Tag: Charleston

PHOTO: Can this gorgeous home be saved? Charleston, SC Officer’s home, it’s been vacant since 1995…

On By Barbara StroudIn HOME5 Comments

I truly cannot believe the homes on the navy base have been allowed to sit vacant since the base closed in 1995. They are literally falling down. When you go to this area (some of the homes are maintained, the ones that are used for the television show ARMY WIVES) you will see that there is no more beautiful place in the world. The large looming oak trees, you can FEEL the history here… the water is near, you can just imagine all the important and fancy dinners that have been part of these homes. You would think they could at least sell to an individual who could renovate and either live there or sell? There are many homes, this one is just the most heartbreaking… There was a good article in the Post & Courier back in October regarding these homes, check it out if you get a chance! (I know with a MAC you can double click on the image to enlarge… try it!). Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured artist… Merrill Irvin!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured Artist1 Comment

Photo by Merrill Irvin (SEWE website)

We take our dog, Charlie, to West Ashley Veterinary Clinic in Charleston, SC. He loves the doctors there, one of his favorites is Dr. Merrill Irvin, who besides being a fabulous vet is an amazing photographer. His images make you feel like you are standing right in front of whatever he has captured (as I reread this, let me clarify by saying whatever “image” Dr. Irvin has captured… he doesn’t run around capturing animals…  ha ha)! Most of his images are of animals that I most likely will not see in my lifetime, so it’s extremely interesting to see them so clearly and close up! Dr Irvin is as wonderful with a camera as his is with an animal! He will be at the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition this year, so be on the lookout! Check out his website, you can order images, they are fabulous! Some of these wonderful images hang in the veterinary offices (one in North Charleston and one in Charleston)…

A blip from the photographer’s website:

Merrill Irvin grew up on a farm in rural southwest Georgia where he spent much of his childhood and adolescence exploring the rivers, creeks, swamps, and forests of this region.  In this environment he developed a serious interest in the natural world he saw around him.
His mother had an old “Brownie” camera with which she took black and white photos of members of their large extended family.  Merrill developed a casual interest in photography from exposure to this influence, but did not become serious until after he graduated from college and became a veterinarian.

Merrill has traveled widely across the globe, and has spent much time exploring locally, enjoying nature photography.  He has accumulated a body of work and is now interested in sharing it with others.
Merrill wants you to enjoy these photographs and encourages you to read the info about them.  Perhaps you can learn something new from the captions and photographs you are viewing.  He hopes you enjoy viewing these images as much as he has enjoyed acquiring them.
Artist Hometown: Charleston, SC
Artist Email: merrill@wornbootsphotography.com
Artist’s Website: Merrill Irvin

I’ll leave you with one more image (from his website, Worn Boots Photography)… I love the captions he has on his website! Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured artist… Rick Reinert!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured Artist, HOMELeave a comment

“Second Sunday In December” by Rick Reinert

Across from the Reinert LePrince Gallery is a neat little antique store, John Pope Antiques. I think Rick did a fabulous job of capturing this colorful storefront! In his traditional loose style, he depicted this perfectly, from the brushstrokes and color to the thickness of the paint. It all made for an interesting painting!

The Reinert LePrince Gallery is located on King Street in downtown Charleston. Last time we were there both artists were painting away. So it’s a great place to visit if you want to see artists actually painting… If you’re in the area, check him out, also check out Kevin LePrince‘s work, very nice! Otherwise, their website is very informative!

A blip about Rick from his website:

Nature and sunlight have provided me with the ultimate reference library. I believe that it is possible to study painting for a lifetime and never have to venture more that one square mile for constant challenges and a wealth of subject matter. Every day offers unique and exciting opportunities for the artist who follows the light.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

SEWE Featured Artist… Dustin Van Wechel!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured Artist, TRAVELLeave a comment

“Morning Graze” by artist Dustin Van Wechel. Image via artists website.

Many of you have heard of SEWE (Southeastern Wildlife Exposition) that takes place in Charleston, SC each February (this year February 17-19). SEWE draws huge crowds of people and has an enormous amount of events and exhibits for you to check out. People come from all over the country (and most likely from even farther)… to see what we are so fortunate to have right here in our backyard… This years SEWE Featured artist is Dustin Van Wechel, an extremely  talented artist from Gilbert, AZ. The painting above entitled, “Morning Graze” will be auctioned at one of the SEWE exhibits. “Morning Graze” is also the poster for this years SEWE and is available for purchase. Check out Dustin’s work if you get a chance, he has a fabulous website! If you don’t have tickets yet for SEWE, why not get them now? Check out the SEWE website for more information!

Here is a blip about the artist from his website:

In February of 2002, Dustin Van Wechel left a successful 8-year career in the advertising industry to pursue his true passion, fine art, full-time.Since then, Dustin has won numerous awards including the prestigious 2004 Wyoming Conservation Stamp Art Competition, the Wildlife Award and Teton Lodge Company Award at the 2006 Arts for the Parks competition, and he’s received awards in several leading art publications as The Artist’s Magazine, The Pastel Journal,and Drawing Magazine. His work has been exhibited all throughout the U.S., including one-man shows and major art exhibitions, as well as in the National Museum of Wildlife Art’s Western Visions show in Jackson, Wyoming.Dustin is a signature member in both the Society of Animal Artists and the Pastel Society of America. He and his wife, Yvonne, currently reside in Gilbert, Arizona.
Catch you back here tomorrow!

Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE), Charleston, SC February 17-19, 2012!

On By Barbara StroudIn HOME, TRAVEL2 Comments

Image: Google

Mark it on your calendars… make your reservations… book those plane tickets! Southeaster Wildlife Exposition (SEWE) is February 17-19, 2012 in Charleston, SC! This marks the 30th year! Come see why there is such a huge draw. The city will see over 40,000 people fill the streets, auditoriums and many other venues in those three days. That’s the nice thing about this expo, it’s spread out, you can pick and choose what interests you! Did I mention the shopping district in Charleston, SC? Pretty darn exquisite… So there is something to do for everyone!

Here is an interesting fact from SEWE’s website that gives you an idea of how popular it is in Charleston:

What does SEWE do for the community?
SEWE has an economic impact of $63.8 million annually to the state, bringing life to the area at a traditionally slow time for the Lowcountry tourist industry. In addition, the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition provides the public with affordable access to cultural and educational opportunities as they relate to wildlife and nature conservation and preservation.

Whoa! 63.8 million! Catch you back here tomorrow!

Here’s a blip from the SEWE website:

Now in its 30th year, the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition has grown to be the largest event of its kind in the nation, attracting over 500 artists and exhibitors from around the globe who present their offerings to over 40,000 attendees. A 3-day celebration of nature that has earned a reputation for excellence, SEWE now hosts the world’s foremost experts in wildlife and nature art, as well as conservation research and environmental education. 

Established in 1982, the first Southeastern Wildlife Exposition took place in February of 1983, with approximately 100 exhibitors and 5,000 people in attendance. Its goal was, and is, to produce an event which contributes significantly to the economy while promoting the conservation and preservation of nature and wildlife through its educational outreach programs and its focus on the visual arts. 

The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition is a critical part of the South Carolina and Charleston calendar. Run with the utmost professionalism and pride, an effort that began as a small winter diversion has now become the largest annual event to take place in South Carolina and one of the most popular and successful events in the country.

Here is some info from their website in regards to purchasing tickets:

How much are tickets?
General admission tickets for Friday or Saturday are $20; Sunday: $10, and 3-Day: $40.

How much are children’s tickets?
Children 10 and under are admitted free of charge.

How can I buy tickets in advance?
Advance tickets may be purchased online, by phone (843/723-1748), at the Gaillard Auditorium, and at the Charleston Area Visitor Centers. 

• Charleston Visitor Center, 375 Meeting Street (8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily)
• Gaillard Auditorium, 77 Calhoun Street (9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon-Fri)
• Mount Pleasant Visitor Center/Waterfront Park, 99 Harry M. Hallman Jr. Blvd (9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily)
• Kiawah Visitor Center/Town Hall, 200 Beachwalker Drive (9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon-Fri)
• North Charleston Visitor Center/American LaFrance Fire Museum, 4975-B Centre Point Drive (10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon-Sat, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sun)

Can I buy tickets at the event?
Tickets may be purchased during show hours at Charleston Visitor Center, Charleston Place Hotel, Francis Marion Hotel, Mills House Hotel, Gaillard Auditorium, Marion Square, and Brittlebank Park.

Will tickets sell out?
SEWE will not run out of General Admission tickets.  Please be advised that GA seating for events in the Gaillard Auditorium is first come, first served and is not guaranteed.  The same is true for viewing space near the ring for Retreiver and Center for Birds of Prey demos, and near the tank for DockDogs competitions.

Workshop with artist Colin Page April 6 & 7, 2012! Charleston,SC

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, THOUGHTS3 Comments

Image: ColinPagePaintings

One of our favorite artists, Colin Page, from Maine will be here in Charleston, SC this coming April. Mark it on your calendar! He’ll be here as part of a show at the Smith Killian Gallery, located in downtown Charleston. Colin will also be giving a workshop here on Friday, April 6 and Saturday, April 7, 2012. My husband and I met Colin several years ago, he’s a down to earth nice guy as well as a fabulous artist. We met him and a group of artists he was painting with in a cottage down from ours. We were lucky enough to see the artwork after they spent a week out every day painting rain or shine… and the work was nothing short of amazing. Jaw dropping. No kidding! My husband and I were fortunate enough to buy a piece of his work that year, and we absolutely LOVE it! Colin has the uncanny ability to take something mundane and turn it into something spectacular! Check out his WEBSITE (hint: his journal is FULL of information!). Also… contact the Smith Killian Gallery for more details!  Hope to see you there! Here’s some info for the workshop. If the image is too small you should be able to click on it to enlarge…  Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist… John Carroll Doyle!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment
Emerald and Pink by John C. Doyle /Image: JohnCDoyle.com

John Carroll Doyle… if you are from Charleston, SC, you undoubtedly know John. He’s a fabulous artist full of wonderful stories. I love how each painting has a story, its part of what makes his gallery such a treat to visit! This painting, entitled “Emerald and Pink” is fabulous, I love the movement in the water, and how the light pink plays against the greens, very nice! John is a fascinating guy, if you’re ever downtown you must visit his gallery! If you aren’t fortunate enough to be in the area, check out his website, it’s a good one!

I remember years ago when my husband and I were renovating our kitchen… it took months, and for months we ate at this neat healthy grocery store called EarthFare that also had a hot bar with healthy choices. We ate there daily. With no sink and no kitchen, it was easier to walk over to EF, eat and walk home. No clean up, ha ha… We saw John there each day having dinner… My husband and I were in line when a few women spotted John sitting at a booth eating and reading… “OHMYGOSH… DO YOU KNOW WHO THAT IS???!!!” said one… “JOHN DOYLE!!!!!”, it was too funny, they were trying to decide whether or not to interrupt his dinner, they were SO EXCITED! Almost like seeing one of the Beatles, ha ha… On our way to a table I gave John a heads up, in case he was bombarded, it was too funny… instead of speaking to him, they just watched him eat. Oh, I’m so glad I’m not a star in Charleston!

Here’s a blip (and a photo) about John from the gallery website…

John Carroll Doyle was born in Charleston in 1942, and is nationally known for his energetic, light filled paintings of subjects as diverse as blues musicians, blue marlins and blue hydrangeas.  The artist got his start with his distinctive sportfishing paintings which have graced the covers of many popular sportfishing magazines in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s.  He continued to make a name for himself throughout the 1980’s with his now famous and large scale commissioned paintings that can be seen on the walls of many of downtown Charleston’s beloved restaurants, as well as clubs and restaurants as far afield as Chicago, Illinois and Alexandria, Virginia.  

With a career that spans four decades, John has become a seasoned American Impressionist whose muse has always been Charleston and the surrounding lowcountry.  From wildlife to still life, John Doyle paints with a passion and understanding that makes it hard to believe he is self taught.

Doyle claims as his “teachers” the wooden boats at the Charleston Yacht Basin, lavender shadows on Charleston stucco, and the coastal sunlight that floods this city year-round. In 1997 the artist completed an autobiography entitled John Carroll Doyle: Portrait of a Charleston Artist. Lavishly illustrated with color reproductions of the artist’s work and vintage black and white photographs of Charleston from the 1940’s and 50’s, the book tells not only the story of Doyle’s development as an artist, but also the transformation of Charleston from a sleepy town to a bustling tourist destination. 

In 2008, the John Carroll Doyle Art Gallery moved to 125 Church Street, which was formerly the Margaret Petterson Gallery.  Margaret Petterson, a fellow native Charleston artist, has retired from gallery ownership but is still producing her beautiful paintings and monotypes which are featured exclusively at the new John Doyle Gallery at 125 Church Street.

Catch you back here tomorrow!!

Featured artist… Robert Lange!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment
"The Joy of Painting" by Robert Lange / Image: RobertLangeStudios.com

To see his work is amazing. You really have to see it to believe it! I captured this image from Charleston Magazine website, you’ve got to go there and click on any image to start a slideshow. Check out the whimsical brilliance this artist has to offer. The above painting is entitled “The Joy of Painting” and to watch Robert paint truly is a joy, you just wonder HOW anyone can be so precise! Robert and Megan (wife) own the RLS gallery… which is nothing short of gorgeous, located downtown Charleston, SC it’s a treat for the eyes!

Here’s a blip about Robert from the gallery website:

Born in 1980 in Colorado, Robert Lange began painting at a young age but was recognized as a mathematical prodigy and subsequently followed his gift to college. It wasn’t until his second year at Northeastern University, which he attended on a full math scholarship that he decided to follow his passion for art and transfered to Rhode Island School of Design, where he was again awarded a full scholarship but this time for his painting abilities. He was most influenced by teacher and painter Julia Jacquette, who taught him new perspectives leading him to become professional in 2003. That year he both graduated from RISD and opened his first gallery, Robert Lange Studios, in Charleston SC.

He first specialized in realist painting, particularly of people, emphasizing narrative moments. In 2010 he opened his second gallery, RLS Gallery and his work became more surreal, following into the category of hyper-realism or surrealism. His most notable bodies of work Measure (2009) and Go (2010) were nationally recognized and internationally collected. Lange has been featured in numerous magazines, including the cover of American Art Collector and Art Magazine, and in New American Paintings.

“Robert’s depiction of a heightened suburbia distances his work from the political commitment and social self-importance of most contemporary postmodern painters. Someplace between Charleston’s cobblestone streets and New York’s stark concrete living rooms, is the work of Robert Lange.” – City Paper 2008

UPCOMING EVENT… THE OBSERVER, Opening February 3 from 5-8pm, 20 round paintings by artist Robert Lange…

Here’s a glimpse into the gallery (located at 2 Queen Street, Charleston, SC), but check it out in person, it’s even better! Catch you back here tomorrow!

Image: RobertLangeStudios.com/

What does 80,000 pounds of oysters look like? Come see at the Lowcountry Oyster Festival!

On By Barbara StroudIn HOME, TRAVELLeave a comment
Image: CharlestonRestaurantAssociation.com

Aren’t you curious what 80,000 pounds of oysters looks like?? Come out to Boonehall Plantation in Mount Pleasant, SC on January 29th to see… It will be a big time AND all for a good cause, as you’ll see below the money goes to several local charities!

Here’s a blip from Charleston Restaurant Association’s website:

 

29TH ANNUAL LOWCOUNTRY OYSTER FESTIVAL – JANUARY 29, 2012

Get directions.

Who’s ready to do some oyster shucking? How does 80,000 pounds of oysters sound?

The Lowcountry Oyster Festival is the world’s largest oyster festival and has been named one of the “top 20 events in the southeast” by Southeastern Tourism Society. Highlights include the legendary “Oyster Shucking” and “Oyster Eating” Contests, live music from the main stage, wine, a selection of domestic and imported beers, a Children’s Area complete with pony rides and jump castles and a “Food Court” showcasing a variety of local favorite restaurants to satisfy everyone’s taste.

Buy tickets online now or buy them at any area Southcoast Community Bank

Sunday, January 29th, 2012   10:30am – 5pm

Boone Hall Plantation, Mount Pleasant

Kids 10 and under are free with an adult; Bring your own knives and gloves or purchase them on site; No Coolers; No Pets; No Tailgating; Rain or Shine; Free Parking

The Lowcountry Oyster Festival is a charity fundraiser benefiting: The Ronald McDonald House, Hospitality Heroes, Hollings Cancer Center and Charleston County Schools Science Materials Resource Center

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Charleston (SC) Restaurant week, NOW through January 22, 2012!

On By Barbara StroudIn FOODLeave a comment
Image: CharlestonRestaurantAssociation.com/

I have heard so many wonderful things about Charleston Restaurant Week in Charleston, SC. Sorry I am late in posting this… The link to Charleston Restaurant Week from the Charleston Restaurant Association’s website is fantastic… it shows the price for each restaurant (some are 3 courses for $20, 3 courses for $30 and 3 courses for $40, some vary a bit, but it shows the price AND THE MENU FOR EACH RESTAURANT… OH how I love a menu!). These prices may not seem ultra cheap, but these restaurants aren’t cheap. They’re fantastic, beautiful, well known restaurants that for a few weeks each year offer a limited menu for a lesser price, so that everyone can experience these restaurants at a reduced cost. Click HERE for the link that shows restaurants/menu’s etc. – a blip from their site:

CHARLESTON RESTAURANT WEEK JANUARY 12- 22, 2012

Mark your calendars! The dates for the next installment of Charleston Restaurant Week are January 12 – 22, 2012. The event is part of Restaurant Week South Carolina sponsored by the South Carolina Hospitality Association.  Charleston Restaurant Week, executed by the Charleston Restaurant Association (CRA), is one of the most highly anticipated culinary events in the Charleston area.

It is an opportunity to enjoy the world-renowned cuisine of the Lowcountry as participating restaurants offer prix fixe menus consisting of three items for one price. 3 items for $20, $30 or $40. View all restaurants participating and their Restaurant Week menus below. Bon Appetit!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

You won’t believe your eyes… Charleston, SC sunset…

On By Barbara StroudIn HOMELeave a comment

My sister was in town visiting from Michigan and we headed to the new Shem Creek Park in Mt. Pleasant, SC. We got some amazing photos, when it didn’t seem like anything else was going to happen we headed home… going over the bridges (Mt P and Ashley River) we saw the most stunning sunset. EVER. This photo was taken with my phone going over the Ashley River Bridge…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Have you been? Check out the Footlight Players in downtown Charleston, SC

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, HOME, TRAVELLeave a comment

The Footlight Players is the most delightful place to spend an evening! You can expect to sit back and be completely entertained. I haven’t been in a while but am looking forward to going soon! It’s located in an old cotton warehouse in downtown Charleston, SC.

Click to see the upcoming schedule… THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING ERNEST by Oscar Wilde is the next production. They also have a LATE NIGHT series that is less expensive!

Here is a blip from the Footlight Players website regarding the history… interesting! Hope to see you there soon!

The Footlight Players were ceremoniously launched in 1931 with a series of one-act plays directed by Lieutenant Commander Charles Russell Price at the Charleston Navy yard. The series was such a success and drew such a following that The Footlight Players formally organized and incorporated in the fall of 1932.

In 1934, the Players purchased an old cotton warehouse (circa 1850) with the idea of eventually converting it into a finished playhouse. Yet until 1938, all productions were presented in a variety of spaces around the Holy City—the Academy of Music (corner of King and Market Streets), the Victory Theatre (85 Society Street), Hampton Park, The Citadel, and The Dock Street Theatre. During this time, the cotton warehouse was used for storage and scenery construction. In 1941 a shortage of performance space caused the Players to again turn to their warehouse.

Just a roof and four walls, sixty dedicated volunteers remodeled and renovated the old warehouse and converted it into an informal playhouse and workshop. For the following 45 years, the Footlight Players continued to annually produce a number of regular season productions, both at The Dock Street Theatre and at Footlight. In 1986, after another dramatic renovation, The Footlight Players moved into the old cotton warehouse at 20 Queen Street, where they have remained ever since. What began as a small group has become for Charleston a theatrical tradition, built and strengthened over many years by hundreds of willing hands, the priceless gifts of time and toil, and by faith, enthusiasm and talent.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Vintage image from Footlight Players website…

Artist to watch… Ulrich Gleiter!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment
"Just Arrived" by artist Ulrich Gleiter / Image: KarenHagan.com

Can’t you just FEEL how deep this snow is? How cold the temperature is? Perhaps smell wood burning from a nearby fireplace? Today’s artist to watch is Ulrich Gleiter who was given this advice… “Paint two small plein air sketches every day. Nothing else will train your sense of color better.”

ULRICH GLEITER was born in Saarbruecken, Germany, and studied at the Dresden Academy of Fine Arts in Germany before moving to Rus- sia to study first at the Suricov Institute of Arts in Moscow and then at the Repin Academy of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg. In 2010 he received the Best of Show award and First Place in the Quick Draw Portrait Competition in the Plein Air Rockies 2010 in Estes Park, Colorado; the Award of Excellence in the Wyoming Plein Air in Cheyenne, Wyoming; and the Frank Bette First Prize in the 2010 Alameda Plein Air Paint out in Alameda, California. He will be mounting a solo exhibition of his work at Gallerie Ines Schulz in Dresden, Germany, in the fall of 2011, and will participate in the Door County Plein Air Invitational in July 2011 and the Plein Air Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado, in August 2011 For more information, visit his website at www. ulrichgleiter.com. 

HERE is a good article from Plein Air Magazine about Ulrich…

Catch you back here tomorrow!