Spring arts season underway with special exhibits, performances around Beaufort County
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“Community is at the heart of every artistic experience,” said Mena Mark Hanna, general director and CEO of Charleston’s annual Spoleto Festival USA.
While noting the talent, strength and ability that has contributed to the Spoleto Festival for many years, that engaging energy transfers to all of us — different audiences, ideologies and skepticisms. When we share a collective experience, we form a connection. The arts can serve as the connective tissue of our society. Its role is more important now than ever as a catalyst for positive cultural change.
A glance at the 2024 Spoleto season, which begins May 23 and continues through June 9, is star-studded and diverse! You’ll be fascinated at the variety of top-notch programming: Orchestral format, artist talks, chamber music, dance, theater.
Imagine the world-famous cellist Yo-Yo Ma in concert and Grammy award-winner Jason Isbell, Americana musician, singer/songwriter, and recently actor in “Killers of the Flower Moon” live on stage.
Purchase tickets now. They will sell out!
What: 2024 Spoleto Festival USA
Where: Various locations throughout Charleston
When: May 23 to June 9
Info: 843-579-3100 or spoletoUSA.org
VISUAL ARTS
FOUR CORNERS FINE ART AND FRAMING GALLERY
“Counterpoints”
Martha Worthy and Linda Warner Constantino, professional Lowcountry artists and longtime friends, have come together to exhibit their new artwork. “Counterpoints” highlights their individual styles and media. Martha depicts folklore-themed paintings and creates mixed-media sculptures, while Linda paints botanical watercolors and makes art quilts. Both find that working in two contrasting art forms is inspirational and provides a stimulating change of pace.
Where: 1263-B May River Road, Bluffton
When: Reception 5 p.m. March 7; exhibit March 7-28
Info: 843-757-8185 or fourcornersgallerybluffton.com
ARTS CENTER OF COASTAL CAROLINA
“Gestures in Nature”
Ellen DiFazio offers a view of nature through a semi-abstract lens, often featuring a muted color palette along with texture built upon and scratched into the canvas. She utilizes a range of media while focusing on capturing nature’s spirit rather than its form.
Where: 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head
When: Through April 5
Info: 843-681-5060 or artleaguehhi.org
COASTAL DISCOVERY MUSEUM
The work of Alvin B. Glen
Experience two extraordinary gallery events featuring the legendary works of artist Alvin B. Glen. His portraiture skillfully captures emotion through expression, gesture and adornments, set against the backdrop of historically reminiscent Lowcountry environments.
“Stance in Circumstance”
Where: Coastal Discovery Museum, 70 Honey Horn Drive, Hilton Head
When: Exhibit through March 12
Info: 843-689-6767 or coastaldiscovery.org
RED PIANO GALLERY
Artist of the month Michael B. Karas
Michael B. Karas, a nationally recognized marine and landscape painter, has been painting professionally for over 46 years. He has been an elected Fellow of the American Society of Marine Artists since 2001. He has received several awards for excellence in painting.
Where: 40 Calhoun St., Suite 201, Bluffton
When: Through March
Info: 843-842-4433 or redpianoartgallery.com
PLUFF MUDD ART GALLERY
Artist of the month Peggy Carvell
Peggy is planning a really fun event on March 14. She will take clients’ costume or heirloom jewelry and redesign something more contemporary you would want to wear now. She plans to set up on Pluff Mudd’s front porch or front yard, weather permitting, or inside if weather is not permitting.
Where: 27 Calhoun St., Bluffton
When: See Carvell’s work through March
Info: 843-757-5590 or pluffmuddart.com
PERFORMING ARTS
MAIN STAGE COMMUNITY THEATRE
“Our Town”
Immerse yourself in the timeless charm of Thornton Wilder’s classic “Our Town” as Main Stage Community Theatre proudly presents this celebrated piece of American theater at the historic Coligny Theatre on Hilton Head Island. Set in the picturesque small town of Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire, at the turn of the last century, the play intricately weaves scenes of daily life that capture the poetic beauty of the everyday.
Where: Coligny Theatre, 1 North Forest Beach, Bldg. I-5, Hilton Head
When: March 7-10
Info: 843-689-6246 or www.mainstagecommunitytheatre.org/our-town-show
EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
JIVA YOGA CENTER
Embrace the Art of the Soul of Tibet with Lama Tashi Norbu
Experience the spiritual journey through the lama’s live painting, chantings, and the unique Burning Buddha ceremony. Explore his artwork, available for purchase and support the Museum of Contemporary Tibetan Art.
Where: 1032 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head
When: 5 p.m. March 10
Info: 843-247-4549 or jivayogacenter.com/workshops
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF THE LOWCOUNTRY
Annual Upcycled Art Auction
Legendary sweet grass basket weaver Jery Taylor; the volunteers of Habitat for Humanity of the Lowcountry’s own woodshop; and Amiri Farris, the University of South Carolina-Beaufort’s artist-in-residence, with his students, are part of the line-up of more than 60 artists who have submitted an intriguing variety of work for attendees to bid on.
Habitat for Humanity of the Lowcountry is dedicated to eliminating substandard housing locally through constructing, rehabilitating, and preserving homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions.
Where: Holiday Inn and Suites, 2225 Boundary St., Beaufort
When: 6-9 p.m. March 22
Admission: $50 in advance or $60 at the door
PALMETTO QUILT GUILD
2024 Quilt Festival
More than 125 quilts displayed. Boutique and vintage items for sale, silent auction, vendors and more.
Where: Hilton Head Beach and Tennis Resort; 40 Folly Field Road, Hilton Head
When: March 22-24; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday
Admission: $15
Info: www.palmettoquiltguild.org or PalmettoQuiltGuild@gmail.com
FREEDOM ARTS DISTRICT
CHALK IT UP!
Organized by the Freedman Arts District, Chalk It Up! is a free two-day festival that celebrates the artistic process while drawing the community together. Artists will be creating large chalk artwork on the pavement while chatting with the public, explaining their work and telling their story. Other entertainment will include local musicians both Saturday and Sunday and a kids-zone tent with hands-on art activities.
Where: Downtown Beaufort
When: March 23-24
SAVE THE DATE
HILTON HEAD CHORAL SOCIETY
“Inspired by Art”
On this magically “artful” evening, the Hilton Head Choral Society will be accompanied by soloists Samantha Bock, Julia Miller and David Coyle. Songs include tunes the audience will recognize like “All My Hope” (Brubeck), “O What a Beautiful Morning” (Rogers & Hammerstein) and “The Impossible Dream” (Wasserman). Each arrangement will invoke a different emotion, making it an unforgettable concert event. Additional highlights for the HHCS spring repertoire includes “Send in the Clowns” (Sondheim) and “The Last Words of David” (Thompson).
Where: First Presbyterian Church, 540 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head
When: 7 p.m. April 12
Info: www.hiltonheadchoralsociety.org or 843-341-3818
To reach Nancy K. Wellard email her at coastalartnews@gmail.com.
