French Quarter District

Let Your Voice Be Heard in the People’s Choice Curated Exhibition at The Gibbes Museum

 The Gibbes Museum of Fine Art seeks to engage members of the community, inviting all to stake a personal claim in Charleston’s signature museum by voting for favorite works of art on the People’s Choice website.  People’s Choice: A Community Curated Exhibition will be on display from May 3 – September 15, 2013.

In an effort to gather a variety of voices and diverse opinions, the Gibbes Museum has invited notable people from Charleston and beyond including Mayor Joseph P. Riley, renowned chef Nathalie Dupree, and event designer extraordinaire, Tara Guérard, to share thoughts, opinions and feelings about art. They asked questions such as: Why is art important in your life? What is your first memory of art? and, why are museums important to you? The answers have been inspiring and refreshing.

Dog Days Downtown Kick-Off Party, Oct. 24th

Don't miss out on the next Dog Days Kick-Off Party! Support the Charleston Animal Society and join them at 'Cesca on Wednesday, October 24th from 5-9pm to wine, dine & save lives! 15% of all food & beverage sales will go to Toby's Fund which helps save animals like Toby who enter their doors broken but leave happy and whole. Stop by for a Pink Poodle or Salty Dog Cocktail and enjoy their Prix Fixe 3 for $30 menu as well as Happy Hour Specials. There will also be an on-site drawing for a $100 'Cesca gift card!

Stop by to learn more about Dog Days Downtown and purchase a Dog Days Downtown t-shirt ($20) to wear down King Street to raise awareness for Charleston's homeless animals.

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The Lowcountry Bistro is Going Pink for October

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Lowcountry Bistro is going PINK for October! On top of their already fabulous everyday specials throughout the month, the restaurant is donating $1 from every Watermelon Margarita sold to Breast Cancer Research. Stop by and have one today!

The Lowcountry Bistro is located at 49 South Market Street in downtown Charleston. For reservations, call 843.302.0290. 

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Opening Reception for Fashion Illustrator Lynne Riding

Join the Michael Mitchell Gallery for a one-night only reception for fashion illustrator Lynne Riding this Thursday, October 4th from 6-8pm. Lynne was commissioned regularly by Fashion Weekly to draw at London Fashion Week and has graced the pages of numerous publications including Vogue and Marie Claire. The Michael Mitchell Gallery is pleased to showcase the ever expanding world of fashion illustration that represents the latest trends of our time and captivates the greatest styles that will last forever. Complimentary wine will be served at the reception and portrait commisions may be booked during the event. 

The Michael Mitchell Gallery is located at 483 King Street in downtown Charleston.

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Artist Tom Potocki Opening Reception at The Michael Mitchell Gallery, Sept. 14th

Save the Date! Meet artist Tom Potocki at his opening reception on Friday, September 14th from 6-9pm at  The Michael Mitchell Gallery 

Tom Potocki is a truly intriguing painter from the “Rust Belt” of Pennsylvania.  Potocki’s large scale, abstract works in oil are usually subjected to other variables and mediums–like water–which add an element of unpredictability to the work, and his style has been called “refined graffiti.”  Meet him at the opening reception, and check out the rest of Michael Mitchell’s stunning offerings.

 The Michael Mitchell Gallery is located at 483 King Street in downtown Charleston.

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New Cocktails & Nightlife in Charleston at Amen Street

Nightlife in Charleston SC is in high swing during the Summer months with Amen Street Fish & Raw Bar being a very popular place to enjoy a balmy Charleston evening.  With four new cocktails and a new late night menu just rolled out, their bar just might be the coolest and the hottest place in town.

Try one of their delicious new summer cocktails:

• Cucumber Pimm’s Cocktail: Cucumber Infused Gin, Pimm’s Cup, Lemon Juice, Ginger Ale and Soda 
• Peninsula Tea: Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka, Fresh Lemon Basil, Lemon Juice and Soda
• Mexican Elder: Jose Quervo, St. Germain, Pineapple Juice and Rose Water
• Diablo Verde Cocktail: Habenero Infused Leblon, Cilantro Simple syrup, Lime Juice, Fresh Red Pepper and Chili Salt.

Don't forget to try their late night bites.These selections from their  late night menu are available on Thursday evenings after 10:00 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday after 11:00 p.m:

• Buffalo Shrimp Tacos served with Napa Slaw, Bleu Cheese Dressing
• Pork Belly Tacos served with Pickled Shallots, Napa Slaw and Candied Bacon
• Peel -N-Eat Shrimp
• BBQ Waguy Meatloaf Sandwich served on Toasted Challah, Housemade BBQ
• Shrimp Ceviche served with Mesclun and Chips
• Grouper Ceviche served with Mesclun, Chips 

 Amen Street Fish & Raw Bar is located at 205 East Bay Street in downtown Charleston.

Corrigan Gallery Partners Up With Barsa Tapas for the Palette & Palate Stroll, July 13th

 The Corrigan Gallery is thrilled to have Barsa as its partner restaurant for the ever popular fundraiser - the Palette & Palate Stroll taking place this Friday, July 13th from 5:30-7:30pm.  Stroll through historic downtown Charleston while tasting food from twelve of the finest local restaurants inside twelve prestigious art galleries. 

We cannot wait to see what lovely tastes Cole and Drazen of Barsa (and Lana's fame) bring us! Start at any of the member galleries and enjoy the tastes of Charleston. The gallery presents "Contemporary Southern Women Artists" - no shrimp boats, no palmettos, no marshes. Lynne Riding, Daphne vom Baur, Mary Walker, Kristi Ryba, Lese Corrigan, Judy Cox, Sue Simons Wallace and Lolly Koon make up the stable of contemporary females in the gallery. Although not all were raised in the South, they have certainly chosen it as their home and have been influenced at least by the sultry, perfumed air.

And they do promise you sultry. It may be a bit cooler than the last weeks but they promise hot weather to add to the ambience! Stroll from gallery to gallery at your leisure, starting wherever you wish to see the latest works and sample foods from the wonderous local restaurants. There will be cool refreshing drinks and lots of ice.

This ticketed event allows for scholarship money to be provide to local educators - the Gibbes Museum of Art, Redux Contemporary Art Center and The College of Charleston, School of the Arts, Studio Art scholarship.  Tickets are $45 and can be purchased at the Charleston Fine Arts Dealers' Association's website. 

June Sustainable Seafood Dinner at Carolina's

The June Sustainable Seafood Dinner in Charleston will be held at Carolina's Southern Bistro on Wednesday, June 20th at 6:30 pm. The five course dinner, including wine pairings, will be $65 per person (not including tax and gratuity), with a portion of the proceeds being donated to the South Carolina Aquarium in support of the Sustainable Seafood Initiative. Seating is very limited so call Carolina's Bistro today at 843-724-3800 to make reservations.

Google Partners with SCAD Museum of Art and Gibbes Museum of Art on Innovative Google Art Project

Google is pleased to announce its partnership with the SCAD Museum of Art in Savannah, Georgia, and the Gibbes Museum of Art in Charleston, South Carolina, bringing a number of the museums’ top works online with the innovative Google Art Project. The museums are the only two in the Southeastern United States to participate in the project.

The Google Art Project enables visitors to virtually explore museums, discover and view hundreds of artworks online at incredible zoom levels, and even create and share their own collection of masterpieces with a few clicks of a mouse.

Angela D. Mack, executive director and chief curator of the Gibbes Museum of Art,  noted the opportunities that the partnership provides virtual visitors. “The mission of the Gibbes Museum of Art is to preserve and promote the art of Charleston and the American South. By participating in the Google Art Project, we are able to share treasures from our unique collection with art enthusiasts around the globe.”

To view these pieces and the museums’ other works available through the Google Art Project, visit www.googleartproject.com.

"What Those Who Teach Can Do" Exhibit on Display at The Art Institute of Charleston

 The Art Institute of Charleston, a branch of The Art Institute of Atlanta, joins The Art Institutes schools across the nation in paying tribute to talented high school art and media educators in “What Those Who Teach Can Do,” an exhibition that will be on display in the college’s gallery from April 2nd through 30th.

“We’re celebrating what these educators do in our community by hosting their work in our gallery” said Rick Jerue, president of The Art Institute of Charleston. “Teachers work so hard to cultivate the skills and talents of our area’s high school students, inspiring them every day. Now we want to shine a light on their personal talents.”

More than 45 Art Institutes locations in the United States will host “What Those Who Teach Can Do.” This will mark the first time that The Art Institutes throughout the country will present gallery exhibitions highlighting the artistic work of local high school educators. “The truth is that teachers do so much, more than we see,” said President Jerue.

The Art Institute of Charleston invites the public and family, friends and students of the artists to attend the reception beginning at 5:30 p.m. on April 19, 2012, at no charge. For more information contact The Art Institute of Charleston at 866.211.0107 or by email at aicscadm@aii.edu. Educators can find out more at http://aieducators.com/.

The Art Institute of Charleston is located at 24 North Market Street, Charleston, SC 29401. 

Free Yoga Event at The City Gallery at Waterfront Park with Breathtaking View

The City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs presents Yoga at The City Gallery at Waterfront Park on Thursday, March 29th from 6-7pm. Join them for a yoga experience at one of Charleston's best views of the waterfront! Yoga Instructor Carolyn Stickler will be there guiding you through this phenomenal experience.

Yoga mats are available upon request. The event is free with a suggested donation of $5. Drop by The City Gallery at 34 Prioleau Street in downtown Charleston.

Dance the Night Away at The 4th Annual Jazz Benefit Concert to Help Upward Bound Students

The 4th Annual Jazz Benefit Concert to provide academic scholarships for Upward Bound students will be held on March 30, 2012 at the Cato Center/School of the Arts beginning at 7:00 p.m. Quiana Parler will again be the featured vocal artist surrounded by Lonnie Hamilton and other local jazz greats as you dance the night away!

Upward Bound is a pre-college program helping to meet the needs of low-income students who will be the first in their family to earn a college degree. The Upward Bound jazz concert is an innovative “self-help” endeavor. They invite you to join them in theirr work to remove barriers to higher education and to provide the financial and moral support our students need for a smooth transition to college.

The general ticket admission cost is $25.00 and a limited number of student discounted tickets are available at $10.00.

Shop Late at SEWE's King Street Stroll February 17th

Don't miss the SEWE King Street Stroll on Friday, February 17th from 5:00 -8:00 p.m. A number of merchants will stay open late for SEWE-goers, and feature SEWE artists at work on site. Libations & hors d’oeuvres will be served. This is a free event open to the public, no ticket is required.

Stop by the following stores:

• Reinert Le Prince Gallery I 179 King Street
• Roberto Coin Boutique I 200 King Street
• Savannah Bee Company I 216 King Street
• Rapport I 235 King Street
• Oxette I 258 King Street 
• Bits of Lace I 302 King Street
• Copper Penny I 311 King Street
• Hampden Clothing I 314 King Street
• Copper Penny Shooz I 317 King Street
• Bottega Brandina I 318 King Street

See these SEWE Artist at work:

Rick Reinert I David Petlowany I Larry Seymour I Al Dornisch I Carol Joy Shannon I Janeice Linden I Beverly Ford Evans I Scott Penegar I Danny O'Driscoll I  Kelly Leahy Radding

 

Chamber Music Charleston Presents "A Celebration of France" with Discount Tickets for AF Members

On Saturday, February 4th at 7:30pm, Chamber Music Charleston brings the spirit of Paris to Memminger Auditorium for the second concert of the Kuhn & Kuhn Law Firm Memminger Concert Series!

Celebrate France and enjoy the performance of music by Ravel, Chabrier and Fauré. Guests may sit at bistro tables directly in front of the stage (with complimentary wine and the option to purchase a Bistro Box) or enjoy non-reserved open seating in the comfortable seats of the theater risers.

There will be a post concert reception provided by the Alliance Francaise of Charleston. As a token of Chamber Music Charleston's appreciation, discounted tickets for the Theatre Seating area are available for Alliance members for just $15 (regular price: $25). To purchase discounted tickets, click here.

For more information, or to purchase non-Alliance member tickets & bistro boxes, click here. 

Dance the Night Away at The 4th Annual Jazz Benefit Concert to Help Upward Bound Students

The 4th Annual Jazz Benefit Concert to provide academic scholarships for Upward Bound students will be held on March 30, 2012 at the Cato Center/School of the Arts beginning at 7:00 p.m. Quiana Parler will again be the featured vocal artist surrounded by Lonnie Hamilton and other local jazz greats as you dance the night away!

Upward Bound is a pre-college program helping to meet the needs of low-income students who will be the first in their family to earn a college degree. The Upward Bound jazz concert is an innovative “self-help” endeavor. They invite you to join them in theirr work to remove barriers to higher education and to provide the financial and moral support our students need for a smooth transition to college.

The general ticket admission cost is $25.00 and a limited number of student discounted tickets are available at $10.00. For additional information and sponsorship options, please contact Leroy Lewis at 843-953-5249/lewisl@cofc.edu or Evie Nadel/Associate Dean of Students at 843-953- 3390/nadele@cofc.edu.  

Redux Presents: Ecstasy of Knowing by Keith Lemley

 Redux Contemporary Art Center is proud to present Ecstasy of Knowing by visiting artist Keith Lemley. 

Lemley is an emerging artist who has shown in major cities across the US and also abroad. He received his MFA in 2010 from the University of Wisconsin and currently resides in Iowa City, Iowa. Keith, deemed "one to watch," will be exhibiting a collection of neon light sculptures, created site-specific to Redux.

Lemley, who grew up in the "beautiful, yet polluted environment" of a "post-industrial" rural West-Virginia, developed an interest in "being part of and observing natural systems, time and the process of life and death, and an aesthetic sensibility synthesizing the organic and the machine." He focuses on materials and environments that appear quiescent, but by "reorganizing the fabric of the everyday into the unusual," he changes how the medium is perceived and understood. And to do so, he plays with the viewers systems of vision, thought, and memory.

The Artist Lecture will take place on Friday, January 27th at5:30pm with an Opening Reception from 6:00-9:00 pm.

Belgian Block Beer Walk from the Preservation Society

Join the Preservation Society of Charleston on Tuesday, January 10th from 5:30-9:00pm for their Belgian Block Beer Walk. Stroll along the city's Waterfront, where Belgian block, cobblestone, and brick pavers remain & sample craft beer along the way at local watering holes housed in historic buildings.

Cheers to preservation, adaptive use, Charleston's growing craft-beer community, and of course, Charleston's historic paving materials! This event intends advocate & inspire the restoration of other streets throughout Charleston, long covered in asphalt.

Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 the day of the event. All proceeds support Seven to Save, Preservation Society's annual outreach program that delivers intellectual and financial resources to raise awareness and support for key preservation projects in Charleston. 

What If? Productions Presents "Chesapeake" Jan. 4-7

 "Chesapeake," Lee Blessing's 1999 one-man show, is noted for addressing the public sponsorship of art and the attempts by conservative politicians to stifle government support for it. Especially those forms of expression they consider offensive.

Kyle Barnette plays Kerr, a performance artist who runs afoul of a Southern senator's re-election campaign in "Chesapeake." But there is much more to this piece- it is also an "ironic, supernatural comic odyssey," says Kyle Barnette, founding artistic director of What If? Productions and the actor who brings it all to life. "I think the play skewers both sides of the debate, making fun not just of the stodgy, supposedly religious senatorial candidate, but also of the artist who thinks everything should be acceptable, including an extreme point of view. It's a very entertaining show."

 “Chesapeake.” will be showing at 8PM Wednesday-Saturday (Jan 4th-7th) at the Threshold Repertroy Theatre at 84 1/2 Society St. It is $18 for Adults and $12 for Students. For more info call 843-853-6687 or visit brownpapertickets.com/event/207233.

*Source: Post & Courier, "Politics, the arts and a dog play one-man comic odessey"

Pottery & the Digitial Arts Come Together at the Lowcountry Artists Gallery's Show, "Art:Old and New"

 The Lowcountry Artists Gallery is featuring an intriguing show through December 31st called "Art: Old and New". The old arts are represented by Bette Mueller-Roemer’s pottery, made using the Raku technique, a technique that originated in 16th century Japan. The new arts are represented by digital artists Tom Frostig and Mark Duryee. Both artists start with an original photograph and manipulate it on the computer to create a beautiful work of art. 

Don't miss out on this show! The Lowcountry Artists Gallery is located at 148 East Bay Street in Charleston's French Quarter District.

 

South Carolina Watermedia Society's 34th Annual Exhibition on Display Through Dec. 31st

There is still time to visit the South Carolina Watermedia Society's 2011 Annual Exhibition at Charleston's City Gallery at Waterfront Park. The exhibition which displays the top 30 paintings from the show is on display through December 31st.

Stop by the exhibition to see works by local artists Carolyn Epperly, Patsy Tidwell, and Jackie Wukela, all of whom won awards in the South Carolina Watermedia Society's annual competition held in November. You can also see works by these artists in the  Lowcountry Artists Gallery at 148 East Bay Street in Charleston's French Quarter District.