One-Night-Only Exhibit and Reception Honors North Charleston (SC) History Mural Designer James Christopher Hill – Oct. 9, 2014

The City of North Charleston’s Cultural Arts Department is pleased to host a one-night-only exhibition and artist reception in recognition of graphic and fine artist James Christopher Hill on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2014, from 5-7pm. The free, public event will take place on the third floor of North Charleston City Hall, located at 2500 City Hall Lane in North Charleston, SC.

In 2013, James Christopher Hill was awarded a commission by the City of North Charleston to design a large outdoor public mural highlighting the City’s history, from colonial times to the present. Plans to install Hill’s 140-foot by 40-foot mural design on an elevated tank near the City’s Olde Village were halted, but officials moved forward with commissioning the artwork. A large canvas giclée print of Hill’s creation currently hangs in the Executive Department offices at City Hall. The design, which includes renderings of maps, prominent historical figures, significant landmarks, and symbols of industry that are pertinent to the history and development of North Charleston, will be displayed as a public mural once an appropriate location is determined. For now, the public may view the design, along with some of Hill’s preliminary sketches and research, at the October 9 exhibit. The artist will also display a number of his fine art oil paintings.

James Christopher Hill is no stranger to producing public art pieces. His hand painted murals can be seen locally on the Planet Follywood restaurant on Folly Beach, at Cypress Gardens, and in the Mellow Mushroom restaurant located in downtown Charleston, SC. He is perhaps better known for his oil painted landscapes and skyscapes executed in traditional American realism and contemporary romanticism style, as well as illustrative works in the Science Fiction, Fantasy and Gothic/Horror genres. His talent with a paintbrush translates seamlessly into his skills as a graphic artist, as demonstrated by his City History mural design, which he digitally painted using computer software.

Hill received formal training at the prestigious Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, FL, where he graduated with honors with a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Animation in 1998.  His senior animation thesis brought Ringling College their first OSCAR for Best Student Computer Animation from the Motion Picture Academy of Arts and Science.  Over the last 16 years, his award-winning original works have been collected extensively by private and commercial clients both locally and in various countries throughout the world, including Japan, Russia, China, Germany, France, Spain, India and many more.

For information on additional exhibits, programs, and events offered by the City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department, call 843/740-5854, e-mail to (culturalarts@northcharleston.org), or visit the Arts & Culture section of the City’s website at (northcharleston.org).

Artists in all Disciplines Sought for 2015 North Charleston Arts Festival – Deadline Dec. 5, 2014

The City of North Charleston (SC) Cultural Arts Department is seeking applications from artists in music, theatre, dance, visual art, crafts, photography, media arts and literature for participation in the 2015 North Charleston Arts Festival, to be held May 1-9, 2015. National, regional and local artists, ethnic and cultural groups, community based groups, and individuals are eligible to apply. Artists have the option to submit a proposal for one of the festival’s stand-alone Individual Events, which take place at various locations throughout the festival week, and/or apply for inclusion in the Main Event, held May 2 and 3 at the Charleston Area Convention Center Complex.

Visual artists should note that this application is for events and presentations such as installations, solo or group exhibitions, workshops, demonstrations and lectures, and not for participation in the Festival’s Judged Art Competitions. The 2015 Artist Application will be available for download from (NorthCharlestonArtsFest.com/apply) beginning Oct. 1, 2014. There is no fee to apply and Cultural Arts staff is available to assist artists with their proposals.

The deadline for submission of applications is 5pm on Friday, Dec. 5, 2014.

The North Charleston Arts Festival is one of the most comprehensive arts festivals in the state, drawing over 30,000 residents and visitors annually to participate in a fabulous array of performances, exhibitions and activities in all arts disciplines.  The Main Event Weekend at the North Charleston Performing Arts and  Charleston Area Convention Center on Saturday, May 2, and Sunday, May 3, offers free admission and parking to over 40 performances on four themed stage stages; General Audience, Cultural Heritage, Bands and Youth Entertainment. Other Main Event activities include judged art and photography shows, the SC Palmetto Hands Juried Fine Craft Exhibit, a gem & mineral show, an antique show, children’s activities, art and craft booths, and a food courtyard.  The Arts Festival continues with 65+ events and exhibitions throughout the week at various locations.  An array of free and ticketed offerings include street dances, concerts, theatre presentations, film screenings, an art walk, children’s programs, workshops and demonstrations, a National Outdoor Sculpture Competition & Exhibition, and much more. The festival concludes with the Grand Finale at North Charleston Riverfront Park featuring performances, children’s activities and fireworks over the Cooper River.

Past applicants to the North Charleston Arts Festival may notice that the application timeline for 2015 has been changed from previous years. The deadline is now one month earlier and booking notifications are set to be distributed in mid-January of 2015, rather than early February. “The number of applications we receive each year continues to increase, as does the quality and complexity of the proposals,” says Marty Besancon, Cultural Arts Director for the City of North Charleston. “The adjusted application schedule will give our office more time to process and review the increasing number of applications and also allows us to notify applicants of our selections sooner, which will give artists more time to plan and produce their work for the festival in May,” she explains.

In addition to the Artist Application, local youth performing artists may also consider applying for the Opening Processional, which has kicked off the Arts Festival’s Main Event festivities for over ten years.  The Processional is typically led by African drummers and dancers and features groups dressed in brightly colored outfits and costumes, volunteers carrying giant puppets, banners and other crafted props, jugglers, dance troupes, and local school groups. Participants parade around the Convention Center Complex into the North Charleston Performing Arts Center Auditorium where the celebration continues with a Community Groups Performance Spotlight, featuring performances by pre-selected groups. The Opening Processional application will be available for download from (NorthCharlestonArtsFest.com/apply) beginning Oct. 1, 2014, with submissions due by 5pm on Friday, Dec. 5, 2014.

For more information about the North Charleston Arts Festival and other participation opportunities visit (NorthCharlestonArtsFest.com), or contact the City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department office at 843/740-5854 or e-mail to (culturalarts@northcharleston.org).

Lowcountry Store to Host the 7th Annual Lowcountry Arts Festival at Frogmore on St. Helena Island, SC – Nov. 1, 2014

Frogmore’s Lowcountry Store, located at 736 Sea Island Parkway in St. Helena Island, SC, is hosting the 7th Annual Lowcountry Arts Festival at the Lowcountry Store from 10am-4pm on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2014.

Many of the Lowcountry’s finest Artisans will be on site with their art, photography, woodwork, sculptures, fine crafts, quilting, pottery, basket weaving, stained glass, jewelry, local foods and other fine arts.  The 2013 Festival featured 24 of the Lowcountry’s finest artisans and this year’s program will feature many returnees and some talented newcomers.

Our past Festivals have been exceptionally well attended.  It is a unique opportunity to meet and talk to the artists, craftsmen, growers and producers and view demonstrations as well as discuss and purchase unique works of art from the Artisan personally.  Many artists our able to customize pieces and we have found that those attending get a first-hand look at the remarkable abilities of these artists from the Lowcountry and an interesting perspective of the features of the Lowcountry of South Carolina.

Local Musicians will be performing and Lowcountry Foods with Gumbo, Tomato Pie, Frogmore Stew, Pimento Cheese and other Lowcountry Favorites will be available.

All local artists, woodworkers and craftsman are welcome to participate.  Applications are available by at Frogmore’s Lowcountry Store, via e-mail at (info@lowcountrystore.com) or by calling 843/838-4646.

The Fifth Hillsborough, NC, Handmade Parade Takes Place – Oct. 19, 2014

Residents young and old with fantastic, locally created art will march down Churton Street through Historic Hillsborough, NC, as stilt walkers, giant puppets and drummers, Sunday Oct 19, 2014, beginning at 2:30pm, at this year’s  bi-annual Handmade Parade.

Image taken during last year’s parade.

The Hillsborough Handmade Parade is a grass roots community participation celebration sponsored and organized by the volunteers of the Hillsborough Arts Council. The parade starts at 2:30pm on the corner of East Margaret  Lane and Churton Street. It will end with a grand Finale at the Burwell School lawn. The Hillsborough Arts Council has spent several months holding workshops for anyone wanting to parade their creations down the main street of town. There will also be dancing and drumming from the Magic of African Rhythms Troupe , The Durham Bull Struters and many more. The theme of this year’s event is “Is Flight on the Eno” paying tribute to the river that runs through town.

If you are interested in participating it’s not too late! Final workshop is Sunday Oct.12. Go to (www.HillsboroughArtsCouncil.org) for more information then decide if you want to join the parade with your friends or family, or come and watch this amazing spectacle of fun and creativity.

Asheville Art Museum in Asheville, NC, Welcomes Artist Sharon Louden for Two Events – Oct. 10 & 11, 2014

The Asheville Art Museum in Asheville, NC, is pleased to welcome artist Sharon Louden to the Museum on Oct. 10 and 11, 2014, for two events held in conjunction with her installation “Community”. On Oct. 10 at 5:30pm, Louden will discuss her artistic work and guests are invited to stay for a reception following the talk. The next day on Oct. 11 at 1pm, Louden will discuss her peer-reviewed book “Living and Sustaining a Creative Life: Essays by 40 Working Artists”, which includes essays written from the artists’ perspectives and voices. The book is available for purchase in the Museum Shop and Louden will be available to sign copies following her lecture presentation. The book lecture is a free event.

“Community” by Sharon Louden

Recently installed in the Museum’s Artworks Project Space as an ongoing exhibition, “Community” is a continued conversation based on a series of work that Louden started in 2013 that traces its path through installation, animation, painting and drawing. In each genre, her gestures create an implication of dance — movement and energy — transposed against the resistance of fixed squares and rectangles of color.

Sharon Louden is a New York-based artist who has exhibited in numerous venues throughout the country. Her art is displayed in both public and private collections. She graduated with a BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and an MFA from Yale University, School of Art.

Founded by artists in 1948 in Asheville, NC, the Asheville Art Museum annually presents an exciting, inviting and active schedule of exhibitions and public programs based on its permanent collection of 20th and 21st century American art. Any visit will also include experiences with works of significance to Western North Carolina’s cultural heritage including Studio Craft, Black Mountain College and Cherokee artists. Special exhibitions feature renowned regional and national artists and explore issues of enduring interest. The Museum also offers a wide array of innovative, inspiring and entertaining educational programs for people of all ages.

Additional information on upcoming exhibitions and public programs at the Museum can be found online at (www.ashevilleart.org).

Charleston Supported Art in Charleston, SC, Seeks Local, Emerging and Established Artists for Second Year of Program

After a successful launch in late 2013, Charleston Supported Art, LLC, is gearing up for its second year of local art sponsorship and distribution. On Oct. 1, 2014, the group will begin accepting proposals from emerging and established visual artists to create original work for its 2015 seasonal shares. Contemporary visual artists ages 18 and up working in any media and living in the tri-county area are eligible to apply to the open call jury process, which closes on Nov. 1, 2014. A link to the application as well as answers to frequently asked questions are available at (www.CharlestonSupportedArt.com/how-to-apply).

Charleston Supported Art (CSA) aims to support artists in the creation of new work, cultivate a culture of support for original work by Charleston area artists, and foster new relationships between buyers and artists with the potential for future art purchases. The program, which is based on the buy-local, from-the-source model of community supported agriculture, was met with great enthusiasm and support from artists and art patrons in its inaugural year.

Photo by Jessika Stocker

Artists who wish to participate in 2015 must submit an online application via Slideroom including a CV, work samples, and a proposal detailing the nature of the pieces that they intend to create for the program. A minimum of twenty-five artists will be chosen to move on to Phase II of the selection process and will be asked to create one piece that represents the style and quality of work that they will create for their season. After a review of these works and personal interviews, a total of 12 artists will be selected and will receive a stipend of $1500 to produce 32 pieces of original fine art or fine craft, such as paintings, drawings, sculpture, photography, ceramics, textile, jewelry, and more. A jury panel consisting of the seven co-founders of CSA will make the selections. The panel will seek input from the 2014 roster of artists.

CSA’s 2015 program will consist of three seasons – Spring, Summer, and Fall – with four artists per season. The 2015 artists and their season assignments will be publicly announced in January 2015. Seasonal shares will be available for purchase at $425 + tax following the announcement. The public will have an opportunity to meet the artists and view their work at a Meet & Greet event in February 2015.

For more information about Charleston Supported Art, visit (charlestonsupportedart.com). Questions or requests to be added to the CSA mailing list should be directed by e-mail to (info@charlestonsupportedart.com).

Charleston Supported Art is a platform to connect emerging and established artists and collectors.  Launched in November 2013, the program is part of a nationwide movement that has developed in over 40 communities across the country and is the first of its kind in Charleston, SC. Co-founders include Kristy Bishop, Camela Guevara, Stacy Huggins, Karen Ann Myers, Erin Glaze Nathanson, AnneTrabue Nelson and Ann Simmons. Supporters include 1600 Meeting Street, Artist & Craftsman Supply, Básico, Cannonborough Beverage Company, Drill Films, Enough Pie, Frothy Beard Brewing Company, GrowFood Carolina, Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art, Ink Meets Paper, Mixson Bath & Racquet Club, Redux Contemporary Art Center, The Cut Company, Three Little Birds Café, and Tree Climber Productions.

One Columbia Unveils New Public Art Piece on Main Street, Columbia, SC

One Columbia for Arts and History and the City of Columbia are pleased to announce the installation and unveiling of the first sculpture resulting from the public art pilot program, in Columbia, SC.

Commissioned with a generous donation from Sean McCrossin, owner of Drip coffee shops and Scoopy Doo gelato shop, 1400 Block of Main, the piece entitled “Hanging” was created by local artists Eileen Blyth and Mark Finley. As Blyth explains, “This sculpture is an invitation to play…to stop and sit and play, or just listen. One Columbia is the force behind the Main Street public art initiative. And without the city’s support, this sculpture and many more to come would not happen. It is very exciting to be a part of.”|
“Hanging” was created by local artists Eileen Blyth and Mark Finley

“I am very happy to be a part and help One Columbia, the City of Columbia and the Mayor in their endeavor to fill the streets with creative, inspired and inspiring art that will hopefully remind us of this colorful city in which we live.” says McCrossin.

The sculpture consists of five tank drums (also known as hank drums) fabricated from propane tanks mounted to painted seats. Each drum is tuned differently to allow for unique harmonies to be played. The piece is installed in front of 1441 Main Street.

“Public art is inspirational, thought provoking and even more so when it’s interactive. ‘Hanging’ will give the public the opportunity not just to observe but to participate.” says Karel Givens, Vice President of City Center Partnership, the organization that manages the downtown Business Improvement District (BID).

“From increasing funding to our arts and cultural organizations to displaying local artists’ work in City Hall, we have taken several important steps this year toward realizing our vision of Columbia as a true City of Creativity,” said Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin. “This sculpture and the new public art program it represents is a giant leap forward and I couldn’t be more proud.”

The public art program administered by One Columbia for Arts and History represents the joint efforts of multiple departments of the City of Columbia, the City Center Partnership, and the Community Relations Council who all contributed to make the process a success. The framework established by these partners will carry over to the creation of future pieces throughout the City of Columbia.

Lee Snelgrove, Executive Director of One Columbia for Arts and History explains, “Public art can define a place and give it a distinctive and inviting personality. Because of the relationships that have been made in establishing this formal process for commissioning public art, we’ll be able to continue bringing work to Columbia that will demonstrate the level of creativity and talent in this city.”

Artists interested in submitting their qualifications for consideration for future projects can find the call for artists on the One Columbia for Arts and History website at (onecolumbiasc.com).

One Columbia for Arts and History is a non-profit corporation that works to promote collaboration among citizens, the cultural community, and city government through celebrations of Columbia’s arts and historic treasures. Its goal is to enhance the quality of life for our residents, attract tourist dollars to our city, and further build our vibrant community. In short, it serves as the promotional arm of the City for Columbia’s cultural community.

Visit the One Columbia website (http://onecolumbiasc.com) for a continuously updated master list of art and cultural activities occurring throughout the city.

701 Center for Contemporary Art, in Columbia, SC, Presents “JAMES BUSBY: A Conversation with Wim Roefs” – Oct. 1, 2014

701 Center for Contemporary Art, in Columbia, SC, will present “JAMES BUSBY: A Conversation with Wim Roefs”, on Oct. 1, 2014, at 7:30pm. Admission is free and the public is welcomed.

James Busby will talk to 701 CCA board chair Wim Roefs about the essence of sanding all day long, making people scratch their head, John Cage’s sound advice, Morandi’s tips for better seeing, and string theory of the Sandback variety. He will trace his amazing ten-year trajectory from a garage in Chapin, SC, to big galleries and critical acclaim in Stockholm, London, Paris, Washington, DC, and New York City. Refreshments will be served.

Busby is among the state’s most successful artists, regularly selling out shows in New York and elsewhere. His superbly crafted, material-based, non-objective works of art are paintings and three-dimensional objects all at once. The Chapin artist and Rock Hill native sands layers of gesso to create refined, smooth surfaces, then applies graphite, acrylics and oils. The paintings play with viewers’ perceptions as they are solid but precious; appear hard but are soft; seem heavy but are light; contain relief while looking flat; combine geometric and organic shapes; and at once are tactile and smooth.

Busby (b. 1973, Rock Hill, SC) is an artist and art educator. His recent solo exhibitions include those at the Reynolds Gallery in Richmond, VA; Stux Gallery in New York, NY; and the New Gallery/Thom Andriola in Houston, TX. Group exhibition include shows at Galerie Jean-Luc & Takako Richard in Paris, France. Since 1999, Busby has participated in more than 30 group exhibitions in New York, Virginia, Pennsylvania and South Carolina, including a 2007 exhibition organized by the University of Richmond Museum, which traveled to seven cities across the Unites States. Busby holds an MFA from Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond. He has taught and lectured at Pennsylvania State University, University Park; the University of South Carolina, Columbia; Benedict College, Columbia, SC; and Virginia Commonwealth University. Busby lives in Chapin, SC, and as the winner of the 701 CCA Prize 2012 – was recognized as the state’s most talented artist 40 years of age or younger. Busby was selected from two dozen applicants.

Please submit further inquiries by e-mail to (director@701cca.org) or call Sheldon Paschal at 803/319-9949.

701 CCA is a non-profit visual arts center that promotes understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of contemporary art, the creative process and the role of art and artists in the community. The center also encourages interaction between visual and other art forms.

701 CCA is located at 701 Whaley Street, 2nd Floor, Columbia, SC 29201. During exhibitions, hours are Wed., 11–8; Thur.-Fri., 11-5; Sat., 9-5; Sun., 1-5.

For more information, visit (www.701cca.org).

The Lancaster Women’s Club Invites You to the 4th annual Mistletoe Market! at Covenant Baptist Church in Lancaster, SC – Nov. 15, 2014

The Lancaster Women’s Club presents an annual Mistletoe Market to raise charitable funds for non-profit organizations. This year’s proceeds will go to the Avant Garde Center for the Arts, a nonprofit organization promoting artistic opportunities and humanitarian programs throughout the community. So join us in shopping for a cause with the many featured vendors!

To be held Nov. 15, 2014, from 9am to 2pm at the Covenant Baptist Church, 165 Craig Manor Road, Lancaster, SC.

If you are interested in becoming a vendor or information regarding booth rentals for the Mistletoe Market please contact Stacey Kirkley at 803/320-0871 or e-mail to (Stacey.Kirkley@lcsdmail.com).

For general information regarding the Mistletoe Market please contact Shonda Carlton at 803/416-2332 or e-mail to (clt1shc@ups.com).

The Confederate Home and College in Charleston, SC, Offers Tour of Studios – Nov. 6, 2014

The Confederate Home and College, in Charleston, SC, is pleased to announce it’s premiere event entitled, “The Confederate Home Tour of Studios”, on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2014, from 5pm to 7pm. The tour is open to the public. Limited tickets are available; tickets are sold at $50.00 each. Wine and hor d’oeuvres will be served.

This event is a rare and exclusive opportunity to vista and experience the Confederate Home, her secretive lush gardens and the working studios of 17 successful and accomplished artists. This is a one of a kind event and all proceeds will benefit the Confederate Home and go towards helping restore and maintain this cherished and historical building.

The Confederate Home was built circa 1800 and was first the home of Governor John Geddes with special visitors such as President James Monroe. It later became the Carolina Hotel in the 1840’s and also housed the federal court up to the Civil War. In 1867, in the aftermath of the war, Ms. Mary Amarinthia Snowden and her sister, Isabella Yates Snowden, established the building as a refuge and home for Confederate widows and orphans. Later, a private library and school was founded for the education of women, and so the house became the Confederate Home and College. The home and school served thousands of women, providing economical room and board as well as scholarships to higher education. In the spirit of the Snowden sisters and their compassion, the home continues to fund 5 college scholarships, provides moderately priced housing for qualified residents and serve those in need.

Today the home has been converted into apartments, small studios and banquet and meeting rooms. The home boasts ownership to one of Charleston’s largest and most secret gardens. Tucked away in downtown Charleston, it is beautiful and hidden gem that has been used for private events and famous weddings. This studio tour will also permit a rare glimpse into the secret gardens of the Confederate Home, which are normally private and closed to the public. It will provide much needed funds for the restoration and maintenance of this historical and monumentally important building.

The tour includes the work places of a wide array and range of professional artists; photographers, painters, conservators, authors and creative Confederate Home residents. Those participating will be: West Fraser, Marion Hunter, Martha Jackson, Catherine Rogers, Sara Boyd, Steven Nicoll, Stephen Smith, Mary Ann Reames, Matt and Ted Lee (the Lee Brothers), Carol Gardner, Helen Warren, William Matalene, Josephine Humphrey, Betsy Cahill, Anne Patrick, Pam Dullum and Sally Smith.

The Confederate Home and College is located in historic downtown Charleston at 62 Broad Street and will host this unique and special event Thursday, Nov. 6, from 5 to 7:30pm. This will be a once in a lifetime chance to stroll through the studios of working artists and writers and to interact with them personally.

For more information please call 843-722-2026 or visit (http://www.confederatehomeandcollege.org/).