Illuminations in the Shadows: A Piccolo Spoleto Invitational Exhibition

Fletcher Crossman, a British realist artist who now lives and works in Charleston, produces large-scale figurative works based on his surroundings. Sponsored by Spectra True Colour and Patricia Manigault.

On view May 25-June 10 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. City Gallery at Waterfront Park, 34 Prioleau St.

Elaine Berlin Invitational Exhibition

Piccolo Spoleto 2007 Poster Artist Elaine Berlin exhibits a collection of new works including the official Piccolo Spoleto image, “Rembrandt’s Favorite.”

On view May 25-June 10 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. City Gallery at the Dock Street Theatre, 133 Church St.

Mary Walker Invitational Exhibition: Variations on a Theme

Mary Walker, a Johns Island painter and printmaker, is this year’s Piccolo Spoleto Spotlight Series poster artist. Using singing birds and butterflies, Walker produced collages depicting the symbolic aspects of the concert series. Opening reception: June 6 from 5-7 p.m.

On view May 28-June 10 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. Footlight Players Theatre, 20 Queen St.

Inconvenient Truth: Art and Architecture for the Future of Our Planet

The “In the Spirit” artists and congregation of Circular Congregational Church address the serious environmental concerns facing our planet with art expression and construction of the new “Green House” educational facility. Opening reception: May 24 from 7-9 p.m.

On view May 25-June 10, Mon.-Sat.: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun.: 1-9 p.m. Free. Circular Congregational Church, 150 Meeting St.

A Garden of Piccolo Delights

Come see how Piccolo Spoleto poster artists have interpreted the spirit of the festival in his or her own unique way in this retrospective exhibition of original Piccolo Spoleto poster images. Sponsored by Earth Fare.

On view May 25-June 10, Mon.-Sat.: 8 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Free. Earth Fare, 74 Folly Road Blvd.

CharlestonCrafts Gallery Demonstrations

Charleston Crafts, a cooperative of South Carolina artisans, presents free crafts demonstrations of the skills used to make the variety of traditional and contemporary crafts that may be seen in their gallery. See schedule for artist details.

May 25, 28, 29, 30, 31, June 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Charleston Crafts Gallery, 87 Hasell St.

Collaboration Among Art Therapists: Education and Advocacy through Mandala Drawings

This presentation illustrates how a group of professional art therapists can work together to create awareness and understanding of the healing aspects of art therapy. The healing properties of Mandala creation are linked with the calming and relaxing effect on the body and mind during the creative process (Cornell, 1994). In a group setting, the universal appeal of the circle invites people from diverse populations to express the emotion of hope, sometimes through recall of a particular personal experience, sometimes through a symbolic image which has meaning to all participants (Fincher, 1991). The Mandalas were created by individuals in various treatment populations with the facilitation of several art therapists (members of the South Carolina Association of Art Therapists). The directive was to create an image of Hope and Healing. Art therapy is based on the belief that the creative process involved in making art is, on a basic level, healing and life-enhancing. Art therapists serve diverse populations. As Wadeson (2002) pointed out, art therapy is an adaptable medium that can be easily modified to meet the needs and abilities of clients. The images portrayed in the exhibit show this flexibility and the creative adaptations used to embody the similarities and differences of the art therapists and the populations involved.

On view May 25-June 10 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Charleston Tibetan Society, 12 Parkwood Ave.

Faces of the Low Country

This exhibition features black-and-white and color photographs taken by Jack Alterman of a wide variety of Lowcountry residents. Alterman combines the recognizable style of the classically lit studio portrait with personal environmental studies shot on site around the Charleston area. Alterman has been photographing in Charleston for more than 25 years and is known for his portraits of Charleston’s familiar and not so familiar faces. He is the co-author of Cornices of Charleston with artist Susan Romaine. In 2001 he established the Center for Photography in order to promote and celebrate the art of photography. For more information visit www.centerforphotography.com.

On view May 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 31, June 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Alterman Studios Gallery, 654 D King St.

Myles Little Invitational Exhibition

Young photojournalism student Myles Little, the official photographer for the 2006 Piccolo Spoleto Festival, displays the results of his whirlwind tour of the festival — from world-class cello recitals to glittering marching bands to wild ’80s theme parties by the harbor — with approximately 20 color prints of Piccolo audiences and performers in all their pageantry and merriment.

On view May 25-June 10 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Charles Wadsworth Room at the Dock Street Theatre, 135 Church St.

Outdoor Crafts Fair and Demonstrations

Artists and artisans represent areas from across the U.S. Media presented ranges from traditional to contemporary expressions; demonstrations by the exhibitors are presented throughout the shows. See schedule for details on artists and times.

May 25, 26, 27, June 1, 2, 3. Fri./Sat.: $3, Sun.: $1, free for those over 60 or under 18. Wragg Square, corner of Charlotte and Meeting streets

Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Juired Art Exhibition

Award-winning South Carolina artists display their works at Marion Square, with free demonstrations each day. See schedule for details on artists and times.

May 25-June 10. Free. Marion Square, corner of King & Calhoun streets

Piccolo Spoleto 23rd Annual Juried Art Exhibition

Coordinated by the Charleston Artist Guild, this exhibition showcases works of South Carolina artists in painting and photography.

On view May 25-June 9 from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Free. Charleston Visitor Center, 375 Meeting St.

Turtles on the Town

Crawling along with their fanciful shells during Piccolo Spoleto, turtles of all colors and creative whims take up residence around Charleston. This public art project in support of the S.C. Aquarium features turtle sculptures modeled after life-sized loggerheads that have been transformed into unique creations by artisans from all over the state. Turtle maps available online at www.turtlesonthetown.com or at the S.C. Aquarium or Charleston Visitor Center.

On view May 28-Aug. 31. Free.

Viewpoint: Charleston Kids with Cameras

Through the Viewpoint project, which empowers youth through the creative use of auto focus cameras with the aid of volunteer photographers as mentors, comes an impressive exhibit of photographs by youth ages 7-12 from the Meeting Street Manor Housing Authority Residence and the Charleston Developmental Academy.

On view May 16-June 16, Mon.-Thursday: 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri.-Sat.: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun.: 2-5 p.m. Free. Charleston County Public Library, 68 Calhoun St.


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