July Issue 2001
Big Pig Gig - Swine in Beaufort, SC, for a Swill Summer Vacation
Last summer, something big happened in the small town of Beaufort, SC - Cows on Vacation. Twenty-eight colorful fiberglass cows, each expressing a unique theme and identity, called on the Lowcountry to experience art in public places. These creative ambassadors from Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs had thousands of people smiling, exploring Beaufort County, and gathering friends and family in the name of art. It was, in a word, magical.
Well, Beauforts Arts Council is at it again. This time, they've partnered with the Cincinnati organization, ArtWorks, coordinator of last year's equally famous Big Pig Gig. And this summer, with their help and the generous support of our public art sponsors, the Arts Council has conjured up an artfully designed herd of swine to spend a summer vacation in the Lowcountry. Through Labor Day, Beaufort will become Hog Heaven as they encourage the community to Ham it Up with more extraordinary art in public places.
Discover Paddle Squealer at Beaufort's Waterfront Park. Look for Amelia Pigart at the Penn Center on St. Helena Island and Pigasus in neighboring community, Port Royal, SC. Marvel at the Sowtue of Liberty or Swinescraper at the Beaufort Visitors Center. Don't miss Cured Ham Sandwich or Cosmic Swine. Six to eight blank fiberglass hogs will also be artistically yransformed by Beaufort/Lowcountry folks. All will be on vacation in Beaufort, temporarily transforming the town into Porkopolis South. (For complete Big Pig Gig List follow this link.)
All are invited to see how this simple arts partnership idea can transform one of its own cultural communities. A creative impulse, when married to a special place and to a special community can do powerful and exciting things. Chicago and Cincinnati know this. Beaufort learned this, and a little bit more about magic, with last year's enchanting Cows on Vacation. Come see Cincinnati's Big Pig Gig on Summer Vacation - and have a swine of a time in Beaufort.
Piggly Wiggly Carolina has naturally agreed to become the project's major corporate sponsor.
A full color brochure will soon be available at the Arts Council (at USC-Beaufort Performing Arts Center), and the Beaufort Visitors Center. A web site promoting the exhibition is also being developed. For a view of last year's project visit (http://www.cowsonvacation.com).
For further information check our SC Institutional Gallery listings or call the Beaufort Arts Council at 843/521-4144.
Mailing Address: Carolina Arts, P.O. Drawer
427, Bonneau, SC 29431
Telephone, Answering Machine and FAX: 843/825-3408
E-Mail: carolinart@aol.com
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Carolina Arts
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Copyright© 2001 by PSMG, Inc., which published Charleston
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