One of the south's most popular international events, Sculpture in the South takes place each year in May, at Summerville's beautiful Azalea Park. The 2010 event will marked the 12th year for the exhibition and sale which features more than 35 sculptors juried from across the country. Many of the artists participating have earned national and international recognition and awards (including sculpture in the permanent collection of Buckingham Palace).
One of the reasons for the event's popularity is the up-close-and-personal contact with the event's top sculptors. All of the sculptors are on site all weekend, to chat with visitors and discuss their inspirations for their work. You'll have the opportunity to watch the artists working, demonstrating their unique processes and techniques for sculpting. You'll find sculpture with a broad range of subjects from cowboys to confederate generals, ballet dancers to mythical characters, abstract forms to exotic animals.
Sculpture in the South was created to promote sculpture through education and through the creation of a permanent sculpture collection that enhances Summerville, South Carolina's public spaces. Since 1999, proceeds from the event have enabled Summerville to purchase and install 18 pieces of bronze sculpture. Those include "Toby" the retriever near the park bench, the baseball field's "Dreamin' of the Big Game," "The Garden" at Town Square, "Everyday Heroes," at Town Hall and the latest installation, "Free Ride" the life-size hippo in the pond at Shepard Park.
In addition to fine works of art, interaction with renown artists, great food and shopping abound in Summerville!
"Free Ride" is a life-size hippo sculpture protruding above the surface of the pond, with a bird perched on the hippo's backside. The bird is a Purple Gallinule, native to both the southeast U.S. and to southern Africa. Shepard Park, located at the intersection of Parkwood Drive and Simmons Avenue, includes a small tot lot, gazebo, and a walking trail with a small bridge crossing the pond. "Free Ride" will be visible throughout the park and by joggers and drivers on Parkwood. "Free Ride" is the creation of artist Paul Rhymer, who became a sculptor through his work as a taxidermist and model maker at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History. Rhymer has participated since 2002 at the annual Sculpture in the South show in Azalea Park.
Peninsula Grill has been likened to the cosmopolitan supper clubs of the first half of the 20th century. Haute cuisine and high spirits. Steaks and chops, fish and oysters, champagne and lobster. And proper cocktails, served with style each evening by chef/partner Robert Carter and staff. The atmosphere is sophisticated and clubby, not formal. One of only two Mobil four-star restaurants in the state. At Planters Inn...stay for the night.
Hyman's Seafood is a must. Located in historic Charleston. Fresh local seafood, award winning She Crab Soup, great wine at supermarket prices and fast friendly service. NY Times: "Great Southern cuisine with impeccable service." Travel and Leisure: "One of the more fascinating eating establishments in our trip through the Southeast." Serving Charleston for over 115 years with a fresh oyster bar, fun, casual atmosphere and huge portions.
Tour Charleston Harbor on The Schooner Pride, a classic 84 foot tall ship. Considered one of the top five things to do in Charleston. Escape the crowded streets and heat of downtown Charleston for an exhilarating sails or romantic sunset sail. Take in the Holy City the way it was meant to be seen, from the peaceful waters of Charleston Harbor. Mingle with dolphins, pelicans and gulls. Two hour tours, daily.
One of the south's most popular international events, Sculpture in the South takes place each year in May, at Summerville's beautiful Azalea Park. The 2010 event will marked the 12th year for the exhibition and sale which features more than 35 sculptors juried from across the country. Many of the artists participating have earned national and international recognition and awards (including sculpture in the permanent collection of Buckingham Palace). 
"Free Ride" is a life-size hippo sculpture protruding above the surface of the pond, with a bird perched on the hippo's backside. The bird is a Purple Gallinule, native to both the southeast U.S. and to southern Africa. Shepard Park, located at the intersection of Parkwood Drive and Simmons Avenue, includes a small tot lot, gazebo, and a walking trail with a small bridge crossing the pond. "Free Ride" will be visible throughout the park and by joggers and drivers on Parkwood. "Free Ride" is the creation of artist Paul Rhymer, who became a sculptor through his work as a taxidermist and model maker at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History. Rhymer has participated since 2002 at the annual Sculpture in the South show in Azalea Park.
Peninsula Grill has been likened to the cosmopolitan supper clubs of the first half of the 20th century. Haute cuisine and high spirits. Steaks and chops, fish and oysters, champagne and lobster. And proper cocktails, served with style each evening by chef/partner Robert Carter and staff. The atmosphere is sophisticated and clubby, not formal. One of only two Mobil four-star restaurants in the state. At Planters Inn...stay for the night.
Hyman's Seafood is a must. Located in historic Charleston. Fresh local seafood, award winning She Crab Soup, great wine at supermarket prices and fast friendly service. NY Times: "Great Southern cuisine with impeccable service." Travel and Leisure: "One of the more fascinating eating establishments in our trip through the Southeast." Serving Charleston for over 115 years with a fresh oyster bar, fun, casual atmosphere and huge portions.
Tour Charleston Harbor on The Schooner Pride, a classic 84 foot tall ship. Considered one of the top five things to do in Charleston. Escape the crowded streets and heat of downtown Charleston for an exhilarating sails or romantic sunset sail. Take in the Holy City the way it was meant to be seen, from the peaceful waters of Charleston Harbor. Mingle with dolphins, pelicans and gulls. Two hour tours, daily.
