After serving as executive director of Redux Contemporary Art Center for 3 years, Karen Ann Myers has resigned her position effective October 1, 2011. While sad to lose such an effective leader of Redux, the board, staff and studio artists are very supportive of her decision to become the Assistant Director at the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art. The Board will begin a search for a new executive director immediately.
Because Myers’ long-term career goal has been to work in academia, she regards the position of Assistant Director at the Halsey Institute as a logical step forward in helping her achieve her goals. Myers says, “I am still passionate about Redux, its mission, and most of all, the people that I’ve met there. But, my desire for broader experiences means that I have to take on new challenges. Working with Redux has been a rewarding adventure. Each project and collaboration has been an opportunity for personal connection and growth that I will always cherish. I intend to remain involved with Redux as a studio artist. I am leaving to pursue a new chapter in my professional life and nurture my own studio practice. I believe that Redux will benefit from the energy, expertise and perspective of a new director and I feel confident that my move to the Halsey Institute will have a positive impact on the contemporary art scene in Charleston.”
Redux Board President, Josh Silverman, says, “Karen has accomplished a great deal during her tenure at Redux, and we’re very excited for her in her new role at the Halsey. Redux is proud to have her continue her involvement in our organization by serving on our Board of Directors, and we look forward to seeing her and her gorgeous paintings and prints as a studio renter in our new facility.”
Since her arrival in 2009, Redux Contemporary Art Center has shown consistent growth. The operating budget has increased over 75%. The facilities at Redux have expanded to enhance exhibition, studio, and classroom spaces. The education program now includes over 150 annual classes, workshops for youth and adults, and an outreach program that serves Carolina Youth Development Center, the Citadel, Charleston County School District, Boys and Girls Club and the Girl Scouts of America. Notably a grant for exhibition support was received from the prestigious Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts in recognition of the contribution that Redux makes to the appreciation of contemporary art in the city of Charleston.
Redux Board Member and immediate past President, Chris Burgess, says “Karen has been a huge asset to Redux for the last three years and a primary reason for the growth we have enjoyed during that time. We will miss her greatly but are thankful for everything she has done for Redux and look forward to working with her and the Halsey Institute in continuing to promote contemporary art in Charleston.”
The exhibition program at Redux has expanded to include international and national artists whose work has never been exhibited in South Carolina. Through their work, these artists introduce Charleston to issues in contemporary art that would be nearly unavailable to the public otherwise. Arts education has a lack of funding in South Carolina, therefore the new programs that Redux provides are able to supplement what children are missing in school. By providing youth and adults the opportunity to learn from and develop relationships with professional artists, they are motivated and encouraged to be creative while gaining insight into what being an artist is all about.
Sandy Logan, Board member, 2004 through the present, says, “Karen came to Redux at a time of huge transition – the Board wanted to take the leap from the party locale of skate-boarders to an arts center of credibility and substance. Through her efforts, this goal is closing in on that reality, and the combination of her knowledge of current trends in the Arts along with an unflinching dedication to putting the unexpected in front of the Charleston audience has made her a force in the arts community – her departure from Redux will leave a large hole temporarily, but we wish her well at our sister gallery, the Halsey. We shall miss her.”
Redux’s studio program has also grown significantly over the last three years, to include over 35 artists who benefit from the subsidized studios, facilities and equipment that Redux has to offer. New studio programming; such as critiques, open studios, visiting artists and exhibition opportunities have increased the quality of art produced by Redux studio artists. Redux has served as a platform for emerging and mid-career artists to build a strong portfolio of work that has assisted three artists into prestigious graduate programs.
Redux studio artist, Sally Benedict, says “It was bittersweet when I heard the news of Karen Ann Myers taking the position as assistant director of the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art. She has been a mentor, a friend, a support system, and one of the most selfless artists…if that’s even possible, during her invaluable time at Redux. While I will miss seeing her shining face everyday, I am so thrilled for the opportunity for Karen to share her talents with the Halsey Institute. With knowledge beyond her years, Karen has transformed the studio program at Redux. We will all support Karen for life, as she has helped change most of ours. Charleston is lucky to have Karen Ann Myers, and we look forward to her transition to Halsey Institute, and growth as an artist herself.”
Redux Director of Development, Kyle LeGette, says “I have truly enjoyed working with Karen for the past three years. During that time Redux has grown to become a national model for community art centers in the US. Although I will miss working with Karen on a daily basis, I look forward to continuing our professional relationship through the strong partnership that Redux and the Halsey Institute share. All aspects of the visual arts in Charleston will benefit from this transition.”
Now in its ninth year, the new director of Redux comes at a very important time for the organization. There is excitement, stability and promise for continued growth. Although Myers will be missed, she will only be three blocks away, and is eager to watch the organization continue to thrive.
Karen Ann Myers is an artist, educator and administrator. She received her MFA in Painting from Boston University and her BFA in Painting, Graphic Design and Art Education from Michigan State University. She is currently an adjunct professor at the College of Charleston, teaching in the Art Management Department. Myers has exhibited extensively throughout the country. Her paintings and prints exist nationally in private collections and have most recently been exhibited at LUIS DE JESUS gallery in Los Angeles, CA, Robert Steele Gallery in NY, NY, at the Commonwealth Gallery in Boston, MA, the Katzen Arts Center in Washington, DC, the FAB gallery at South Carolina State University, Orangeburg, SC, Dalton Gallery at Agnes Scott College in Decatur, GA and Robert Lange Studios in Charleston, SC. Myers is currently represented by SCOOP Studios in Charleston, SC.
Redux Contemporary Art Center is a Charleston, SC nonprofit arts organization committed to the fostering of creativity and the cultivation of contemporary art through diverse exhibitions, subsidized studio space for artists, expansive educational programming, and a multidisciplinary approach to the dialogue between artists and audience. Redux offers free year round art exhibitions, artist and curator lecture series, and film screenings, while educating our community through classes and workshops, community outreach, and internship opportunities. Redux is instrumental in presenting new artists to our community through our artist in residency program, and our many live artist and music performances. In addition, Redux remains a bustling center for the contemporary arts with 22 private artist studios, and the only community printmaking and darkroom facilities in the Lowcountry of South Carolina.
For further information call Redux at 843/722-0697 or visit (www.reduxstudios.org).
