It's hard to imagine a more culturally alive city than Charleston, S.C. For centuries, the city has produced, nurtured, and encouraged artists of all disciplines…its magnificent architecture, natural beauty, moderate climate and colorful people providing infinite inspiration to artists and art lovers, alike.
The Performing Arts
The city's love and passion for the performing arts dates back to 1731, when Charleston hosted the first concert series held in the New World. For the two and a half centuries since, the city continued to embrace and nurture the arts, passing along this passion from generation to generation. Today, the tradition continues, with a full schedule of dance, music and theater offerings, tempting and enriching residents and visitors year-round.
One glance at the area's overflowing arts calendar reveals a veritable feast of Broadway shows, symphony orchestra concerts, dance company performances and even Charleston's own internationally renowned arts festival.
Held every spring, the Spoleto Festival USA has been an integral part of the area's cultural fabric since 1977 when Pulitzer-prize winning composer, Gian Carlo Menotti selected Charleston as the American counterpart to his Festival dei Due Mondi held annually in Spoleto, Italy. Spoleto features over 120 performances of opera, dance, music and theater in venues throughout historic Charleston. Piccolo Spoleto, Charleston's home-grown counterpart to Spoleto Festival USA, draws attention to the many artists, and artisans from throughout the Southeast. With over 500 Piccolo Spoleto performances and events happening simultaneously with Spoleto's rich schedule, the Charleston area literally explodes with arts and cultural activities for 17 glorious days and nights each year.
In the fall, the City of Charleston sponsors the MOJA Arts Festival, a multi-disciplinary event produced and directed by the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs. MOJA, a Swahili word meaning "one," is the appropriate name for this celebration of harmony amongst all people in the community. The festival highlights the many African-American and Caribbean contributions to western and world cultures. Events include visual arts, classical music, dance, gospel concerts, jazz concerts, poetry, R&B concerts, storytelling, theater, children's activities, traditional crafts, ethnic food and much more.
Those seeking great music need to look no further than the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, the largest year-round performing arts organization in South Carolina. With an annual operating budget of about $2 million and 45 full-time musicians, the Orchestra brings guest artists of the highest international distinction to Charleston every year. The Orchestra's major concert series—S Masterworks, Sotille Chamber Orchestra Series, The Charleston Pops and Small Fry's—offer extensive and varied programs for each music season.
The Charleston Concert Association also brings a thrilling schedule of extraordinary musical performances to Charleston each year. Last season included a splendid parade of international artists from Shanghai, London, Buenos Aires, Budapest, San Francisco and New York.
Heading the list of must-sees for the theater lover is Charleston's beloved Dock Street Theatre. Located on the site of the first building in America designed for the sole purpose of theatrical performances, the Dock Street Theatre is home to the Charleston Stage Company, which offers world-class entertainment for adults and young people, alike. Now operated by the City of Charleston, the Dock Street Theatre is also used by many other of the area's fine cultural institutions.
Not to be outdone by its fellow arts organizations, the Charleston Ballet Theatre and Robert Ivey Ballet have also developed a loyal group of followers. With performances in various locations throughout the Lowcountry, the Charleston Ballet Theatre offers an ambitions program each season. While the Robert Ivey Ballet Company, an all-volunteer troupe, appeals to all age groups with its classical ballet programs and shows designed for school-aged children.
In the grand tradition of embracing the arts community, Charleston moves into the twenty-first century posed to enrich future generations through dance, music and theater.
The Visual Arts
Charleston is a veritable paradise for art lovers. The city's historic district is the perfect backdrop for showcasing the treasures of the area's rich past, as well as the talents of artists and artisans of today.
Built in 1905, the Gibbes Museum of Art represents a long and impressive tradition of cultural leadership in historic Charleston. As Charleston's only art museum, the Gibbes maintains approximately 10,000 objects that directly support its mission to collect, conserve and interpret an American fine arts collection with a distinct Charleston point of view.
The various collections include objects that reflect the patronage of the area. Among the most valuable works at the Gibbes are 18th-, 19th- and early 20th-century paintings; works on paper, such as prints, drawings, watercolors and photographs; miniature portraits; and sculptures. The objects in each medium serve to reinforce the history of Charleston as a key colonial and antebellum city, as well as a popular tourist destination today.
While the art community is woven into the city's culture, the last decade seems to mark a new era for the visual arts in the area. This "coming of age" began when the spotlight fell on the city as a paradise for visitors. Once the "best kept secret in the South," Charleston has emerged as one of the top 10 tourist destinations in the Southeast. With this surge in tourism, fresh eyes began to fall on the works of some of Charleston's own great masters and emerging talents. Among the visitors who came were other artists from across the nation, who were lured by the city's charm and the cohesive and supportive environment afforded the local artists. Slowly the art community began to grow in numbers and in visibility.
Carolina Fine Paintings and Prints, which opened in 1963, is Charleston's oldest art gallery. More than 25 years later, the Wells Gallery opened its doors. With two successful galleries operating, the time seemed right for others to test the waters. They did, and the art community bloomed. Today, the art galleries that line the streets of historic Charleston, particularly in the French Quarter, are a testament to the city's continued committed to the visual arts.
Art Happenings
In 1999, Charleston Fine Art Dealers' Association (CFADA) was founded by gallery owners and artists dedicated to developing the Charleston market into a fine art destination. Each CFADA member gallery has established itself as a knowledgeable fine art dealer and maintains the highest level of professionalism. Additionally, all CFADA members are committed to contributing to the cultural life of the Charleston community by hosting worthwhile exhibitions and sharing their expertise through informative catalogues and other publications.
Charleston Fine Art Annual
CFADA strives to encourage recognition of Charleston on a national level as a source of diverse, exciting fine art through its sponsorship of the Charleston Fine Art Annual, held the first weekend each November. During the event, member galleries host special exhibits and shows. One event highlight is an exciting plein-air competition in Washington Park featuring regionally and nationally known artists from participating CFADA galleries. The paintings from the day's work are sold during the Gala Event and Silent Auction, with proceeds going to purchase much needed art supplies for nine area high schools. The weekend concludes with a special Art Collectors' Brunch. For information and dates please visit www.cfada.com.
The Palate/Palette Benefit
In July 2006, CFADA presented the first Palate/Palette Benefit, an evening dedicated to fine art, cuisine and wine. Beginning at any of the 14 CFADA galleries, attendees strolled through the historic streets of downtown Charleston, delighting their senses in Charleston's charms and enjoying an array of breathtaking art created by nationally and internationally renowned artists at the city's most prominent galleries, and indulging in fine cuisine prepared by Charleston's circle of prestigious chefs. Because the Palate/Palette Benefit presented the prefect blend of Charleston's art and culinary worlds, it is expected to become an annual favorite. For information and dates please visit www.cfada.com.
Winter Art Show Weekend
In conjunction with the CFADA and Art & Antiques magazine, The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort hosts the Annual CFADA Winter Art Show. Along with a stunning selection of art from 30 renowned artists, receptions and Charleston gallery tours, guests can enjoy The Sanctuary's spectacular oceanfront location. For a listing of events and details on packages, visit www.thesanctuary.com/packages/art_antiques.
French Quarter Art Walks
The CFADA member galleries located in Charleston's historic French Quarter participate in the quarterly French Quarter Art Walks. Sponsored by the French Quarter Gallery Association, these popular walks encourage art lovers to stroll the cobbled streets and gas-lit alleyways to discover the works of well over 500 artists representing a diverse variety of styles and mediums, from traditional to contemporary. The walks are held seasonally from 5 to 8 p.m. the first Friday in March, May, October and December. The French Quarter is located within the original walled city of Charleston between South Market and Tradd streets, and Meeting Street and the waterfront located just past East Bay Street. For more information, please contact Sharla Helms at the Gibbes Museum of Art at (843) 722-2706, Ext. 18.
For a guide to Arts and Antiques shopping in Charleston, click here.
Livingston Antiques is one of the largest purveyors of fine antiques in the southeastern United States. We offer a select inventory of antique furniture, decorative items and fine art from around the world. A Lowcountry tradition since 1969, Livingston offers fine European antiques at two convenient locations.
USA Today mentioned Bocci's as one of the leading Italian restaurants in the United States. Bocci's is ably managed by Kelly Cooper who sees that the young attractive staff knows exactly what they're talking about when they describe the excellent menu as well as nightly specials and ensures that the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly.
Julia Santen Gallery provides a glimpse of European advertising at the turn of the 20th Century. Covering the walls of the gallery are large splashes of color inviting you to the Moulin Rouge, offering you champagne and brashly selling you cigarette papers. The gallery’s selection includes the Belle Epoch, Art Nouveau, art Deco and contemporary periods.
It's hard to imagine a more culturally alive city than Charleston, S.C. For centuries, the city has produced, nurtured, and encouraged artists of all disciplines…its magnificent architecture, natural beauty, moderate climate and colorful people providing infinite inspiration to artists and art lovers, alike.
Held every spring, the Spoleto Festival USA has been an integral part of the area's cultural fabric since 1977 when Pulitzer-prize winning composer, Gian Carlo Menotti selected Charleston as the American counterpart to his Festival dei Due Mondi held annually in Spoleto, Italy. Spoleto features over 120 performances of opera, dance, music and theater in venues throughout historic Charleston. Piccolo Spoleto, Charleston's home-grown counterpart to Spoleto Festival USA, draws attention to the many artists, and artisans from throughout the Southeast. With over 500 Piccolo Spoleto performances and events happening simultaneously with Spoleto's rich schedule, the Charleston area literally explodes with arts and cultural activities for 17 glorious days and nights each year.
Heading the list of must-sees for the theater lover is Charleston's beloved Dock Street Theatre. Located on the site of the first building in America designed for the sole purpose of theatrical performances, the Dock Street Theatre is home to the Charleston Stage Company, which offers world-class entertainment for adults and young people, alike. Now operated by the City of Charleston, the Dock Street Theatre is also used by many other of the area's fine cultural institutions.
Built in 1905, the Gibbes Museum of Art represents a long and impressive tradition of cultural leadership in historic Charleston. As Charleston's only art museum, the Gibbes maintains approximately 10,000 objects that directly support its mission to collect, conserve and interpret an American fine arts collection with a distinct Charleston point of view.
Art Happenings
Livingston Antiques is one of the largest purveyors of fine antiques in the southeastern United States. We offer a select inventory of antique furniture, decorative items and fine art from around the world. A Lowcountry tradition since 1969, Livingston offers fine European antiques at two convenient locations.
USA Today mentioned Bocci's as one of the leading Italian restaurants in the United States. Bocci's is ably managed by Kelly Cooper who sees that the young attractive staff knows exactly what they're talking about when they describe the excellent menu as well as nightly specials and ensures that the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly.
Julia Santen Gallery provides a glimpse of European advertising at the turn of the 20th Century. Covering the walls of the gallery are large splashes of color inviting you to the Moulin Rouge, offering you champagne and brashly selling you cigarette papers. The gallery’s selection includes the Belle Epoch, Art Nouveau, art Deco and contemporary periods.
