As the co-chair of this week’s long awaited Society 1858 winter party—taking place Friday, February 7th, at the museum—I could not be more excited to see months of planning, ideas, creative decor, and entertainment come to life. This year’s theme will not disappoint, as we embrace the disco era with Studio 58: Your Ticket to the Arts Beyond the Velvet Rope.
Encouraging seventies-style dress appropriate to the theme, we expect characters of all types to be filing past the paparazzi’s flashbulbs and bouncers, through the Gibbes’ blacked out entrance and into our infamous “club.” Once inside, our guests will see the Gibbes transformed into a fabulous disco, with dueling DJ’s downstairs and upstairs, a delicious spread by Cru Catering and Fuel, beer by Westbrook Brewery, wine and bubbly by The Wine Shop, and a delicious cocktail featuring Cathead vodka. Just after 9pm, we’ll present a very special performance in the Rotunda Gallery (a can’t miss experience)!
Being a part of the planning process has been a very rewarding experience, as we have worked hand in hand with Lasley Steever and the amazing museum team, and our wonderful and generous vendors partnering on this event. It is nothing short of incredible to be involved with our still fledgeling, but extremely strong and active group! It is so rewarding to see the difference that is being made amongst our peers in Charleston. I can see how we are bringing awareness to the arts, as well as making an impact in the museum by giving back financially, and securing new and active members. I am very proud to be a part of Society 1858, and I know I speak for the rest of our board when I say that we are honored see our auxiliary group grow into one of the largest of its kind in Charleston.
Additionally, starting this year, we are thrilled to announce that we are sponsoring the 1858 Prize for Contemporary Southern Art. The prize accepts submissions from artists in ten regional Southern states, and awards $10,000 to an artist “whose work contributes to a new understanding of art in the South.” It will be presented annually, and will recognize the highest level of artistic achievement in any media. We are beyond excited to be making an impact in the art world in this way, and believe it will be a lasting gift from the Gibbes by way of Society 1858 in not only our community, but in the entire region. We hope this effort will put us on the map as a respected endowment for contemporary southern artists. Please visit 1858prize.org for complete details about this wonderful annual contest.
So plan to join us this Friday, donning your disco duds, as we transform the museum into a fantastic delight for the senses, and make this a night you will not forget! We can’t give away all of our secrets, so you will just have to attend to see what Society 1858 has in store, but don’t wait as tickets are almost sold out! See you Friday… be there or be square!
—Liza Cleveland, Society 1858 Board Member, guest blogger
Published February 6, 2014