Coastal Creativity

The Arts Initiative at Palmetto Bluff celebrates the elements of expression

Written by ALLISON STICE

AS ONE OF the largest waterfront properties on the East Coast, Palmetto Bluff is known for its miles of riverfront views, wildlife conservancy and luxury amenities. Now, the 20,000-acre live oak-lined property is adding the arts to its attributes with The Arts Initiative at Palmetto Bluff, a year-round slate of programming that will feature monthly artists in residence, a new gallery and workshop space and a permanent collection and rotating exhibitions set against the breathtaking coastal landscape.

“The elements — water, earth, fi re and air — are present everywhere at Palmetto Bluff and, at any given moment, can be found in their natural state, sustaining the surrounding environment and those who inhabit it,” says Amy Anderson, vice president of marketing for South Street Partners, owners of Palmetto Bluff . “The Arts Initiative will draw upon the elements and the community to guide the artistic experience and foster lasting connections with this place and its people.”

With the beauty of the bluff as inspiration, a series of Southern artists, craftsmen, chefs and makers will create their works while residing in the The Artist Loft, a space surrounded by panoramic views of the May River, and invite the community into their process over the course of their stay.

Among the upcoming artists-in-residence is Annapolis, Maryland-born painter and avid boater Blakely Little in September, who counts local waterways as an endless source of inspiration for her charming style featured in collaborations with Anthropologie and Farrow & Ball. Little’s off erings include a children’s workshop on depicting a local marsh landscape in acrylic paints on birch panels, and, for adults, a sketching session during a May River boat tour followed by instruction in watercolors. Other creatives on deck in the fall include Charleston Poet Laureate and musician Marcus Amaker and CHI Design Indigo, a line of naturally dyed eco-conscious textiles.

The newly opened FLOW Gallery + Workshop at Wilson Village showcases the artists-in-residence program, as well as a curated collection of crafts and wares, including Kate Furman’s heirloom jewelry and Melissa Bridgman’s vintage- and nature-inspired pottery. Designed to foster appreciation for the artists whose work represent the elements that comprise Palmetto Bluff , the featured artists at FLOW all espouse a reverence for the artistic process and their chosen crafts alongside a deep connection to local landscape.

Throughout the year, events like May’s inaugural FLOW Fest, a fi ve-day celebration with music, food and an artisan market featuring the Artists of Palmetto Bluff and the Society of Bluff ton Artists, invite the public to appreciate artistic innovation and expression along with Palmetto Bluff ’s maritime forests and marshfront views.

As the programming progresses, Palmetto Bluff itself will become the canvas as a burgeoning permanent art collection and rotating installations explore and embody life along the Lowcountry’s estuaries.

Palmetto Bluff’s newly opened FLOW Gallery + Workshop at Wilson Village hosts artists-in-residence in addition to a curated collection of crafts and wares.

“ The elements — water, earth, fire and air — are present everywhere at Palmetto Bluff and, at any given moment, can be found in their natural state, sustaining the surrounding environment and those who inhabit it.”