PRE-FESTIVAL EVENT:  Ballet Theater “Twisted Tango”
Charleston Ballet Theater, the state’s World-Class Professional Dance Company, heats up the night with a pre-festival performance of its sensual and electric new program.  Original choreography by Jill Eathorne-Bahr is blended into this intimate and seductive dance form, featuring lavish costumes and intense drama - it promises to be a sizzling performance!
North Charleston Performing Arts Center, 5001 Coliseum Drive
7:30PM, call the Charleston Ballet Theater office at 723-7334
or the Cultural Arts Department at 745-1087 for ticket info

CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL: Pre-school Activities and Variety Show
Fun outdoor games planned for young children followed by an 11:00AM performance of the Flow Circus Variety Show – magic, juggling, comedy, and more! Individuals & groups welcome, please pre-register with the North Charleston Recreation Department 745-1028.

NORTHWOODS MALL KIDS EVENT:  “Teddy Time” Puppet Show
Becky’s Box of Puppets presents a professional puppet show with bright, colorful props and unforgettable teddy bear characters. The charming bears dance, play music, juggle, and even get into a spot of mischief. 
Food Court, Northwoods Mall, 7260 Rivers Avenue, North Charleston
6:00-7:00PM, FREE

NORTHWOODS MALL CONCERT: ‘Hungry Monks’
This Charleston-based acoustic string band performs traditional, contemporary, and original acoustic songs and instrumentals in the Celtic tradition, while drawing on a wide range of influences including Medieval & Renaissance, Folk, Blues, Classical and Jazz.
Food Court, Northwoods Mall, 7260 Rivers Avenue, North Charleston
7:00-8:00PM, FREE

CONCERT & MOVIE SCREENING:
The ‘Fly Boys’ will perform a positive rap music concert prior to the movie screening and discussion of the Byron Hurt film “Hip-Hop: Beyond Beats & Rhymes.”  The film, which aired as part of the Independent Lens series on PBS, is a “loving critique” of disturbing trends in rap music today, featuring insight from intelligent, divergent voices including rap artists, industry executives, rap fans and social critics from inside and outside the hip-hop generation. Octavia Jackson of the Jackson Knight Show will lead the discussion.
North Charleston Cultural & Civic Center Auditorium (on the former Charleston Naval Base)
Fly Boys Concert 7:30PM / Movie Screening & Discussion 8:00-9:30PM, FREE

ARTS FESTIVAL GALA & PERFORMANCE: “Forever Tango”
You and your guests are cordially invited to attend the North Charleston Arts Festival 2008 Gala, featuring the off-Broadway production of “Forever Tango.”  The Gala begins at 6:00PM in the Charleston Area Convention Center Ballroom with heavy hors d’oeuvres and entertainment by Congdon & Co. Guests will attend the performance in the adjacent Performing Arts Center Auditorium and return to the Ballroom immediately after for desserts, cordials, and dancing to Congdon & Co. until midnight!
Gala Celebration: Embassy Ballroom, Charleston Area Convention Center, 5000 Coliseum Drive, North Charleston
Pre-Event Reception 6:00-7:30PM / Gala 10:00PM-12:00AM
Performance: Performing Arts Center (PAC) Auditorium, 8:00PM
Gala Package Includes: Free parking pass, pre-event reception & entertainment, “Tango” ticket, post-event party & dance band, desserts and cordials 
Gala Package Tickets: Individual $75, parties of 4 or more $70, parties of 10 or more $65. Call 745-1087 (Deadline Monday, April 28)

 FESTIVAL MAIN EVENT: (SEE MAIN EVENT PAGE FOR DETAILS) Main Event performances may be seen throughout the day on four separate stage areas.  Attractions and exhibitions include Judged Fine Art, Photography, Youth Art, and SC Palmetto Hands Fine Crafts, Lowcountry Gem & Mineral Show, creative and interactive children’s activities such as Creation Stations and Box City, Arts & Craft vendors, an outdoor Food Court and much more!
North Charleston Performing Arts & Convention Center Complex, 5001 Coliseum Drive
10:00AM-4:00PM, Parking and admission are FREE

GOSPEL SHOWCASE
Local and regional performing artists, gospel groups, and choirs will share their music and praise with the Lowcountry.
Tanger Outlet Mall, Tanger Blvd., North Charleston, outdoor performance area (Mall suite will serve as rain site) 
5:00-7:00PM, FREE

AN OLD FASHION SOCK-HOP: Concert by ‘The Loafers’
Original members of the favorite local quintet, The Loafers, will recreate the Park Circle Teen Club of the 50’s & 60’s with their popular sounds.
Felix Davis Community Center Auditorium at 4800 Park Circle, North Charleston
7:00- 9:00PM, FREE

SHADOW PUPPET PLAY: “Green – The World is a Basket”  

Geoffrey Cormier, formerly of the Jim Henson Company, and Wayang Modern Puppet Theater produce fresh and topical interpretations of the ancient Indonesian Wayang Kulit shadow puppet theater for modern, adult audiences. Opening with a “cartoon” short, this shadow puppet performance will illustrate how our past is connected to our future using puppets made of sweetgrass, an iconic Lowcountry staple. Puppets and original art will also be on display. Cormier and Wayang Modern were voted Best Puppet Show for Charleston City Paper’s Best of Charleston 2008.

The Meeting Place, 1077 E. Montague Avenue, North Charleston
8:00PM, Tickets: $7.00 in advance/ $10 at the door  

 FESTIVAL MAIN EVENT: (SEE MAIN EVENT PAGE FOR DETAILS) Main Event performances may be seen throughout the day on four separate stage areas.  Attractions and exhibitions include Judged Fine Art, Photography, Youth Art, and SC Palmetto Hands Fine Crafts, Lowcountry Gem & Mineral Show, creative and interactive children’s activities such as Creation Stations and Box City, Arts & Craft vendors, an outdoor Food Court and much more!
North Charleston Performing Arts & Convention Center Complex, 5001 Coliseum Drive
2:00PM-5:00PM, Parking and admission are FREE

CONTEMPORARY GOSPEL MUSIC CONCERT
An elegant evening filled with praise and worship featuring a nationally acclaimed gospel recording artist, Smokie Norful. Tia Brewer-Footman and Gerald Footman will host the annual Grace Icon Awards presented by Grace Magazine.
North Charleston Performing Arts Center (PAC) Auditorium, 5001 Coliseum Drive
7:00PM, ticket info www.mygracemag.com or call 764-2622

SENIOR CONCERT:  Roger Bellow & Berita Martin
This duo will offer rich, mellow jazz sounds and some familiar oldies for an afternoon concert open to all seniors, Red Hat Ladies, and the general public.
Felix Davis Community Center Auditorium at 4800 Park Circle, North Charleston
1:30PM-2:30PM, FREE

AFTER-SCHOOL CHILDREN’S PROGRAM:  ‘That Puppet Guy’

Nationally recognized touring puppeteer, Lee Bryan, will perform a one-man show titled “Princess and the Pea, Y’all” for the North Charleston Recreation Department’s After-School program. The public is invited to attend. Bryan’s professional credits include a feature film with The Muppets and more recently, an Emmy nomination for his puppetry work on television with Public Broadcasting.
Northwoods Recreation Center, 8348 Greenridge Road, North Charleston
4:00PM, FREE

AFTER-HOURS CONCERT: Wanda Johnson
Relax in a beautiful setting and enjoy a soulful performance by international touring artist, Wanda Johnson, the new voice of SC Soul & Blues.
Embassy Hotel Atrium, 5055 International Blvd., North Charleston
6:00-7:00PM, FREE

ONE MAN PLAY:  “The Neon Man and Me”

Richmond, VA, playwright, Slash Coleman presents a dramatic, yet humorous performance based on the experiences of a young man coming to terms with the death of a close friend. A delightful blend of stand-up and physical comedy, the production consists of seven monologues and an original musical score that Coleman plays on his guitar. This show recently ran off-Broadway and will air on PBS this spring.
North Charleston Cultural & Civic Auditorium (Hobson Avenue/ on the former Charleston Naval Base)
6:00PM, FREE

CHILDREN’S PUPPET SHOW: Performed by Grey Seal Puppets

Families, schools and daycares are invited to enjoy a morning show with loveable puppet characters and entertaining children’s stories. Grey Seal Puppets are the recipients of the North Carolina Theatre Conference's Award for leadership in theatre arts and The Puppeteers of America President's Award for outstanding service to the art of puppetry.
Cooper River Memorial Library, 3503 Rivers Avenue (744-2489)
10:30AM, FREE

CHILDREN’S PROGRAM:  ‘That Puppet Guy’
Emmy-nominated puppeteer, Lee Bryan, combines unique vocals and innovative puppet designs in the show “Aesop’s Fantastic Fables”. Direct from the Master of Morals, timeless tales of The Lion & Mouse, The Tortoise & Hare, and The Boy Who Cried Wolf help teach valuable character education lessons.
Otranto Road Regional Library, 2261 Otranto Road (572-4094)
10:30AM, FREE

LIBRARY PROGRAM: Performed by Curious Moon Puppets

“Fish n’ Ships” is a shadow puppet show for all ages. No one has ever been able to solve the mystery of what is haunting the old, sunken pirate ship. And none of the other fish in school believes that amateur detective Fry can solve the mystery either. With encouragement from the audience, and armed with his Deepwater Detective badge and Ocean Floor Trail Guide, Fry sets out on a journey across the ocean to find the ship and what is haunting it.
Dorchester Road Regional Library, 6325 Dorchester Road (552-6466)
11:00AM, FREE

SENIOR PROGRAM: Ann Caldwell & The Magnolia Singers

The public is invited to join residents and guests as the melodic sounds of the Magnolia Singers, led by jazz vocalist and producer Ann Caldwell, bring traditional Gullah songs to life.
Driftwood Nursing Center, 2375 Baker Hospital Blvd., North Charleston
2:30PM, FREE

ART WORKSHOP FOR TEENS:  Karen DeLoach
City of North Charleston Artist in Residence, Karen DeLoach, will lead students in a creative visual art workshop.
Murray Hill Academy, 2670 Bonds Avenue, North Charleston
4:00-5:00PM, FREE

MAGIC SHOW: Performance by ‘Hokus Pokus’
A local magician will perform an engaging magic show for the Pepperhill Elementary After-School Program. The public is also invited to attend.
Pepperhill Elementary School, 3300 Creola Road, North Charleston
4:30PM, FREE

AFTER-HOURS CONCERT SERIES: Annie Sidley and Band
National performing artist, Annie Sidley, presents original Pop songs and Rhythm & Blues.  Described as one of Washington, DC's most soulful and original artists, her voice has been compared with the strength and soulfulness of Aretha Franklin and her songwriting to that of Stevie Wonder and Prince, yet she remains true to her own vision and distinctive sound. Make this your after-work destination. 
Embassy Hotel Atrium, 5055 International Blvd., North Charleston
6:00-7:00PM, FREE

MUSIC PRESENTATION: “Lady Bird Jazz & The Word”
Oakland, CA, piano trio, the Tangria Jazz Group, will perform straight-ahead jazz and author/drummer Sheryl Mebane will include a reading from her debut Jazz novel.
Dorchester Road Regional Library, 6325 Dorchester Road (552-6466)
6:30PM, FREE

BILINGUAL STORYTELLING: Gregorio Pedroza
The international author and professional storyteller will weave tales for students in both English and Spanish. The public is invited to attend.
Garrett Academy of Technology, 2731 Gordon Street, North Charleston
8:30AM, FREE

REFLECTIVE WRITING WORKSHOP: Ellen Shoener
Join local seniors as writer, Ellen Shoener, reads selections from her original travel writings and leads a workshop titled “Enlarging the Circle of Life”.
Felix Davis Community Center at 4800 Park Circle, North Charleston
11:00AM, FREE

BROWN BAG LUNCH / LECTURE/ DEMO: Arianne King Comer

Pack a bagged lunch and join batik artist Arianne King Comer for a fascinating lecture and demonstration on the creation of textile works.
10 Storehouse Row, Noisette Blvd., The Navy Yard at Noisette (on the former Charleston Naval Base)
Noon, FREE

THE LONE RANGER RADIO SHOW: Tim & Bonnie Lowry
Join Bonnie Lowry and Tim Lowry, resident storyteller at Boone Hall Plantation, for an interactive presentation recreating the days of radio dramas. All ages may participate as a character reading lines or as a background artist creating the sound effects for a Lone Ranger episode.
Otranto Road Regional Library, 2261 Otranto Road (572-4094)
4:00PM, FREE

ART WALK: Co-sponsored by the Olde North Charleston Merchants Association
Stroll down E. Montague Avenue through businesses, pubs, small cafes, and salons to see works from local artists, art from private collections, and stunning samples from masters’ collections. Art majors from the Charleston County School of the Arts and the non-profit group, ‘Kids with Cameras’, also included.  Visit the Art Co-Op at The Meeting Place.
The Yonrico Scott Jazz & Soul Trio will be performing from 6:00-7:00PM in an outdoor garden setting. This group is currently touring with Santana and has played with other national performing artists such as Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, and OutKast.
ART CO-OP Exhibition & Sale: The Meeting Place, 1077 E. Montague Avenue, Open House and Reception during the Art Walk
ART WALK: Olde North Charleston Business District, E. Montague Avenue
5:00-8:00PM, FREE

JAZZ SAXOPHONE CONCERT:  DeVone T. Gary
This young, local musician has delighted audiences with his outstanding talents, performing with headliners for regional events and programs.
Cooper River Memorial Library, 3503 Rivers Avenue (744-2489)
6:00PM, FREE

LATIN STORIES & MUSIC:  Gregorio Pedroza & Portico
Internationally known Bilingual storyteller, Gregorio Pedroza, brings Latin culture to life through stories drawn from his experiences growing up in a barrio in Texas. Now residing in New York, Gregorio works as an author, storyteller and motivational speaker and travels throughout the world weaving his tales. Traditional Latin American music will be performed by Portico, under the direction of Pedro Rodriguez. This event is presented in partnership with the City of Charleston’s Piccolo Spoleto Festival as a Preview Event for “Stories for Life.”  Visit www.storie4life.org.
BOOK SIGNING:  Gregorio Pedroza
The author and bilingual storyteller will sign copies of his book, “Stories from the Heart/ Cuentos Con Todo Corazon,” at this evening’s event.
Midland Park United Methodist Church, 2301 Midland Park Road, North Charleston
7:00-9:00PM, FREE

KING PUP RADIO SHOW:  
Experience the taping of a live radio show featuring entertaining hosts and local musicians playing country and bluegrass music. The King Pup Radio Show blends tongue in cheek humor and live music performances into fast-paced radio shows that recall vintage Grand Ole Opry broadcasts.
Felix Davis Community Center at 4800 Park Circle, North Charleston
Noon, FREE

COMMUNITY ARTS EVENT: Co-Sponsored by North Charleston Elementary School 
The public is invited to participate in North Charleston Elementary School’s first annual arts celebration for the community, Baraza Arts.  Enjoy live entertainment by Pantasia Steel Band, from Lexington, SC, North Charleston Elementary School students, ‘Fighting Gnomes’ Improv Group, and Morningside Middle School performers.
North Charleston Elementary School, 4921 Durant Avenue, North Charleston
5:00-7:30PM, FREE

AN EVENING OF POETRY:  Presented by ‘The Poetry Society of South Carolina’
Several of the Poetry Society’s published authors will be reading from their own works and other memorable selections. 
Otranto Road Regional Library, 2261 Otranto Road (572-4094)
6:30-7:30PM, FREE

QUILT & FIBER ART OPENING RECEPTION:

Meet the curators, Catherine Lamkin and Arianne King Comer, and some of the artists participating in the Quilt and Fiber Art Exhibition while viewing their original creations. “Quilting the Stories of Our Lives: African American Quilters & Fiber Artists” is presented in partnership with the City of Charleston’s Piccolo Spoleto Festival and is hosted by The Navy Yard at Noisette.
10 Storehouse Row, Noisette Blvd., The Navy Yard at Noisette (on the former Charleston Naval Base)
6:00-8:00PM, FREE

DINNER THEATER: Interactive Murder Mystery

Dwight Kemper, Master of Mystery and published mystery novelist, will be hosting the evening with “Bye, Bye Blackbird: The Return of the Maltese Falcon - A Detective Chief Inspector Kemper Mystery”. The audience is asked to participate in solving the crime.
Charleston Area Convention Center, Embassy Ballroom, 5000 Coliseum Drive, North Charleston
7:00-10:00PM, Seating limited – tickets: $30 (Individual), $28 (4 or more), $25 (10 or more)
Ticket price includes dinner, performance, gratuity and parking pass.
Ticket Deadline: Monday, May 5, 2008

CONCERT:  ‘Heritage Aire Celtic Ensemble’
The United State Air Force Heritage of America Band’s Celtic Ensemble from Langley AFB, Virginia, will perform for students and faculty. The public is cordially invited to attend. Under the direction of TSgt Sherry Burt, the ensemble blends traditional music of Ireland, Scotland, and England with a contemporary musical style to create a stunning musical tapestry. Members perform on traditional instruments such as Irish flute, tin whistles and bodhran, as well as modern instruments like acoustic guitar and button accordion.
River Oaks Middle School, 8642 River Oaks Drive, North Charleston
9:00AM, FREE

SQUARE AND ROUND DANCING: ‘Harmony Squares’
Guests are welcome to drop in for the evening and join the fun! Watch and learn from these accomplished dancers while they perform Modern Western square dances and round dancing with calls and cues.
Felix Davis Community Center at 4800 Park Circle, North Charleston
7:30-10:00PM, FREE

THEATER PRESENTATION: “Unconditional” by Remnant
Presented and produced by Donna Lee Williams, this play is a contemporary drama about trust, betrayal, and unconditional love.
North Charleston Cultural & Civic Auditorium (Hobson Avenue/ on the former Chas. Naval Base)
8:00PM, Tickets $7.00

OLDE VILLAGE BLOCK PARTY:  ‘The East Coast Party Band’

Enjoy an outdoor beach music concert with the Southeast’s premier party band and shag along with the ‘Charleston Shag Club’ at this evening’s Street Dance.  Enjoy your best loved beach tunes and shag the night away!  Fritzy Bros. One Man Circus will entertain kids of all ages.
Olde North Charleston Business District, E. Montague Avenue (near Virginia Avenue)  
6:30-8:00PM, FREE

REGGAE BLOCK PARTY:  Concert with ‘Da’ Gullah Rootz’
The night just keeps on hopping as we groove right into the mellow sounds of Reggae with this popular local band.  Enjoy the eclectic mix of reggae rhythms in a hometown setting. 
Olde North Charleston Business District, E. Montague Avenue (near Virginia Avenue)
8:30-10:30PM, FREE

SC FILM SHOWCASE: Presented by the Carolina Film Alliance
The showcase will feature the winning movie of the SC Film Office production fund’s 2007 grant, along with other short films and movie trailers shot in SC.  Learn more about
the CFA by visiting their website at www.carolinafilm.com.
North Charleston & American LaFrance Fire Truck Museum (movie theater)
4975 Centre Pointe Drive, North Charleston (behind Tanger Outlet Mall)
7:00PM, FREE

SIDEWALK CHALK COMPETITION: The Navy Yard at Noisette
This event features a chalk drawing competition on the sidewalks of Storehouse Row.  Competition entries will be judged and awarded prizes in student and non-student categories.  A box of chalk will be supplied with the entry fee.  Contact Jenny Wiedower, Executive Director of The Navy Yard at Noisette Community Association, Inc. at (843) 529-3698 or jwiedower@navyyardsc.com. For additional information, visit www.navyyardsc.com or www.northcharleston.org.
10 Storehouse Row, Noisette Blvd., The Navy Yard at Noisette (on the former Charleston Naval Base)
11:00AM-4:00PM,
entry form can be downloaded here

QUILT/FIBER WORKSHOP & LECTURE FOR ADULTS
Led by guest quilter/fiber artist from New York, Teresa Vega. Teresa has exhibited both nationally and internationally. She has also been featured in several publications. In addition, she now teaches mixed media techniques and art quilt classes at different venues around the NYC area.
10 Storehouse Row, Noisette Blvd., The Navy Yard at Noisette (on the former Charleston Naval Base)
11:00AM-1:00PM, FREE

QUILT/FIBER WORKSHOP FOR CHILDREN ages 9-11
Led by guest quilter/fiber artist from South Carolina, Zelda Grant. Zelda, a published craft book author, is a self-taught fabric artist with an eye for manipulating colors, textures and designs. She has been sharing her enthusiasm and passionate creativity with children since 1992.
10 Storehouse Row, Noisette Blvd., The Navy Yard at Noisette (on the former Charleston Naval Base)
2:00PM, FREE, 25 student maximum

STORIES & PERIOD MUSIC: “Dark Days, Darker Nights”
Sugar Hill Productions, with musician Al Wall, will present the mournful story of personal tragedy during wartime; honoring Americans from both the North and the South with parlor songs, hymns and love songs.
Warren Lasch Conservation Lab (CSS Hunley Museum)
1250 Supply Street, just off Hobson Avenue, on the former Charleston Naval Base, North Charleston
2:00PM, FREE - For Hunley tour tickets, call 722-2333

SPOKEN WORD EVENT:  New Danger Community Transformers
Led by Omari Fox, this group of poets from Orangeburg, SC, will present “THINK!! The New Danger: Stop, Look, and Listen,” an improv spoken word and open mic session that explores the real or perceived danger in upsetting the balance when people stop and think about self and others, and look and listen to visual and performing arts. A fusion of philosophy, visual, and performing arts, this performance includes poetry, song, dance, theatrical skits, and visual arts.
10 Storehouse Row, Noisette Blvd., The Navy Yard at Noisette (on the former Charleston Naval Base)
4:00PM, FREE

WRITING PRESENTATION & WORKSHOP: Poet Jonathan Sanchez
Original works by Jonathan Sanchez will be read, in addition to a collection of works by local public school students. Jonathan will lead young writers in a literary exercise to interpret their impression of a selected piece of outdoor art from the 2008 National Outdoor Sculpture Competition & Exhibition. 
Cooper River Library, 3503 Rivers Avenue (744-2489)
2:00PM, FREE

VARIETY SHOW:  Fritzy Bros. One Man Show

Master entertainer, Steve Lombardo, from Tampa, Florida, will keep you on the edge of your seat during this riveting, audience-interactive, one man circus performance.
Otranto Road Regional Library, 2261 Otranto Road (572-4094)
2:00PM, FREE

LITERARY & MUSIC PRESENTATION: “Ferdinand the Bull”
Chamber Music Charleston brings to life the favorite children’s tale, “Ferdinand the Bull,” and other stories through a live reading and chamber music concert. Slide images will accompany the reading.
Dorchester Road Regional Library, 6325 Dorchester Road (552-6466)
3:00PM, FREE

THEATER PERFORMANCE:  “New Beginnings”
Local lecturer, storyteller, and dramatist, Veronica Gaillard, joins forces with students from Murray Hill Academy in North Charleston, to present an inspiring performance that will include music, skits, monologues, song, and dance.
North Charleston Cultural & Civic Auditorium (Hobson Avenue/ on the former Charleston Naval Base)
4:00PM, FREE

FESTIVAL GRAND FINALE:  Performances / Concert/ Fireworks

Featuring ‘Poetry in the Park’ with Carlos Johnson, professional roving entertainment for the entire family by Fritzy Bros. One Man Circus, and a Tri-County School Showcase that includes the Goose Creek High School Wind Ensemble and Color Guard, “The Dirty Birds” Drum Ensemble from Academic Magnet High School, and students from Windsor Hill Elementary School performing an African folktale, “Strength”. Artist, Arianne King Comer, will offer a public indigo batik workshop in conjunction with the international art project, The Future is on the Table. Kids can enjoy huge inflatable jump castles and event games.  Greg Moseley and the Carolina Players, nominated twice for the Carolina Beach Music Award for Favorite New Artist, will be featured in an exciting evening concert at 8:00PM. The evening concludes with a fabulous fireworks display over the Cooper River at 9:00PM.  Bring blankets or lawn chairs and enjoy a great ending to this year’s Arts Festival!   Food concessions may be purchased during the event.
North Charleston Riverfront Park, 1001 Everglades Drive, on the former Charleston Naval Base
(Rain site: North Charleston Cultural & Civic Center, on former Charleston Naval Base)
6:00-9:00PM, FREE

FINE ART & PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITS

All entries in Fine Art, Professional and Amateur Photography remain on display during the Main Event Weekend and throughout the Festival Week. Purchase information will be available on site. 
Charleston Area Convention Center Complex (Enter from International Blvd.), 5000 Coliseum Drive, North Charleston
On exhibit: Saturday, May 3 10:00AM-4:00PM, Sunday, May 4, 2:00-5:00PM, Monday–Friday, May 5-10, 9:00AM-5:00PM
Admission and parking FREE

SC PALMETTO HANDS FINE CRAFT EXHIBIT

Featuring over one hundred juried works from the state's top fine craft artisans, this unique exhibition is the state’s only Juried Fine Craft Competition. Fine craft artists are given the opportunity to exhibit their inspiring objects in the media of clay, fiber, glass, metal, wood, and three-dimensional mixed media.  The competition and exhibition is organized and presented by the North Charleston Cultural Arts Department with assistance from the South Carolina Artisans Center. This year’s juror is Kellie Scott, owner of Red Sky Gallery in Charlotte, NC, one of the best contemporary craft galleries in the southeast. Selected pieces will tour the state in the 2008/09 State Museum Touring Exhibits program.
Charleston Area Convention Center Complex (Enter from International Blvd.), 5000 Coliseum Drive, North Charleston
On exhibit: Saturday, May 3 10:00AM-4:00PM, Sunday, May 4, 2:00-5:00PM, Monday–Friday, May 5-10, 9:00AM-5:00PM
Admission and parking FREE

NATIONAL OUTDOOR SCULPTURE COMPETITION & EXHIBITION

Sculptors from across the United States entered the third annual competition and winning pieces were chosen for installation on the grounds of the beautiful Riverfront Park, along the banks of the Cooper River. This year’s juror was Glenn Harper, editor of Sculpture magazine. The eleven month exhibition features up to fifteen established and emerging artists displaying imaginative and thought provoking large-scale sculpture.  Visitors can enjoy the sculpture displays among ten acres of walking paths, lawns, fountains, and boardwalks.  The exhibition is open to the public from April 2008 – March 2009.  Organized and presented by the City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department.
North Charleston Riverfront Park, 1001 Everglades Drive (on the former Charleston Naval Base)
On exhibit: May 2008-March 2009
Public viewing daily, FREE

FINE ART & CRAFT CO-OP EXHIBIT AND SALE

Local artists will exhibit and sell original art work and fine crafts, including paintings, drawings, sculpture, jewelry, pottery, sweetgrass baskets and more! Participating artists include Hasenda Baxter, Trina Carter, Brooke Cassady, Arianne King Comer, Dan Diel, Jason Fari, James Hill, Philip Hyman, Mary Jefferson, Lidia Richardson, Peter Scala, Dianne Tennyson, Eric Vincent, Tatyana Shurtz, Sherri Bardsley, Muriel Lanciault, Marilyn Brown, Charlotte Holman, Dolores O’Sullivan, and more.
The Meeting Place, 1077 E. Montague Avenue, North Charleston
On exhibit: April 1 - May 10, 2008, FREE viewing   
Gallery hours: Tuesday-Thursday 11:00AM-1:00PM & 5:00PM-8:00PM, Friday & Saturday 11:00AM-8:00PM, Sunday 10:00AM-2:00PM, Closed Mondays
RECEPTION: Wednesday, May 7, 2008, 5:00-8:00PM during the Arts Festival Art Walk

QUILTERS/ FIBER ARTISTS COLLABORATIVE EXHIBITION:

“Quilting the Stories of Our Lives: African American Quilters & Fiber Artists”
Each piece of this exhibit is uniquely designed and crafted, showcasing the vision and talent of these African American quilters and fiber artists from across the United States: Teresa Vega (NY), Lenora Brown (SC), Valerie Jean Bailey (NC), Zelda Grant (SC), Addelle Sanders (SC), Jacqueline Johnson (NY), Kenneth Johnson (NY), Marion Coleman (CA), Michelle Howard Harrell (MA).
This exhibition is presented in partnership with the City of Charleston’s Piccolo Spoleto Festival and hosted by The Navy Yard at Noisette.  Curators are Catherine Lamkin and Arianne King Comer. (See Weekly Schedule for related events.)
10 Storehouse Row, Noisette Blvd., The Navy Yard at Noisette (on the former Charleston Naval Base)
On exhibit: May 1-June 6, 2008, FREE viewing
Viewing hours: Monday-Friday 8:00AM-8:00PM, Saturdays 10:00AM-7:00PM, Closed Sundays
OPENING RECEPTION: Thursday, May 8, 2008, 6:00-8:00PM, FREE
CLOSING RECEPTION: June 5, 2008, 6:00-8:00 PM

INDIGO KUDZU WEAVED TREE:  Temporary Art Installation
Using split strips of kudzu dyed in indigo and woven through an oxidized wire tree sculpture to create bark, artist Arianne King Comer begins to transform an invasive weed into an aesthetic object as part of a comprehensive international art project called The Future is on the Table.
10 Storehouse Row, Noisette Blvd., The Navy Yard at Noisette (on the former Charleston Naval Base)
Outdoor Installation in May
Public viewing daily, FREE

TEMPORARY ART INSTALLATION: The Moss Men are here!
Life-sized figures created from wire sculpture and moss represent thousands of workers who entered the gates of the Charleston Naval Base and Shipyard for decades, while also paying recognizing to the enormous changes that are set to take place here in the future.
McMillan Avenue median (entrance to the former Charleston Naval Base) 
Outdoor Installation in May
Public viewing daily, FREE

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