Name: Chaz Butler
Title: Special Events Assistant
How long have you been at the Gibbes?
I started at the Gibbes in July of 2016.
Describe your role here at the museum in a few sentences.
When you work at a non-profit, you are bound to wear multiple hats. The Gibbes is no different in that regard. I was hired to be a Visitor Services Assistant but was quickly asked to be a part of the Special Events team. I still help at the front desk on occasion while I also conduct venue site visits, help clients see what can be done with our rentable spaces, and work with planners and vendors throughout the planning process on logistics of load-in, load-out, and general event details. I also assist with our in-house fundraisers, Art of Design and Street Party.
What brought you to the Gibbes? Tell us about how you ended up here!
I have always loved Charleston so when it came time to look for jobs, as I was finishing my Master’s degree at SCAD in Savannah, I knew that I wanted to extend my search to the Holy City. I stumbled upon an opening at the Gibbes and sent my resume in immediately. I have always loved art centered on Southern culture no matter the medium or time period. When offered the job at the Gibbes, I knew I had found a home that was the best of all worlds: art, events, and Charleston.
What is your favorite work in the collection and why?
The Dutch Wives by Jasper Johns.
I have always been fascinated by artists and movements that use “things the mind already knows” to convey their meaning and Jasper Johns fits into that perfectly. I was unaware that the Gibbes owned a piece of Johns’ work until I was roaming around the permanent collection one day and this monochromatic beauty caught my eye.
Tell us about an interesting project you’ve worked on.
I really enjoy being part of the planning and execution of both Street Party and Art of Design. I get to watch as the committees start with ideas and form them into an actual event. It is fun knowing you had a large hand in the execution of the event while still being able to be behind the scenes.
Besides the Gibbes, where do you take friends and family for the quintessential Charleston/Lowcountry experience?
I always take my guests for a walk around downtown (especially the residential areas). The Battery is also a must-see for out-of-town guests and a great spot for all of your social media content. My go-to places to eat are Moe’s Crosstown for one of the best burgers in the city and Blind Tiger for drinks and late night snacks. I have learned you cannot go wrong with restaurant choices here in Charleston. They are all fantastic!
Top Image: Chaz and Curator of Exhibitions Pam Wall prepare for the annual Gibbes on the Street fundraiser.