The arts have long been an important part of Charleston's rich culture. For centuries, the city has produced, nurtured, and encouraged artists of all disciplines. The city's magnificent architecture, natural beauty, and colorful people provide an infinite source of creative inspiration. As Charleston began capturing the national spotlight as a visitor destination more than two decades ago, the visual arts community emerged as a shining star in the tourist industry, attracting a growing number of upscale visitors eager to experience the city's complex and dynamic visual arts scene.
As a result, a number of gallery owners and artists who shared a common vision for establishing the Charleston market as a fine art destination banded together to form the Charleston Fine Art Dealers' Association (CFADA) in 1999. 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 its sponsorship of the Charleston Fine Art Annual, a weekend-long visual arts celebration, CFADA strives to encourage recognition of Charleston on a national level as a source of diverse, exciting fine art. Held the first full weekend of November, the Fine Art Annual features nationally renowned artists, whose works are showcased exclusively in CFADA member galleries in historic downtown Charleston. The weekend event also includes receptions at each of the CFADA galleries, the popular plein air paining demonstration in Washington Park, and a Silent Auction. CFADA members strongly support local art by donating proceeds from the Fine Art Annual to Charleston County High School Fine Art Programs.
"Charleston is now one of the nation's top arts destinations," says CFADA President Helena Fox. "The Charleston Fine Art Dealers Association's Fine Art Annual is a showcase of the city's visual arts world, featuring a spectrum of arts by some of the nation's most prominent artists."
Charleston Fine Art Dealers' Association (CFADA)
Join the CFADA on the second Friday of July each year for the annual Palette & Palate Stroll. A delightful evening of fine art, food and wine. Connoisseurs stroll the streets of historic Charleston, delighting their senses in Charleston's charms. Galleries open their doors to collectors and those stopping by to admire art by national and internationally renowned artists in Charleston's most prominent galleries. Charleston's prestigious chefs prepare sumptuous cuisine for those attending.
The event benefits visual arts scholarships and begins at 5:30pm. The cost is approximately $40 per person. Reservations are highly recommended.
CFADA Galleries include: Ann Long Fine Art
The Audubon Gallery
Carolina Galleries
The Charleston Renaissance Gallery
Coleman Fine Art
Corrigan Gallery
Ella Walton Richardson Fine Art Gallery
Helena Fox Fine Art
Horton Hayes Fine Art
John Carroll Doyle Art Gallery
Martin Gallery Robert Lange Studios
Smith-Killian Fine Art
The Sylvan Gallery
Wells Gallery
For more information about CFADA galleries and events, please visit www.cfada.com.
For a guide to Arts and Antiques shopping in Charleston, click here.
Bocci's - a great Italian restaurant in historic downtown Charleston. USA Today has called Bocci's 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.
Spring Island - It was the first of its kind. It is the last of its kind. A 3,000-acre maritime forest surrounded by 3,500 acres of pristine marsh, tidal creeks and A-Class rivers, 33 fresh water and salt water fishing ponds. All this for fewer than 400 families. A 1,200-acre nature preserve sets the tone for the life here, on one of the most spectacular islands on the waterways between Savannah and Charleston.
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, offering you champagne and brashly selling you cigarette papers. The gallery’s selection includes the Belle Epoch, Art Nouveau, art Deco and contemporary periods.
The arts have long been an important part of Charleston's rich culture. For centuries, the city has produced, nurtured, and encouraged artists of all disciplines. The city's magnificent architecture, natural beauty, and colorful people provide an infinite source of creative inspiration. As Charleston began capturing the national spotlight as a visitor destination more than two decades ago, the visual arts community emerged as a shining star in the tourist industry, attracting a growing number of upscale visitors eager to experience the city's complex and dynamic visual arts scene.
Ann Long Fine Art
Robert Lange Studios
Bocci's - a great Italian restaurant in historic downtown Charleston. USA Today has called Bocci's 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.
Spring Island - It was the first of its kind. It is the last of its kind. A 3,000-acre maritime forest surrounded by 3,500 acres of pristine marsh, tidal creeks and A-Class rivers, 33 fresh water and salt water fishing ponds. All this for fewer than 400 families. A 1,200-acre nature preserve sets the tone for the life here, on one of the most spectacular islands on the waterways between Savannah and Charleston. 
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, offering you champagne and brashly selling you cigarette papers. The gallery’s selection includes the Belle Epoch, Art Nouveau, art Deco and contemporary periods.
