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Tuning Up: Recent opportunities for #SCartists (ICYMI)

Good morning!  "Tuning Up" is a morning post series where The Hub delivers curated, quick-hit arts stories of interest to readers. Sometimes there will be one story, sometimes there will be several. Get in tune now, and have a masterpiece of a day. And now, in no particular order...


The Hub gives coverage to topics and they are quickly overtaken by the sands of time. "Tuning Up" wants to dust a couple of items off and bring them back to top-of-mind status. So, in case you missed these, here you go:

North Charleston City Gallery accepting applications for 2020-21 exhibitions

Application deadline: Saturday, Nov. 30


Established and emerging professional visual artists creating two-dimensional or wall-hung three-dimensional works are invited to apply individually or with a group to exhibit at the North Charleston City Gallery. The gallery features artwork by national, regional, and local artists in a variety of subjects and media. The City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department manages the exhibitions in the space, which are rotated on a monthly basis and may feature two or more artists concurrently. Exhibits are programmed one year in advance according to fiscal year. A review panel will convene in December 2019 to evaluate and select exhibits for July 2020-June 2021. There is no fee to apply. Artists must apply online at http://northcharlestonculturalartsdepartment.slideroom.com by Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in order to be considered. The North Charleston City Gallery is situated in two corridors of the Charleston Area Convention Center, located at 5001 Coliseum Dr. in North Charleston. The exhibition space is at the northwest corner of the Convention Center adjacent to the Coliseum, facing International Boulevard. This high-traffic venue offers great exposure for artists seeking to reach local patrons and out-of-state visitors of the multi-use facility. Exhibits are open to the public daily and admission and parking are free. Public receptions are typically held the first Thursday of each month from 5-7 p.m. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. Only original, two-dimensional works or three-dimensional pieces that can be wall mounted on the gallery’s Walker display system will be considered. Free-standing sculptures, installations, and works requiring special display equipment cannot be accommodated in the space. Submission requirements include an artist statement, resume and exhibition history, exhibition concept, and five quality digital images that portray the quality and style of the artists’ work. Artists not eligible to show their work at the City Gallery, like, for example, those creating free-standing sculptures or installations, are welcome to submit an exhibition proposal to be considered for other locations. Proposals may be emailed to culturalarts@northcharleston.org and will be reviewed by Cultural Arts on an ongoing basis.
For additional information about these and other exhibition opportunities or to learn more about programs and services offered by the City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department, visit the Arts & Culture section of the City’s website at NorthCharleston.org, email culturalarts@northcharleston.org, or call 843.740.5854.

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North Charleston City Gallery to exhibit works by two #SCartists

The City of North Charleston’s Cultural Arts Department is pleased to announce that mixed media works by Vik Hart of Charleston and Pascale Bilgis of Lexington will be on exhibit at the North Charleston City Gallery from Sept. 1-30, 2019. The artists will host a free public reception for their concurrent solo exhibitions at the gallery on Thursday, Sept. 5, from 5-7 p.m.


[caption id="attachment_41467" align="alignright" width="251"]"Rising on a Harvest Sky" by Vik Hart "Rising on a Harvest Sky" by Vik Hart[/caption]

"Far Fields" – New work by Vik Hart (Charleston)

In his exhibition, "Far Fields," Vik Hart presents a series of imaginative acrylic paintings set in a fictional land he calls “Firn.” By setting all of his paintings in this imaginary land, Hart creates narrative strands between his paintings. “I love the idea of world building in fiction,” says Hart, “and one of my goals when I paint is to have information in the work for the viewers who want to know mo re beyond the initial visual image. I often get comments that my pieces remind the viewer of different things they’ve seen before. Often times these will be books, movies, cartoons, and TV shows. While my work isn’t directly derived from any one piece of existing media, I enjoy the general sense of nostalgia it gives to others who see it.” Hart seeks to preserve spontaneity in his artistic practice and works in fast-drying acrylic and watercolor medium so that he can quickly make corrections and changes to his images. Vik Hart received his Associates Degree in Commercial Graphics in 2014 from Trident Technical College. His paintings have been exhibited in group and solo shows throughout Charleston, SC, including shows at The Southern, Redux, Beresford Studios, and Saul Alexander Gallery. He currently teaches a Character Creation class through Fabulon Studios. Learn more about the artist at www.vikhart.com.

"HOME" – New work by Pascale Bilgis (Lexington)

Abstract Expressionist Pascale Bilgis is a multimedia artist focusing on landscapes. In her series "HOME," Bilgis recalls significant landscapes from her own life: the small French village of her childhood; Turkey, where she worked as an archeological photographer; and her current home, South Carolina. Working in acrylic, Bilgis splits her compositions into geometric sections using different color palettes to show the landscapes in different times of day or different seasons. She adds buildings in ceramic or wood relief. The architecture of the buildings helps identify her landscapes as belonging to specific regions: she creates the simple cottages of rural France, the bustling cityscape of Istanbul, and the nostalgic country houses of South Carolina. She chooses to show the buildings in ceramic relief to emphasize the durability of human habitations in contrast to the natural world, which reflects the changing seasons. “As the landscape is ever changing, homes remain in their original state,” Bilgis says. Bilgis received a bachelor's in photography from the University of South Carolina. After graduating, she worked as an archaeological photographer in southern Turkey and as an art assistant at the Pierre LOTI French School of Istanbul. While in Turkey she began to pursue a new passion for painting and ceramics. She currently lives in Lexington, where she has had many solo exhibitions. She is a member of South Carolina Artists. Learn more about the artist at www.pascalebilgis.com.
The North Charleston City Gallery is situated in two corridors of the Charleston Area Convention Center (5001 Coliseum Dr., North Charleston). The exhibition space is at the northwest corner of the Convention Center adjacent to the Coliseum, facing International Boulevard. Parking and admission are free. The gallery is open 9-5 daily, with an attendant present Tuesdays 12-5 p.m., Wednesdays 11 a.m.-5 p.m, Thursdays 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m., and Fridays 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Inquiries regarding the artists or purchase information may be directed to the North Charleston Cultural Arts Department at 843.740.5854. For information on additional exhibits, programs, and events, visit the Arts & Culture section of the City’s website at www.northcharleston.org.

Submitted material

Tuning Up: There’s a lot going on!

Good morning!  "Tuning Up" is a morning post series where The Hub delivers curated, quick-hit arts stories of interest to readers. Sometimes there will be one story, sometimes there will be several. Get in tune now, and have a masterpiece of a day. And now, in no particular order...


Getting down to business. The nine-member S.C. Arts Commission Board of Directors begins a two-day meeting in Spartanburg this afternoon. Members will convene at the Chapman Cultural Center at 2 p.m. today for light business and learning time about the vibrant Spartanburg arts scene. Tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. they're all business at the Spartanburg County Public Libraries main branch. "5 Lifetimes of Discovery" opens in North Charleston tomorrow. W.A.M (Women. Artist. Mentors) is a group of five female artists composed of Helen Beacham, Maria Bennett Hock, Kim Minichiello, Debra Keirce, and Carrie Waller. This international artist group develops their practices in different ways and comes together to form a strong and supportive collective. Their exhibition, 5 Lifetimes of Discovery, will focus on their discovery and cumulative experiences as artists living around the world. North Charleston City Gallery (5001 Coliseum Dr.) Free. Opens tomorrow through Oct. 31. Hours vary. South Carolina's creative economy is booming. Thanks to our friends at the S.C. Arts Alliance for putting the data together for each Congressional district. Reminder: in February, SCAC released a report that found the arts and creative sector makes a $9.7 billion impact on the state economy every year. Native American traditions at First Thursday on Main. Head to Columbia Art Center (1227 Taylor St.) from 6-8 p.m. tomorrow as Worlds of Creativity presents "Through Native Eyes: artwork and identity." Enjoy storytelling, pottery, basket demonstrations, drumming group Keepers of the Word. Farther up Main, the USC Concert Choir and University Chorus present their first concerts of the season at Main Street United Methodist Church (1830 Main St.). Both events free. More information here.

North Charleston offering visual art exhibition opportunities in FY2019/20

Application deadline: Monday, Nov. 30, 2018


Established and emerging professional visual artists creating two-dimensional or wall-hung three-dimensional works are invited to apply individually or with a group to exhibit at the North Charleston City Gallery. [caption id="attachment_34666" align="alignright" width="300"] The world-famous Hub Calls for Art Megaphone.[/caption] The gallery features artwork by international, national, and local artists in a variety of subjects and media. The City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department manages the exhibitions in the space, which are rotated on a monthly basis and may feature two or more artists concurrently. Exhibits are programmed one year in advance according to fiscal year. A review panel will convene in December 2018 to evaluate and select exhibits for July 2019-June 2020. There is no fee to apply. Artists must apply online at www.northcharlestonculturalartsdpartment.slideroom.com by Monday, Nov. 30, 2018, in order to be considered. The North Charleston City Gallery is situated in two corridors of the northwest corner of the Charleston Area Convention Center, located at 5001 Coliseum Dr. in North Charleston. This high-traffic venue offers great exposure for artists seeking to reach local patrons and out-of-state visitors of the multi-use facility. Exhibits are open to the public daily and admission and parking are free. Public receptions are typically held the first Thursday of each month from 5-7 p.m. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. Only original, two-dimensional works or three-dimensional pieces that can be wall mounted on the gallery’s Walker display system will be considered. Free-standing sculptures, installations, and works requiring special display equipment cannot be accommodated in the space. Submission requirements include an artist statement, resume and exhibition history, exhibition concept, and five quality digital images that portray the quality and style of the artists’ work. Artists not eligible to show their work at the City Gallery, like those creating free-standing sculptures or installations, are welcome to submit an exhibition proposal to be considered for other locations. Proposals may be emailed to culturalarts@northcharleston.org and will be reviewed by Cultural Arts on an ongoing basis. For additional information about these and other exhibition opportunities or to learn more about programs and services offered by the City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department, visit the Arts & Culture section of northcharleston.org, email culturalarts@northcharleston.org, or call 843.740.5854.

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35-woman abstract art exhibition coming to North Charleston

The City of North Charleston’s Cultural Arts Department will exhibit works by the Women of Expressive Abstracts at the North Charleston City Gallery from Aug. 2-31, 2018. [caption id="attachment_35891" align="alignright" width="300"] "Threads of Life" by Peggy Vineyard[/caption] A free reception will be held at the gallery on Thursday, Aug. 2, from 5-7 p.m. Some of the exhibiting artists will be present, and refreshments will be served. The public is invited to attend. The Women of Expressive Abstracts group consists of 35 female abstract expressionist painters that share a common interest and passion for abstract art. They come from across the U.S., California to New Jersey, and Maryland to Florida. Twenty-six of the group’s members will present new mixed media work in their group exhibition titled "Inside Out: Expressing Our Inner Voices." "Inside Out" is an exuberant celebration of the language of nonobjective abstraction. The participating artists draw from their personal experiences and interpret them with their own unique voice. At the core, they share an intuitive process using mark making, form, and color to tell their stories that collectively come together in perfect harmony. The common denominator bringing these artists together is their mentor - master artist, educator, and author Steven Aimone. Though some of the women in the group have never met in person, they have all studied with Aimone. The experience engendered a shared language and support system that has kept them connected online over the years.


Participating artists

#SCartists
  • Penny Beesley
  • Melinda Hoffman
  • Terry Jarrard-Dimond
  • Nancy Perry
Artists from Elsewhere
  • Andrea Baetti (GA)
  • Juanita Bellavance (GA)
  • Billie Bourgeois (LA)
  • Carolyn Busenlener (MS)
  • Annette Cargill (OH)
  • Mary Beth Cornelius (GA)
  • Annette Crosby (GA)
  • Bre Barnett Crowell (NC)
  • Debbie Ezell (GA)
  • Marcia Holmes (LA)
  • Gayle Hurley (AL)
  • Suzanne Jacquot (CA)
  • Annette Margulies (FL)
  • Thyra Moore (MD)
  • Wendy Nicholas (FL)
  • Vicki Overstreet (MS)
  • Kate Pendleton (GA)
  • Betty Perry (GA)
  • Garnet Reardon (GA)
  • Kathy Blankley Roman (IL)
  • Nell Tilton (LA)
  • Peggy Vineyard (NC)

The North Charleston City Gallery is situated in two corridors of the northwest corner of the Charleston Area Convention Center, located at 5001 Coliseum Dr., North Charleston. Parking and admission are free. Gallery hours are Tuesdays 12-5 p.m., Wednesdays 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursdays 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m, and Fridays 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Inquiries regarding the artists or purchase information may be directed to the North Charleston Cultural Arts Department at 843.740.5854. For information on additional exhibits, programs, and events, visit the Arts & Culture section of the city’s website, NorthCharleston.org.

North Charleston City Gallery to exhibit works by Summerville Artist Guild

The City of North Charleston’s Cultural Arts Department is pleased to announce that works by members of the Summerville Artist Guild will be on exhibit at the North Charleston City Gallery from March 1-30, 2018. A free reception will be held at the gallery on Thursday, March 1, from 5:00-7:00pm. Many of the exhibiting artists will be present and refreshments will be served. The public is invited to attend. The Summerville Artist Guild will present its 42nd Annual Judged Exhibit featuring two-dimensional works by more than 40 of its members in a variety of subjects and mediums. Comprised of artists from Dorchester, Berkeley, and Charleston counties, guild members from all levels of expertise express their talents in oil, watercolor, acrylic, pastel, mixed media, and more. Ribbons for Best of Show as well as first place, second place, third place, and honorable mentions in multiple categories will be awarded by guest judge, Jan Ross. Ross has been a dedicated artist for the past 30 years. Her formal education began at the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts, where she developed her passion for watercolor painting She continued her studies in Europe for six years, as well as ongoing education through workshops with some of America’s top watercolor instructors. The Watercolor Societies of Georgia, Missouri, Western Colorado, Rhode Island, Alabama, Alaska, and the North East have all awarded her “Signature Membership,” their highest credential for achievement in watercolors. She is also a “Member of Excellence,” the credential of highest ranking, with the Atlanta Artists Center, the largest art organization in the Southeastern USA. Jan’s award-winning watercolors been accepted in more than 450 local, regional, national, and international juried competitions, as well as numerous one-woman and invitational exhibitions. She is on the faculty of the Hilton Head Island, SC, Art League and Academy and currently lives on Daufuskie Island, SC. The Summerville Artist Guild meets on the first Thursday of each month from September through May. The purposes of the guild are to “present programs of artwork, demonstrations, and workshops for the encouragement of members at all levels of artistic ability and for the awakening of greater interest in the Fine Arts community and environs." For more information, visit summervilleartistguild.com. The North Charleston City Gallery is situated in two corridors of the northwest corner of the Charleston Area Convention Center, located at 5001 Coliseum Drive in North Charleston. Parking and admission are free. Gallery hours are Tuesdays 12-5pm, Wednesdays 11am-5pm, Thursdays 11am-7:30pm, and Fridays 11am-5pm. Inquiries regarding the artists or purchase information may be directed to the North Charleston Cultural Arts Department at (843)740-5854. For information on additional exhibits, programs, and events, visit the Arts & Culture section of the City’s website at www.northcharleston.org.

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Visual art exhibition opportunities offered in North Charleston

Accepting applications for North Charleston City Gallery, City Hall, and other City sites. The City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department offers exhibition opportunities for serious visual artists, photographers, fine craft artisans, sculptors, and installation artists. Applications are now being accepted from individuals and groups to display original works at the North Charleston City Gallery, North Charleston City Hall, and other public sites for the July 2016 through June 2017 program calendar. There is no fee to apply. Selections are made by a review panel appointed by the department. Artists must apply online at www.northcharlestonculturalartsdpartment.slideroom.com by Monday, November 30, 2015 in order to be considered. The North Charleston City Gallery, located in the common areas of the Charleston Area Convention Center Complex, offers great exposure for artists seeking to reach thousands of local patrons and out-of-state visitors to the multi-use facility. Exhibits are rotated on a monthly basis and may feature two or more artists concurrently. This exhibition opportunity is open to visual artists and artist groups creating two-dimensional works or three-dimensional works suited to hang on display rods provided. Pedestal and freestanding pieces cannot be accommodated in the venue. Exhibits are open to the public daily and admission is free. The gallery desk is managed by a Cultural Arts staff member on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays for the express purpose of promoting the exhibit and sale of artwork, prints, note cards, and gift items. As a civic venue, North Charleston City Hall allows for great visibility among residents and visitors. In addition to showcasing the City’s Public Art Collection along the atrium areas of three floors, the building is equipped to display two-dimensional works as well as pedestal or free standing pieces in an enclave on the second floor. Exhibits in this space are rotated on a monthly or bi-monthly basis and may be viewed by the public daily with no admission fee. Cultural Arts staff maintains offices on the same floor of the exhibit space and are available to assist visitors. In addition to the City Gallery and City Hall, other indoor and outdoor display spaces are available throughout North Charleston. Applicants can propose a location or may contact the Cultural Arts Department to discuss possible exhibition or installation sites. Options will be reviewed with the artist prior to distribution of acceptance notifications. For additional information about these and other exhibition opportunities or to learn more about programs and services offered by the City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department, visit the Arts & Culture section of the City’s website at northcharleston.org, email culturalarts@northcharleston.org, or call 843-740-5854. Via: City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department

South Carolina Watermedia Society exhibition at North Charleston City Gallery

Works by the South Carolina Watermedia Society will be on exhibit at the North Charleston City Gallery from September 2-30. The collection of works, on loan through the South Carolina State Museum’s Traveling Exhibitions Program, features the top 30 pieces from the group’s 36th annual juried exhibition. A number of the works on view will be available for purchase, including the exhibit’s Best of Show, a watercolor piece titled Taking a Break by Beaufort, S.C., artist Audrey Montgomery, pictured below. The South Carolina Watermedia Society is the only statewide visual arts organization in South Carolina to promote artists who work in watermedia, which includes watercolor, acrylic, gouache and casein, among others. As the state’s largest visual arts guild, their membership includes some of South Carolina’s Audrey Montgomery, Taking a Breakbest artists. Their annual juried exhibition, which has been presented since 1977, offers both new and established artists from around the state the opportunity to compete for prize money and to have their work exhibited in a variety of venues under the supervision of the South Carolina State Museum’s Traveling Exhibitions Program. In addition, the group provides a number of other exhibition opportunities, educational programs and avenues for professional development. For more information, visit scwatermedia.com or the group's Facebook page. The North Charleston City Gallery is situated in the common areas of the Charleston Area Convention Center, located at 5001 Coliseum Drive in North Charleston. Parking and admission are free during regular Convention Center operating hours, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily. The gallery is staffed on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday only. Inquiries regarding the artists or purchase information may be directed to the North Charleston Cultural Arts Department at (843) 740-5854. For information on additional exhibits, programs, and events, visit the Cultural Arts section of the City’s website. Image, above: Mary Ann Brock, Chasing the Foam