Celebrate the Arts in Charleston

It’s hard to imagine a more culturally alive city than Charleston. For centuries, the city has produced, nurtured and encouraged artists of all disciplines. Its magnificent architecture, natural beauty, moderate climate and colorful people provide infinite inspiration to artists and art lovers alike.

Mark your calendar for these arts-related events.

The Sound of Charleston
Come experience the three centuries of music that defines historic Charleston. The Sound of Charleston, a series of 75-minute live concerts staged at Circular Congregational Church, invites visitors on a journey through Charleston’s rich musical heritage, from gospel to Gershwin. For ticket information call 843-270-4903 or visit soundofcharleston.com.     

Charleston Goes Wild!
Each February, Charleston goes wild at the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, the largest wildlife art and nature event in the nation. With a variety of events happening at venues across downtown Charleston, the Expo is best known as a showcase for original paintings, carvings and sculptures by some of the most gifted artists in the wildlife art genre. For tickets call 843-723-1748 or visit sewe.com.

Majesty on Display
Each spring, from mid-March to mid-April, the Historic Charleston Foundation provides a rare opportunity for guests to go inside the private houses and gardens of some of America’s most beautiful historic residences during the Spring Festival of Houses and Gardens. Set amid the historic ambience of the city’s Old & Historic District, this series of award-winning tours showcases Charleston’s distinctive architecture, history, gardens and culture. Call 843-722-3405 or visit historiccharleston.org for tickets.

Everything Old
Inspired by the rich historical, architectural and cultural heritage of Charleston, the Charleston International Antiques Show, held annually in March, has established itself as a premier destination for seasoned antique collectors and those who enjoy learning about the decorative arts. The Charleston International Antiques Show is part of Antiques Week in Charleston. Information is available by calling 843-722-3405 or visiting historiccharleston.org.

Flowers and More
Every April, more than 200 artists and crafters from all over the country display their works in Summerville’s beautiful Azalea Park during the Flowertown Festival. This three-day event also includes live entertainment, a Children’s Jubilee and a tennis tournament. Fabulous festival foods tempt your taste buds to give you a “taste” of Summerville and the Lowcountry area of South Carolina. Call 843-871-9622 or visit summervilleymca.org/flowertown for details.

Plus d'art, s'il vous plaît
On special art weekends in May, October and December, from 5 to 8 p.m., visitors are invited to stroll along the cobblestone streets and gas-lit alleyways of downtown Charleston to discover the works of more than 500 artists representing a diverse variety of styles and media, from traditional to contemporary. For more information about the French Quarter Art Walks, please call 843-577-7100 or visit frenchquarterarts.com.

Outdoor Art
Celebrating the arts through sculpture has become the trademark of Sculpture in the South. Held the second weekend of May in Summerville’s beautiful Azalea Park, this annual exhibition and sale features more than 20 sculptors juried from across the country, many with national and international recognition and awards, and plenty of children’s activities. Information is available by calling 843-851-7800 or online at sculptureinthesouth.com.

International Arts Festival
For 17 days and nights each spring, Spoleto Festival USA fills Charleston’s historic theaters, churches and outdoor spaces with more than 140 performances by renowned artists, as well as emerging performers in opera, theater, dance, and chamber, symphonic, choral and jazz music. Spoleto Festival USA is internationally recognized as America’s premier performing arts festival. For an events schedule call 843-579-3100 or visit spoletousa.org.

The Local Touch
Piccolo Spoleto events showcase the talented young artists and performers from South Carolina and across the Southeast against the backdrop of the internationally acclaimed Spoleto Festival USA. Call 843-724-7305 or check events online at piccolospoleto.com.

Celebrate the Sea
Charleston Harbor Fest is a true harbor-wide celebration of the sea. Attracting visitors and locals alike, this event is family-friendly and loads of fun for all ages. From the classic beauty of sailing ships, wooden boats and pirates giving their best “argh” to the interactive educational exhibits, Charleston Harbor Fest offers an array of activities. For a schedule call 843-722-1030 or go online to charlestonmaritimefestival.com.

Eat and Behold
Presented by the Charleston Fine Art Dealers’ Association, the annual Palette & Palate Stroll is an evening dedicated to fine art, cuisine and wine. In mid-July, art connoisseurs stroll through the historic streets of downtown Charleston enjoying an array of breathtaking art at the city’s most prominent galleries, and indulging in fine cuisine prepared by Charleston’s circle of prestigious chefs. Information is available at charlestonfineart
dealersassociation.com.

Harmony Among All People
The MOJA Arts Festival highlights the many African-American and Caribbean contributions to western and world cultures. Held annually each fall, MOJA’s events include visual arts, classical music, dance, poetry, storytelling, theater and jazz, gospel and R&B concerts. Call 843-724-7305 or visit mojafestival.com for tickets.

Candlelit Tours
Hosted by the Preservation Society of Charleston, the Fall Candlelight Tour of Homes and Gardens feature beautifully appointed gardens and architecturally significant homes, churches and public buildings from the early Georgian Period to the 20th century. For tickets, go to preservationsociety.org.

Mingle with Artists
As Charleston’s premier weekend dedicated to the visual arts, the Charleston Fine Art Annual features more than 20 leading artists, exhibiting at Charleston Fine Art Dealers’ Association member galleries and painting in Washington Park. The most important fine visual arts’ festival in Charleston, the event gives visitors a unique opportunity to mingle with renowned artists in the most charming historic district on the East Coast. For ticket information, visit charlestonfineartdealersassociation.com.

View our guide to Arts and Antiques shopping in Charleston.

Bocci's Italian Restaurant Bocci's - a great Italian restaurant in historic downtown Charleston on Church Street. USA Today has called Bocci's one of the leading Italian restaurants in the United States. Bocci's serves full Italian fare, excellent wines, heavenly desserts and gourmet coffees all at affordable prices. Perfect for the whole family. Dinner nightly.

Julia Santen Gallery Original vintage poster art. 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, Monaco Grand Prix, films, exotic locations and more. Belle Epoch, Art Nouveau, Art Deco and contemporary periods.

Hagan Fine Art Gallery & Studio Karen Hewitt Hagan’s paintings offer a compelling combination of dramatic light and rugged beauty. Favorite subjects include pristine coastal landscapes, boats drenched in sunlight, soulful dancers and romantic nudes. Visit Hagan Fine Art Gallery & Studio on State Street. Private shopping by appointment.