lila's Poets In the Schools Program.

Silent auction featuring signed books by LILA Advisory Board Members,
Tickets to The Colbert Report, gift basket donated by Jonathan Green etc.

Warm wishes,
Marjory

Marjory Wentworth, SC Poet Laureate
843/693-5191 (cell),843/849-12849 (FAX)
www.governor.sc.gov/about/wentworth
www.lilaconnects.com

2009-05-12T11:29:00.003-04:00

CharlestonCulture.com is Here!

Join us Thursday, May 14, 2009 6 - 8 pm
Robert Lange Studios {151 East Bay St} 843.805.8052

Food by Shine, Wine from British Wine Merchant, Entertainment by DJ Icebread & door prizes from Redux Contemporary Art Center, Charleston Nut Company, Beaded Venus, Country Bumpkin and more!

AFTER PARTY at Shine!
58 Line Street, at the corner of King and Line
Drink specials on their very popular sparkling sake-Don't miss it!

A Charleston Arts Coalition Project
Supported in part by the Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

May Art Openings in Charleston, SC

2009-05-11T14:24:00.002-04:00

Opening Friday May 1st, Ann Long Fine Art will present recent work from Jura Bedic, Sofia Romark, and Jordan Sokol. The exhibition features three young painters who have been studying and teaching classical painting techniques at the Florence Academy of Art in Florence, Italy. They were taught to draw and paint from nature using the techniques of the Old Masters and are now passing on their knowledge to the next group of painters. The exhibition opens with a reception on May 1 from 5 to 8 pm in the gallery at 54 Broad Street and will show
into June. Artists will be present.

Carolina Galleries, located at 106 A Church Street, is pleased to present new work by Mickey Williams featuring his recent exploration of the Carolina nighttime landscapes. Opening with a reception on Friday, May 1 from 5 to 8 pm, Williams’ work examines the mysterious and exotic world of the South Carolina nightscape.

The Charleston Renaissance Gallery is launching its next virtual show on May 1, 2009. The title is Southern Economy: Images of Life and Labor. The show will feature nineteenth and twentieth century masterworks by such noted artists as Elliott Daingerfield, Emil Gruppe, Harry Roseland, Alfred Hutty, Anna Heyward Taylor, Elizabeth O’Neill Verner, Margaret Law, Edmund Marion Ashe, and William Aiken Walker. The gallery is located at 103 Church Street in Charleston, SC.

The Corrigan Gallery in downtown Charleston will host its second solo show for Lynne Riding during the month of May. The show entitled Connections – An Inner Landscape opens Friday, May 1, 2009 with a reception that evening from 5 to 8 pm. The Corrigan Gallery presents art with a future instilled with intellect, and is located at 62 Queen Street.

Helena Fox Fine Art presents a variety of new works by gallery artists Don Demers, West Fraser, Becky Parrish, Kent Ullberg & Teri Whitner. The works will be on view at the gallery as it celebrates the Spring season. The opening reception will take place on Friday, May 1st from 5 to 8pm. The gallery is located at 12 Queen Street.

Horton Hayes Fine Art is pleased to present a series of new works by Nancy Hoerter. The show entitled Patterns opens on April 30 and runs through May 21. An opening reception attended by the artist will be held on April 30 and May 1 from 5 to 8 pm. Horton Hayes Fine Art is located at 30 State Street (corner of State and Queen) in downtown Charleston.

Ella W. Richardson Fine Art is pleased to present an exciting show of new works by Hilarie Lambert and Jeff Jamison titled Celebration of Life. The reception will take place on May 1 from 5 to 8 pm. Some of Lambert’s fabulous new paintings were created during her recent trip to France. The art show will also include a body of new works from Charleston. The gallery is located at 58 Broad Street in Charleston.

The John Doyle Art Gallery will be participating in the May Art Walk on Friday May 1, serving light hors d’oeuvres from 5 to 8 pm and showing new works by Charleston artists, John Carroll Doyle and Margaret Petterson.

Martin Gallery, located at 18 Broad Street, will celebrate its 10th year as one of Charleston’s premier art galleries, with a reception on Friday, May 1st, from 5 to 8 pm. The gallery is pleased to announce that they will be joined by Montreal artist, Joan Dumouchel, who will be presenting a new collection of original paintings. Joan Dumouchel’s paintings are incredibly striking and unique. As though peering into some mystical world, Joan’s work give a sense of wonder and fantasy.

Robert Lange Studios is proud to introduce two new artists to Charleston, Jessica Dunegan and Adam Hall. The gallery will also display 5 new works by artist JB Boyd. The opening reception will be held from 6 to 8pm on May 1st. The gallery is located at 151 East Bay Street in Charleston, SC.

Betty Anglin Smith will present her new works in a show titled A Series of Square Paintings. The art show is opening on May 1 with an artist reception from 5 to 8 pm at Smith Killian Fine Art located at 9 Queen Street in Charleston.

The Sylvan Gallery presents Shirley Novak’s The Hope Flowers Bring from May 1 – 30 with a reception Friday, May 1 from 5 to 8 pm. Being surrounded with flowers especially poppies inspires smiles and hope for one’s own summer garden as well as an understanding of the cycles of life. This show of Novak’s new paintings will bring color and joy to one’s heart. The gallery is located at 171 King Street, in downtown Charleston’s historic district and antique row.

The Wells Gallery, located at 125 Meeting Street, will feature 20 regional landscapes by Karen Larson Turner in a show titled Emergence: Seeking a Steadfast Light. Show opens on Friday, May 1 with a reception from 5 to 8pm.

For more information, contact Vladia Jurcova Spencer at Stylee PR and Marketing or visit cfada.wordpress.com

2009-05-08T15:54:00.000-04:00

Hello fellow artists.
I just came across a really cool new technique that I thought some of you might be interested in checking out called TattooWall and UrbanTattoo.
If you have ever imagined having one of your paintings or photographs blown up to fit on an entire wall, ceiling, entranceway, bottom of pool... almost anywhere! This is how you can do it. Having been dubbed as the 21st Century fresco, this process allows you to take any image and make it any size and be used in almost any fashion to enhance an existing façade.

TattooWall and UrbanTattoo have just arrived in the US and Charleston from Europe and one of the first certification classes in this process is being offered right here on the weekend of May 9-10. This weekend-long certification class will teach you everything from how to get the right image ready, how to apply the technique, and how to put the finishing touches on the final “mural.” I wanted to send out this information because I think something like this could help you to diversify what you are able to do with your artwork, and what you can offer your clients. The possibilities really are endless! You could create an entire scene in your living room, galleries and museums could use this to create or advertise installations, you could create an entire mural on the outside of a building, a smaller image above a fireplace, a big shark at the bottom of your pool, the list really does go on.

The 2-day class costs $695 and you do receive a certification after successfully completing the class.

I’ve attached a pdf about the class and some contact info below for those of you interested in registering. The class is limited, so if you’re interested, get in touch with them immediately. The class is being put on by Two Girls From the South. View a video of the process at www.twogirlsfromthesouth.com or contact them via phone (843.810.1000) email (support@twogirlsfromthesouth.com) to sign up.

Please feel free to pass this along to any interested artists you may know.
Thanks!

Olivia Pool

Publisher
ART Magazine
Renaissance Media, LLC
PO Box 13115
Charleston, SC 29422
olivia@charlestonartmag.com
www.charlestonartmag.com
843.568.7738

THERE ARE ONLY 15 SPACES AVAILABLE - THIS CLASS IN CHARLESTON, SC IS BEING ADVERTISED NATIONWIDE!
ANY IMAGE to ANY SIZE! NEW IMAGES OR OLD! PAINTINGS OR PHOTOGRAPHS!
This innovative MURAL technique offers the opportunity to take your business to a new level and grow in any market!
www.TwoGirlsFromTheSouth.com support@TwoGirlsFromTheSouth.com 843-810-1000 or 843-860-7312 or 800-791-9995 menu2,ext 0

CharlestonCulture.com Launch Party May 14

2009-05-05T12:35:00.007-04:00

The Charleston Arts Coalition Launching CharlestonCulture.com May 14

CharlestonCulture.com Created to Provide Virtual Gateway for Charleston's Creative Community

CHARLESTON, SC (April 30, 2009) - The Charleston Arts Coalition, a creative hub for all disciplines in Charleston's creative community, will launch its first project, CharlestonCulture.com on Thursday, May 14 from 6 to 8 pm at Robert Lange Studios followed by an after party at 9 pm at Shine. The event is free to members and $5 donation to non-members. Space is limited, RSVP necessary.

CharlestonCulture.com, an open source website accessible simply by signing up, fulfills Coalition's promise to provide a virtual gateway to the creative arts community of Charleston. The website promotes and gives the general public access to all creative disciplines in our community through profiles, calendar listings, postings and more. Sponsored in part by the Charleston Visitor's Bureau, the site broadens public access and participation in the arts and culture of the area.

"It is our goal to provide a virtual center of creativity where every creative individual of Charleston will be able to promote and market themselves and their talent, trade and craft," says Jessica Solomon Bluestein, president of the Coalition. "Locals and visitors will also benefit from having one central hub where information will be uploaded directly by creatives and not a third party. It will be the master list and calendar of Charleston creatives," she continues.

The Charleston Arts Coalition offers this website to Charleston's creative arts community free of charge with a goal of creating and uniting a dynamic and thriving creative arts environment. Members of the Charleston Arts Coalition will receive premium calendar listings, profile space and postings on the website. Individual membership is $30 per person, and business membership is $50 per business or organization.

The coalition would like to extend its gratitude to Shine Restaurant, Robert Lange Studios and British Wine Merchant as well as DJ Icebread. Robert Lange Studios is located at 151 East Bay Street. Please RSVP to chasartco@gmail.com. For more information about the coalition, to get involved or to take a survey, please visit www.charlestonartscoalition.com.

###

About the Charleston Arts Coalition:

The Charleston Arts Coalition is devoted to uniting our community through advocacy, outreach, promotion, and educational and professional programming. The Coalition is providing a forum for creative individuals, organizations and businesses to collaborate on projects, exchange ideas, host special events and, in general, promote creativity in Charleston.

2009-04-29T14:01:00.002-04:00

Presenter: Ann Igoe and Eliza Ingle

May 09, 2009

10 AM - 4 PM

Tuition: Workshop - $75 by April 10th, $95 after.

The physicists tell us that ALL is movement. Movement itself is held together by movement. The body is our receiver and/or our interpreter of movement. We have within ourselves the movement of conscious, subconscious, and even pre-conscious metaphors of the psyche. This movement is the raw material of all of our creative work. It is the movement of our emotions actually traveling through the body. Today we have become so intellectual and dependent upon the words of others that we neglect the innate wisdom of our own bodies.

This is a workshop that helps us get in touch with the very interior of our being and discover our creative force. We will be working specifically in the arts of poetry, painting, dance and music. Movement flows through the body and out into the rhythm of dance and music, the marks of painting, the words of poets. We will move, draw, listen, and speak. All is very easy and natural: no experience is necessary to participate.

Wear comfortable clothes, running shoes, and bring a sandwich for lunch.

Eliza received her BA in Dance from Middlebury College in Vermont. She continued her training at the Merce Cunningham and Erick Hawkins schools and performed and choreographed her work in the North and Southeast. She has been teaching Modern Dance at the College of Charleston for the past 12 years.

Ann has a MFA in Dance and has worked extensively as a dancer, choreographer, teacher and dance therapist. She has studied with many pioneers in the arts and sciences including Martha Graham, Jose Limon, Robert Bly, Stanley Zompakos and Joseph Campbell. Among other things she is a beloved teacher in Charleston, SC, her native state, of The Existential Leap Workshop.

For more information, visit www.thesophiainstitute.org.

2nd Annual Lowcountry Local First Chef's Potluck!

2009-04-16T12:29:00.002-04:00

2nd Annual Lowcountry Locals First Chef's Potluck!
Great Local Chefs, Food and Music

Sunday, May 3rd 4-7 p.m. at Middleton Place. Don't miss another opportunity to get together with friends and share in a wonderful afternoon of food, drinks and music! We will have top chefs in the area preparing dishes using ingredients from our area growers and producers. There will also be live music with Elise Testone, COAST beer, wine, delicious artisan chocolates from SweetTeeth Confection, ice cream from Wholly Cow, and a silent auction. Click Here to see all the participating restaurants and chefs. Thanks to our sponsors Limehouse Produce and Fish! Click here to see a list of all the sponsors of this year's Chef's Potluck.

Tickets On Sale Now at http://lowcountylocalfirst.eventbrite.com/!

Upcoming Events- April 18 & May 15

2009-04-15T15:41:00.000-04:00

Saturday April 18, 8pm - 2am @ Kulture Klash 4, 40,000 sq ft of art party mayhem and wonderment... http://www.heiligmultimedia.com/kk3/

Friday May 15, 6 -8pm @ Charleston City Gallery @ Waterfront Park, This is the 6 person Contemporary/Hip/New/Installation & Process Based Art Show that I've been talking about, working on, and maybe not returning your phone calls because of. Sorry. It's going to be fabulous. Contemporay Charleston 2009: Revelation of Proccess is a Piccolo Spoleto event. The 2nd floor of the gallery will be full of my work and Ishmael's work... plus a collaboration.. fingers crossed. I'm hoping to have 40 paintings ready in 4 weeks. Plus there will be a catalog and a short documentary.

New paintings will be uploaded to www.KarinOlah.com really soon.
Pass the time with this recent interview by Charleston author, Sara Dobie.

Reflections of the Gullah Community:

2009-04-15T14:27:00.001-04:00

Reflections of the Gullah Community:
Work, the Environment, and Spirituality

April 24, 2009
9 am-4 pm

Mepkin Abbey, 1098 Mepkin Abbey, Moncks Corner, SC
(Home to a Trappist monastery located on the historic site
of the former Mepkin Plantation north of Charleston)

Sponsors:
Mepkin Abbey—The Center for Humans & Nature—Penn Center, Inc.

Speakers and Presenters

Emory Shaw Campbell
Director Emeritus, Penn Center & President, Gullah Heritage

Jonathan Green
Jonathan Green Studios

Michael Allen
Gullah-Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor Commission

Rosalyn Browne
Director, Culture and History, Penn Center

Featuring Gullah artisans demonstrating and discussing their work

Continental Breakfast—Catered Lunch—Items from Penn Center’s Collection

This forum is offered at no cost, but registration is required by April 16.
Write or call: Dr. William Bailey @ wbailey@sc.edu 803-777-1587.

Those registering will receive further details about the event.

Knology Launches Design Competition for 2009 Pajama Run Logo

2009-04-09T11:45:00.000-04:00

Calling All Artists!

Knology Launches Design Competition for 2009 Pajama Run Logo

The Contest
Can you do better than this?

Knology is looking for a local artist to create the new design for the 2nd Annual Pajama Run. All media is acceptable and entry into the competition is free. For entry form and official contest rules, visit Design Competition .

Prize Details
The winner will receive $500 prize and Knology will donate $500 to a charity of the winner’s choice. The winner will also receive recognition as the official 2009 Pajama Run design artist, 10 posters, and 5 t-shirts. The winning artist is expected to attend a reception showcasing the design which will be held in the Edwin and Barbara Pearlstine Healing Garden at Hollings Cancer Center.

The Event
The Annual 5K Pajama Run/Walk was established to raise resources and awareness for cancers occurring below the waist. Benefiting MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, in its inaugural year, the run raised over $10,000 and had over 200 participants. Pajama-clad runners and walkers enjoy a race route that circles Harmond Field and Hampton Park and finish in front of Joe Riley Stadium. A pajama party follows the race with great food, music, awards, and prizes. The 2009 Pajama Run will take place in October. For more information about the Pajama Run, please visit www.knology.com/run .

Any questions regarding this competition, please contact:
Catherine Shubeck
843-225-1012
Catherine.shubeck@knology.com

H2Oly City Photography

2009-04-08T14:56:00.002-04:00

CALL TO ARTISTS

Charleston Civic Design Center presents H2Oly City Photography Competition
Cash prizes up to $1,000
Submission deadline: Friday, May 8th, 2009
Exhibition: May through June
Winners announced at the exhibition opening on Friday, May 15th, from 6-8:00 PM
For more info: visit http://www.charlestoncity.info/h2olycity

The Charleston Civic Design Center is pleased to announce the H2Oly City Photography Competition: in order to promote awareness of the role of water in our lifestyle and how it influences Charleston’s civic environment. For more information, please call 843.958.6416, or see the H2Oly City Photography Competition website: http://www.charlestoncity.info/h2olycity

The competition is open to all and will offer close to 1,000 dollars in cash prizes. Entries are split into two different categories; one category is open to anyone, and the other is only open to youth (15 and under). All eligible photos must be taken in Charleston, must be the sole property of the photographer, must not be previously published, and should include a depiction of how our water influences our lifestyle and Charleston’s civic environment. The registration fee and submission deadline is Friday, May 8th, 2009. All eligible photos will be included in the May exhibition which will take place at the Civic Design Center, 85 Calhoun Street. The winners will be chosen based on the aesthetic quality of the photo and its effectiveness at promoting an awareness of the role of water in our lifestyle, and civic environment. All winners will be announced at the opening of the exhibition on Friday, May 15th, from 6:00pm-8:00pm.

2009-04-08T14:38:00.002-04:00

CALL TO ARTISTS
"Our Artful Moment," the first juried show at Plum Elements.
Submission Deadline: Thursday, April 16, 2009
Exhibition: April 27 - May 17 in Plum Elements' main gallery
Opening Reception: April 30th, the President's 100th day in office
No Entry Fee; Work available for sale.
For application or more info: email info@PlumElements.com or call 843.727.3747

Open to artists working in any discipline or media — painting, prose, drawing, sculpture, poetry, photography, graphics, mixed media, video, and digital. Only original work will be accepted. "Our Artful Moment" is an opportunity for all to capture, via their art, the power of President Obama's inauguration.

Andrea Schenck, owner of Plum Elements, said submissions are arriving, and she looks forward to more work of all types. “It was such a moment. I am optimistic that the work will be an exceptional depiction of that day," said Schenck. She encourages everyone to take part —
by creating and submitting or enjoying when the show opens.

Charleston's home for artful living, Plum Elements is located at: 161 1/2 King Street, across from the Library Society on Lower King. 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.

2009-04-07T14:34:00.002-04:00

Upcoming Opportunities

LINC Artist Retreat
May 30-31, 2009
Greenville, S.C.

Registration now to meet with fellow visual, media, literary, and performing artists, discover opportunities in your area and statewide, envision possibilities for collaboration, learn about entrepreneurial training for artists, and more! We'll welcome Fidelma McGinn, Director of Artist Trust in Washington, and Andrew Simonet, Director of Artists U in Philadelphia, plus highlight the ideas and successes of other South Carolina artists. For more information, visit http://www.southcarolinaarts.com/linc/retreat.shtml or contact LINC Project Director, Katie Fox at KFox@arts.sc.gov.

W.A.L.K Gallery
CALL TO ARTISTS for May 21-June 28 Exhibition
Deadline for Submission is April 20, 2009
Email W.A.L.K at entryquestions@walkgallery.org for an application.

WALK Gallery, LLC is a new public art project whose goal is to fill empty King Street storefronts in Charleston, SC with artwork by local artists. The exhibition begins at the start of this year's Spoleto Festival USA. WALK Gallery exists to improve the quality of life through design and education.
· The project turns closed, vacant spaces into vibrant exhibit spaces.
· Local artists get a high-traffic venue to show their work while downtown businesses increase foot traffic
· Property owners have attention drawn to buildings and spaces that are available for sale or rent.

The Art Movement of Surrealism

2009-04-07T14:27:00.001-04:00

You are cordially invited to share with me a special evening at the City Gallery.
On Thursday, April 9th at 6 p.m., the last of our Art History Lecture Series, "The Art Movement of Surrealism," will take place.

Not only is this a great opportunity to learn about surrealism from art collector and historian, Robert S. Seay , but also to view a select group of original graphics by the 20th century's greatest masters:

Salvador Dali, Rene Magritte, Joan Miro, Marc Chagall, Pablo Picasso, Max Ernst, Paul Klee and more

A special thanks to:

-The City of Charleston's Office of Cultural Affairs, Sponsor
- ART Magazine, Sponsor
-Dish and Design, caterer for the event

Look forward to seeing you on Thursday!

Elaine Hruska
President

The Charleston Artist Guild

Call for Artists/Musicians/Actors/Singers for After School Arts Program

2009-04-01T11:14:00.002-04:00

Hi everyone. I am sending this email to all of you because I think you or someone you know might be able to help me out with an after school program I'm putting together for the kids at Nativity School on James Island (SC) where I teach music to K4-8th. I came on this past year at Nativity to build a music program and also with the long term goal of restructuring and growing the fine arts curriculum there. I've made a lot of progress but I can only do so much by myself. Before you think I'm about to beg, let me tell you this opportunity would pay! YES! HUGE BUCKS! okay, not huge, but I want to offer creative arts as part of our after school choices for the kids. There's one dance class currently, but not much else that isn't sports. My ideas for classes stem from my childhood experiences and memories -- I'll share a few of them with you to give you an idea of what I'm looking for : art (can be more specific media), guitar, strings, percussion, music theory, songwriting, drama/acting, voice, honor choir, music technology, etc... There will be smartboards in the classrooms (google link for "smartboards" http://its.leesummit.k12.mo.us/smartboard.htm ) so you could potentially have classroom access for your program if you wanted to teach kids about music technology etc...

Anyhow, if any of this appeals to you or if it triggers any related ideas you want to share, please email me back! Eventually, (as in before May 1st) I'll need proposals from anyone that's serious about this with what you would charge (and i can give you an idea of what is being charged now ), group lesson or individual, what you would offer, etc... I'm also looking at offering different music camps, art camps for 1 - 2 week summer sessions if I can get it put together and approved. This can mean a bit of extra income if you're looking for it and if you like working with small groups of kids.

If you want to forward this along to someone you know, great! Hope to hear from some of you.

Take care and thanks for reading this!

Laura

missball@gmail.com

843-810-9708

Art Walk This Friday!

2009-03-31T15:39:00.003-04:00

Please join the French Quarter Gallery Association for the April art walk!
Friday, April 3, 2009, 5 - 8 pm
Click here for a map of participating galleries

2009-03-24T10:27:00.003-04:00

Upcoming Events! Come out and support Charleston's Arts scene!

SEEKING INDIGO
Thursday, March 26 @ 6:45PM
445 King Street (formerly Putumayo)
"Debuting their never before seen line that is apparel with Global Soul
& in collaboration with like-minded designers"

Anne Chamber, Resort Wear
Je Modiste, Milliner
Marysia Charleston Swim Wear
Dee Ruel, Jewelry
Susan Michelle Shoes
Sarah Maxwell Design
Arianne Comer, Textile Design

Experience tea from India, read a book about ancient fabric dying, produce with purpose in a house of inspiration, consciousness & serenity in one world, with one love.

----------------------------------------------------------------
SPRING PLEIN AIR WORKSHOP

Ever wonder what it would be like to paint on location? This is the workshop made just for you! Come, paint an island memory.

Learn quick tips for setting up, seeing your image, recording your subject quickly, keeping your colors clear, quitting before you have gone too far.

Two days on the Isle of Palms, painting 4 three hour increments. Break for lunch at your favorite local eatery. Go home with new appreciation for plein air artists and maybe a little sunburn?

Paint with a Professional
dates: March 20th& 21st plus wine evening at Carol's home studio
times: 9:30am - 5:30pm
cost: $250
supplies: list will be sent once fee is received

class size is limited! sign up by March 11th and save $50
come have fun in the sun!

Carol McGill
Carol McGill Fine Art
CarolMcGill.com

Paid for: charlestonculture.com

2009-01-15T10:51:00.002-05:00

The Charleston Culture website is coming together! The funds from the CVB came through and the guys over at Butter Fat are flying through the remaining design elements. Once complete, the CAC will let everyone know how to login and start posting.

The Charleston Arts Coalition by Elaine Hruska

2008-12-13T11:42:00.002-05:00

Posted in This Month's Easel
(The Newsletter from the Charleston Artist Guild)

The Charleston Arts Coalition by Elaine Hruska

Back in the spring an open forum was held at Redux Studio to discuss the lack of affordable space in downtown Charleston for artists. Passionate individuals from within the arts community subsequently met to exchange ideas and continue the conversation; a grass-roots organization was born.

Today The Charleston Arts Coalition is a formal organization whose mission it is to unite, enhance and sustain the greater Charleston arts community. Jessica Bluestein, of the Tate Center for Entrepreneurship at the College of Charleston, is president.

The Coalition is a forum for creative individuals and organizations from all artistic disciplines to collaborate on projects, exchange ideas, and host special events, all with the goal of promoting
Our very talented and gifted artistic community.

This new organization is seeking feedback from musicians, artists, performers, dancers, architects, designers, filmmakers, writers, poets, publishers, chefs, patrons and visual & performing arts organization. A survey is being taken in order to understand how to best serve Charlestons creative community. The organization would greatly appreciate our Guild members taking the time to visit their web site, www.charelstonartscoalition.com, to take part in this survey.

We'd like to hear from you. You are Charlestons creative class, a driving force for economic development in the greater Charleston area says Bluestein.

One of the first projects that has resulted from the formation of the Coalition is a new web site, www.CharlestonCulture.com. This interactive and comprehensive website will be a virtual home for our community to share its creativity with each other and the world.

Personally I'm proud to be part of this new vehicle that will unite the entire arts community, support our colleagues endeavors and allow all our voices to be heard by a wider audience. I believe the Coalition will be of great benefit to our members and I hope in turn you will be supportive of its efforts.

Survey Is Finished

2008-12-11T14:45:00.006-05:00

In order to better know what Charleston's Creative Community is in need of, the CAC has put together a very quick survey.

The Coalition is seeking feedback from Musicians, Artists, Performers, Dancers,
Architects, Designers, Filmmakers, Writers, Poets, Publishers, Chefs,
Patrons, and Visual & Performing Arts Organizations. Please take our survey
so that we can learn how to best serve YOU. You are Charleston's Creative
Class, a driving force for economic development in the greater Charleston
area!

TAKE THE SURVEY and guide us with your feedback as to how the Coalition can best serve you at:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=CB_2fxsj7reqwxU9gdQJifgw_3d_3d

The Charleston Arts Coalition
Create. Unite. Inspire.
www.charlestonartscoalition.com

Website Update

2008-12-11T14:00:00.003-05:00

The wonderful local web company Butter Fat (www.butterfat.net) is almost finished building the CharlestonCulture.com website for the arts community in Charleston.

WOW! This is exciting news. This site will have it all and will have it completely independently of any other single organization in Charleston, the only people that are involved in promoting the site are the volunteer members of the CAC, they do not own or control the site, YOU DO, Charleston's Creative Community. Once complete, the creative community will have control over dispersing their own information and increase the visibility of the Arts by managing their own content. Yup, no big brother watching over.

A couple things that I'm excited about:
There are no advertisements on the site.
Individual artists (not just organizations) can post their own information and update it.
There is only a $20 fee to be a member of the site (and if you can't afford this there are scholarships available). The money generated from the site is 100% used to promote the site both locally and nationally.
I think more than anything else, the calendar, which any member can post their events on, is going to be wonderful. Imagine clicking on "Friday" and knowing every art "Happening" in town from the biggest music event to a small opening that a local painter or architect is having in their living room.

It's going to be amazing and is a very needed resource for Charleston. Thank you to everyone that has been donating their time to make it happen, especially the guys at Butter Fat.

Below is a sneak peak of what it will look like.

CharlestonCulture.com

2008-07-31T16:26:00.005-04:00

One of the first goals of the newly formed Charleston Arts Coalition is to create a website. Please see the proposed idea below and as always feel free to email any ideas, changes, or input to the group. We're always looking for members and support! You will find below just a general outline of the website and how we will be creating it. All of this is open to change.

charlestonculture.com

Main Categories: Visual / Literary / Film / Theatre & Dance / Music / Culinary / Wearable / Art Supporters

charlestonculture.com would be the foremost Arts promoter in the Charleston area providing a network of arts information and resources, which connects all sectors of community life, and is accessible to the general public. The site also creates an avenue to foster a dynamic arts environment by: broadening public access, appreciation, participation, and education in the arts and culture of the area.

About & Need:

charlestonculture.com is needed in Charleston so that the creative community can have control over dispersing their own information and increase the visibility of the Arts by managing their own content. charlestonculture.com will have:

a customizable, user-friendly web interface
a searchable calendar of events
directory listings for organizations, venues, and schools
individual artist profile listings
online forms for community submissions
and much more

please refer to the creativewilmington.com site as a model. Charlestonculture.com will consist of over 1200 creative categories in 8 disciplines.

Purpose & People:

The Charleston Arts Coalition, a team dedicated to unifying the arts in Charleston, will be initially responsible for promoting the site among Charleston's art community. CAC is a newly established Charleston based arts group, working for a broad public understanding of, and appreciation for, the positive impact the arts play in enriching cultural, economic, and intellectual life in our community (the CAC's full mission statement and memorandum of understanding are currently in development).

A portion of the annual fee generated from the site will be used to market the web site through various media. The advertising will be done locally, and everyone on the site must live, work, or be able to work in the Charleston area. The website will be developed and maintained by Modular Graphics & Media of Wilmington, North Carolina.

The Board of Directors of charlestonculture.com includes one or two people from each discipline.
*this list is subject to change before the launch date, set for September and is just preliminary. If you are interest in being a board member please email or call.

Visual - Anne (Gallery Director) & Karin (Artist & Director)
Literary - Marcus (Writer)
Film - Jason (Videographer) & Kevin (Photographer)
Theatre & Dance - Emily (Preforming Arts Advisor) & Sharon (Performer)
Music - Quinton (Musician) & Matt (Musician)
Culinary - Colleen (Culinary Supervisor) & Mickey (Restaurant Manager)
Wearable - Ashley (Boutique Owner)
Supporters - Andrea (Gallery Owner) & Elaine (Charleston Artist Guild)

In addition to this list there are supports and volunteers working under each of the directors.

The Executive Directors of the site are:
Megan (Gallery Owner & Web Designer) & Olivia (Magazine Owner & Graphic Designer)

thanks sarah yoder

2008-07-10T15:59:00.001-04:00

we have been getting lots of nice emails and after we have our task force meeting on monday i am sure more people will post them, but here is one i just got that seems helpful

hello, my name is sarah boyts yoder, i'm an artist (painter) here in charleston. i used to have a studio over at spark gallery & studios and am a member at redux...

i attended the first meeting re. arts space in downtown charleston at redux a while back and have since been keeping up with the blog, etc.

i just came across this website from a company in boston, ma. they seem to address the same issues at hand here in charleston in an interesting way. artists, developers, real estate companies/agencies working together. there certainly is no shortage of any of these people in charleston..

http://www.arthouseboston.com/about_arthouse.html

anyway, thought i would pass along something interesting and related to the discussion here.

thanks,

sarah boyts yoder

sarahboytsyoder.com

What People are Saying

2008-07-04T14:32:00.004-04:00

I wanted to share some snippets from a few of the many emails we have received following the last panel, comments from the cards filled out at the panel, and also a very important thing that John Stoehr noted in the paper. I don't mean to misrepresent anything expressed by only posting parts of your emails and article but I think the ideas, concerns, and passion expressed should be shared.

John Stoehr's City Paper Article:

"...Think about what’s happened since October. PURE Theatre left its space at the Cigar Factory. It’ll be turned into condos. The American Theater is going to converted into space for wedding receptions. Buxton’s East Bay Theatre got shuttered. The leases for Charleston Ballet Theatre and Redux Contemporary Art Center will run out at the end of 2009. As for live music venues, Cumberland’s and the Map Room closed their doors. And this week, we learned that The Plex in North Charleston is going to be demolished to make way for an office building..."

Link to the full article: http://arts.ccpblogs.com/2008/07/01/the-magical-thinking-of-a-peoples-arts-center/

Emails & Comments from Cards:

"...I am saddened to learn that Charleston doesn't have an arts council, that there is no professional repertory theater company, no opera company, no modern dance companies, no contemporary art museum, no science museum, etc. The only contemporary art center studio - Redux - is losing its lease; the only contemporary theater company - PURE (albeit non-equity is continually searching for a home), that most of the downtown galleries sell beautiful marsh landscapes and the Gibbes Museum seems out of step due to lack of funds and vision..."

"..I wanted to share a perspective that might be helpful, as it appears you are just starting out. And that is to focus not on what you need for the community and for artists today, but for what you want the community to be like 20 and 30 and 50 years from now. What is your vision for the future of the community, if your work is successful?..."

"Raising money to buy or restructure a building does not solve the problem of operating costs..."

"...The facts say Charleston survives on the hospitality/tourism industry. Real estate is at a premium and too expensive to attract significant numbers of emerging or even experienced working artists. Also, there hasn't been an effort from city officials that is inviting and welcoming to artists with tax incentives and policies regarding artist housing and mixed-use development. I think Americans for the Arts did a study that reveals less than 1% of the artists in SC make their living as artists. Have you ever wondered why the City of Charleston, individual artists and the preservationists have never come together to discuss incentives and fixed leases for artists to rehab the dilapidated and boarded-up buildings for living and gallery space?..."

"Thank god! finally an arts coalition!"

"...Look at Peekskill, NY best practice where the Westchester Arts Council was instrumental in persuading NYC artists to relocate to Peekskill to revitalize downtown Peekskill through tax incentives and fixed leases. In no time buildings were spruced up with artist living and gallery spaces, book stores, boutiques, cafes and restaurants. This was an effort to bring people from the suburbs to downtown Peekskill and it worked. Once the artists came so did others. Businesses moved in, schools were transformed, and neighborhoods improved with pride of ownership. On a much larger scale, this happened quite recently in Providence...."

"We need this. It is vital to our community and future."

"Millennium Music would be the perfect spot but it is going to be turned into condos..."

"...I would suggest looking at the best practices of Providence, Portland, the Loft District in Cleveland, Houston, Austin, Seattle, Pittsburgh, Scottsdale, San Diego, San Jose, Tampa, Miami, Boston and Minneapolis. I can tell you in each case there was strong involvement from local arts councils, arts activists, historic preservationists, arts administrators, consultants, business and community leadership, educators, individuals and families who knew and understood how the arts can transform communities. All these cities have several things in common -- they are tolerant of different types of life styles, are progressive and attract educated individuals, families, singles, and retirees. Most of them have a strong educational component with the presence of a major university and/or college and a technology hub..."

"Why does the majority of the theater community not know about this?"

"The art center could have cobble stone floors and gas lanterns mixed with contemporary sculpture and clean white walls. I think that the city is afraid of supporting something that is to drastic. Charleston has a history of mixing the future with the past in an elegant way. The center could reflect this without..."

"I hear no mention of having fashion design studios or film studios. Charleston in the last few years has an established Fashion Week that received national recognition and an emerging Film Festival but they need more support too. I think that they could be a welcome addition to the proposed arts facility...."

"....Here's a thought. Remember when MOMA was shut down due to the redesign and construction and the art work was housed and on display in Queens. Everyone started going over to Queens (including the tourists) to see the art and were surprised to find a thriving arts and cultural community not to mention great restaurants. Now, Queens has become a tourist destination and hot bed for artists. Or how about Williamsburg in Brooklyn - long considered a Jewish ghetto riddled with crime. Enter artists and developers and in less than six years the community is revitalized and so transformed that people were actually moving out of SoHo and other parts of Manhattan to live in trendy Williamsburg..."

"Condos Condos Condos - what are these people going to do once they live here?...."

"...FYI, don't think this was discussed but maybe a center for the arts might involve an arts incubator where dance, theater, music, literary and visual and media arts tenants can be housed. This in addition to gallery and performance space (which could be rented), may help toward the financial sustainability piece and be attractive to potential funders..."

"What can we do as artist to make this happen?"

this is good

2008-07-02T07:09:00.006-04:00

During the panel, i wrote this is good, at the top of my notepad as both a note and an affirmation for myself. Leading up to the panel i felt a twinge of anxiety that we might have given the impression that we had the answers and were inviting people to listen, but the truth was the answer is just revealing itself to us now. During Fred Delk's presentation about his development projects in columbia I began noting the ideas that might be applicable to developing a possible charleston model:
1)an emphasis on local talent
2)the development of an ownership model
3)for charleston the development of a flexible use space similar to yerba buena
4)a focus on an open process of development
5)an emphasis on cross collaboration between discplines.
Delk and muldrow also talked about multiple models for financial stability for an artist space, including the co-op model, development of a community land/building trust,and a clear focus on the audience that would be served. Chris price of primesouth, was very open to exploring the feasibility of building or retrofitting an existing space to create this artist owned community. He pointed out the fact that if we created something like the torpedo factory or similar artist communities, we would create a real tourist draw for the city and provide an anchor for the artistic community. All the panelists agreed that cities are remembered for their culture and not necessarily for their retail. Tripp emphasized the idea that we want to avoid the "mt pleasant towne center effect" It also seems essential that for out next meeting we involve city planners, design developers, city managers, and bankers who develop financing schemes for these types of projects. I was also really pleased that members of the theater and music community were present and made a commitment to come to future planning meetings. At dinner afterwards we were already discussing the ideas for our next panel. I think one other strong take away point was something buff cited from the Yerba Buena mission, and that was the development of themes for all the arts to focus on together. I still drive by the old coppleston's cleaner building on meeting street and think that would be the place. Last night was alot to digest but it will also trickle in as we sort through the questionnaires that people filled out and the emails that will trickle in in the next several days, again it feels like the work is only beginning.

Architects from Columbia

2008-06-27T17:02:00.002-04:00

So I'm very excited that Brian Balzer from Watson Tate Savory architects in Columbia will be joining us for the July 1 panel discussion. His firm is well versed in sustainable renovations, and was, if I'm not mistaken, designed the first LEED certified building for University of South Carolina. Check out their website www.watsontatesavory.com
I think that it would be fantastic to incorporate sustainable architecture into the people's art center...

Looking Forward

2008-06-27T15:50:00.002-04:00

It's been wonderful talking to the art community and working with the members of the Charleston Arts Coalition on this exciting project. I can't walk past a vacant building in Charleston without visualizing a potential home for the arts center. I can already see artists at work through the windows and giant bulletin boards filled with upcoming events on the walls. The July 1 roundtable discussion is just another step in helping this amazing city achieve such a place.

Happy Canada Day!!

2008-06-27T10:49:00.001-04:00

I think it’s appropriate that this discussion is to take place on July 1st, which to me will always be Canada Day. Canada Day is Canada’s Birthday because on this day in 1867 the British colonies of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the Federation Provinces of Canada finally joined together to form one unifying country.

So this is an appropriate day for the arts organizations of Charleston (namely Redux Contemporary Art and Pure Theater and others) to discuss a plan to amalgamate into one facility in downtown Charleston.

Additionally, it is regarded that Canada became a kingdom in its own right on that date, in 1867. The British Parliament at first kept limited rights of political control over the new country, which were shed by stages over the years until the last vestiges were ended in 1982, when the Constitution Act patriated the Canadian constitution.

This slow release from Britain is why Canada Day is not referred to or treated as an “Independence Day” as in other countries. The day does not commemorate a clear-cut date of complete independence.

Just so you know! Happy Canada Day!!

what we can do now to get ready for the panel

2008-06-22T16:06:00.008-04:00

as the panel gets closer, and the weather moves from spring to summer now is a good time to contemplate what we can do. while having lunch with our moderator buff ross he reminded me of another grand model for integrating arts and culture into the fabric of a city, the Yerba Buena center for the arts and the yerba buena alliance. We also talked about how the panel is a chance for everyone to get on the same page in developing a unified center. One analogy for our project could be something like the Charleston Visitors center relationship to tourism. The People's art center would be a unifier and access point to the larger arts, music, theater, and literature communities of Charleston. Rather than competing with or supplanting another cultural institution's role in our community, the Peoples art center would be the visitors center for the arts in Charleston. We are at a unique moment in Charleston's cultural history, and we are poised to take an active role in developing the direction that history can take.
What we can do now is put our ideas, questions, examples of other models and ideas for discussion topics down in email format and shoot them over to questions@peoplesartcenter.com
all questions will be compiled and used to help develop the flow of the panel and to make sure that as many voices as possible are represented

after weeks of phone and email tag here it is

2008-06-19T19:16:00.001-04:00

Contact: Jonathan Brilliant or Megan Lange questions@peoplesartcenter.com (843) 805-8052

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The People’s Art Center of Charleston Roundtable Discussion Scheduled for July 1
The Charleston Arts Coalition “Creative Spaces: Developing a unified Center for the Arts ”

CHARLESTON, South Carolina (June 10, 2008)—Open discussion to be held on July 1 at 7:00p.m, Creative Spaces: Developing a unified Center for the Arts, to follow up the Creative Spaces panel discussion hosted at Redux Contemporary Art Center on April 24, 2008. All interested parties are invited to join the newly created Charleston Arts Coalition from 6:30 – 8:00 PM at Theater 99 on July 1, 2008.

The format for the follow-up meeting on Tuesday will be more of a roundtable discussion and continuation of the conversation that began in April. The panel will consist of at least Chris Price, of PrimeSouth Group, LLC, urban planner Tripp Muldrow, of Arnett Muldrow & Associates, Jonathan Brilliant local artist and staff member of the Gibbes, and Fred Delk of Columbia Development Corp., with Buff Ross, serving as moderator. The panel is comprised of individuals that have worked on collaborative projects similar to the vision of The Peoples Arts Center. The goal is to create a roadmap of what action needs to be taken based on successful examples of Arts center development in other cities in the Southeast.

The panel discussion at Redux in April was a rare moment for Charleston artists, musicians, performers, writers, and patrons to discuss the rapidly diminishing real estate available to the arts in Charleston. Panel members and the more than 100 people in attendance discussed this issue.

From this panel discussion, the Charleston Arts Coalition was formed. It is a group of artists, arts professionals and members of the community who have joined together to work towards creating an all inclusive unified center for the arts, encompassing visual, performance, music and literary art. Their goal is to find and modify real estate through out the city of Charleston, to house production, presentation and education space for the creative arts. The ultimate project goal is the creation of the people’s Art Center.

The purpose of the first panel discussion held at Redux was to open a dialogue about the lack of art space in Charleston. The focus of the follow-up on July 1 will be on how to effectively begin to solve this problem and foster collaborations between the arts and the real estate development community.

The arts are a vital part of Charleston, benefiting the economy, tourism, real estate and the general cultural capitol of the city. The arts in Charleston must be advanced through the development of a space that could provide the living artists of Charleston with support and a venue to interact effectively with the public. This would foster collaboration among artistic disciplines enhancing each other and the community through exciting cultural events throughout the year.

Visitors planning on attending the event on July 1 are encouraged to draft questions and email them to questions@peoplesartcenter.com ahead of time as there will only be minimal time to answer questions the night of the event. Theatre 99 has graciously offered their space to host the discussion in a format that will accommodate a large audience comfortably. Theatre 99 is located at 280 Meeting Street, downtown Charleston, South Carolina, above the Bicycle Shoppe, with an entrance to the upstairs at the rear of the building. (843) 853-6687

Visit www.peoplesartcenter.com for more information about the roundtable discussion and to see some of the ideas being discussed.
#####

Some ideas from Andrea

2008-06-09T09:51:00.004-04:00

About potential names:

NexArt

The NexArt Center

The nexus of art; it's what's next for art; going forward together.....

check out this web site from the Arts Commission of Greater Toledo <www.acgt.org>.

They've just begun a project that resembles what we're discussing--

production, presentation and living— "Live Work Create Toledo"

Live Work Create Toledo is a City of Toledo initiative to attract the creative talents and energy of artists to revitalize our Downtown and its surrounding neighborhoods. The program will facilitate the development of incentives to leverage the creative talent of individual artists and our cultural assets to spur economic growth, build community prosperity, and transform our central city neighborhoods.

Working with real estate agents, businesses, artists, arts organizations, and homeowners in communities, the City seeks to attract artists and concentrate our existing artist population to become permanent residents and business owners in our central city. The Arts Commission of Greater Toledo is working with the City to develop a package of tax credits, professional development opportunities, and grants and with banks to establish favorable lending terms for artists. Together with an emphasis on the cultural assets that Toledo already supports, Toledo will be competitive with other cities and programs across the country in attracting and retaining artists who are critical to the development of a creative economy in our region.

The "creative economy" is a great leveraging point with the Mayor and other stakeholders. It's going to take some time to develop an educated workforce to attract more hi-tech firms-- BUT there is a base/foundation here and now around the creative economy.

Other resource to Check out www.paducaharts.com or www.lowertownartdistrict.com about Paducah, KY .

Artist Relocation Program

At a time when funding for the arts is constantly being cut, Paducah has established an environment where artists and the arts are flourishing. Paducah’s Artist Relocation Program was started in August of 2000 and is now a national model for using the arts for economic development. The Artist Relocation Program has been awarded the Governors Award in the Arts, the Rudy Bruner Award for Urban Excellence, The American Planning Association National Planning Award and most recently Kentucky League of Cities Enterprise Cities Award. Please see our awards section for more details.

While we don't need to relocate artists here-- there are bound to be strategies and points from this effort that translate to ours.

Cheers,

Andrea

Price for Art

2008-06-08T16:29:00.003-04:00

On Friday June 6th Seth Cursio and I met with Chris Price of PrimeSouth Group. The overall feeling of the hour and a half meeting was positive and Chris has confirmed his attendance at the July 1st panel discussion at Theater 99. Very encouraging of the task force's ideas about a 'Model Art Center' Chris Price was happy to be be involved in the project. He advised us to establish exactly what we need as soon as possible. We need to decide what organizations will be needing floor space in this multi function facility. Then establish the specific operational demands of each organization as far as square footage and ceiling hight. In this brain storming session Price focused mainly on building a new facility on the peninsula.

tom starland of carolina arts blogs his mind about our future

2008-05-27T12:11:00.002-04:00

Tom starland of Carolina arts has some thoughts on our mission,

Most things they want are possible and possible with the help of the community - once the artists - like commercial gallery owners - are willing to put their own money and futures on the bottom line. Money makes the world go round and it’s the mother’s milk of the arts. Once artists stop waving around pumped up economic surveys about the impact of the arts in front of the community and adopt a healthy respect for other people’s money, they will find that many are willing to become partners with them on sound projects. Don’t continue to delude yourselves or insult the intelligence of the public. The call for this movement - if there will be a movement, should be - get real, get serious and you might just get what you want.

Carolina Arts will do its part - if presented with a sound proposal, but then we have to fight to survive everyday to keep what we have.

follow the link here to read his full post.

frank martin says

2008-05-24T17:34:00.001-04:00

Hi again to all...here is one more name from my "research"...Randy L. Wilson is president of Community Design Solutions and he is the
person leading the team for the Columbia Studios development project.
his website www.communitydesignsolutions.com
It could be beneficial to contact him during the
planning process as well. Part of the challenge is that the Columbia project is being orchestrated by Developers and professional
planners as well as representatives from the Arts Commission (arts administrators on a state-wide level) our group is
essentially beginning from scratch (which could have some very clear benefits in terms of conceptualization..but which
presents certain organizational challenges..
I hope that this is of some use.
Frank

seth curcio's notes+video from the first panel discussion in april

2008-05-24T17:22:00.004-04:00

Creative Spaces from redux on Vimeo.
Creative Spaces – Panel notes
From Thursday, April 23, 2008

Panel Participants:
Todd Smith – former Director of the Gibbes Art Museum
Jeannette Guinn – SC Arts Commission
Jean Paul Huguley – American College of the Building Arts
Seth Curcio – Director of Redux Contemporary Art Center
Sharon Graci – Director of Pure Theatre
Mark Sloan – Director of the Halsey Institute for Contemporary Art
Linda Fantuzzo – Visual Artist
Ellen Dressler Moryl – Director of the Office of Cultural Affairs

Panel Mediator:
Marion Mazzone – Dept. Chair of Art History at the College of Charleston; President of the Redux Advisory Board

Q: What are the possibilities/constraints of downtown artists?

Mark Sloan:
• Artists have been forced to flee downtown due to rents, etc.
• Charleston has many positive developments…organize and craft some response to incorporate the arts as a necessity of downtown
Ellen Dressler Moryl:
• “The City is very interested and very concerned with keeping the artists in Charleston. We need to come together with one voice and present a sound presentation to the mayor and to the public…We are committed to helping and finding a solution”
Jeannette Guinn:
• We are in a great place to be a model for the County
• The Mols Carse (sp?) economic theory – ex: making a flatscreen tv can be done efficiently which can be cheaper; art (handcrafted) cannot be done efficiently to be made cheaper
• Aristotle said “We stand a far greater chance of hitting the target if we know what it is”
• Is this really about economic development? Social improvement? Business ventures?
• Understand the sides of economists, lenders, real estate agents, etc.

Q: What is our vision as a group?

Judith Allen, involved in Charlotte’s renovated art spaces:
• Charlotte was a business deal, so it had to be a win-win situation
• An entitlement attitude will not work
• Charlotte P.A.C. is attached to the Bank of America tower (win/win)

Other members of the audience:
• “My concern is, in this drive to be modern/contemporary, we seem to have severed our connection with the past. When I go to these fundraisers, I see young artists helping each other, not old money funding you. You should reestablish that connection and try to connect with the money that is in Charleston. We do not have the banks like Charlotte does”

On developers, business people, etc.…

• There are (were) no developers, bankers or real estate brokers at this meeting
• Also, no marketers
Seth:
• Chris Price from PrimeSouth turned down the offer to come speak on our panel or even attend the panel meeting.

• Do developers feel that artists are too wild and outlandish to work with?
• Art interests tend to build value, so why would developers turn us down?
• Any point of recycling a building will take a rezoning of the neighborhood and lots of jumping through hoops
Sharon:
• “It’s the role of artists to understand their roles as a business”
• the intrinsic value of the arts for arts sake
Todd Smith:
• Audiences that support us need to be the ones advocating for our organizations
Audience member:
• Has the group partnered and allied with the city council or any politicians?

We need to realize what Charleston values, so… what does it value?
• Audiences
• Philanthropic Communities

• Memminger Auditorium is currently being used for Spoleto Performances – what about during the rest of the year? Possibly looking to use Memminger for alternative art spaces during non-Spoleto times

• Young people will not move here if there is not a younger, vibrant art scene

• Money talks. Businesses and developers would miss us a lot if we were not here. The quality of life would be harmed.

Olivia:
• Is it such a crazy idea to suggest that we all work together to get a multi-use building?
Seth:
• Redux looked to its partners to ban together our resources
Jonathan Brilliant:
• We should see each other’s spaces and try to collaborate
List of Tasks:
• Figure out how much space is really needed
• Figure out what types of spaces are needed
• Figure our how to make it a high honor for businesses to benefit the art scene
• Creatively think about our city parks
• Think about how we can make Charleston a model for art scenes around the country
• Expand diversity. Almost all of our audiences and art groups are white
• Be innovative about how we think about ourselves and our art

production versus presentation

2008-05-16T12:57:00.003-04:00

Something Sharon said at the last meeting prompted me to think about the public's perception of the artist and their role in society. She mentioned how it is the artist’s job to keep pushing that boulder up hill. Her statement was a reference to the Greek myth of Sisyphus. It is generally understood that Sisyphus’ job was to push a boulder uphill only to have it roll back down and begin the uphill push again. This myth is often cited as a tale of persistence and discipline. While it is true that Sisyphus’ role was to push the boulder up hill, much like the artist/musician/writer/performer must do to develop their craft, the similarities end there. Sisyphus, who’s name provides the source for the Sisyphean task, had no choice in his punishment, artists today do. Sisyphus’ boulder pushing was a punishment for all eternity levied upon him for his betrayal of Zeus, and for his life of double dealing. Artists today make a choice to engage in cultural production, rather than being sentenced to an eternity in Hades doing and undoing their work. In recent history the role of the artist has shifted from one of alienation and disenfranchisement from society to one of engagement and social interaction. In his essay “Conversation pieces The role of Dialogue in socially-engaged art” Grant Kester, associate professor of art history at the university of California at San Diego, asks the question:

How do we form collective or communal identities without scapegoating those who are excluded from them. Is it possible to develop cross[disciplinary] dialogue without sacrificing the unique identities of the individual speakers?

His question speaks directly to everyone’s concerns about a large multi use space and it’s possibility of limiting autonomous artistic identities. Additionally I see the issue as one of production versus presentation. If we are working towards creating a multi discipline space, festival, event, or project who would this serve? Are we serving the producers or the consumers of culture? I personally believe that interesting art, music and literature can be produced in any environment. If Olivier Messiaen was able to produce masterworks while a prisoner of war, we can easily produce our art in cramped ill equipped facilities. What we can’t do in limited space is work collaboratively, present to the public, and create an impact on the community. Grant Kester answers his own question by encouraging the audience to think of works of art as a locus for conversation. This can be something to think about as we come together as a group of individuals with shared goals. The “art” we produce collectively can be the conversation we generate, and in turn all our personal artistic production and interests will benefit. As for a concrete model to look to, I was fortunate enough to see one first hand when I lived in san Jose California. In one depressed post-industrial neighborhood a developer built an artists housing community called the art ark. The focus of their project was to provide affordable housing to artists and create a community. The location however was determined by a couple of other factors. One factor was the city of san jose's recently built bestor art park that featured a community garden, playground ,basketball court, and concrete pads for outdoor sculpture. This project helped bring the neighborhood around. Also in this neighborhood was the San Jose state university sculpture studio, and a large warehouse with 30 artist studios, a print center and a karate studio. This area become a hub of artistic production(this text is linked to an article about the neighborhood). The location was several blocks from the central downtown area. In the central downtown area along a street of mixed use facilities the city helped relocate several non-profits engaged in cultural presentation(creating the sofa or south of first street district linked here). Through careful planning and some financial subsidies the city was able to create two arts districts, one for presentation and event based programming on a main street lined with bars and night clubs, and another for production in a slightly off the beaten path part of town. While Charleston is not a city of a million people like san Jose, and we do not have the tax revenues generated from the dot com businesses, we do have an abundance of non-profits and cultural producers here. The possibility of a unified urban plan to integrate the arts into the cities fabric might be one to consider. On a practical note every time i drive past the coppleston’s cleaners building on meeting street i think that it would be the ideal location for something like this plan.

mark sloan says look at creative wilmington

2008-05-15T17:22:00.001-04:00

Wilmington, NC has an interesting collaborative called Creative
Wilmington
that may have some features we wish to emulate:

http://www.creativewilmington.com/about.php

There is a $25/yr membership fee (which I have never paid, but I
receive
their monthly e-blasts). I think this is the fee for organizations and
artists who wish to be listed. That's a really small fee for good
publicity
and coverage. Perhaps we can discuss at the next meeting?

Best,

Mark Sloan
Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art