Fun-Raisers | Center Stage | Cultural Affairs | Outward Bound

 

Cultural Affairs

Visual Arts, Literary, & Enlightening Events

"The Sun Machine"

Experience a contemporary exhibit where two young artists aren’t

afraid of painting outside the lines

 

 

Matt Phillips and Josef Kristofoletti’s eclectic artwork just might strike a chord with artists and musicians alike. The exhibit, “The Sun Machine is Coming Down,” is inspired by David Bowie’s “Memory of a Free Festival,” referencing the song’s final refrain “the sun machine is coming down and we’re going to have a party.”
Seth Curcio, the curator at Redux, came across this party of two at the Boston Young Contemporary Show and merges their pieces to showcase what Phillips describes as a “notion of collaboration.” Though their works differ, both artists are interested in the idea of accessibility, object, and illusion. Kristofoletti,a member of Transit Antenna, will create a temporary mural on the exterior walls of Redux, illustrating his

interest in the CERN Accelerator, the world’s largest particle physics laboratory for nuclear research. Phillips, a painting and drawing professor at Hampshire College, shows interest in geometry and pattern with his pieces. He merges quilting and sewing with oil paintings, “which has the potential to mimic a vast sky of constellations, a molecular structure, or a family quilt,” says the artist. Take a piece of the experience home during the exhibit’s closing party, when each guest is given a special-edition signed catalog of the show and a DVD featuring a time-lapse video of Kristofoletti’s project.

 

 —Denise Dicks

Redux Contemporary Art Center, 136 St. Philip St. Dates & times vary. Free. (843)722-0697,
www.reduxstudios.org

THROUGH DECEMBER 5
“Mend: Love, Live, & Loss”
This exhibition explores the idea of mending
ourselves after being broken from an illness, heartbreak, or grief over a lost loved one. The ten artists in this show probe the dualities of strength and fragility, hope and despair, and joy and grief. All works contain a piece of fiber—hair, yarn, or thread—which serves as the central metaphor, mending back together the human soul. Along the way, the fiber transforms from fragile to durable. Halsey institute of Contemporary Art, 54 St. Phillip St. Monday-Saturday, 11am-4pm. Free. (843)953-5680, www.cofc.edu/halseygallery

 

NOVEMBER 6-7
500th Anniversary Celebration of Palladio’s Birth
Drayton Hall hosts an exciting two-day event
celebrating the 500th anniversary of the birth of renowned 16th-century architect Andrea Palladio, whose work influenced the design of Drayton Hall. The celebration starts with a lecture by preservation architect and Palladio scholar Alexandra di Valmarana at the American Theater, followed by a tour of Drayton Hall, where revelers view a collection of never-before-seen Drayton-owned Palladian architectural drawings. Stick around for adult libations and an outdoor luncheon. American Theater, 446 King St. Thursday, 6-7:30pm. Free. Drayton Hall, 3380 Ashley River Rd. Friday, 11am-2pm. $75. (843)769-2612, www.draytonhall.org

 

NOVEMBER 6
“Native American Gourds:

Hands on History Workshop”
Local storyteller and musician Hawk Hurst gets crafty as he conducts this workshop on the art of Native American gourds. Hawk educates children on the uses of gourds while helping them create a gourd maraca. The workshop is part of a new series in which children are invited to interact with history. Each class features a local artisan and a specialized tour of museum collections. Reservations required. The Charleston Museum, 360 Meeting St. Thursday, 3:30-5:30pm. $12; $10 member. (843)722-2996, www.charlestonmuseum.org

 

NOVEMBER 7 & 21
“Grass Roots: African Origins of an American Art”
Local scholars and cultural critics approach the
exhibition “Grass Roots: African Origins of an American Art” from varying perspectives. The featured exhibit tells the story of the beautiful coiled basket, more commonly known as the sweetgrass basket, and investigates its origins in Africa. The exhibit also focuses on the contribution of the African people and culture to American life. Fath Davis Ruffins of the Smithsonian Institution hosts the first lecture, while the second lecture is presented by Dr. Dale Rosengarten, the exhibition’s cocurator. Gibbes Museum of Art, 135 Meeting St. Friday, 1pm. $9; $7 senior/student/military; $5 child ages six-12. (843)722-2706, www.gibbesmuseum.org

 

NOVEMBER 7-8

Tenth Fine Art Annual

This fall, the Charleston Fine Art Dealers’ Association (CFADA) rolls out the red carpet for avid art collectors and nationally renowned artists in celebration of its Tenth Fine Art Annual.  As Charleston’s exclusive weekend dedicated to the visual arts, the Fine Art Annual features more than 25 leading artists from around the nation who will exhibit and sell their artwork at CFADA member galleries. The event takes place on November 7-8, 2008.  Proceeds will benefit Charleston County High Schools’ fine art programs.

 

For more information on CFADA, please visit www.cfada.com and for ticket reservations call 843-722-2172.

 

NOVEMBER 8,15, 22, & 29
Art Discovery Walking Tours
Join Historic Charleston Walks on a journey through the city’s historic, legendary art scene. Learn how art blossomed, only to collapse during the Civil War. Hear how artisans and residents alike contributed to its
revival in the 1920s. The tour guide also provides
participants with vignettes about the city’s most beloved visual artists and writers—past and present—such as DuBose Heyward, Alfred Hutty, and Alice Ravenel Huger Smith, followed by selected readings from poetry and fiction created in the Holy City. Historic Charleston Walks, 45 S. Market St. Saturday, 10:30am. $20. (843)577-3800, www.charlestonwalks.com/gibbes.html

 

NOVEMBER 8
Celebrate South Carolina: Family Fun
Sample local tea, master the art of shag dancing, and listen to factoids about the beautiful state of South Carolina during this event featuring crafts and activities such as dance lessons and local insect and animal exhibitions. This event is part of a monthly series dedicated to providing an educational yet exciting experience for folks of all ages. The Charleston Museum, 260 Meeting St. Saturday, 10am-noon. $10; $5 ages 4-12; free for child under 3/member. (843)722-2996, www.charlestonmuseum.org

 

NOVEMBER 8
Symphony Island House Tour & Music Festival
Musicians from the Charleston Symphony Orchestra fill six private homes with beautiful harmonies as on Kiawah Island. Start your day with a morning performance by the Youth Orchestra of the Lowcountry at Freshfields Village, as well as an evening concert performed by the Charleston Symphony Orchestra at The Sanctuary. Freshfields Village, 390 Freshfields Dr. Saturday, 10am-4pm. The Sanctuary, One Sanctuary Beach Dr., John’s Island. Saturday, 5pm. $45, $40 advance. www.csolinc.org

 

NOVEMBER 9, 16, 23, & 30
Plantation Days at Middleton Place
Craftworkers demonstrate skills practiced by the slaves who harvested on Middleton Place plantation during the 18th and 19th centuries. A different aspect of antebellum life is highlighted each week, such as domestic skills, African-American traditional arts, Lowcountry foodways, plantation rhythms, and the plantation’s natural environment. Middleton Place, 4300 Ashley River Rd. Saturday, 10am-4pm. $25; $5 ages seven-15; free for child under six. (843)556-6020, www.middletonplace.org

THROUGH NOVEMBER 30
Dale Chihuly: “Seaforms"

Does nature imitate art, or vice versa? Oscar Wilde may have popularized this debate, but Dale Chihuly: “Seaforms” makes you consider the question in a whole new light. The 35 glassworks and preliminary sketches recall a variety of sea creatures and shells through colorful, undulating forms, yet the pieces retain their integrity. Chihuly’s pieces are in more than 225 museum collections worldwide, from MoMA to the Louvre. Columbia Museum of Art, corner of Main & Hampton sts., Columbia. Wednesday, Thursday, & Saturday, 10am-5pm; Friday, 10am-9pm; Sunday, 1-5pm. $5; $2 student; free for child under six/member. (803)799-2810, www.columbiamuseum.org

 

NOVEMBER 10, 12, 17, &19
Kid’s Fashion Illustration
Redux understands that even children can be budding fashionistas. Enroll your future Donna Karan
or Marc Jacobs in an introductory fashion design class. Under the instruction of Heather Koonse, children will learn how to create silhouettes, textures, and feeling, while also learning about proportions of the human body. All materials included. Redux Contemporary Art Center, 135 St. Philip St. Monday & Wednesday, 4:30-6:30pm. $140 non-member; $112 member. (843)722-0697, www.reduxstudios.org

 

NOVEMBER 10 & 17
Making Art From Nature
Taught by Michelle Rose, this class teaches students to use various tools in order to create art from
natural objects such as wooden beads and vine wreaths. In addition, the classes emphasize how to incorporate natural resources into visual art pieces using mixed media. All materials included. The Olde North Charleston Meeting Place, 1077 East Montague Ave., North Charleston. Monday, 6:30-8pm. $20 per class. (843)745-1087, www.northcharleston.org

 

NOVEMBER 11
Revolutionary War Lecture: “Why They Fought”
To commemorate the 225th anniversary of the Treaty of Paris, which called for the end of the Revolutionary War, The Charleston Museum hosts a three-part lecture series discussing the effects of the war on Charleston and South Carolina. Presented by Revolutionary War historian and museum assistant director Carl Borick is the final installment, “Why They Fought,” appropriately taking place on Veterans Day. Borick looks at common soldiers of theRevolutionary War, delving into their lives and
experiences while investigating their motives behind duty served in the American forces. The Charleston Museum, 360 Meeting St. Tuesday, 7pm. Free. (843)722-2996, www.charlestonmuseum.org

 

NOVEMBER 13-15 & 21-23
Charleston’s Holiday Market
Pick up holiday gifts for family and friends—young and old—at Charleston’s Holiday Market. This Christmas extravaganza kicks off the season with specialty gift stores, fashion jewelry, clothing, gourmet foods, decorations and ideas, home accessories and décor, food and wine sampling, arts and crafts, and, of course, a visit from Santa. North Charleston Coliseum Convention Center, 5001 Coliseum Dr., North Charleston. Friday, 10am-9pm; Saturday, 10am-6pm; Sunday, 11am-5pm. $7; $1 ages six-12; free for child under six. (339)282-5550, www.gilmoreshows.com

 

NOVEMBER 15
History Girl Party: 1764
Journey back to 1764 with your daughter and experience life through the eyes of a young native girl of the Nez Perce tribe. Girls are welcome to bring dolls to the event, as well as dress up in costume. Reservations required. The Charleston Museum, 360 Meeting St. Saturday, 10am-noon. $12; $10 member. (843)722-2996, www.charlestonmuseum.org

 

NOVEMBER 15-29
“Tyler/Ishmael”
This new show highlights the works of two local
contemporary painters. Blanton is revered for bold and progressive paintings that depict political themes and imagery; Ishmael’s pieces are edgy and experimental. This show features interactive murals and installations. Appointment only. Warehouse Gallery, Eye Level Art, 2143 Heriot St., Suite F. (843)425-3576, www.eyelevelart.com

 

NOVEMBER 16
Sundays at Johns
John’s Island Presbyterian Church features visiting singer and pianist Kelvin Chan and Jennifer McGuire in “American Portraits.” The duo performs pieces by Barber, Copland, Ives, Hoiby, and more. Chan has
credits from the Cincinnati Opera, Opera Theatre in Cambridge, MA, and McGuire is currently staff accompanist at Vanderbilt University and the Nashville Symphony Chorus. John’s Island Presbyterian Church, 2550 Bohicket Rd., John’s Island. Sunday, 3pm. Free. (843)559-9380, www.jipc.org

 

DECEMBER 6
CSO Gospel Christmas
The CSO Gospel Choir, now under new leadership of music director Sandra Barnhart and guest
conductor Vincent L. Danner, ring in the season with their ninth annual CSO Gospel Christmas in
collaboration with the Charleston Symphony
Orchestra. The choir will perform traditional songs including “The Twelve Days of Christmas” and
“God Bless the Child.” Gaillard Auditorium, 77
Calhoun St. Saturday, 8pm. $30. (843)554-6060,
www.charlestonsymphony.com