The Gibbes Museum of Art, Charleston’s premier art museum, has announced the return of Art Charleston, a five-day festival of visual art from April 26 – 30, 2023. The festival, made up of numerous programs and events, celebrates Charleston’s strong and diverse human stories through the visual arts. In its second year, Art Charleston will continue to inspire and challenge the community to imagine, question, explore and recognize how art pushes the boundaries for all that is possible.
“Art is powerful and challenges one’s perspective, imagination and beliefs. Art can be both a safe space to discuss challenging topics and a space to welcome innovation,” says Angela Mack, executive director of the Gibbes Museum of Art. “We hope guests to this year’s festival will engage with artists, discover boundary-pushing artwork and enjoy experiences that make them recognize art is the reason.”
Art Charleston’s 2023 lineup of events is as follows:
Art of Design, Wednesday, April 26
Partner and Creative Director of United Talent Agency Fine Arts & Artist Space, Arthur Lewis, will be the featured speaker for Art of Design. This glorious daytime lunch and lecture will take place in the museum’s classical European-style Lenhardt Garden. With a new UTA satellite office opening in Atlanta and plans to debut the UTA Artist Space gallery there this year, the charismatic Lewis stands poised to make a definitive impact on the South’s art scene.
Gibbes on the Street, Thursday, April 27
The museum will once again celebrate the city’s extraordinary culinary scene at the annual Gibbes on the Street, a lively, experiential street fair backdropped by the museum’s Beaux Arts-style building. Stretching across one block of Meeting Street in front of the museum, the event will feature more than 15 of Charleston’s most extraordinary chefs serving sweet and savory dishes, an open bar and live music. Guests will be captivated by the sights and sounds of this unique event under a beautiful Charleston night sky.
Beverly McIver in Conversation, Friday, April 28
The museum will host a lunch and interview with renowned artist Beverly McIver and exhibition curator Kim Bogany celebrating the opening of Beverly McIver: Full Circle. The special exhibition, on view at the Gibbes from April 28 – Aug. 6, 2023, presents the career arc and continued ascent of contemporary artist Beverly McIver. Featuring nearly 50 works from the last 25 years, this exhibition survey demonstrates the diversity of the artist’s bold thematic approach to portrait painting. Born and raised in Greensboro, North Carolina, McIver is nationally recognized for her dramatic autobiographical portraits and is currently the Ebenshade Professor of the Practice in Studio Arts at Duke University.
Live at the Gibbes, Friday, April 28
New to the Art Charleston calendar is Live at the Gibbes, an intimate cocktail event paired with a one-of-a-kind musical performance by two-time Grammy Award-winning musical ensemble Ranky Tanky. The classically designed Lenhardt Garden and Fellows Reception Hall will be transformed into a cabaret setting for enjoying this concert with libations and lite bites. A Gullah phrase meaning “get funky,” Ranky Tanky has achieved many firsts for South Carolina’s Gullah community since its formation by earning yet another Grammy Nomination for Best Regional Roots Music Album in 2022. Ranky Tanky’s style of music has been described as, “soulful honey to the ears” by NPR. Self-described global ambassadors, Ranky Tanky performers are passionate about their local culture and community, helping to faithfully preserve the traditions originated by African Americans in the coastal South during slavery that are kept alive through the present day. This is a sponsored event only and will not have tickets available for purchase.
Artistic Visionaries Panel, Saturday, April 29
Join the Gibbes for a panel discussion highlighting artists working on the edge, leading the way and showing that art is anything but static. This panel will feature artists working with NFTs and digital arts, pushing the boundaries of what art is and who is classified as an artist.
Artisan Fair, Sunday, April 30
Capping off a week of celebrating the visual arts, the museum will host an Artisan Fair for guests to shop a curated selection of artist vendors. With up to 40 skilled makers of all disciplines, there will be nothing short of unique finds. This event will be free and open to the public.
Art Charleston is sponsored by Garden & Gun, Beemok Hospitality and The Peninsula of Charleston. Limited amount of corporate sponsorship opportunities are still available. More information can be found here.
Published February 13, 2023
Top image: Photo by MCG Photography