SEPTEMBER – DECEMBER 2019
Fall 2019
PROGRAMMING MUSEUM HOURS Monday–Tuesday | 10am–5pm Wednesday | 10am–8pm Thursday–Saturday | 10am–5pm Sunday | 1–5pm
GIBBES MUSEUM OF ART F A L L
2 0 1 9
S C H E D U L E
O F
E V E N T S
CURRENT EXHIBITIONS CLOSING AUGUST 18
CLOSING OCTOBER 6
Black Refractions: Highlights from The Studio Museum in Harlem
Luminous Landscapes: The Golden Age of British Watercolors
UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS
SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 – JANUARY 5, 2020
THIRD FLOOR GALLERIES
8 & 9
Member Preview | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 6PM Fellows | 7PM All Members
Rauschenberg in Charleston When Robert Rauschenberg (American, 1925–2008) selected Charleston, South Carolina, as one of six American cities to highlight in his monumental photography project, In + Out City Limits (1980–81), the pioneering artist was returning to his artistic roots. Long before he became known as one of the twentieth century’s most influential artists—anticipating the Pop Art movement and breaking auction sales records—Rauschenberg found much of his inspiration through the lens of his Rollieflex camera. Rauschenberg in Charleston revisits a selection of Rauschenberg’s Charleston photographs taken between 1952 and 1981 and examines their appearance in several later works on loan from the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation. This exhibition is accompanied by a catalog. COVER IMAGE Charleston Street (detail), 1952, by Robert Rauschenberg (American, 1925–2008); Gelatin silver print; 15 x 15 inches ©Robert Rauschenberg Foundation
Influence and Inspiration: The Art of Jill Hooper, Ben Long, and Frank Mason Spanning multiple generations, Influence and Inspiration celebrates three artists devoted to classical training and united by friendships. Frank Mason (American, 1921–2009) was an influential teacher at the Art Students League in New York City for over fifty years. In the 1960s, Mason taught Ben Long (b. 1945), a promising young artist from North Carolina. Long has since distinguished himself on the international stage as a realist and a prolific fresco painter. Charleston-based artist Jill Hooper (b. 1970) studied under Ben Long, who remains an important mentor to this day. IMAGE Flight, by Jill Hooper (American, b. 1970); Oil on linen on panel; 17 ½ x 14 inches; Courtesy of a private collection
OCTOBER 11, 2019 – FEBRUARY 2, 2020
ROTUNDA GALLERIES
2 & 3
Member Preview | FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11 9AM Coffee at The Daily 9:30 and 10AM Tours with artists Tabitha Vevers and Charles Williams
Charles Williams: SUN + LIGHT
Tabitha Vevers: Lover’s Eyes
SUN + LIGHT features a collection of works by contemporary South Carolina artist Charles Williams from his series Everyone Loves the Sunshine. The paintings in this exhibition juxtapose Williams’ own personal encounters, past and present, with the civil rights movement of the 1960s. Williams attempts to strike a balance between both the peaceful and violent protests of the movement and its varied expressions of power.
Tabitha Vevers explores themes of power, pain, love, and liberation in her prolific series Lover’s Eyes. Inspired by traditional eye miniatures, a genre of portrait jewelry that became the height of fashion in the Georgian era, Vevers appropriates subjects from art history and popular culture to create reimagined contemporary lover’s eye portraits.
SUN + LIGHT is organized by the Polk Museum of Art at Florida Southern College, Lakeland, Florida.
FRED WILSON
Founded with the generous support of former Gibbes Board member and philanthropist Esther Ferguson, the Distinguished Lecture Series brings outstanding, world-renowned artists, architects, art collectors, museum leaders, philanthropists, and art historians to Charleston to stimulate public discussion about creativity and the visual arts.
Distinguished Lecture Series featuring Fred Wilson WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13 | 6:30PM
BOTTOM IMAGE Parrot, Rome, 19th century, micromosaic set in gold as a pendant, with four sets of 4-mm tsavorite and 2.7-mm demantoid garnets on bezel; 50 x 45 mm; Collection of Elizabeth Locke (Photo by Travis Fullerton © Virginia Museum of Fine Arts)
LOCATION: CHARLESTON MUSIC HALL, 37 John Street Fred Wilson’s work consistently challenges assumptions of history, culture, race, and conventions of display. Wilson creates art that reframes objects and cultural symbols, encouraging viewers to reconsider traditional social and historical narratives. By calling attention to the discrepancies in these narratives, Wilson is “shifting the gaze” and probing the often invisible processes that gird institutional curation. “I’m just using the museum as my palette, basically,” says Wilson. With that canvas, he aims to explore “how juxaposition of very different objects can bring up a new idea, a new thought.” Since his groundbreaking and historically significant Mining the Museum (1992) at the Maryland Historical Society, Wilson continues to use cultural products to address issues of racism and erasure as the subjects of many solo exhibitions. Please visit the Charleston Music Hall website at CHARLESTONMUSICHALL.COM to purchase tickets.* Tickets may also be purchased by visiting or calling the box office Monday–Friday, 12noon–6pm at 843.853.2252. $60 TIER 1 SEATING ($50 Member Price) $40 TIER 2 SEATING $15 STUDENTS AND FACULTY with valid ID
$1,250 PREMIUM TICKET: Includes 2 tickets to exclusive lunch with featured speaker, 2 preferred-seating tickets to the lecture, invitation for 2 to a post-lecture cocktail reception, and a signed book. Please call 843.722.2706 x241 to purchase a Premium Ticket.
*Tickets purchased online are subject to fees. To avoid these fees, call or visit the Charleston Music Hall box office. THIS SERIES IS MADE POSSIBLE I N PA R T BY E S T H E R F E R G U S O N
MUSEUM FELLOWS The Gibbes Museum Fellows program brings together individuals and businesses who share an appreciation for the arts and a personal commitment to enhancing Charleston’s only art museum. Fellows level membership provides art enthusiasts with the opportunity for special programs and events, travel opportunities, and exclusive experiences. To learn more about becoming an individual or business Fellow, please contact Jennifer Ross, Director of Development at 843.722.2706 x216 or jross@gibbesmuseum.org.
FELLOWS MEMBER PREVIEW
Influence and Inspiration: The Art of Jill Hooper, Ben Long, and Frank Mason AND Rauschenberg in Charleston FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 6PM Panel Discussion, followed by Preview and Wine Reception Join us for a panel discussion featuring artists Jill Hooper (b. 1970) and Ben Long (b. 1945), as they share perspectives on their classical training united by friendships that span multiple generations. Scott Mason, nephew of Frank Mason (American, 1921–2009) will also offer insight about his uncle’s artistic technique and influence on Hooper and Long.
We The People: Portraits of Veterans in America TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29 | 6PM LOCATION: CITY GALLERY, 34 Prioleau Street Celebrate the human spirit through duty and patriotism in a special exhibition by renowned artist Mary Whyte entitled, We The People. Whyte will share her story about traveling to all 50 states to create large-scale watercolor portraits of current American Veterans. A cocktail reception will follow the exhibition tour.
FELLOWS MEMBER SPECIAL EXCURSION
A Charleston Grand Tour JANUARY 16 – 19, 2020 Celebrate a wonderful weekend in Charleston experiencing historic homes, private collections, and special receptions relating to the Gibbes Museum exhibition, A Return to the Grand Tour: Micromosaic Jewels from the Collection of Elizabeth Locke. For more information, please contact Jena Clem, at jclem@gibbesmuseum.org
CAROLINA PHOTOSMITH
TOP IMAGE Fred Wilson, 2018, Photography by Guy Ben-Ari, courtesy Pace Gallery
M C G P H OTO G R A P H Y
A RT I ST TA L K S
Landscape Painting with Jill Hooper and Ann Witheridge WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 | 6PM Classically-trained artist Jill Hooper and Ann Witheridge, founder of London Fine Art Studios, will lead a plein-air landscape painting demonstration in conjunction with the exhibition Influence and Inspiration. Participants will have the opportunity to capture a striking vista in either watercolor or oil, while enjoying light bites and end-of-summer sips as well as conversation and tips from master landscape artists. Location to be provided upon registration. $50 Members | $60 Non-Members
We the People, Mary Whyte Lecture FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 | 1PM In 2010, internationally renowned artist Mary Whyte set out on a mission to paint fifty large-scale watercolor portraits of what it means to be an American veteran today. Over seven years in the making, We The People: Portraits of Veterans in America took her across the United States, meeting men and women of all ages and from all walks of life, and painting some of our country’s truest patriots. A presale of signed catalogs will follow the lecture. $20 Members | $30 Non-Members
Allison Gildersleeve Lunchtime Lecture FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4 | 12NOON Allison Gildersleeve’s canvases, collages, and drawings capture personal, ever-changing narratives. Each image is an amalgamation of different places and times, using the varying intensity of personal associations as a basis for what appears and what is left out. Gildersleeve will speak about her approach to painting and about her recent body of work created during her residency at the Sharpe-Walentas Studio Program in Brooklyn, NY. $25 Members | $35 Non-Members (includes boxed lunch)
Physician-led Tours WEDNESDAYS, SEPTEMBER 18, OCTOBER 9, 30, AND NOVEMBER 6 | 6PM A unique series of physician-led tours that explore the collection with a different lens, focusing on building observational skills and fostering discussion. Free for Members. Included with admission for Non-Members.
PUBLIC TOURS WEEKLY TOURS are offered every Tuesday and Friday at 12:30pm, Wednesday at 6pm, Thursday and Friday at 2:30pm, and Second Sundays at 2:30pm. STORAGE FACILITY TOURS and ARTIST CHOICE TOURS are offered on select Wednesdays at 6pm. CURATOR- and ARTIST-LED TOURS are offered on select dates. SEPT 10 12:30PM
SEPT 11 6PM
SEPT 12 2:30PM
Influence and Inspiration with curator Pam Wall
Behindthe-Scenes with Zinnia Willits
Rauschenberg in Charleston with curator Sara Arnold
SEPT 26, OCT 10, NOV 7, DEC 12 2:30PM Curator-led tour of permanent collection
Free for Members. Included with admission for Non-Members.
OCT 11 12:30PM Lover’s Eyes with artist Tabitha Vevers
OCT 11, OCT 13 2:30PM SUN + LIGHT with artist Charles Williams
NOV 14 2:30PM Influence and Inspiration with artist Jill Hooper
VISITING ARTIST SERIES THIS SERI ES OFFERS OPEN-STUDIO HOURS AND ARTIST TALKS FOR THE PUBLIC TO ENGAGE WITH VISITING ARTISTS. SUPPORT FOR OUR VISITING ARTIST SERIES IS GENEROUSLY PROVIDED BY ART MAG, SC ARTS COMMISSION, SOCIETY 1858, THE GIBBES MUSEUM OF ART WOMEN’S COUNCIL, AND THE HENRY AND SYLVIA YASCHIK FOUNDATION.
Pope Sixtus IV (detail) by Kristi Ryba
Visit GIBBESMUSEUM.ORG/PROGRAMS-EVENTS/VISITING-ARTIST for studio hours and additional information.
KRISTI RYBA, multimedia artist
SEPTEMBER 1 – 29
Kristi Ryba enchants viewers with her narrative works as she combines the elaborate skill of handmade egg tempera painting with subjects that explore contemporary events and messages of morality. Museum visitors will experience the progression of a painting; how the artist lays out the composition, prepares the painting supports, grinds the pigment, and applies gold leaf to envelop the final piece in regalia.
DAVID BOATWRIGHT, painter
Trick Rider (detail) by David Boatwright
OCTOBER 7 – NOVEMBER 10
Painting under the mantel Lucky Boy Art, David Boatwright's iconic murals and hand-painted signs, which adorn many Charleston exteriors, have become integral parts of the cityscape. Inspired by Plowing it Under, a painting from the Gibbes' permanent collection by fellow muralist Thomas Hart Benton (1889–1975), Boatwright will use the image, which depicts a man plowing behind a mule, to explore his myriad connections to the artist. Having featured quintessentially southern animals like the alligator and mule in his own work, and drawn to the work-a-day subject matter of Benton's painting, Boatwright also happens to share his bloodline—the two are distant relatives.
W E D N E S DAY N I G H T L I V E
Chamber Music in the Rotunda WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30 | 6PM The Charleston Symphony chamber music series at the Gibbes continues with the Principal String Quartet performing a repertoire inspired by works on view. $20 Members | $30 Non-Members | $10 Students/Faculty with a valid ID
Garden Concert at the Gibbes: Soul in the Garden WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2 | 5:30PM Doors | 6:30PM Show The Gibbes partners with the Charleston Music Hall to bring outstanding live music performances to the Lenhardt Garden. Bring a picnic and a lawn chair and enjoy a plein-air performance under the setting sun featuring members of The Black Diamond Band and The Zandrina Dunning Experience. Black Diamond and Zandrina, along with a few of their friends, will bring you an evening of Soul music with a twist. Doors open at 5:30pm. Concert begins at 6:30pm. Tickets include Museum admission.
MCG PHOTOGRAPHY
$20 Members | $25 Non-Members | $400 Reserved tables of 10
Literary Gibbes: A Book Club Discussion FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 | 1PM
Inspired by Influence and Inspiration, participants will discuss The Last Painting of Sara de Vos by Dominic Smith.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15 | 1PM
Inspired by Charles Williams: SUN + LIGHT, participants will discuss Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacquelin Woodson.
In collaboration with the Charleston County Public Library. Discussion is free for all and includes a coupon for discounted admission to the Museum.
Rauschenberg in Charleston WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16 | 6PM
David White served as Rauschenberg’s curator from 1980 until the artist‘s death in 2008, and now is the senior curator at the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation. White will share insights on the artist’s use of the photographic medium and his fascination with Charleston. $15 Members | $25 Non-Members | $10 Students/Faculty with valid ID
Art + Social Justice: The Legacy of the Freedom Fighters WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20 | 6PM
Developed in relation to Charles Williams’ SUN + LIGHT exhibition, this panel discussion will focus on the Freedom Riders as one of the most effective nonviolent collectives in American history, whose members risked their lives to challenge Jim Crow segregation laws. Panelists include Dr. Raymond Arsenault, professor of Southern history and Chairman of the Department of History/Politics at the University of South Florida; Charles Edward Williams, artist; and Freedom Riders Dr. Bernard LaFayette, Jr., and Ms. Glenda Gaither Davis. Book signing to follow. $20 Members | $30 Non-Members | $10 Students/Faculty with valid ID
Film Screening: Freedom Riders THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21 | 12NOON
IMAGE Yellow (Freedom Riders) (detail), 2018, by Charles Williams (American, b. 1984); Oil on Mylar; 12 works, each 9 x 11 inches; © Charles Williams
A powerful, harrowing, and inspirational story of more than 400 black and white Americans who risked their lives to challenge the Jim Crow laws in the South. Free for Members. Included with admission for Non-Members.
Annual Antiques Stroll WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4 | 6PM
Explore Charleston’s finest antiques dealers and learn about the history of their treasures with local curators and experts. Wine and cheese will be offered along the tour. $20 Members | $30 Non-Members | $10 Students/Faculty with valid ID
A Christmas Carol WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11 | 6PM
Enjoy the holiday classic as edited by Charles Dickens for an unforgettable performance by the Traveling Literary Theater. Marvel as these characters come to life in the Campbell Rotunda amid a festive holiday display. $20 Members | $30 Non-Members
FOR FAMILIES
Story Time at the Gibbes THURS, SEPT 19 AND NOV 14 | 10:30AM
Camp Days for Ages 4–10 TUES, NOV 5; THURS, JAN 2; FRI, JAN 3 | 9AM–4PM
Families will enjoy stories and songs inspired by temporary exhibitions and works in the permanent collection.
School may be out, but the Gibbes is in! Join us for a full day of artmaking and creative expression.
Free. In collaboration with the Charleston County Public Library.
$70 Members | $80 Non-Members
Santa Claus is Coming to Town! SAT, DEC 7 | 1–5PM We are making a list, and checking it twice. Save the date as we plan for Santa’s arrival on Saturday, December 7, in the Campbell Rotunda. Free for Members. Included with admission for Non-Members.
MCG PHOTOGRAPHY
STUDIO AND ART HISTORY CLASSES
How to Take Pictures on Your Smartphone SAT, SEPT 14 | 10AM–1PM OR SAT, SEPT 28 | 2–5PM Inspired by Rauschenberg in Charleston, Joyce Weir of Charleston Photo Tours will share tips and techniques to achieve great images with your smartphone. $60 Members | $70 Non-Members
Augustus to Justinian, AD 100–AD 550 WED, SEPT 18, 25, OCT 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, NOV 6, 13, AND 20 11AM–12NOON Join art historian, archaeologist, and collector Dr. Steve Gavel for a fascinating lecture series on ancient culture and art. $200 Members | $250 Non-Members
Fall Floral Centerpieces SAT, SEPT 28 | 11AM–4PM Bring the beauty and bounty of fall inside by designing a breathtaking floral centerpiece with floral designer Gretchen Cuddy. All materials are included. $75 Members | $85 Non-Members
Photography and Collage SAT, OCT 5, 12, AND 19 10AM–1PM Artist Cory McBee of Modern South Studio will explore incorporating urban photography into compelling collages. Students will begin with a walking tour of the surrounding streets.
Beginning Acrylic or Oil Painting WED, OCT 23, 30, AND NOV 6 6–8PM This introductory level class with Stephen Herchak will cover basic composition, color theory, color mixing, blending, brushwork, and application of paint. $125 Members | $150 Non-Members
Artisanal Soap Making SAT, NOV 2 | 1–4PM Join experienced soap maker Andrea Davis of Motherland Essentials for an instructor led, hands-on introduction to cold-process soap making. Students will handcraft and take home their very own custom created soaps—perfect for holiday gifting for others or a treat for yourself. All materials are included. $85 Members | $110 Non-Members
Painting Dynamic Landscapes in Watercolor THURS AND FRI, NOV 7 AND 8 10AM–4PM This class with Peggy Ellis—tailored to both beginner and experienced painters—will cover how to choose a powerful composition, the foundation of any successful painting. $250 Members | $300 Non-Members
Hand Lettering and Calligraphy SAT, NOV 9 | 10AM–12NOON Learn pointed pen calligraphy from artist Camela Guevara. Participants will learn about nibs and ink, as well as best practices to create stunning calligraphy for quotes, letters, and journaling. All materials are included. $55 Members | $65 Non-Members
$175 Members | $200 Non-Members
Drawing with Lese Corrigan: Are Textures Really Shadows? WED, OCT 9, 16, AND 23 6:30PM–8PM
Wine and Design: Paint Your Own Ornaments SAT, NOV 23 | 2–4PM
Work with artist Lese Corrigan to hone your drawing skills. Students will learn to use drawing to see line and record shadow and textures in their work.
Grab some friends and join artist Cory McBee of Modern South Studio for a fun afternoon creating your own abstract holiday ornaments. Tuition includes materials to make a set of painted ornaments and a glass of wine from The Daily at the Gibbes.
$80 Members | $90 Non-Members
$70 Members | $80 Non-Members
For more details about classes, visit GIBBESMUSEUM.ORG/CLASSES-WORKSHOPS To purchase tickets please visit GIBBESMUSEUM.ORG/EVENTS or call 843.722.2706 x241