Even in a city renowned for its embrace of the arts, it’s true that Charleston’s artists and practitioners confront plenty of challenges – insufficient funding, scarce studio space and even ideologues who meddle in their artistic expression.
Still, as they gather around the metaphorical holiday table, they can readily offer much for which to be thankful. Here are a few chestnuts as we head into the season of gratitude.
Charlton Singleton, trumpeter/vocalist/composer/arranger and two-time Grammy Award winner with Ranky Tanky
“Charleston will always hold a special place in my heart. I’m deeply grateful to the artists who came before us for their creativity, contributions and the foundation they laid for generations to follow. I’m equally appreciative of the artists of today who continue to build upon that legacy, pushing the boundaries and keeping the arts thriving. With such a rich history and an ever-evolving creative community, the future of the arts in the City of Charleston will always be bright.”
Terry Fox, co-founder and associate director, Charleston Arts Festival and co-founder, PechaKucha Charleston
“Having a years-long perspective of the Charleston creative scene, I am most appreciative of our practitioners’ resilience, their willingness to collaborate and their intention to ceaselessly inspire. Plus, our people work really hard to honor their commitments to their art and its mission. I am honored to be a minor participant.”
Lese Corrigan, owner of Corrigan Gallery and artist
“Charleston’s growth and energy and the way the Gibbes has developed and expanded over the years is cause for gratitude.”
Arun Drummond, founder of Drummond Studio Gallery and artist
“What I’m most grateful for is seeing Charleston’s arts community continue to evolve and make room for new voices, fresh perspectives and unconventional spaces. There’s something exciting about watching artists create their own opportunities, build community and challenge what the Charleston art scene can look like.”
Madelyn Knight-Calabrese, actor
“I’m grateful to be part of such a diverse and growing theater community, where every company offers something different and brings its own unique perspective and artistry to the stage!”
Sharon Graci, co-founder and artistic director, PURE Theatre
“I’m grateful for the arts patrons whose generosity makes so much possible, and for the artists who make Charleston a more accountable, resilient and beautiful place to live.”
Gino Castillo, musician/sound therapy facilitator and cancer survivor
“I am deeply grateful first of all for having a second chance to be alive and be aware that love is the energy that thrives and moves. The universe and gratitude is the pure form of energy in the universe and in my particular case, I cannot be more grateful for the music scene and the Charleston community because they have shown me that love from our hearts and not our minds can bring unity to this world. Let’s be the seed for the rest of the world starting from our own hearts creating a ripple effect.”
Kristin Alexander, founder and artistic director of Annex Dance Company and assistant professor, College of Charleston
“As my company celebrates its 20th season, I am especially grateful for the collaborators and longtime patrons this city has brought us. The relationships I have built with artists and organizations are incredibly meaningful to me. It has been so rewarding to be part of a growing dance community, especially watching many of my former College of Charleston students make their own mark!”
Yuriy Bekker, artistic director, concertmaster and principal Pops, Charleston Symphony
“I am so grateful to the Charleston community for its unwavering support of the Charleston Symphony and our city’s many wonderful arts organizations. We are fortunate to live in a city with such an extraordinary array of artistic talent and cultural experiences. The arts enrich our lives, inspire us and lift our spirits. It is the generosity and enthusiasm of our community that make all of this possible and help make Charleston such a special place.”
Mena Mark Hanna, general director and CEO, Spoleto Festival USA
I came to Charleston 5 years ago and am constantly amazed by the artistry and ingenuity of this city. Seeing Rip City keep us on our toes at Silver Hill Studio in North Charleston or Salman Rushdie and Rachel Eliza Griffiths in a talkback at the Charleston Literary Festival shows how much our community constantly punches above its weight. Fifty years ago, when Menotti first came to Charleston, he said he fell in love with the city at first sight. I fall in love with Charleston again and again with every Babas breakfast taco, every lazy afternoon on Sullivan’s, every ovation for the Charleston Symphony.
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