Through our complicated history, through light and shadow, we have persevered – humanity intact.
Art is the reason.
Art is the reason.
As a member of The Gibbes Museum of Art, you’ll help us cultivate, preserve, and advance the visual arts and art education in the greater Charleston area – and be part of a vibrant, dynamic arts community here in the Lowcountry. Choose from a variety of membership options, each with an array of benefits. Thank you for being a vital part of Charleston’s rich creative culture.
Click any level to join or renew.
Fellows level memberships afford art enthusiasts with the opportunity for enhanced Museum patronage, invitations to special events, and access to exclusive, private art collections. Fellows membership provides critical support for museum programs, operations, and exhibitions.
Click any level to join or renew.
The Gibbes Museum is providing a unique opportunity for reciprocal membership discounts across Charleston's arts and history organizations. Each month, the Gibbes is offering a membership discount to a different local organization's members, and in turn, Gibbes members will receive a discount for that month's partner organization. Join us as we further enrich, engage, and blend the arts and history memberships across Charleston!
| Month | Organization | Discount |
|---|---|---|
| July | Preservation Society | Family Membership for $75 |
| August | SC Aquarium | $15 off General Membership |
| September | Library Society | $15 |
| October | The Halsey | 15% |
| November | SC Historical Society | 15% |
| December | Historic Charleston Foundation | 15% |
Founded in March 1950, the Women’s Council serves as a vital support system of the Gibbes Museum. The auxiliary group has nearly 225 dedicated members who volunteer their time, talent, and financial support to the Museum. Each member serves as liaisons between the Gibbes Museum, and both residents of and visitors to the Charleston community. The annual Art of Design Luncheon and Lecture is one of the Gibbes Museum’s major fundraising events, which features internationally renowned experts in the world of design. Through this event, the Women’s Council has raised nearly $800k in support of educational programming and museum exhibitions. A portion of these funds also assisted the capital campaign to name the Museum Store.
In addition to the Art of Design Luncheon and Lecture, the Women’s Council meets four times through the year, from September – June, and hosts a member’s holiday party, an Annual Meeting and Luncheon, and an out-of-Charleston tour and luncheon.
Women’s Council History Board Members Letter from the PresidentMembers of the Women’s Council must also join one of the above Museum Members or Museum Fellows levels.
Join the Women’s Council Current Communications Member Access
A group of dynamic young collectors who support the Gibbes Museum of Art with social and educational programs tailored for up-and-coming art patrons, Society 1858 takes its name from the year that the Carolina Art Association was established. Although the Gibbes Museum of Art opened its doors in 1905, the museum's art collection began in 1858. Members gather several times a year to explore exclusive private art collections, experience new local exhibitions, and host the annual Society 1858 Winter Party.
Members of Society 1858 must be 21 years of age and must also join one of the above Museum Members or Museum Fellows levels.
Join Society 1858 View EventsIn 2014, Society 1858 established the 1858 Prize for Contemporary Southern Art, which awards $10,000 to an artist whose work contributes to a new understanding of art in the South. Presented annually, the prize recognizes the highest level of artistic achievement in any media. Learn more about the 1858 Prize.
Funds raised annually by Society 1858 support the Prize, as well as exhibition and educational programming at the Museum. The group has raised over $230,000 through educational programs and events supported by extensive marketing, public relations, and social media campaigns. Society 1858’s members are sophisticated consumers and emerging community leaders, influential in our community. Sponsorships are a meaningful way for individuals, civic-minded corporations, and foundations to support our high-profile events and reach this influential group. Contributing Corporate Sponsors in 2019-20 include AIG, Anderson Insurance Associates, Art Mag, Cassina Group, Douglas Development, Harry Henning, Nelson Mullins, Reagan Events, Revival, Salthouse Catering, South State Bank, Snyder, Stephens Towing Company, Synovus Bank, Technical Event Company. Download a sponsorship benefits brochure to learn more about partnership opportunities with Society 1858.
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