Eclectic Tastes
Art galleries don’t generally get by on variety. Most focus on something particular—contemporary realist art, for example, or abstract and experimental pieces. Spencer Gallery, however, has done the opposite.
In the Spotlight
After 23 years in the art dealing business, Joe Sylvan has just two criteria when it comes to selecting his artists. “One, I have to like the work, because I can’t sell things I don’t like,” he says. “And two, I have to know and like the artist, because I’m too old to work with grumpy artists.”
A Grand Salon on Broad
It was 1989, and Candace Martin was anchored in her 42-foot ketch in the Ashley River along the western shore of her native Charleston. It had been an active hurricane season and when “Hugo” formed and started taking aim at the Southeast coast, Martin didn’t take any chances. She wisely set sail for the relatively safe harbors of Maine’s mid coast.
A Life of Observation
Strolling through Charleston’s historic French Quarter is a little like stepping back in time, especially early in the mornings or on a Sunday when the area’s residents are off at church and the streets are quiet. Painter John Carroll Doyle remembers a time when the city was always that sleepy, when there were no tourists or restaurants or galleries, when there were so few cars that the neighborhood dogs would sun themselves in the street without concern over becoming speed bumps.
CELEBRATING 40 YEARS
One of our favorite places in the Southeast is the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, a cultural institution that preserves and celebrates excellence in the art, history and culture of African-Americans and those of African descent. Located in Charlotte’s uptown, the Center’s outstanding art exhibits, lectures, film screenings and performing arts workshops are nothing short of first-class.
A Window on the South
Recently, I made the short 20-mile drive from Charleston to The Sanctuary Resort on Kiawah Island to visit its only fine art gallery: the Wells Gallery. The approach to the island, on a road arched with old live oaks and dotted by marshland, served, perhaps prophetically, to distance me even further from the hustle-bustle of the peninsula and prepare me for the artwork I was to discover.
Full Spectrum
Rich, vibrant colors and soft textures are some of the hallmarks of pastel paintings. One new gallery aims to introduce the beauty and timelessness of the medium to the Charleston art scene.
Pride of Place
Forget touristy souvenirs emblazoned with place names, if you want to give a gift that is functional, beautiful and rooted in the South, visit Carolina Clay Gallery.
Curating Life
Carri Schwab has a way of making you feel like the artists whose works line the walls of Principle Gallery are old friends.
A GOLDMINE OF ARTS AND CRAFTS
I am a passionate museum and gallery crawler, having had the good fortune to visit and experience, on five continents, some of the world’s greatest temples to art. I’ve been transfixed by painting and sculpture and by the images of extraordinary photographers. This is not to brag, but to contrast. I esteem the world of […]
