If typical gallery prices make you gasp, then the Charleston Artist Collective is for you. Started in 2010 by gallery professional and art promoter Allison Williamson, the Collective is an online gallery that offers affordable — as in, nothing over $500 — artworks by local artists. The artists create work specifically for the Collective based on a specific theme, which changes every few months, and buyers can do everything from browse to purchase pieces directly through the website (although if you would like to see a piece in person, Williamson will make that happen). When you buy from the Collective, not only are you supporting local artists, but local nonprofits too — 10 percent of all proceeds are donated to groups like Camp Happy Days, Lowcountry Orphan Relief, and the Halsey Institute for Contemporary Art.
The Collective breaks out of the virtual space twice a year with a physical art show, and they’re hosting their Spring Exhibition opening on May 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the Preservation Society of Charleston Shop, 147 King St. (The Preservation Society is also the group’s current charity.) You can see the works through June 14.
The shows feature pieces by 16 artists — Way Way Allen, Dee Schenck Rhodes, and Shannon Brown, to name a few — working off the theme “Local Color.” Take a look through charlestonartistcollective.com to find out more and to see some of the pieces that will be on display. —Elizabeth Pandolfi
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