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The Wells Gallery at The Sanctuary on Kiawah Island, SC, Features Exhibit by the Smith Family Women

Saturday, August 21st, 2010

Well, by now you know the drill – info that has come to Carolina Arts at the last minute.

Here it is:

The Wells Gallery at The Sanctuary on Kiawah Island, SC, will present the exhibit, SMITH, a new show of works by the Smith family women: Betty Anglin Smith, Shannon Smith, and Jennifer Smith Rogers, on view from Aug. 26 through Sept. 9, 2010.

On Thursday Aug. 26, 2010, the gallery on Kiawah will host an artist demonstration from 4pm-5pm by Jennifer Smith Rogers and Shannon Smith. This show brings us new works by Betty, and her daughters Shannon and Jennifer, of Kiawah and the surrounding Lowcountry.

The Wells Gallery at Kiawah is proud to present a family most often thought of as “The Smiths”.  Betty and two of her triplets, Jennifer and Shannon, bring us new works that display the similar color palette they share while highlighting their varying techniques and visions. Each artist works to be independent while still relying on the family for challenge and support. An artistic passion consumes their world and it drives them to grow a presence and quality of work that speaks nationwide to collectors and visitors about today’s life in the Lowcountry.


Low Tide at Cedar Creek by Betty Anglin Smith

A native of the Carolinas, Betty Anglin Smith has firmly established herself in Charleston’s artistic community. Using large brushstrokes and grabbing colors, Betty has grown adept at capturing not just the physical nature of a place, but the feeling as well. Her paintings, whether they depict vibrant sunsets or the sweeping expanses of the Lowcountry marshland, give the viewer a sense of the immediacy of the moment as though Betty, working against the clock, was able to capture the essence of her subject.

“I can’t emphasize enough, I want my work to look quick, and spontaneous, like it just happened and flowed as opposed to appearing overworked,” Betty explains. She adds that the bold colors she uses give the paintings an element of surprise “so that you are not looking at something you have seen a thousand times before. “These colors are there, I just exaggerate them as much as possible. I want my work to be expressionistic but also remain in the realm of reality”, she explains.

Following the birth of her children, who incidentally are triplets, Betty enrolled in art classes at the Gibbes Museum of Art in downtown Charleston and rekindled her love of painting. “I really became serious about it immediately,” she recalls. “It was like a part of me that I had not been able to fulfill yet. I was lost in it.”

Betty’s love of broad landscapes, which are frequently the subject of her work, grew out of a trip she took to Santa Fe, NM, in the late seventies. The tidal landscapes of the Lowcountry presented her with different challenges than the ones she encountered in New Mexico. The tremendous difference between the southwest and southeast forced Betty to more closely examine the Lowcountry. In a predominantly flat environment, she discovered the lines in the colorful shifting clouds and meandering creeks.

For the past twenty years, Betty has dedicated herself to painting, and though her subject matter frequently reflects the Lowcountry landscape, her success has outgrown the confines of South Carolina. Her works have been shown in prominent galleries from New York, Washington, DC, and Martha’s Vineyard, MA, to San Francisco, and Carmel, CA. In addition, many of her pieces are included in some of the nation’s finest corporate collections such as Walt Disney World, IBM, and Johnson and Johnson.


Single Pine by Jennifer Smith Rogers

Jennifer Smith Rogers is known for her themes of architecture and vistas seen from towering over the city. Her works weave together the themes of light and architecture, portraying a near symbiotic relationship between the two. “As far as what inspires me to paint, a lot of it is the light and the way it interacts with the landscape.”

Just as her paintings center on light and architecture, Roger’s life has always revolved around art. Raised in a family of artists, her mother, Betty and her sister, Shannon, are also highly-regarded painters. Her brother, Tripp Smith is an accomplished photographer.

Although Rogers is an integral part of the Smith Family of artists, she has certainly carved out a name of her own. Over the years her works have been featured in galleries all along the Eastern Seaboard, from Charleston to Martha’s Vineyard, MA. In addition, many of her works now hang in prominent corporate and private collections, including Walt Disney World, the Medical University of South Carolina, Ethyl Corp. in Richmond, VA, the Family Circle Cup on Daniel Island, SC, and Tristan Restaurant in Charleston, SC.

Rogers takes her success in stride, continually diving into her passion for painting. While Rogers has painted in locations ranging from Maine to Italy, she always finds herself drawn back to the familiarity of the Lowcountry. Even more particular, she finds herself drawn to the late afternoons and early evening, when the colors are most dramatic. “I am fascinated with the fleeting light at day’s end because the drama and color change so quickly,” she says. “It is the most dramatic time of day because you get the highest contrast between light and dark. I am also intrigued by the night. Trying to capture the natural light of the moon, the artificial lights of the storefronts, lanterns, and streetlights is both challenging and enthralling.”  The light’s intensity against the dark of night sharply illuminates the buildings, store front windows, and church steeples. Rogers’ bold, thick brushstrokes create a sense of urgency and immediacy in her work as though she is fighting against time to capture each second of light before it fades. Combining this with her use of vibrant, warm colors, she expertly portrays more than just the landscape, but the mood of a place as well. Whether rooftop views of Charleston, vacant store front windows illuminated by the headlight of moving cars or desolate windswept beaches at sunset, Rogers’ lush oils continually deliver a fresh and distinctive style, one that her admirers have come to love.


Marshland by Shannon Smith

Shannon Smith has quickly ventured beyond the title of up-and-coming artist and has established a solid reputation within the art community. Regardless of what subject she chooses to paint, she has proven to possess an unusually keen eye and an unrivaled sensitivity to light. It is her attention to detail coupled with the use of strong, warm colors that she uses to delicately capture the fading light of the late afternoon hours. In her latest canvases, Shannon paints even stronger contrasts of color, with dramatic darks and subdued grey tones juxtaposed with warmer, more radiant hues. But, as always, her main focus is capturing light.

“My direction in oil painting is to capture natural light,” says Shannon. The artist is also fond of seeking out the quiet beauty in everyday objects. Whether it is old glass bottles gathered in a windowsill or the interior of a French bistro, the artist seems to be in constant pursuit of capturing the simple things in life.

Born and raised in the Lowcountry, many of her works are inspired by the beauty of coastal landscapes and downtown Charleston scenes. However, Shannon has studied in the Burgandy region of France with New York artist Gregg Kreutz. In the pieces produced from that trip, many of which were painted on location, she truly captured the power, emotion, and presence of France.

For Shannon, art has always been a natural part of life. She was raised in a household of artists. It was this constant immersion in art that helped foster Shannon’s talent from an early age. After completing her BFA at Clemson University in 1994, she has been painting professionally. She has been honored by the Oil Painters of America, receiving the Award of Excellence for a painting shown this summer. She has also teamed up with noted fine artist Kim English to feature workshops for aspiring artists.

For further info call the gallery at 843/576-1290.

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Redux Contemporary Art Center in Charleston, SC, Offers Summer Student Exhibit

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010

Well, this is the first – after deadline – press release we received at Carolina Arts for July. And, by all means don’t forget about our offering an Alfred Hutty print for sale at Carolina Galleries in Charleston, SC. Just read the entry below this one to learn all about it.

Here’s the press release:

Redux Contemporary Art Center in Charleston, SC, is proud to present the 2010 Summer Art Institute Exhibition. The Summer Art Institute (SAI) is an educational program presented in cooperation with the Charleston County School District for high school students with talents in the visual arts. This year, 30 talented high school students have been selected through a highly competitive process to participate in three weeks of intense training in painting, drawing and sculpture. The program took place June 7 – 25 at Redux and Burke High School. At the end of the program, the students will mount a full exhibition in the Redux galleries of the work produced. This is truly a unique experience in the students’ high school career. The exhibition will be on view July 23 – 31, 2010. All Redux exhibitions are free and open to the public.

An objective of the program is to provide visual art experiences, instruction and production beyond the scope of the regular visual art curriculum for students with exceptional visual art talent. Their instructors were Sara Ferguson, Brian Kane and Tony Csavas. All SAI instructors are professional working artists. These instructors have devoted their lives to the visual arts, thus creating a vibrant and energetic environment which encourages students to recognize and use their talents in high school and beyond. It is amazing to see what students can do when they are provided the opportunity, enthusiasm and materials to pursue a life in the arts. The growth of each student is immeasurable. The energy and passion that developing young artists have for their studio practice is a source of inspiration for those who work directly with them and for those who have the opportunity to witness see their rapid progress first hand. Their ambition for their art and the fearlessness with which they approach learning is an example to everyone.

For the students, the SAI program is an introduction to a community of artists who will form the foundation of their professional network. They will gain confidence as a result of mentorship and support. They will experience, first hand, how groups of individuals collaborate to create art and exhibit it to the public. This understanding will be critical in helping them discover how they can contribute to the arts community of Charleston and beyond.

Redux Contemporary Art Center is located at 136 St. Philip St. in Charleston, SC.

For further information call the gallery at 843/722-0697 or visit (www.reduxstudios.org).

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Help Carolina Arts – Add to Your Art Collection

Sunday, June 20th, 2010

Well, it’s no secret that Carolina Arts has been struggling just like everyone else in the art community during this economic downturn. That’s the pleasant word for what’s been happening. We’ve been cutting back where we can so much so that in our last issue I had only a few inches of space left for my commentary. It’s a good thing I have this blog. We’ve even began selling some of our art works collected throughout the years of doing this paper. We’ve started with the works by artists who are no longer with us and don’t have to share in this current misery.

Our first offering was a small sculpture by Willard Hirsch, a Charleston sculptor from the Charleston Renaissance period. It sold within a few days of our offering it. We’re offering these works through one of the commercial galleries we deal with. We didn’t want to compete with the folks who support our paper. They have enough problems these days as is.

The next work we are offering is a work by Alfred Hutty, another artist credited with the Charleston Renaissance, although he was a transplanted Yankee like me. He also knew when he found a better place to live.

Here’s the work:

You can find it on the wall at Carolina Galleries, 106-A Church Street in downtown Charleston, SC. It’s priced at $3,500.

If you want a piece of Charleston’s history and Carolina Arts‘ history, give Johnson Hagood a call at 843/720-8622, e-mail at (info@carolinagalleries.com) or visit (http://www.carolinagalleries.com/).

We hate to give these works up, but we’ve lived with them for a long time now and we’d like to keep doing Carolina Arts. Like everyone else, we’re making sacrifices for the future. The paper made it possible for us to get these works, now maybe these works can help keep the paper going.

That’s the great thing about art works – they’re not consumed after you purchase them. They can have a long life, appreciate in value and go on to give joy to others – over and over again.

If you’ve got some money to invest, if you don’t buy this work of art, go to a gallery near you and buy something – you’ll make at least three people happy. The gallery owner, the artist and yourself.

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A Look at a Couple More Spoleto/Piccolo Festival Exhibits

Wednesday, June 16th, 2010

Both the Spoleto and Piccolo Spoleto Festivals are over, but as usual with the art community, while most of the performing arts groups have packed up their seasonal offerings – the visual arts are still here and you can still see both of these exhibits I’ll be talking about.

While the festivals were still going on I found a nice parking space very close to the front door of the Marion and Wayland H. Cato Jr. Center for the Arts at the College of Charleston School of the Arts in downtown Charleston. Lucky me! I wanted to see what Mark Sloan, curator at the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art was offering festival viewers this year. It’s always something funky and very interesting. I liked what I had already seen of publicity images.

This year it was the exhibit, Call and Response: African to America/The Art of Nick Cave and Phyllis Galembo, on view through July 16, 2010. Sloan’s exhibitions are so popular that both Spoleto and Piccolo were claiming it as one of their offerings, but I think Spoleto would win that tug of war.

(We just received new info this afternoon. Mark Sloan has told me that they changed the ending date of this exhibit to June 26, 2010. That’s unfortunate for us and a lot of folks who won’t get to see this exhibit. Our July issue of Carolina Arts will still carry the July 16 ending date. We’re sorry to bring you this news. We now have an answer why this exhibit is being closed early – Sloan says the College has decided to tear up the concrete floors of the Cato Center and replace them with blue tile during July.  They had no choice.)

I wasn’t disappointed and I doubt anyone else who saw this exhibit was either. Nick Cave’s “sound suits” were spectacular as were the photographs of Phyllis Galembo of African costumes. Right off, walking in the gallery I was blown away by the lineup of several of Cave’s colorful costumes. That’s what you want in an exhibit – a knock out visual as people enter the gallery space.

After a quick look around I sat and watched a video of Cave’s “sound suits” in action. The first part was set to music and the repeated phrase, “This is a journey into sound”. The second part was just the sound the suits made on their own as a dancer moved around. I liked the second part better, but sat there in the cool viewing room imagining what an event it would have been to have live dancers in each of Cave’s suits – coming to life – off and on, as viewers jumped when the dancer began to move. Now that would have been a heck of a performance art event, but I wouldn’t want to be the person inside one of those suits – for very long. But, the video gave us enough idea of what we would see – when the suits are in motion.

You would think that photos hanging on the wall wouldn’t stand a chance next to Cave’s “sound suits”, but Phyllis Galembo served up striking images of real African costumes which hold their own next to an “Americanized” version. In fact, I tended to appreciate these costumes more as they were made by people reflecting their natural surroundings and local customs. Actually, I think I felt that way as Cave’s suits reflected America’s culture – which isn’t always the prettiest picture. And, at that moment I felt a little embarrassed of what Africans would be thinking about us if this exhibit was shown there. Which is what I expect Sloan wanted us to see in this exhibit – the contrast of cultures. Maybe not, but then you have to go see this exhibit and come up with your own ideas.

I ran into Sloan while I was at the exhibit and he said that a few gallery spaces in Japan were interested in this exhibit. That was no surprise to me as the new generations in Japan have developed a pretty funky culture themselves – funkier than ours.

You can read a press release we posted at Carolina Arts about this exhibit at this link.

After viewing this exhibit I looked at the art on display in the Hill Exhibition Gallery just outside the Halsey Institute. I’ve got to find a way to get the folks at the College to inform me of these exhibits – how long they will be up, so I can inform readers about them. Upon viewing what was there, my favorite was a print by Samantha Theall entitled Rachel in nice Lighting.

Next, I went to the City of Charleston’s City Gallery at Waterfront Park to see the exhibit, Contemporary Charleston 2010, on view through July 3, 2010. This show has a shorter life than the Halsey Institute show, so you better go see it – if you’re going.

This exhibit is a production of the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs, curated by Erin Glaze, (City Gallery at Waterfront Park) coordinator and artist Max Miller.

The premise of this exhibit was to have 10 local visual artists create works specifically for the exhibit that have been inspired by the work of 10 local poets. So ten artists were matched up with ten poets.

My first impression was that this year’s show was not as strong as last year’s offering. (See my entry on the 2009 exhibit at this link. I guess since I hadn’t the time to attend the poetry readings by the poets matched up with the visual artists – I was missing the connections or inspiration that was supposed to have inspired these works. I tend to like my visual art – straight up – stand alone. That’s me, but I wasn’t seeing a lot of connections, but I also don’t have the inclination to work too hard to find connections. It’s like having to read an artist’s statement (several pages long) telling you what a certain work means. If I’m looking at the work and I don’t get the message – I usually don’t see it after reading the statement either. It’s either there or it isn’t. Anyway – I wasn’t feeling the connections. The closest I came is when painter Sarah Haynes painted a portrait of Dennis Ward Stiles, the poet she was matched with, entitled Denny.

I don’t think that’s what the curators had in mind, but the good thing is – I really enjoyed Haynes’ works – whether it had a connection to Stiles poetry or not. To me, her paintings were one of the high points of the exhibit. Of course I would have liked to see the Waterfront space filled with her work over a group show any day.

There were other works I liked there too. I liked the (sort of bleached out looking photos) by Timothy Pakron. Having spent almost 20 years working in a darkroom, I’m still thinking about his process, but I’m not concerned if I ever figure it out completely – I liked the technique. Why get hung up on the process?

I also liked the pop art style works by Juilo Cotto. Perhaps I’m showing my age, but I’m not a conservative when it comes to art. I like works that make other people cringe too.

Maybe I wasn’t falling in love with a lot that I saw, but it’s worth the visit and you’ll probably think I’m nuts or at least find things that speak to you. Frankly, if I see a show that I really don’t like – you probably won’t see anything written about it from me, and there was enough of that to go around this year, but I didn’t see everything. There is never enough time to see everything. So, don’t just assume that all the shows I haven’t mentioned were unmentionable.

Hopefully the powers that be will step out of the formula they are using to select Piccolo Spoleto exhibits next year. The formula is worn out and the results are showing. At least that’s how I felt when looking at the lineup of offerings, but then again – this whole festival thing is nothing new to me – like others.

You can read a press release we posted at Carolina Arts about this exhibit at this link.

Now, lets see what wonders the dog days of summer bring. I mean as far as the visual arts goes – as most of the performing arts community will be taking the summer off.

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Checking Out the 2010 Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibit in Marion Square Park in Charleston, SC

Monday, June 7th, 2010

So far it’s been a pretty wet delivery (of Carolina Arts) cycle for me this month – everywhere I have gone has been rained on or is raining cats and dogs and I swear I saw some cows falling out of the sky in Clemson, SC, the other day.

Nothing was different on my trip up South Carolina’s northern coast toward Calabash, NC, and back again through Mt. Pleasant and Charleston, SC – rain – high humidity – more rain.


File photo from 2008 – look, it’s Francis Marion looking over this show.

After I finished my deliveries in Charleston and North Charleston I planned to visit the 2010 Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibition in Marion Square in downtown Charleston. I was thinking that it must have been a heck of a week for them with all the wet weather we’ve been having and I wanted to see how things were going. I hoped they had been keeping dry.

Each day when I got home I checked out Amelia (“Mimi”) Whaley’s blog from the 2010 Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibition – she has posted more pictures of winning entries from this show and the artists who made these works. Visit this link to see a great Memorial Day event that took place in front of her camera.


File photo from 2008

Unfortunately, as I reached Georgetown, SC, at about 1:30am on Thursday morning heading back toward the Charleston area I got a view of a heck of a lighting show in the sky over Charleston. It was like watching a major nighttime battle. By the time I got to Mt. Pleasant the storm had moved out to sea. But when I finally got to Marion Square Park around 9am, after finishing my deliveries around Charleston, North Charleston and out to a few of the barrier islands – I could tell it had been a rough night for the tents in the park. One tent was blown over leaving a photographer’s art exposed to the elements. It was a sad scene, but I later read that the frames and photos survived – works would have to be re-matted and re-framed and a new tent was on the way – so life would go on in the park for this photographer. I had hoped to talk with Vickie Ellis, one of the show’s coordinators, but she was a little busy dealing with the storm’s aftermath.

The daily threat of rain, thunder storms, heavy winds, steamy temps, and who knows what else Mother Nature will throw at these hearty artists is only one of the challenges these people endure. It seemed that by the conservations I was having with some of the artists – the economy was taking a toll on this year’s event as well. Yet, as we talked on that Thursday morning – there was still hope and two more weekends to go.

As I mentioned in a previous posting on this show, one of the benefits to all involved – artists and visitors alike is that this is an annual gathering. I liken it to going shopping in a Mall during Christmas – you run into all kinds of folks you haven’t seen in a year – since the last outdoor show and some folks you haven’t seen in years. Many are long time veterans of this event, some were first timers or short timers, and a few artists roaming the park were artists who had long ago given up their park days for downtown galleries. I think a few were walking down memory lane. At one time or another – many of Charleston’s now famous artists sat in the park, and some still do.


File photo from 2008

I enjoy the fact that some of the artists are from different areas around the state – Greenville, Columbia, Myrtle Beach, Florence, Beaufort – giving me an opportunity to hear how things are going in other communities for these visual artists.

I couldn’t stay long – I still had lots of deliveries to make.

What they all need and hope for is more people who are willing to spend their money on art. There are still lots of people out there that are spending lots of money on fancy meals, sporting events, high tech gadgets, etc., but it seems less people are spending there money on art. All these other things will fade with time – some faster than others (I’m talking about the high tech gadgets), but a purchase of art can deliver enjoyment for years – generations.

I hope to get back to the park now that my deliveries are finished, but I just wanted to post this to remind folks – this adventure in art continues in Marion Square Park daily through the end of the festivals. So you still have lots of time to go find a treasure and put a smile on an artist’s face. It doesn’t take much to do that these days.

Maybe I’ll bump into you there?

One last thing. When I was dropping papers off at the Charleston Visitor Center I noticed they now had both sets of rest rooms open. As Martha Stewart says – “That’s a good thing”.

And, in a second look at the 2010 Piccolo Spoleto Festival Juried Art Exhibition, I noticed that the tags on the works told where the artists were from and most were from the Lowcountry area of SC, but one entrant listed his residence as Savannah, GA. How these people who live outside of South Carolina keep getting in a show for SC artists only – I do not know. You think the person typing up the tags would have raised an alarm, but there is probably some exception that was made – a weak part of most juried shows with some entry restrictions. Why have them if you’re not going to stick to them? It’s bad enough when artists get relatives to allow them to use their addresses to get into restricted shows.

What you gonna do?

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First Look At Piccolo Spoleto Visual Art Events for 2010 in Charleston, SC

Sunday, May 30th, 2010

Right off the bat we have a few corrections to my preview of the Piccolo Spoleto visual art offerings taking place in Charleston, SC. It seems for some reason on the second day of the festivals two of the rest rooms at the Charleston Visitor Center were under “construction” – whatever that means beyond a reduction of rest rooms by 50%. Why now, I can not answer, but a staff person said they hoped they would be open soon. Me too – as well as a lot of other folks.

And, after a slow start, Amelia (“Mimi”) Whaley’s blog from the 2010 Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibition at Marion Square is now up and running with info from the inside. She has pictures and a list of the winning entries from this show. Visit this link to keep up with this show.

Our first stop was to see the 2010 Piccolo Spoleto Juried Art Exhibition. It just seems that this juried opportunity isn’t as important as it once was or should be to the visual artists of the greater Charleston area or for South Carolina’s visual artists. It’s not the best location for an exhibit (Charleston Visitor Center) – although it has a high rate of traffic – especially with the only public rest rooms within blocks in downtown Charleston. The lighting is bad and the displays are a little too tight.

My first impression is that photographers have started taking this show over. Not so according to the show breakdown (49 photographs and 63 paintings), but it sure seemed that way to me. One of the judges is a local photographer – the show has two – one for photography and one for everything else, but I’m not sure why the Charleston Artist Guild – organizers of the exhibit feel they need two judges. Why not just find one judge – well rounded in the visual arts – from outside the area (out of state would be better) to judge this show and treat all the visual art works entered – equally?

Of course the big problem with commenting about a juried show is that we will never know what was entered and what didn’t make the cut. Is this the best of what was entered or just what reflects the taste of the jurors? But, then that’s the way all juried shows are. Where the artists who made the cut are from isn’t given, but if I look at area codes for phone numbers listed – this is a Lowcountry or coastal SC show. My guess is that also reflects where most of the 463 works entered came from. Why more artists from around the state are not in the show is a puzzle. Did they not enter the show? Was it too difficult for them to enter due to distance? I don’t know why these kinds of shows always seem to be local. I think all areas of SC have great artists, – too bad more artists from other parts of the state aren’t represented in this show.

One of the good things about this exhibit was that I didn’t recognize a lot of the names of the artists. There is nothing worse than an annual juried show which seems to include the same folks – year after year. And, since names which are included in solo exhibits, group exhibits, and juried exhibits come across my radar on a regular basis at Carolina Arts – this show may have become a great opportunity for the up and coming artists of the area – with some of the veterans of the art community still giving them a run for the money.

I only found a few things hanging that made me wonder – was this the best they had to select from? But that is a very subjective feeling on my part knowing what doesn’t appeal to me may be other folks’ favorites. Like all art.

A lot of the other Piccolo Spoleto visual arts exhibits tend to feature artists who are not always so new to the area, nor unseen. I’ll go as far in saying that some should take a break if their egos can take it and give some others a chance, but here the problem stems from the question – who selects these special invitational shows. Do they know many artists to begin with and can they stop selecting folks who are “connected” in one way or another.

When you have been around as long as I have and seen as many Piccolo offerings as I have – you can recognize the cycles that keep recurring – every four or five years. Lately, we’re being offered some artists – every year. That practice needs to stop.

But, that’s not always a bad thing. When it comes to the outdoor art and craft shows – visitors look forward to seeing the new work their favorite artists are offering. Those shows actually bring visitors to Charleston on a regular basis – whether they return for the festivals or not. Visitors come to see known artists. Again – these words are offered with the recognition that these shows are also regular supporters of Carolina Arts. Would I heap such praise on them if they were not? I guess it’s a matter of my word and the trust in it.

Which brings us to the 2010 Piccolo Spoleto Crafts Shows.

From the very beginnings of Spoleto and Piccolo Spoleto Festivals the craft shows have been an annual “must see” for Linda (my better half) and I. We went when it first started in the middle of Marion Square Park under this huge tent – where it must have been 100 degrees under that tent at times. We started our art collection there and added to it almost every year – depending on the economy. It didn’t hurt that our anniversary and my birthday come in the same month the craft shows happen. It used to be called the craft fairs back then.

An image burned in my memory of those days out in the middle of the park was of a local blacksmith – Ira DeKoven who used to do demonstrations outside the tent in the hot sun. Man, that was going beyond the call of duty to let people see the process.

These days the weekend shows take place in Wragg Square, within a half block of Marion Square – mostly under the shade of live oak trees. During the walk from our car on the third floor of the Visitor Center parking garage to the ground floor we were able to give a half dozen folks the remainder of our free tickets to the craft show which we receive in the mail each year. One happy recipient was so glad – as she couldn’t find one in a gallery that she usually picks up each year. Timing is everything.

I’ve got to say, this year’s craft offerings were as good as ever – maybe a bit too many jewelry booths for one husband to take, but a well rounded selection of fine crafts. I paid special attention to potters from the Carolinas this year collecting info for an upcoming project. Most were from North Carolina. I always hate to point out favorites, but if I had won the lottery the day before I would have gotten something from Flying Pig Pottery (Suzanne Rehbock) of Greensboro, NC. Hey, if I had won the lottery the day before I would have put a smile on a lot of faces of the artists showing in this show. Unfortunately – I didn’t.

If you missed the craft show this weekend – you’re in luck. They will hold another one next weekend – same place, same times – June 4 – 6, 2010.

Parking cost for this day – $3. Not bad. We only had a limited time – I had to go to bed early so I could deliver some newspapers.

More info later.

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Visual Art Offerings at Spoleto/Piccolo Spoleto Festivals in Charleston, SC, for 2010

Tuesday, May 25th, 2010

Every year I try and give interested readers a heads up on the visual arts offered during the Spoleto/Piccolo Spoleto Festivals . I haven’t seen any of these exhibits as most haven’t started yet and I’m getting ready to deliver our June issue of Carolina Arts. But here’s a bit about what’s being offered and what I know.

The Carolina art community in general is fairly focused on Charleston, SC, at this time of year due to the Spoleto Festival USA and the Piccolo Spoleto Festival, which takes place from May 28 – June 13, 2010. Most interested in the arts have been reading about Spoleto in their daily papers for weeks if not months. And, let me remind you that you can read in detail about some of these exhibits in Carolina Arts May and June issues and at Carolina Arts Online – in Feature Articles, May and June (June soon to be posted June 1).

During this time period Charleston will see its largest, most art informed, arts audience. Arts writers and members of the art press – those who still have a job – will be here for their annual visit as well as art lovers from throughout the region. At least that’s what organizers are hoping. It’s still too early to tell about that.

First a few pointers, dress for warm temps, wear comfortable walking shoes, and carry some water and maybe an energy bar with you at all times. You may have to park far from the event you are headed for so pick spots you don’t have to keep running back to feed quarters in a meter. Parking at the Visitor Center will place you near four or five exhibits and you can get a day trolley pass which will take you all over downtown Charleston. Then you won’t have to worry about parking tickets at all. And, don’t leave home without your credit cards and cash. You’re going to see something you just have to own, so be prepared.

Let’s start our journey at Marion Square Park, located at King, Calhoun, & Meeting Streets, in downtown Charleston, where the 2010 Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibit will be on view from May 28 – June 11, 2010 – rain or shine.  This exhibit features works by over 100 juried exhibitors from around SC, juried by Elizabeth Rundorff Smith – under tents. Demonstrations are offered daily by participating artists at 11am & 2:30pm. The exhibit runs daily from 10am-5pm – rain or shine. This is one block from the Visitor Center.

Many of the artists in this show are also represented by art galleries in downtown Charleston, so if you see a style you like, but not the work that speaks to you – the artists can direct you to the galleries where you can see more work. But, just as many are not represented by any gallery, so this is an annual opportunity to see their new work. And shop early – as the 16 days move along – the selection thins.

Some works in the Carolina Arts‘ art collection have come from artists who have done this show in the past and by some who are still putting in their annual 16 days. Doing this show is bootcamp for the arts. It’s one thing to do a weekend outdoor show, but 16 days! My hat’s off to them who can be that focused.


Photo by Ron Rocz

If you can’t get down there to visit these hearty artists, you can follow the blog of  Amelia (“Mimi”) Whaley at (www.mimispaintingaday.blogspot.com). She gives readers an inside view at what it’s like to sit in the park waiting for viewers and hopefully buyers.

Next, let’s move on to the 31st Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Craft Show and Demonstrations taking place in Wragg Square Park, located at Charlotte and Meeting Streets in downtown Charleston on two weekends: May 28 – 30 & June 4 – 6, 2010. This location is actually closer to the Visitor Center – just 1/2 a block, but it only takes place on two weekends. Admission is $3. Folks 18 and under or 65 and over get in free. If you see me walking around Charleston ask me about free passes – or if you’re in a gallery around town – ask them. But the tiny admission is well worth it. Artists and artisans represent areas from across the US. Media presented ranges from traditional to contemporary expressions; demonstrations by the exhibitors are presented throughout the shows. Hours for both weekends are: Fri.& Sat., 10am-6pm and Sun., 11am-5pm.

This event is hosted by Charleston Crafts, a cooperative fine craft gallery located at 161 Church Street downtown.

Many pieces in our art collection have also come from this annual show.

Point of disclosure: Both these events are regular supporters of Carolina Arts. So, they come first in our book.

Since I’m using the Charleston Visitor Center, located at 375 Meeting Street, between John & Mary Streets, in downtown Charleston as a focus point, I should point out a few other important factors about this location. First and foremost – it has two – listen carefully – two sets of rest rooms. They sell drinks there, it’s air-conditioned, and while you’re there you can take in the 26th Annual Piccolo Spoleto Juried Art Exhibition, on view daily from  May 28 – June 11, 2010. The Visitor Center is open daily, from 8:30am-5pm.


Work by Melissa Gravano from the Juried Art Exhibition

The exhibit, open to artists from throughout SC features works in a variety of media and is sponsored by the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs and coordinated by the Charleston Artist Guild, which has their own gallery located at 160 East Bay Street.

The Visitor Center is also a hub for tourist info, tours around the city and transportation – as well as picking up a copy of Carolina Arts and the official Piccolo Spoleto program. And, did I mention they have public rest rooms there?


A previous work by Cory Oberndorfer

Also very close to the Visitor Center, a block and a half, is the Redux Contemporary Art Center, located at 136 St. Philip Street in Charleston. They will be presenting the exhibit, Novelty, a solo exhibition by Redux’s 2010 Artist in Residence Cory Oberndorfer who will create paintings in the gallery space as well as on the façade of Redux, on view from May 26 through July 10, 2010. The Center is open Tue. – Sat., noon-5pm.


Work by Nick Cave

A little further from the Visitor Center, but still within walking distance and only a few blocks from Marion Square Park is the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art, located in The Marion and Wayland H. Cato Jr. Center for the Arts at the College of Charleston School of the Arts, 161 Calhoun Street in Charleston. They are presenting the exhibit, Call and Response: African to America/The Art of Nick Cave and Phyllis Galembo, on view from May 27 through July 16, 2010. Artist Nick Cave creates sculptural works that he calls “Soundsuits” consisting of brightly colored fabrics, elaborate embroidery, beadwork, raffia, and, other natural materials. Phyllis Galembo’s photographic portraits feature masqueraders from the West African countries of Benin, Nigeria, and Burkina Faso. The Institute is open Mon.-Sat., 11am-4pm. This exhibition is an official offering of Spoleto Festival USA.


Work by Phyllis Galembo

It seems that Spoleto Festival USA with this move has finally signaled that they have thrown the towel in as far as visual art offerings and are willing to just take claim to exhibits being offered by the Halsey Institute and the Gibbes Museum of Art. This may be good for these two local institutions, but falls far short of the individual exhibitions – or site-specific installations they once offered. This is not meant to be a negative view of the offerings these folks are presenting, but they just don’t compare to what Spoleto once offered – a long time ago.

While we’re on the subject of Spoleto – the Gibbes Museum of Art at 135 Meeting Street in downtown Charleston is presenting the exhibit, as part of Spoleto Festival USA, JoAnn Verburg: Interruptions, on view in the Rotunda Galleries from May 28 – Aug. 22, 2010. Organized in conjunction with Pace/MacGill Gallery, New York, the exhibition features recent portraits and large single and multi-panel architectural prints made in Spoleto, Italy. The Gibbes is open Tue.-Sat., 10am-5pm and Sun., 1-5pm. The Gibbes also offers many other exhibits – the admission here ($9 for adults, less for children and seniors and under 6 free) is the most you will pay to see any visual art offered in association with the Festivals.

The Gibbes is within walking distance to the hearty, but you can take the trolley from the Visitor Center to get there. Parking near the Gibbes is in limited supply during weekdays – a little better during weekends, but then again this is Spoleto time so parking anywhere in Charleston will be a challenge. It’s possible at times to find good spaces, but you’ll have to work at it.

On what seems like the other side of Charleston – overlooking the Cooper River and Charleston Harbor is the City Gallery at Waterfront Park, located at 34 Prioleau Street in Charleston. It may be far from most other exhibits but the gallery has a lot in its favor – public rest rooms, a parking garage across the street and the Waterfront Park in its front yard. On view from May 20 through July 3, 2010, is the exhibit, Contemporary Charleston 2010, a Piccolo Spoleto Festival exhibition presented by the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs, curated by Erin Glaze, gallery coordinator and artist Max Miller. The exhibit matches Artist/Poet teams including: Timmy Pakron and Carol Anne Davis; Benjamin Hollingsworth and Paul Allen; Scott Debus and Brian Penberthy; Kat Hastie and Katherine Williams; Sarah Haynes and Dennis Ward Stiles; Jocelyn Chateauvert and Carol Peters; Max Miller and Morrow Dowdle; Julio Cotto and Jonathan Sanchez; Hirona Matsuda and Marcus Amaker; and Lynne Riding and Ellie Davis. The gallery is open Tue.-Fri., 10am-6pm and Sat. & Sun., noon-5pm during exhibits.

Again, this is far from the Visitor Center, but you can take the trolley and get off at the corner of East Bay Street and Broad Street – at that point you’re just a block from the gallery.

From the City Gallery at Waterfront Park, you can walk down the park toward Charleston’s Market area to The Art Institute of Charleston Gallery, located at 24 N. Market Street in downtown Charleston. Here you can see the exhibit, Composition & Decomposition, featuring an exhibit of paintings of Tate Nation, 2010 Piccolo Spoleto Festival poster artist along with photography by Sandy Logan, 2010 Piccolo Spoleto Spotlight Concert Series poster artist. This gallery is open Mon.-Thur., 8am-8pm; Fri., 8am-5pm & Sat., 8am-1pm.


Work by Tate Nation

There are other visual art offerings being presented by the Piccolo Spoleto Festival, but if I told you everything you would have nothing to discover on your own. You can get further information by calling the Office of Cultural Affairs at 843/724- 7305, but might have better luck by visiting (www.PiccoloSpoleto.com).

And, while visiting all or any of these venues – if you keep your eyes open, you’ll notice commercial art galleries located throughout Charleston – you’re never more than a few blocks from another art gallery and in some areas of the city – dozens are within a block of each other.

Enjoy.

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When The Hurt Of Letting Go Makes More Sense Than Holding On – The American College of the Building Arts

Thursday, May 20th, 2010

I know John Paul Huguley, founder of the American College of the Building Arts in Charleston, SC, isn’t going to like this entry, and I’ll state up front – it makes no difference to me, but I’m saying something for the greater Charleston art community, whether they want me to or not.

Cut loose of the America College of the Building Arts and see how long it can stand on its own.

Sometimes good ideas just don’t work out or go bad. I can’t think of any art organization which has gotten so many favors, so many cuts in line, so many legs up – other than the Charleston Symphony Orchestra – than the American College of the Building Arts. And, we all know where the CSO has been going over the last ten years. If you don’t – it has suspended operations. In the real world that’s like filing for Chapter 11.

Don’t even get me started on the CSO.

The American College of the Building Arts get tons of publicity – especially from The Post and Courier newspaper in Charleston, which is no surprise since one of the school’s biggest friends is Pierre Manigault, chairman of the college’s board of trustees – who is also chairman of the board of Evening Post Publishing, parent company of Charleston.net and The Post and Courier. Even when the news is bad, it gets the good spin and hard questions are never asked by the newspaper’s reporters. And, if those questions are asked – the answers never make print.

Charleston Mayor Joe Riley is also a big friend of the College. You can read my previous writings on his relationship with the college in these two posting: July 31, 2009 a posting entitled, Charleston, SC’s Mayor Joe Riley Is A Big Supporter Of The Visual Arts and Aug. 23, 2008 a posting entitled, What Joe Riley Wants – Joe Gets.

I’m too tired with this kind of story to go into more details, but recent newspaper articles have talked about the College of Charleston looking into absorbing the struggling college into its ranks and how eight professors from the American College of the Building Arts are suing the organization for back wages.

Yet, John Paul Huguley, founder of the school still hopes the school can remain independent.

What’s that all about? The college has gotten every break in the world, is struggling to stay afloat, yet it’s founder is worried about being taken over by the College of Charleston.

Does Huguley have reservations about the College of Charleston’s reputation or does he not want to give over control of the school? He should be so lucky that the C of C is willing to even look into the possibility of taking “his” college over. The alternative is for the AmericaCollege of the Building Arts to crash and burn or be a constant burden to Charleston’s taxpayers.

The American College of the Building Arts has yet to be accredited since its founding in 2005 and with such headlines I doubt it ever will. Believe me, Charleston, Mayor Joe Riley and even The Post and Courier can’t afford to keep propping up this venture – they have too many other failing art groups to keep alive.

I wish they had done more to keep Johnson & Wales University (a top College of Culinary Arts) from moving to Charlotte, NC, but after seeing what Charlotte leaders gave them – I would have moved too – in a minute.

It’s time for Charleston to cut ties with the American College of the Building Arts – before it’s too late. The funding and facilities which are being “given” to them could go to more worthy and stable arts organizations.

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Gibbes Museum of Art in Charleston, SC, to be Renovated

Tuesday, May 18th, 2010

There was an article offered by the Post & Courier on May 2, 2010, entitled – A New Palette, written by Adam Parker. The story detailed a deal reached by the trustees of the Gibbes and the City of Charleston – who share ownership of the structure, to renovate the aging facility.

I guess it’s a good thing for the Gibbes Museum of Art that they have managed to get the City of Charleston to help pay for a renovation since they continue to hold ownership in the facility, but I would have preferred to have read a story about the City giving up their half ownership hold on the building and announcing that they will finally start supporting the Gibbes like other cities do their art museums around the Carolinas.

Under the current situation with the economy and the fact that support of the Gibbes in the Charleston area has always had to take back seat to that of the three performing art organizations the City has adopted as their “too important to fail” children – this is the best the Gibbes could hope for. All three of these groups have Charleston in their name. If only we were talking about the Charleston Museum of Art – things maybe would be different.

But what puzzled me the most was the description of what the renovation was going to accomplish – an addition of just 2,000 square-feet of exhibit space, addition of working spaces for local & regional artists, add access to the back garden and add perhaps a cafe. It’s as if the Gibbes has given up on the idea of ever being a major art presenter and is going back to 1911 with a refocus on offering art classes.

Is this what the overall Charleston community needs? Is there a shortage of places to eat in Charleston? How many artist work spaces are they going to provide and to whom? And, is there really a shortage of places to get art lessons in this area?

It’s hard to see this as an exciting announcement in view of other developments going on in the art museum world around the Carolinas. The Mint Museum is involved in a major expansion project: the construction of a new 145,000-square-foot facility in uptown Charlotte, NC, and the reinstallation of the historic Mint Museum Randolph. Not to mention the new additions of the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts + Culture (formerly the Afro-American Cultural Center) and the new Bechtler Museum of Modern Art to uptown Charlotte.

In South Carolina, the Gibbes may have been the first art museum, but it is the last to not build a new facility, placing it behind Greenville, Columbia, and Spartanburg. In fact, the Columbia Museum of Art has a basement level which has yet to be totally developed for future expansion.

Look I’m not blaming the Gibbes for being the stepchild of the Charleston art community – at least in the eyes of the City and its Mayor, but I don’t see that they can do more than make the best of a bad situation. I blame James Schoolbred Gibbes for making a bequest that would tie these two parties together for 100 years – on paper – if not in spirit.

So, in this case being the first art museum in the region has left the Gibbes years behind its contemporaries – stuck in the 20th century.

One day, I hope to be reading and writing about a whole new Gibbes facility being built in New Charleston – that area between the crosstown and North Charleston – somewhere overlooking the Ashley River. But, then Charleston will need a new Mayor and new City Council for that to happen. Will that ever happen? I’m not holding my breath.

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Artist on Fire Present “Passing Notion?” During Piccolo Spoleto Festival in Charleston, SC

Tuesday, May 18th, 2010

Well, it was bound to happen – we received our first press release from the Piccolo Spoleto Festival – five days after our deadline for our June issue of Carolina Arts and a month and five days after the deadline for our May issue. It happens every year – with few exceptions. Publicity – at least sent to us – seems to be the last thing on the folks in charge of the Festival’s mind.

I feel sorry for the artists involved. At this point there is not much we can do as far as our printed papers go, but we do the best we can to distribute this info – as we receive it – as best we can on our electronic media.

And one word of advice. When it comes to info about Piccolo Spoleto Festival events – it’s best to get up to the last minute info, as the festival is very fluid. I even found an updated list of sponsors for this event by checking their website. And, I just received this press release today.

PS – The name, Artist on Fire is the name of the “group” – we’re not forgetting to add the “s”.

So here’s the press release:

Piccolo Spoleto to Feature Artist on Fire’s Passing Notion?

Could there be more than meets the eye to the things we see and the experiences we encounter? Dating back from Moses’ encounter at the burning bush to current day events people have attributed important discoveries, disasters avoided, and decisions they have made, that have not only impacted their own destinies but the lives of many others, to communication from a source outside themselves.

During the internationally acclaimed Piccolo Spoleto Festival, Artist on Fire will present Passing Notion?, a multi-media exhibit that explores the way God may be speaking to us today through moments in our everyday lives. Works including photography, film, installation art, live music, sculpture, live art, landscape art, and painting by more than 12 artists search out the unusual and extraordinary messages that catch our attention as we walk through life. The exhibit is free and open to the public.

In accordance with the vision of Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr., Piccolo Spoleto, under the direction of Ellen Dressler Moryl, was designed and launched in 1979 by the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs together with a group of volunteers from the Charleston arts community. Piccolo Spoleto prides itself in providing access to the Spoleto Festival USA experience for everyone, regardless of their economic, social or physical circumstances as well as for excellent local and regional artists, writers and performers to be showcased.

“The enthusiasm and energy exerted by the wonderful young coordinators of this project was so infectious. Young and idealistic, the co-founders of Artist on Fire are convinced that the creative output of the participating artists in Passing Notion? will unfailingly touch their audiences with all the wonder and the beauty of the arts,” says Director Moryl.

“This show will appeal to such a wide audience,” expresses Artist on Fire co-founder and participating artist Alex Radin, “because it taps into something that I think we all have felt at some time or another – that there are other layers to the things we see, hear, feel and experience.”

Featured artists include painters Alex Radin of Hanahan, SC, and Amelia (Mimi) Whaley of Mount Pleasant, SC; photographers Mahmood Fazal of Mount Pleasant, SC, Kimberly (Kimmie) Krauk of Charleston, Carson (Kip) Bulwinkle of North Charleston, SC, and Ginger Christy of Atlanta, GA; poet Sara Radin of Hanahan; sculptor Pamela Crout of North Charleston; film producers Douglas Fotia of Charleston, Larry Spann of New York City, NY, and Karen DeLoach of Summerville, SC; installation artist Beverly Currin of Charleston; and landscape architects J.R. and Holly Kramer of Remark Studio in North Charleston.

The visual artists will be accompanied by over 15 live art performers and 20 plus musicians playing original compositions and arrangements throughout the entire 17 days of the show. Opening night will feature two ensemble groups and soloists: Drew, Gabby, and Hannah Hadley on guitar, didgeridoo, djembe, keyboard and harmonica and Trey Truluck, Jer DeLoach, Emily Richardson, and Kent McAvoy playing acoustic guitar, Native American wooden flutes, hand drums, and electric guitar and Vicki Marsi playing violin and Pam Dickson on flute.

“It is an honor to be accepted as one of the visual arts events on this year’s Piccolo Spoleto agenda,” states Artist on Fire co-founder Sara Radin. “We are looking forward to our first time participating in such an applauded festival and sharing excellent art from artists who have proven themselves to be not only skilled and talented in their work, but also thought-provoking and genuine in their individual expressions.”

Artist on Fire is an organization founded by Alex and Sara Radin with a mission of seeing and providing more opportunities for artists to fully express themselves in order to be a voice of positivity and change through the creative arts. “Our goal,” says Alex Radin, “is to inspire people to dream, to see the beauty that is around them and to be a voice of hope, truth and life in this world.”

“We are so thankful and excited that so many businesses have partnered with us in helping to fulfill the vision for this show,” comments Sara Radin. “It will be an experience that art lovers and appreciators won’t want to miss and a wonderful opportunity to introduce friends and family to the world of art.”

Sponsors for Passing Notion? include Artist & Craftsman Supply, Carolina Flag & Banner, Fast Frame of Mt. Pleasant, Kim Wallin–composer & pianist, Karen’s Korner, Frametastic, Party City, Mannie Schumpert, Mood Photography, Royall Ace Hardware, FedEx Office, and Healthy Home Foods who will be providing the catering for the opening night artist reception.

From May 28 through June 13, the Piccolo Spoleto Passing Notion? exhibit will be located at Citadel Square Baptist Church, 328 Meeting Street, in the chapel off Henrietta Street, and on the third floor, in downtown Charleston. Exhibit hours are as scheduled: Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

All original artwork and prints will be available for sale, as well as CDs and DVDs from musicians and film producers who participate in the show.

For more information about the Passing Notion? show as well as other Artist on Fire events, visit their website at (www.artistonfire.com) or contact Alex or Sara Radin at (843) 270-3137.

For a ticket brochure and information on Piccolo Spoleto, call the Office of Cultural Affairs at (843) 724- 7305 or visit (www.PiccoloSpoleto.com).

Produced and directed by the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs since 1979, Piccolo Spoleto is the official outreach program of Spoleto Festival USA. Piccolo’s mission is to provide access to the Spoleto Festival USA experience for everyone, regardless of their economic, social or physical circumstances and to provide the opportunity for excellent local and regional artists, writers and performers to be showcased in the Piccolo Spoleto Festival venues. Piccolo Spoleto receives support from the City of Charleston, County of Charleston, South Carolina Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. Title sponsors of the Piccolo Spoleto Festival are Publix and Publix Super Markets Charities.

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