AZALEA Magazine Spring 2024

CATCHING THE LIGHT WITH STAINED GLASS MASTER BRUCE HIPPEL

THE LITTLE MUSEUM WITH BIG STORIES / SYMPHONY SOUNDS / CAFE DE FLEUR FABULOUS FLORALS / EVER EDISTO / Q&A: A LEGACY OF FLOWERS

Celebrating the town that loves flowers

FREE Spring 2024

Modern Living in the Old South

Summerville, SC Artist in Residence Bruce Hippel Brings an Ancient Art to Modern Times

46 CATCHING THE LIGHT

SPRING 2024

AZALEA MAGAZINE

52

Floral prints and patterns take root in modern design adding whimsy and romance FABULOUS FLORALS

Bruce Hippel Demonstrating an Ancient Art Photographed by Bianka Lamb

57

Getaway to a timeless Lowcountry gem where history and nature intertwine EVER EDISTO

37

"See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?"

Isaiah 43:19

Now It Springs Up

The excitement of starting something new, those first movements from inspiration to the beginning of creation - I want to live right there in that creative space where the excitement is palpable and the inevitable speed bumps haven't happened yet.

Who doesn't? The desire to create lives deep within each of us. I believe we are our best selves when we are about the business of creation, when we feel inspired to create or learn or do simply for the sake of creating something or as our columnist Tara Bailey's daughter says - "To get better at it" (pg. 37). It's hard not to feel inspired during that magical time of the year when new creation is springing up beautifully all around us.

As this issue unfolded it became more and more a celebration of creativity. In these pages you will find inspiration from real legacy makers (pg. 14, 49), an artist mastering an ancient art form (pg. 46), a community of musicians creating with the power of sound (pg. 29), a museum using the power of storytelling to create a sense of shared history (pg. 19), a couple creating a business that serves up hospitality (and some really excellent coffee and pastries!) (pg. 25), interior design that calls on the beauty of nature (pg. 52) and a celebration of nature itself (pg. 57).

All these people, places, magnificent works, and ideas are right here in our midst, in our very own little corner of the world. You are surrounded by an abundance of creativity - do you perceive it?

May this issue inspire you as much as our community inspires me.

Jenna Lachenman Publisher /Editor in Chief

SUSAN FRAMPTON Writer

Susan Frampton began her second act as a writer over a decade ago. The fascinating people and places she has gotten to know along the way make her appear far more interesting and a much better party guest. She is currently living the dream with husband Lewis, who is mortified by the (true) stories she tells of his adventures, but grateful that she takes first aid supplies everywhere.

ELLEN HYATT Poet

Hyatt’s writing has garnered recognition from professional, literary, and mainstream sources. Her works have twice been the recipient of what the Poetry Society of SC refers to as “the big one” (the Dubose & Dorothy Heyward Society Prize). She is a Fellow of the Western Pennsylvania Writing Project, professor, columnist, and appointee to the Board of Governors of the SC Academy of Authors.

Tara Bailey is married with three (mostly) grown daughters. When she is not teaching English, she can be found somewhere outside. She loves exploring the local landscape, nurturing native plants and wildlife, riding her bike, and playing ball with her dog. She has even gotten her husband in the habit of counting bird species in their yard.

ELIZA CHAPMAN BAILEY Writer

A Lowcountry Native, Eliza grew up in Summerville and Mt. Pleasant. She currently resides in Summerville with her husband, two children, three dogs and two cats. An Elementary School Media Specialist in N.Charleston, Eliza has a BS in Political Science from the College of Charleston, and a Master's in Library and Information Science from the University of SC.

EBONI JOHNSON

Eboni Johnson is a Summerville native and member of the Summerville High School class of 2018. She graduated Cum Laude from Furman University in 2022 with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Spanish. Eboni is always looking for opportunities to learn and engage with her community. She is currently enrolled in Charleston Southern University’s Master of Science in Clinical Counseling program. Upon graduation, she intends to work with at-risk youth, as she is passionate about holistic well-being and believes the youth are our future.

WILL & DIANA THOMPSON Writers

Will and Diana Thompson met while in college at Clemson University and married in 2003. They are parents to three children (Wyatt, Ruthie, and Seth). They have years of experience serving and encouraging others. In their spare time, you can find them supporting their kids at the dance studio, the ball field, or going for a run in Summerville.

Bianka Lamb, a visionary photographer born in Canada, studied Photography at Trident Technical College. She currently resides in Summerville with her Husband, two cats and two dogs. With each click of the shutter, her passion for storytelling through imagery has led her on a journey of exploration and creativity.

TARA BAILEY Writer

Writer

BIANKA LAMB Photographer

Sweetgrass Basket

To own a sweetgrass basket is to hold time suspended in your hand. Woven using skills passed down through generations of those brought here as slaves, the sweetgrass basket is the quintessential symbol of the Lowcountry's Gullah culture. As known for its beauty as for the resilience it represents, the sweetgrass basket is a treasured possession worthy of being passed down through the generations. Each coiled strand is a nod to the first fingers to weave the pattern on a distand shore, and a celebration of the Lowcountry's unique history.

LANDSCAPE

Q&A

Q&A

A Legacy of Flowers

Elisabeth Grimsley ~ Summerville, SC

By Jenna Lachenman

It was such a pleasure and a privilege to sit a while with Summerville SC resident and owner of Flowertown Florist, Elisabeth Grimsley, who turned 100 on February 29th. A leap day baby, Elisabeth (Elsie) jokingly claims that she is really only 25 - and given her spirit and vitality, I am inclined to believe her! For Elsie, a lifelong love of flowers combined with a positive outlook, hard work and a humble appreciation for what is most important has blossomed beautifully into a century of fond memories, a lifetime of love, a beautiful perspective on life and a legacy of flowers.

What is your favorite thing about living in the Lowcountry?

It's difficult to think of just one thing. Born in Munich, I came to Summerville in 1962. I have always loved Summerville. I remember when we first heard of it, we were told - "You must go to Summerville. They love flowers there!" Today I feel so grateful to be here with my family. It's a wonderful place to live and I treasure it.

Have you always loved flowers?

Yes, where I grew up everyone had a garden. Even as a young girl I liked to pick the flowers from my parents' garden and arrange them.

Do you have a favorite flower?

No, all flowers are beautiful. I see in every flower something beautiful; something different. Every flower is special to me.

What are you a fan of? Hard work.

Coffee or Tea? Both!

What is one thing you've bought within the last three years that you couldn't live without?

When you get to my age, material things are much less important. It's hard to think of something... Well, it was a lot longer than three years ago but I love my dining room set. Years ago when my husband and I were visiting Germany we were on the river and we got a little lost. We came to a small village and I saw this dining set through a shop window. I knew I had to have it

Photograph Provided by Grimsley Family

and I sent my husband back to get it the next day. I look around my home and everything I have is like that...meaningful to me. Have you taken your dream vacation or is there one still on your list?

Yes, I have. My favorite vacation was going to the Alps.

What is your secret to longevity?

Growing up the way I did, we ate everything from the ground - from our garden. I still eat that way and I still exercise. But I think it's more about having a peaceful life - I'm never cranky or angry. Always create a peaceful home.

I heard that your personal floral arrangements were the most unique and sought-after arrangements in town!

Thank you (smiles). The most important thing in any floral arrangement is letting each flower speak to you - let the flowers speak and they will.

What is your fondest memory of living in the Lowcountry?

I cannot pick just one. I've always been so impressed by Summerville - right from the start. I love our little downtown and I'm so happy that we have preserved our square - it's important. Each day I get to eat lunch and dinner with my children, it's a blessing. Full

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AZALEA TAILS

AZALEA TAILS

Ruger

We met Ruger, nicknamed "Scooby Doo" because he reminds his family of the goofy, lovable cartoon sleuth, walking Azalea Park in Summerville, SC.

Ruger is a handsome mix who loves taking walks with his favorite person, his mom, Jamie.

"He has endless amounts of energy but he also knows how to lay on the couch and relax!"

When not walking in the park, Ruger loves playing with his two sisters (Kia and Bailey), playing fetch, swimming in the lake, camping, car rides, play dates with friends and even training - so long as there are treats involved!

While Ruger enjoys his walks downtown, he's definitely more of a country vs. city dog and would love to have 10 acres to run around on.

You could say Ruger is a bit of a "foodie."

"Anything he eats is his favorite, even his dog food, but he is partial to the occasional hamburger, steak or hot dog."

Friendly if a little shy around strangers, Ruger keeps his eyes focused on mom for his next set of instructions.

Good boy, Ruger! AM

Ruger

Hometown: Summerville, SC

"Nicknamed "Scooby Doo" because he reminds his family of the goofy, lovable cartoon sleuth."

Flowertown Festival, April 5th - 7th with a festival Sweet Tea Trail

most hidden gems is available year round visitsummer ville.com

THE MOST CHARMING TOWN in the SOUTH

Historic Homes Walking Tour - Explore

Indigo Dyeing Workshop

March 30

April 20

May 11

June 1

A new cafe blossoms in the heart of Flowertown.

By Eboni Johnson

Photography

Café de Fleur is a brand new co afé de Fleur is a brand new new coffee shop/café pleasantly located on West Richardson Avenue, right in the heart of downtown Summerville. Upon entry, customers are welcomed with vibrant artwork, and stunning natural lighting that eloquently shine against the white walls. Locally sourced flowers serve as decadent accessories to each table. With a subtle French theme, this café features modern-vintage decor. The greenery and ornate lighting immediately draw you in and capture your attention, while the gold accents add an elevated touch. This café has several smooth marble tables paired with textured contemporary farmhouse-style seating. It is spacious, yet homey. It all comes together to create an open, welcoming, and breathable atmosphere. Café de Fleur is ideal for reuniting with old friends, reconnecting with new friends, or simply catching up on those missed deadlines.

Hannah and Harley Edwards, both born into a long line of entrepreneurs, are in the business of coffee-centric, high quality service. Hannah’s professional experience traverses multiple industries, having written and sang commercial jingles, owned a trucking company, illustrated children’s novels, worked as a barista, and much more. Harley began working in the construction business as a teenager, and currently owns his own electrical company and teaches electrical courses at Trident Technical College. Hannah’s barista expertise paired with Harley’s nostalgic ventures with coffee shops in the past gave birth to this refreshing new brasserie just a few doors down from City Hall.

What was once half of the Crazy Beautiful Bella Pazza beauty salon has been transformed into Café de Fleur. Harley had always wanted to open a coffee shop, but just was not sure where. When, Trish, the salon owner, offered Harley the opportunity to convert half of the salon space into the

Finding Your Grind

This page: Harley and Hannah Edwards.

Opposite page: The perfect latte; locallysourced pastries and baked goods

new home of Café de Fleur, they decided to take the leap.

Notably, this café was crafted quite literally with the owners’ bare hands. A little over one month after receiving confirmation, Harley began building. He utilized his construction and electric knowledge and skills to contrive the wall separating the salon from the café, along with the cabinetry, french doors, and windows. Meanwhile, Hannah used her artistic education and background to craft Café de Fleur’s beautiful interior design. When discussing this couple’s motivation behind opening this coffee shop, Harley says “Doing electrical work as a contractor is not easy. It’s insanely stressful… and dangerous work,” but with Café de Fleur, Hannah and Harley are able to combine their knowledge and expertise to create something beautifully inspiriting for the community. Harley remarks, “I might as well have fun with it.” This husband and wife team prioritizes hospitality over big business. They say, “This has become a labor of love… it’s a passion project.”

Café de Fleur’s easy-to-read menu features the ingredients of every drink, locally sourced pastries, high quality New York City bagels, mouth watering croissants, flavorful desserts, and it even accommodates various dietary needs. This brasserie itself is a niche in the coffee industry. From lattes and cappuccinos, to teas and bottle drinks, Café de Fleur has it all and more. Hannah and Harley are always looking for ways to spice up the menu, and combine interesting flavors to create a refreshingly innovative drink. From taste testing many different flavors of coffee beans to studying the specifics of grind size and pressure time, Hannah and Harley are dedicated to providing top notch products to their guests. In fact, they can even pinpoint the exact farm that harvests their signature Brazilian Yellow Catuai.

These café owners believe that the community of Summerville is uniquely suited to build this type of connection. What better location for a “flower café” than the Flowertown?

Stop by Café de Fleur at 100 W Richardson Avenue and see for yourself why every person who peeks through the café window ends up waltzing inside. AM

From taste testing many different flavors of coffee beans to studying the specifics of grind size and pressure time, Hannah and Harley are dedicated to providing top notch products to their guests.

Cafe de Fleur (cont.)

A Cafe in Bloom Shop window; A seat with a view, Pour perfect; Service with a smile

Welcoming History

The Summerville Museum and Research Center invites visitors to learn about the historical landscape and people who shaped the commmunity spirit

by Eliza Chapman Bailey, Photographs by Summerville Museum and Research Center

Sometimes, we want to do something to relieve stress and stimulate the mind without too much fuss. Yet, the time and costbenefits of traveling don't add up, so to find respite, we turn inward within our community. Whether you are a long-time resident, newcomer, or visitor, a trip to the Summerville Museum and Research Center is a low-key way to engage the brain and learn about the Town of Summerville’s history, people, economy, natural resources, and culture.

The Summerville Museum (originally the Summerville Dorchester Museum), located at 100 East Doty Street, sits on land initially owned by Eagle Creek Lumber Company. In 1923, the Town of Summerville constructed a brick facade water department with a 100-foot steel water tower and a 300,000-gallon water cistern on this spot.

The purpose of the building changed in 1976 from a water station to a police station and Judge's courtroom; in 1990, the police station relocation left the building vacant. Recognizing the area's growth and the desire to preserve Summerville's history, the Town dedicated the empty space to a museum.

Through visual displays, artifacts, and exhibits, the Museum builds a foundation of Summerville’s history by sharing its stories. Guided and self-paced tours chronicle Summerville’s past through the decades, taking visitors back in time, circa the 1700s, when the area was a pineland “frontier” encompassing inland wetlands well suited for Daniel Axell’s sawmill, tannery, and tar kiln.

A steward of Summerville’s history, the Museum explains why Upper Ashley River Planters and their families established

summer homes inland in “Old Summerville.”

It emphasizes the South Carolina Rail Road and Canal Company’s enterprise to promote commerce along the Charleston to Hamburg line by designing a grid town, “New Summerville,” and selling the land for businesses and residents. The merging of the two communities led to the Town of Summerville becoming the first railroad company-sponsored town in the nation.

Thedisplayed exhibits showcase Summerville's economy before and after the Civil War. They also highlight the town's recognition as one of the two healthiest places in the world by the International Congress of Physicians in Paris in 1888. Through their presentations, visitors can learn about the journey of those who came to Summerville as summer or permanent residents and how they influenced the architecture and Summerville's Age of Inns. Visitors can learn

Summerville's Hidden Gem Museum grounds and courtyard including Saul Alexander garden house

Welcoming History (cont.)

more about the exhibits by scanning the QR codes available throughout the Museum.

Tea and timber played a significant role in Summerville’s industry. Pinehurst Tea Gardens' tea plant specimens and a longleaf pine tree planted in the Museum’s courtyard garden represent this importance. The renovated Garden House, owned by Saul Alexander, is next to a mural painted on an old cistern depicting the lumbering industry. The courtyard also contains a brick ball donated to honor the skilled black brick masons who built the town's infrastructure. The Museum's brick walls and the town’s older roads, pathways, curbs, and facades showcase their artistry.

A research and archives center will be open for public use. The Museum's librarian, Irene Carr, finds that the Museum is a “compilation of Southern culture that emphasizes the humanitarian nature of humble hospitality," which she feels “is the resonating hallmark of Summerville that can still be found today.”

The Little Museum with Big Stories, staffed by volunteers, is a historical welcome center for The Flower Town in the Pines within walking distance of local restaurants and shopping. Taking a tour is a wonderful way to jump-start your knowledge of Summerville's fabric, the fortitude of early residents, and the historical relevance of the Town’s motto,

WSacraPinus Esto - The Pine is Sacred. In a small space, it adequately weaves together the social, political, and economic landscape of Summerville’s past and present responsible for the gracious, thriving community cherished today.

The hours of operation are Thursday - Saturday, 10 am - 4 pm, with special events hosted throughout the year. A Rededication Ceremony planned for May will promote National Historic Preservation Month. The Garden House and meeting rooms can be rented for small, intimate, or business gatherings. For more information, to make a monetary donation or donate books/materials for the research center, and to learn about volunteer opportunities –which, by the way, has perks - visit their website at ourmuseum.org or call 843-875-9666. AM

Showcasing the Power of Sound

The Summerville Orchestra, one of the largest non-profit community orchestras in the country, unifies the community with symphonic harmonies.

by Eliza Chapman Bailey

Photography by Summerville Orchestra

From media to the arts, rallying calls take many forms that use various platforms to influence audiences. As technology plays a prominent role in our lives, it is difficult to distinguish reality from fiction. Refreshingly, the Summerville Orchestra's concert series, Voices of Destiny, leaves no doubt on the authenticity of the human voice. Exceeding expectations, conductor Wojciech Milewski leads the Orchestra in a seamless tour de force of arrangements that convey mankind's vulnerabilities, endurance, and triumphs. Tapping into our ethereal existence, their symphonic compositions engage in a synchronized balance that embodies the power of the human spirit.

In its 20th season, the Summerville Orchestra has grown from a few friends playing music to a full-fledged community orchestra comprised of members throughout the tri-county area and beyond. Milewski elaborates, “The majority are community members with full-time jobs who come together to create a symphonic experience without being paid. As a microcosm of the community, they feel strongly about the music they play and their experiences together. Care is taken to select music that speaks to the community and fulfills S.O.'s vision to create a musical experience accessible to all and to build community relationships that will transform our cultural landscape and dialogue.”

Whether the message is cultural, political, or philosophical, their goal is to use the power of sound to engage the mind and evoke emotions. Instrumental harmonies convey uplifting wisdom and inspire the community to share in each other's collective voice. Summerville resident Rachael Mallett agrees, "My friends and I enjoyed the orchestra’s ability to put everyone at ease. Wojciech does an excellent job of making the symphony light and fun. It was nice to see people in the audience, some we knew, smiling and laughing along with us… sharing a common experience.”

Under Milewski's direction, the Summerville Orchestra won the American Prize National Nonprofit Competition in the Performing Arts

Showcasing the Power of Sound (cont.)

community division in 2023. The capture of the American Prize solidifies their place among the best-performing artists, directors, ensembles, and composers. Encompassing classical and non-classical pieces with a full-scale professional repertoire and newer works, their mission is to share our love of music by engaging and enriching our community through the evolution of orchestral art.

They intend to unify people of all ages and walks of life with varied compilations that speak of our individual and collective humanity. As a pivotal player in the community, they offer (either for a charge or no cost) concert series, encores, small group concerts, educational outreach, discussions, and support for a youth/ junior philharmonic orchestra.

Classically trained musician and patron Lisa Randle shares, “I am always amazed at the artistry and professionalism of the musicians. Conductor Wojciech Milewski’s endearing stage presence and musical selections include classical standards, familiar movie and film themes, and something new and usual from

a modern composer. No longer just for the affluent, the Orchestra brings a spellbinding musical experience to everyone.”

The Summerville Orchestra is a communitybased non-profit organization representing the power of the arts. It is an archetype of Summerville's collaborative nature to support the endeavors of others to create cultural and economic cohesiveness. To learn more about the orchestra’s legacy, performance dates, auditions, donations, volunteer opportunities, and general information, please visit their website at https://summervilleorchestra.org/. AM

Sound Conductor

Opposite Page: Conductor, Wojciech Milewski leads the orchestra, This Page: Voices of Destiny

Please join Dr. Rhett Deaton and team in wishing hygienist, Donnie, a happy retirement after nearly 47 years of service to Deaton Dental! Donnie, your beautiful smile will be missed by the team and your patients, thank you and happy retirement!

YNATURAL WOMAN

Love Letters

Truth be told, having a party has as much to do with how it makes me feel as it does those celebrated.

by Susan Frampton

ep, I did it again. I can't help myself. I said the four words sure to make my husband roll his eyes, throw up his hands, and stomp to the garage for the pressure washer. "We're having a party." To me, the words seem so celebratory, so filled with anticipation and excitement. For Lewis, not so much.

There was a time when it was my job to invite forty thousand of my closest friends to Charleston for the big wildlife show every February. I felt responsible for ensuring that from the minute visitors hit the city limits to the minute they left, what they saw, where they stayed, what they heard, and how welcome they felt. The event was and continues to be a love letter from Charleston, and I am happy that my name was among those shown on the return address for many years.

That's probably what got my party game started. Martha Stewart would tell you that the only difference between a party for forty thousand and a party for forty is a few thousand bodies. I do not

pretend to be Martha Stewart. Okay, that's a lie. Sometimes I pop my collar, purse my lips, and have Wimaginary conversations with Snoop Dogg, but dang, there is no denying that woman knows how to get a party started.

There is something about showing someone they are worth the effort – that their milestone, joy, grief, or mere existence warrants going the extra mile. The other day, I came across a folder in the filing cabinet labeled "parties." There were menus and the ridiculously detailed to-do lists that are my trademark, with each item's completion marked off with a highlighter. Through the years, we've celebrated engagements and marriages, honored debutants, welcomed new life, and paid homage to those we have lost. In the past few years, there have been far too many of those.

We don't have big throwdowns with formality and falderol. Most gatherings are on the back porch and patio and are casual and comfortable, complete with kids and dogs. Lewis likes to act as though his dread of these occasions has to do with the inevitable list of chores he's handed,

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but me thinks he protests too much. He puts most of those chores on the list himself. I'll admit to sometimes taking advantage of having projects I want to be done slipped into the mix. Sorry. Not sorry. One must strike while the proverbial iron is hot.

Truth be told, having a party has as much to do with how it makes me feel as it does those whom are celebrated. A little over a year ago, my grandson was born. He was only hours old when it was marked on the calendar that he would have his first birthday party at our house. I'm sure I had already hit Pinterest up for recipes and ideas by the time he was home from the hospital. We're still finding orange icing from the smash cake he gleefully flung onto the porch railing at last week's party. He didn't know or care that his Papa bleached and pressure washed the porch railings, didn't bother to taste the lovingly made raspberry brie bites or cucumber and dill appetizers, or comment that the floor looked clean under the refrigerator.

But maybe one day when he's older, and it's cooler to go to the bowling alley or the trampoline place with his friends, he'll hear Happy Birthday sung and have a fleeting memory of being celebrated on his grandparents back porch by all the important people in his life. I hope somewhere in the back of his mind, amidst the noise and chaos of a growing boy’s life, he’ll remember, and know that the occasion was more than just a party. It was a love letter. AM

There is something about showing someone they are worth the effort – that their milestone, joy, grief, or mere existence warrants going the extra mile.

NATURAL WOMAN

IKIDS THESE DAYS

The Art of Learning

by Tara Bailey

am finally able to buy art! Not small items and prints, either; I’m talking tens of thousands of dollars worth of art. Original pieces of oil, acrylic, and charcoal. Three-dimensional works of glass, wood, and ceramic. Portraits, stills, landscapes, abstracts, pop art - everything! My home is finally becoming the modern collection of visual creativity I’ve longed for since my first elementary school field trip to the Greenville Museum of Art. Not to sound arrogant, but I deserve it - after all, I’ve been saving up for two decades.

The only catch is that I don’t choose my acquisitions. It’s a finderskeepers situation: I find abandoned art in various spots around my house, and I keep it. As for those thousands of dollars - I don’t so much pay the artist directly as I pay for the development of her skills. She doesn’t mind because she’s also getting free room and

board while she works. My youngest daughter is an art major.

Majoring in art is an act of bravery these days. In an era when college is often seen as an expensive trade school, many wonder, why waste all of that time and savings on something as impractical as art? There is indeed a great deal of benefit in choosing an educational path that leads directly to a career out of school. My older two kids have more or less done that very thing. But when people, including me, ask my youngest what her goal is in studying art, she doesn’t respond with a job in mind. She says, without flinching, “To get better at it.”

And why not? The season of life she’s experiencing is likely the best opportunity she will ever have to devote so much time and learning to art and art alone. I remember with great joy my senior year of college as an equally impractical English major. I had completed my

major course of study and had several credit hours to fill with electives. So I decided that this would be the only time in my life when I could freely explore things that interested me and served no other purpose than to expand my understanding.

I took philosophy, political science, a survey on the Vietnam war, and a lifesaving class (which earned me a practical certification I used as a camp counselor). I registered for the History of African American Religion and a course in parapsychology - taught by exactly the type of professor you might imagine. My favorite was a film class that spoke to the cinephile tendencies I’d nurtured since my first job in a movie theater. I fell deeply in love with learning that year and, unsurprisingly, became a teacher. Something I swore I’d never do, by the way.

So when people ask my daughter what she plans to do with a degree in art, she says, honestly, she doesn’t know. That’s not her priority right now. She doesn’t look at art in terms of jobs but as a refuge for the moments when her brain and hands merge to breathe life into an idea. She has a love-hate relationship with the 24-hour studio space at her school, available whenever she wants or needs it. And she is always wanting and needing it. She loves the smell and feel of the old, open room, the solitude of a three a.m. project, and the access to tools and machines that allow her to bring new things into the world. Should you happen to call her, she wouldn’t be able to talk because she’d be “working on something.” Like most college students, she earns the little sleep she gets.

If you want to anger my daughter, insult her major by calling it easy. She recently told me about a classmate who switched majors to study art because she thought it would take less time and effort. Now the student complains about standing at an easel for hours and having impossible deadlines for multiple projects.

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“What did you think it would be?

Scissors and crayons?” asked my snarky daughter. Art may not be a practical major, but it’s not easy.

My grandfather always told me there was value in all work. This also applies to learning. Whether a student is learning a trade necessary to keep the modern world running, a technical skill that equips the present world for the future, a highly specialized field requiring years of education, or a liberal art that engages the abstract mind, learning is the bridge to doing, and doing is the land of fulfillment.

I also believe that people can learn multiple things. Hence my friend’s son, the pre-med major and violinist whose course load includes orchestra and biochemistry. Or my daughter’s boyfriend who plays in multiple bands while studying engineering. Or my history-loving husband who sells real estate, plays guitar, and writes. Or my colleague who teaches by day and works as a trauma nurse by night (God bless her).

We are all endowed with curiosities about the world that keep us seeking understanding. Sometimes that understanding leads to a vocation, which is a gift, but the seeking doesn’t need to stop there. How many people do you know who attend wine-and-paint parties to have fun while also learning brushstroke methods? Or who sign up for classes at Public Works? I took a Master Naturalist class composed of a physician, an attorney, a realtor, a stay-at-home mom, and a pharmacist, among others. Life is continuing ed, and we are all perpetual students. So go learn. And should someone ask what you plan to do with whatever it is you’re learning, just say, “To get better at it.” AM

KIDS THESE DAYS

LLIFE & FAITH

by Will Thompson

egacy is something I think of often. Who are those people who had a positive influence on my life. There are a lot of people that did good by me, but only a few that I can say left a legacy—a way of right living that inspires me to carry the torch forward. Legacy is not something you do on purpose. It is who you are and how you interact with others that leaves a lasting positive impact.

There are a number a Biblical references to leaving a legacy. One of my favorites is from Deuteronomy 6:5-9 which states, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk

of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates." In a nutshell, this verse says to love the Lord with everything you have and to teach it to others by the way you live. This is legacy.

Olin McCurry departed his earthly life on December 27, 2023 at the age of 90. His list of accolades in athletics and his work life are long, but more than that, the legacy he left through his children, grandchildren, and the community is beyond measure.

I knew Olin personally, but I really knew him through my relationships with his family. If you ever truly want to know the worth of a man, look

at his family. All families have their ups and downs, but I can honestly say that I have rarely seen an entire family carry the values of faith, hard work, perseverance, generosity, and love like I see in the McCurry’s. Much of who they are can be credited to Olin and his lovely Rose of 62 years.

On life, Olin would tell his children and their friends, “take care of your business and then have some good clean fun…the kind of fun you don’t have to look over your shoulder for.” These are wonderful words of wisdom to young people. As a lover of the outdoors, he showed others how to have the right kind of fun through traveling, hunting, snow skiing, and the likes. He showed that adventure was fun and that you didn’t need to substitute what the world said was fun to have fun. Because of his example, his children and grandchildren got to experience many adventures that they continue to engage in and are now teaching the next generation. I recently wrote an article about my time hunting in the woods. I would not have those experiences if Olin had not given them to his sons and grandsons. They are the ones who taught me. Legacy.

On marriage, Olin said he would wake up every morning and ask himself, “what can I do for Rose today?” He approached life as a giver, not a taker. He saw every day as an opportunity to serve his wife and others. How could we collectively impact the world if this was our first thought each day? Legacy.

Olin was a man of faith. He didn’t necessarily preach the Gospel in word, rather he lived it through the way he interacted with others. Many people go to church and once they walk out the door, they leave their faith on the front steps to live a very different life throughout the week. Olin lived his faith. He and Rose taught their children proper values and expected

them to live up to them. He sought to draw out the best in people, especially as a coach. He walked the talk in all ways.

When I think of legacy, I think of imitation. Ephesians 5:1 says, "be imitators of God, as beloved children.” As a Christian, the greatest legacy of all is Jesus Christ. It’s hard, though, in 2024 to fully grasp what that looks like since we don’t get to observe Jesus in the flesh. We can read about Him and understand, but it would be more impactful to actually see Him. People like Olin McCurry help to fill that gap; people that live as imitators of God in our time. This is who Olin McCurry was and continues to be through the lives of those he impacted.

When I think of legacy, I think of Olin, Rose, and many of his family. I’m proud to have known him because he makes me better. How will you live your life in such a way to leave such a legacy? AM

57 EVER EDISTO

52

Summerville, SC artist and stained glass master, Bruce Hippel

By Eliza Chapman Bailey

Photography by Bianka Lamb, Bruce Hippel

'The timeless allure of floral prints and patterns takes new root in modern design. Photography by Bianka Lamb

Catching the Light Bruce Hippel

Photographed by Bianka Lamb

'The timeless allure of Edisto Island

By Jenna Lachenman Photography by Bianka Lamb

CATCHING

the LIGHT

Since the 12th century, sheets of colored and textured glass have been cut to create pictorial images to form abstract or figurative pictures illuminated by reflective light. Held together by strips of lead supported by a frame, Middle Age Gothic Cathedrals utilized stained glass to heighten spirituality through the visual senses. The light cast through the thematic representations of biblical narratives, patron saints, or symbolic motifs profoundly affected people who, unless wealthy, were uneducated and did not have access to art, text, and imagery. Employing the same techniques perfected centuries ago, Bruce Hippel, a stained glass master artisan, and glazier, continues the tradition of elevating space with imagery and light. He has created many site-specific windows over the course of 40 years. Recently, he completed the restoration of a large window for St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in St. Matthews, South Carolina.

Originally from Cape May, New Jersey, his windows, doors, transoms, floor-to-ceiling walls, and domes can be seen in private residences, places of worship, and businesses. Wellversed in glass, stabilization, and construction, Hippel considers the aesthetics and structural framework that will house each piece. He recognizes that his work represents his client's style, personality, ideology, and substance. Humbly passionate about the art’s form, he also presents and teaches the principles and techniques of stained glass composition. A self-studied artist, Hippel stumbled upon stained glass by happenstance. Early in his career, he watched a friend repairing a window; the fluid interaction between light and glass piqued his curiosity. He found the interplay produces

Artist in Residence

This Page Left to Right: Bruce Hippel in his workshop, Tools of the trade

Bianka Lamb

Hippel's Work Masters Range

Opposite Page Left to Right: Jungle Boogie Saint Joseph Wave Structure 2

continuous movement that breathes life into an image. The colors and textures of glass channel the flow of light that dances throughout the day. He explains,

“The separation of color, including the use of clear glass pieces within the lead matrix, can be very important. Too much strong color, if not thoughtfully placed, can be overwhelming to the eye. The source and strength of the light helps to determine which type of glass will work to achieve the desired effect.”

As with any commissioned work of art, Hippel consults with prospective clients. Afterward, he creates a template of their vision and selects colors and textures to form organic, traditional, or abstract works of art that delight the spirit. Collector and patron Gail Schmidtchen affirms,

“Bruce’s designs have exceeded our expectations. He is a remarkable self-effacing artist who has actualized his own destiny to become, perhaps, the best-stained glass artist in Cape May’s tri-county area and beyond. By stripping layers of color, his technique achieved the variegated pastel colors we wanted to capture. Whether designing or restoring a piece, he listens to his clients and accommodates their thoughts. Working with him as a collector, educator, and community member has been a privilege.”

Sunlit from heaven, Hippel's work transcends the material. It inspires a primordial awe that has resonated for centuries. Intrinsically crafted,they are not only seen but felt.The Lowcountry is fortunate to have such an accomplished artisan in its fold.

A Summerville resident, his website http://www.brucehippelstainedglass. com/ highlights Hippel’s renditions of this ancient art and the architectural atmosphere it embodies. He can also be reached through email at art@ brucehippelstainedglass.com. AM

Dreaming Cat

This Page

Bianka Lamb

Practicing an Ancient Art

Opposite Page Left to Right: Hippel sharing his craft, Abstract

Striped Bass

Works in Progress

Bianka Lamb

The Bedroom

The Pool House

The Living Room

EVER EDISTO

Nestled within the captivating expanse of the Lowcountry, Edisto Island stands as a timeless sanctuary where nature and history intertwine.

by Jenna Lachenman

Photography by Bianka Lamb

Living in the Lowcountry you are surrounded by a rich landscape of beautiful beaches, breathtaking waterways and a tapestry of natural wonders. Each place has its allure, personality, and stories rooted in the history of the Lowcountry. But among the myriad of enchanting locales, perhaps none stands as timeless and serene as Edisto Island.

A sea island, Edisto is situated approximately 45 miles south of Charleston and rests within the convergence of the Ashepoo, Combahee and Edisto Rivers forming the Ace Basin as they journey to the Atlantic Ocean.

Whether approached by land or sea, the journey to Edisto unfolds as a tranquil passage. Embarking from my home in Summerville, SC, I eagerly anticipate the drive to Edisto, a route that has become a cherished ritual that always includes a stop at Kings Farm Market.

Along Highway 174, the road winds beneath a verdant canopy of ancient oaks, culminating in a crossing over the McKinley Washington Bridge, where vistas of expansive marshlands and native wildlife unfold. Edisto beckons not just a coastal destination but as a state of mind - an experience I fondly refer to as the “Edisto effect.”

Highway 174 ends at Edisto Beach where you are greeted by a sense of timelessness. Loved by families for generations, Edisto Beach remains only gently developed with a shoreline characterized by beach cottages and an absence of bustling hotels, and high-rises. There are no hotels on the island but there are a charming array of vacation rentals, boutique shops and eateries nestled in the beach community. With miles of unspoiled shoreline stretching out before you, it’s easy to revel in just the simple joys of sun, sand, sea, and a margarita (or two) but Edisto’s allure extends beyond its pristine beaches.

The Edisto Effect

This page: Edisto Beach, Whaley's an Edisto institution, Whaley's Crab Cake

Opposite page: Edisto Eagle

Edisto is characterized by its diverse geography that offers boundless opportunities for adventure. The labyrinthine waterways of the ACE Basin are a great way to explore the area by boat, catching sight of the indigenous wildlife including herons, dolphins, and eagles. Edisto is laced with tidal creeks and preserved land for hiking and taking in nature, most notable is the renowned Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve and Wildlife Management Area, a pristine sanctuary where ancient oaks stand as serene sentinels over windswept beaches and tidal marshes.

Beneath its scenic beauty lies a fascinating history, echoing through the whispers of the coastal winds. From its indigenous roots with the Edistow people to the plantation era and the legacy of Gullah/Geechee culture, Edisto’s past is as captivating as its present.

For those eager to delve deeper into the island’s heritage, the Edisto Museum is the best place to start to immerse yourself in the history and stories of the Island. This museum is an absolute gem where meticulously curated exhibits and knowledgeable and passionate staff illuminate the island’s storied past. Visitors of all ages can find something to pique their curiosity, from archaeological artifacts to a

new and permanent exhibit, From Africa to Edisto Island: Gullah Geechee, that includes interactive elements.

Beyond the museum, history comes to life through Edisto’s enduring landmarks, such as the historic Trinity Church, a cherished testament to centuries of tradition and faith. Trinity Church remains an active congregation and is known for their cook book, 'Pon Top Edisto - Cookin' Tweenst The Rivers, a regional winner of the Tabasco Community Cookbook awards (see pg. 63 for some 'Pon Top Edisto-inspired brunch recipes).

As I reflect on Edisto’s timeless allure, I am reminded of its enduring legacy - a place where nature and history intertwine, inviting all who visit to embark on a journey of discovery and wonder that is, uniquely and ever Edisto. AM

Water Ways

This page: Edisto Marina Docks, Embarking

Discoveries

page

Local Spots

From flavors to shopping, art and history visit these Edisto Establishments

Eat / Drink

Marsh Moon Cafe

Whaley's The Waterfront Restaurant

Roxbury Mercantile

Coot's Bar & Grill

Shop

Sabal & Oak

The Thrift-ory

Edisto Island Bookstore

With These Hands Gallery

Farmers Markets

King's Farm Market

Marsh Hen Mill

Edisto Farmers Market

Visit

Edisto Marina

Edisto Art Gallery

Edisto Museum

Botany Bay Plantation

This

(left to right): Edisto Museum, Conch shell Edisto Beach, Beach Path

'Pon Top Edisto Inspired Brunch

THE MENU

CRAB QUICHE

(recipe included)

MARINATED TOMATOES EDISTO

(recipe included)

NO-RISE ANGEL BISCUITS

(recipe included)

SAUSAGE GRAVY

FRENCH TOAST A LA CASSINA

(recipe included)

FRUIT SALAD

Recipes shared from the 'Pon Top Edisto: Cookin' Tweenst The Rivers cookbook with permission from Trinity Anglican Church, Edisto Island SC. Get your copy of this treasured collection of recipes from Trinity or at the Edisto Museum gift store.

Crab Quiche

INGREDIENTS

3 tablespoons butter, melted

3 tablespoons minced green onion

1/2 cup water

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 pound crabmeat

3 tablespoons dry vermouth

3 eggs, beaten

1 cup half-and-half

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 (9-inch) pie shell, partially baked

1/2 cup grated swiss cheese

PREPARATION

Combine butter, onion, and water in skillet; boil until water evaporates and onion is soft. Add salt, pepper, crabmeat, and vermouth. Bring to a boil.

Combine eggs, cream, and tomato paste; stir into crab mixture. Pour into pie shell and sprinkle cheese on top. Bake at 375 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean.

May be frozen and baked later.

Yield: 6 to 8 servings

Marinated Tomatoes

Edisto

INGREDIENTS

3 large tomatoes, sliced

1/3 cup olive oil

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 clove garlic, crushed or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon chopped basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil

2 tablespoons chopped onion

PREPARATION

Arrange tomatoes in a large shallow dish.

Combine olive oil with remaining ingredients in a jar, cover tightly, and shake vigorously. Pour mixture over tomatoes, cover and marinate in refrigerator for several hours before serving.

Yield: 4 to 6 servings

French Toast A La Cassina

INGREDIENTS

6 eggs

2 tablespoons sugar

1 cup orange juice

1/3 cup milk

1 teaspoon vanilla dash of salt grated zest of 1 orange

8 slices French bread (sliced 3/4-inch thick) butter to cook

PREPARATION

Combine eggs and next six ingredients and mix well. Dip bread slices in mixture; place in a single layer in a baking dish. Pour remaiing egg mixture over bread; cover and place in refrigerator overnight. Bring to room temperature before cooking. Cook in butter in a skillet over medium heat until browned on both sides. Garnish as desired and serve with maple syrup. Yield: 4 servings

No-Rise Angel

Biscuits

INGREDIENTS

3 pounds self-rising flour 10 ounces shortening 1 quart buttermilk

PREPARATION

Combine flour and shortening in a mixer bowl; mix at low speed just until blended and mixture appears crumbly. Add buttermilk and mix until dry ingredients are barely moist. Transfer to work surface; pat or roll into a 1/2-inch thick slab. Cut with a 2-inch cutter. Place biscuits 1 and 1/2 inches apart on greased baking sheets. Bake at 425 degrees for 10 minutes or until puffed and golden.

Yield: 50 biscuits

WHERE WATER MEETS WATER

by Ellen E. Hyatt

Like tea leaves whose tannic acid colors water for a warm cup or cool glass of sweet tea, the guide tells us on the tour. He describes the Edisto—one of the longest blackwater rivers— how it’s darkened by tannins from leaf decay; how it’s free-flowing; how it changes; how mysteries stir beneath its surface as the river meanders and lolls around South Carolina’s scenes and secrets.

All this before the Edisto reaches its mouth at the Atlantic Ocean.

It’s later when I see them on the ocean’s shore. More elderly than others on the beach, the couple is almost a silhouette this time of day—after sandscrapers, shell-seekers and fossil-hunters for those three-toed horses have left.

Golds and blues of the sky reflect in the ocean until all are one. If we could do a headstand, ocean and sky will change places.

I’m wanting to change places with this couple for a while. With knowing, ritualistic ease, they shake sand from their beach blanket. They meet each other in the middle, match corners, fold, and pack up their day. What else can I learn from them? Do the couple feel an ancestral pull? What might they offer about enslavement by a crop? Escaping to Edisto Island during the Civil War? Fleeing and finding freedom here after it?

Or for now, is the couple staying in the present—evening calls by the gulls, orchestral rhythms of the waves, and an invitation from the moonless sky?