In the French Quarter of Historic Charleston, there are dozens of independent art galleries. Photographic oil paintings of the low country marsh are popular, and one can find plenty of impressionistic style acrylic pieces of the historic buildings.
The galleries showcase artists of extraordinary talent and skill, and Charleston knows how to spotlight this by supporting a First Friday Art Walk. In 1995, there were 25 galleries that participated in this venture; 25 years later the walk has extended to King Street and beyond with 40 galleries that open to the public. At 5:00 pm, as other shops start to close for the evening, art lovers, tourists, and college students emerge to dine or join in the hip scene to meet artists and view new collections. Many of the galleries serve light refreshments including wine and sweet treats.
I have had the pleasure of attending several First Friday Walks, and this year I ambled down the cobbled streets in March before the pandemic shut everything down. My hubby and I have favorite galleries but try to experience a new one each time. I never last the whole three hours that they are open, and I feel a bit sheepish about eating a dinner’s worth of canapés and cream puffs as we pop into a dozen places in one night. Myers Vogel Gallery is often where we start, and we then end up on Broad Street or the Anglin Smith Gallery on the way back to our parking spot.
Parking downtown can be tricky before 5:00, but the Cumberland Street Parking Deck usually has spaces after office workers begin departing at 4:30. Some friends like to park by the Battery and walk along Rainbow Row before ducking into their first gallery on East Bay or Broad Street. Even on chilly winter nights, the walk is exciting as people flow in and out of the small lit shops like children on a treasure hunt. Oh yes, we have found treasures.
A marvelous piece that we purchased many years ago for our anniversary was an original oil painting by Sally Tharp called “Sure Seal.” It depicts, quite realistically, several Mason jars. We discovered this artist and her work in a gallery in the Short North district of Columbus, Ohio. Imagine our delight when we spotted what looked like the same style in a gallery window in Charleston. It was indeed a show of works by Ms. Tharp depicting similar jars in a variety of colors and scenes, including one in front of a mountain landscape. I smile every morning when I walk into the living room and see our piece. Our friends agree that it takes them back to a time with grandma in her kitchen canning.
Painting is more than just a skill — it’s therapy for many artists. We have talked with several who were present for the opening of their shows. Some studied art and others started as hobbyists who made it a profession. Several have developed new techniques and mediums, and I am delighted with their creativity and design. I believe for some the Art Walk is a spiritual experience as well. There are stories in the faces of portraits.
One memorable exhibit was nine portraits and a written description or story of each person who was slain at Mother Emmanuel AME Church on June 17 five years ago. These nine people were brought back to life in the realistic depictions memorialized by the artist. I have been to a Wednesday night Bible study at that church and marveled at the intensity of the study and the knowledge that the leader shared. This was magnified by having a visual of the people who once worshipped and prayed there with welcoming hearts.
When I dabble with oil or acrylic paint, I am inspired by the art that I see finished on the gallery walls. I may fantasize about having a landscape hanging where everyone can enjoy it, but I usually give away my work as a gift.
Gail Lansing, president of the Charleston Gallery Association said that First Friday will be on hold while we are in a “fluid situation.” That should not stop us from visiting a gallery by appointment. I hope the First Friday will resume when the pandemic is less problematic. It is certainly a Charleston highlight to be enjoyed among the antebellum architecture. Aiken, South Carolina, also has an enclave of artists who display their works in shops and at the Art Center. As events are organized for the reopening of our cities and towns, the arts will bring us together to recapture the joy of living.
