SCAC grantee #SCArtists in the headlines
Exhibitions, Spoleto debut coming down the pike
A current individual artist fellow and two recent Emerging Artist grantees from the South Carolina Arts Commission have found their way into arts headlines in the past week.
Are we taking credit? No way! Their hard work, dedication to their crafts, and talent are theirs alone. But we like to think we helped, some. Maybe a little. Yea or nay, it is nice to be associated with and to promote them. Don’t forget us when you hit it big!
Let’s see what they’re up to.
Matthew White
You might remember that Friday, we helped share the announcement of the 2024 Spoleto Festival USA. Well, if we can revisit… current SCAC music composition fellow Dr. Matthew White is part of that. His 2023 album Lowcountry features an eponymous 13-piece ensemble that “puts stories and histories from the Gullah Geechee community in the forefront,” according to a deep dive just out from USC. On June 2, Lowcountry: South Carolina Music in the Gullah Tradition will combine the talents of White and fellow South Carolina jazz musicians including Ranky Tanky drummer and festival favorite Quentin Baxter and saxophonist Chris Potter with three Gullah elders and a narrator for a musical fusion of praise house melodies, modern jazz, and Gullah culture in the Cistern Yard.
- Read the USC feature on Matt White here.
- Read more about the SCAC Individual Artist Fellowship program here.
Emerging Artists
From the FY23 class of SCAC Emerging Artists come two upcoming exhibitions. You can read more about the SCAC Emerging Artist program here.
Zynep Gedikoglu
The Etherredge Center in Aiken is set to hold a gallery opening for Gedikoglu, a sculptor and ceramicist, this coming Friday, Feb. 2 at 6 p.m. This event includes a reception, and Gedikoglu will give a presentation followed by time to take audience questions. Event tickets are $20 and include hors d’oeuvres and an open bar. To purchase, visit the Etherredge Center box office, call 803.641.3305, or purchase online at etherredgecenter.universitytickets.com. For more information, email boxoffice@usca.edu.
- Read the story from the Aiken Standard here (subscription possibly required).
Rolf Anthony Young
North Charleston’s Park Circle Gallery (4820 Jenkins Ave., North Charleston) announced that Young will be included in concurrent solo exhibitions of mixed media works on display Feb. 1-24. “don’t lost hope” is a deep, introspective art exhibition presented by the James Island-based artist. Throughout the last 20 years, Rolf has been working in different mediums, building a deep catalogue of abstract artworks. ”My artistic practice is built upon experimenting with materials within my artwork,” Rolf explains. “I like to test out any idea that comes to my mind. I do not limit myself. I believe any material can submit to the desire of the artist, if the artist is willing to allow the unexpected to occur.” “don’t lose hope” focuses on works that speak to the question: “What art does Rolf make?” The exhibition is also a call to action for those who may have “lost” their way in art making. The artist aims to inspire viewers to return to art making, or even better, encourage those who have never made art to begin creating.
In the other exhibition, Sumaya Florez presents a collection of drawings and paintings that focus on a mixture of realism and magical realism, depicting environments and elements originating from her beautiful and beloved homeland of Venezuela.
Admission is free. Gallery hours are 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, and Noon-4 p.m. on Saturday. For more information about PCG, call 843.637.3565 or email culturalarts@northcharleston.org. For information on other Cultural Arts programs and artist opportunities, visit the Arts & Culture section of the city’s website.