When the Gibbes Museum opened in 1905, the nation celebrated what Charleston has always understood: the power of art – to inspire our imagination, heal our hurt, and nourish our souls.

Gibbes Museum of Art to Hold Annual Art of Design Lecture Virtually 2021

Woman standing in front of 2 paintings

The Gibbes Museum of Art is pleased to announce Melissa Biggs Bradley, founder and CEO of boutique travel planning company Indagare, as the featured speaker of the 11th annual Art of Design, to be held virtually on Friday, March 5. Since 2011, the Gibbes’ Women’s Council has hosted renowned experts at the annual luncheon and lecture. This year, Melissa will discuss the subject of travel in today’s world, especially as the industry grapples with unprecedented issues of safety and cost. Due to current COVID-19 guidance, all general admission tickets will be for live-stream access only. A limited number of sponsors will have the opportunity to join the event in-person, in the Gibbes’ Lenhardt Garden. Guests can purchase a $50 ticket to stream the lecture. The Women’s Council and Indagare will also be raffling off a trip for two, valued at $20,000, to support the museum. Raffle tickets can be purchased for $100.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to offer this event safely despite the pandemic, as it provides crucial support to the museum each year,” says Angela Mack, executive director of the Gibbes Museum of Art. “Melissa Biggs Bradley is a pioneering entrepreneur in the luxury travel industry. As many of us contemplate traveling after the pandemic, we know Melissa will inspire guests to plan and book their next authentic, memorable and educational travel experience safely.”

Melissa Biggs Bradley founded Indagare in 2007 with a vision to inspire and empower people to change their lives through travel. Since then, Indagare has become the go-to advisor and resource for travelers seeking impactful, one-of-a-kind journeys. Indagare has been named to Inc.’s Fastest Growing Companies in the U.S. to Crain’s “Fast 50” list of fastest-growing companies in New York. Melissa has launched Indagare Insider Journeys, immersive group trips built around passion points such as art, fashion, design, style, wellness, food and wine and one-of-a-kind destinations, in partnership with WSJ Magazine, Architectural Digest and Vogue. In response to the impact of COVID-19 on the travel industry, she also leads Indagare Global Conversations, her live Zoom talk series and podcast and Indagare Global Classroom, which offers virtual tours, special experiences, participatory lessons and lectures developed with Indagare’s top partners and guides around the world.

In collaboration with Indagare, the Women’s Council is raffling off a trip for two, valued at $20,000, which is redeemable before the end of 2022. The winner will have the option to choose from one of the following destinations: Santa Fe, Marrakech or Vienna. Art of Design is the Women’s Council’s only fundraiser, and a portion of the raffle ticket sales will support the cost of the trip plus go towards funding the Museum’s exhibitions and educational programming. Raffle tickets are $100.

Event Details

  • What: Art of Design featuring Melissa Biggs Bradley
  • When: March 5, 2021; 11:45 a.m.
  • Where: Hybrid Event (In-person attendance will be held in the Gibbes Museum’s Lenhardt Garden and Virtual)
  • Tickets: Virtual tickets are $50 and can be purchased through the Gibbes website on February 1. Sponsorships are available through February 1 and will grant access to the in-person lecture.

About the Women’s Council

Founded in March 1950, the Women’s Council of the Gibbes Museum of Art serves as a vital support system of the Gibbes Museum of Art, with its dedicated members volunteering time, talent and financial support to the Museum and serving as liaisons between the Gibbes and both residents of and visitors to the Charleston community. The annual Art of Design Luncheon and Lecture features internationally renowned experts in the world of design and is the Women’s Council’s signature event. In addition to its annual Art of Design fundraiser, the Women’s Council organizes numerous educational programs and social gatherings from September to June for members and their guests.

Published January 21, 2021

Top image: Photo by MCG Photography

Related Content