Friday, September 20, 2013

Redux Contemporary Art Center Studio Artists Display Works in North Charleston

The City of North Charleston’s Cultural Arts Department is pleased to announce that the North Charleston City Gallery will host the second annual Redux Contemporary Art Center Studio Artists Exhibition throughout the month of October. The public is invited to attend a free reception at the gallery hosted by the participating artists on Thursday, October 3, from 5pm-7pm.

The group exhibition will feature an array of paintings, prints and mixed media pieces by artists currently participating in the studio program at Redux Contemporary Art Center in downtown Charleston. The program offers emerging and mid-career artists full access to professional artist studios in an effort to grow and expand the contemporary art community in the area. Alizey Kahn, India McElroy, Paula McInerny, and Lulie Wallace are among the studio artists who are highlighted in the second annual exhibit. “We are grateful to have this opportunity to partner with the City of North Charleston and reach new audiences,” says Stacy Huggins, Executive Director of Redux. “The diverse collection of works on display is a wonderful representation of the artistic innovation and creativity being fostered through Redux’s studio program and we are excited to open up a dialogue between their artists and audiences in the North Area,” adds AnneTrabue W. Nelson, Arts Coordinator for the Cultural Arts Department.

The Second Annual Redux Contemporary Art Center Studio Artists Exhibition will be on display at the North Charleston City Gallery from October 1-31, 2013. The gallery space is situated in the common areas of the Charleston Area Convention Center, located at 5001 Coliseum Drive in North Charleston. Parking and admission are free during regular Convention Center operating hours, 9:00am – 5:00pm daily. The gallery is staffed on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday only. Inquiries regarding the artists or purchase information may be directed to the North Charleston Cultural Arts Department at (843) 740-5854. For information on additional exhibits, programs, and events, offered by the department, visit the Cultural Arts section of the City’s website at http://bit.ly/culturalarts. For more information about Redux Contemporary Art Center, visit reduxstudios.org.


About the Artists
Alizey Khan received her BA in Studio Art and Arts Management from the College of Charleston in December 2012. Through her astronomical paintings and prints, she strives to study the visual properties of light, color and depth in outer space. Alizey’s paintings were selected for the College of Charleston’s Young Contemporaries juried show in 2010, 2012 and 2013, as well as the Reorientation 5 juried exhibition at Redux in 2012. She presented her first solo show, Interspatial: Astronomical Artwork, at the Saul Alexander Gallery in the Charleston County Public Library in July 2013. Alizey is currently the Membership and Media Coordinator at Redux and began teaching Resin Painting classes there in July 2013. She is currently preparing for her second solo show at the Coastal Community Foundation, which will be on display from mid-October through January of next year.

India Dunnington McElroy is an aspiring artist born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina. She attended the Savannah College of Art and Design, where she received her BFA in Fibers, Fine Art in 2010. She has recently moved to Charleston, where she spends most of her time in her studio at Redux exploring the possibilities of paint and other materials.

Paula McInerny is a native of Atlanta, Georgia. Her formal education includes the University of Georgia, Grenoble University in France, and Georgia State University. With over twenty years of experience as a professional portrait photographer, Paula found her interest extended to oil painting where she discovered more freedom of expression. Influenced by studies at the Penland School in North Carolina as well as the Savannah College of Art and Design, Paula now paints predominantly with a palette knife. She loves the textured quality that is best achieved using this technique. Her paintings have won several awards at various shows.

Lulie Wallace studied art at the College of Charleston earning her BFA in Painting. Referencing the rustic landscapes of her native Columbus, Georgia, and the bright colors of her home in Charleston, Lulie’s palate has matured into a distinct style that brings out the life of her subject matter. Evolving from an ongoing experiment with colors, her expressionist approach captures the texture of materials through a study of light and shadow.

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Open House slated for Wescott Park, Sept 25 6-9pm

North Charleston's Wescott Park

The City of North Charleston is hosting an Open House for Wescott Park on Wednesday, September 25, 2013 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm for all area residents to visit and tour the new, state of the art athletic complex and community facility.

Wescott Park is the Lowcountry’s premier baseball and softball facility, featuring a Ripken Training Facility, meticulously designed and built for the best experience for players and spectators.

The City's goal was to create a park capable of holding high level baseball tournaments, while still providing a park setting for the community as a whole. The result is a split park with two distinct areas (sports fields and park) connected by a series of educational nature trails that highlight the wetlands, native trees, and wildlife.


Each of the three ball fields at Wescott Park are designed to scale of Boston Red Sox’s Fenway Park, Atlanta Braves’ Turner Field, and San Francisco Giants’ AT&T Park. Each field is equipped for baseball and softball for athletes 12 years old and under.

A Ripken Training Circle, patented by Cal and Bill Ripken, is incorporated into the facility for instruction and practice of our rising ball players. The design of the Circle allows for bases and home plates to be substituted for teaching of fundamentals and drills, maximizing the efficiency of instruction. To complete the park as a Ripken Training Facility, batting cages and pitching mounds are incorporated.

Apart from being a sports complex, Wescott Park features passive areas for visitors to enjoy, including an amphitheater for outdoor performances, greenspaces and multi-purpose fields, walking trails through the park’s wetlands, a dog park, and a number of enclosed and open air shelters for a variety of community and family events.

View aerials of Wescott Park

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Trident Health Offers Free Prostate Screenings

Other than skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men, according to the American Cancer Society. About 238,590 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed this year.

According to the National Cancer Institute, approximately 29,720 men will die from prostate cancer in 2013. However, more than 2.5 million men in the United States who have had prostate cancer at some point are still alive today. The death rate is decreasing, in part because of early detection.

During September's Prostate Cancer Awareness month,Trident Health will be offering three free prostate cancer screenings at its medical centers throughout the Lowcountry. To register for any of these free screenings, please call Consult-A-Nurse at 843-797-FIND (3463).

5-7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12 at Moncks Corner Medical Center
5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17 at Summerville Medical Center
5 -7p.m. Tuesday, October 1 at Trident Medical Center

Trident Health is an HCA hospital system comprised of two acute care hospitals – Trident Medical Center and Summerville Medical Center – as well as Moncks Corner Medical Center. The Joint Commission recently named Trident Health to their list of the nation's top hospitals for quality and safety. In 2012, Trident Health provided almost $40 million in charity and uncompensated care and contributed $27 million in taxes. Accredited by The Joint Commission, Trident Health is committed to providing quality health services along with wellness information and opportunities to the communities it serves. For more information about Trident Health, please visit our website at www.tridenthealthsystem.com or call 843.797.7000.

Daimler Vans Manufacturing expanding in North Charleston


Daimler Vans Manufacturing today announced that it will expand its existing facility in North Charleston. The more than $4.6 million investment is expected to generate at least 60 new jobs.

“We are thrilled to grow our operations here in Charleston County. South Carolina has provided our company with an excellent environment for doing business and a talented workforce. We appreciate all the support we’ve received from state and local officials,” said Marco Wirtz, president and CEO of Daimler Vans Manufacturing.

Daimler Vans Manufacturing will expand its existing van assembly plant in North Charleston, located at 8501 Palmetto Commerce Parkway. Daimler distributes its vans from the facility to markets throughout North America. The company will make improvements to the building and changes to its current assembly line. The company expects to complete expansion by 2018.
“Our long standing relationship with Daimler Vans Manufacturing, one of North Charleston’s finest corporate citizens, is once again benefiting our community," said North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey. "Daimler Vans Manufacturing realized our vision for Palmetto Commerce Park many, many years ago and became one of the first major businesses to plant its roots. Today, the park stands as the Lowcountry’s premier location for business development. We reaffirm our commitment to Daimler and look forward to future growth and success.” 

“Today’s announcement by Daimler Vans Manufacturing is another indication that South Carolina is on the right track with its economic development efforts. We celebrate the company’s decision to invest more than $4.6 million and create 60 new jobs in Charleston County,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.

“Another great win in Charleston County,” said Charleston County Council Chairman Teddie Pryor. “Congratulations to Daimler Vans on this exciting development. Marco Wirtz and his management team are doing an outstanding job in this state-of-the-art facility, and within the community. As they grow yet again, we at Charleston County will continue to support their efforts in every way possible.”

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits.

Daimler Vans Manufacturing LLC (DVM) assembles Sprinters for the US market under the Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner brands. The company is a subsidiary of Daimler AG. For more information, please visit www.daimler.com.

Visual Art Exhibition Opportunities Offered in North Charleston



North Charleston City Gallery
The City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department is accepting applications from visual artists and artist groups to exhibit original works at the North Charleston City Gallery and The Meeting Place for slots from July 2014 through June 2015. Selections are made by a Review Panel appointed by the department. Applications are available for download from the Applications and Registration Forms section at http://bit.luy/culturalarts. Submissions must be received or postmarked by November 30, 2013, in order to be considered.

The North Charleston City Gallery, located in the common areas of the Charleston Area Convention Center Complex, offers great exposure for artists seeking to reach thousands of local patrons and out-of-state visitors. This exhibition opportunity is limited to visual artists and artist groups creating two dimensional works. Exhibits are rotated on a monthly basis and may feature two or more artists concurrently. The gallery desk is managed by a Cultural Arts staff member on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays for the express purpose of promoting the exhibit and the sale of artwork, prints, note cards, and gift items.

The Meeting Place, located at 1077 East Montague Avenue in the Olde Village area of North Charleston, provides a more informal public exhibition opportunity for visual and fine craft artists creating both two dimensional and three dimensional works. Pieces are installed in the building’s display windows, which offer 24 hour visibility. Exhibits are rotated on a monthly and bi-monthly basis and may feature two or more artists concurrently.

For additional information about these and other exhibition opportunities, or to learn more about programs and services offered by the City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department, visit http://bit.ly/culturalarts, email culturalarts@northcharleston.org, or call 843-740-5854.

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

PulteGroup and Operation FINALLY HOME surprise family with new home in North Charleston

PulteGroup and Operation FINALLY Home surprise family on Patriot Day in North Charleston
PulteGroup and Operation FINALLY HOME made a surprise announcement today in North Charleston, SC. United States Air Force Staff Sergeant Robert Wright and his wife, Bethany were the recipients of a home to be built in the McKewn neighborhood.

Wright joined the USAF in November 1997 and spent the first 13 years of his military career stationed in North Charleston at the Charleston Air Force Base and has served multiple tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Wright was diagnosed with brain cyst in May 2012, and since that time, he has undergone three brain surgeries to relieve pressure on his brain and to correct complications of severe headaches, dizziness, nausea, and imbalance.  In the last nine months, the medical status of Wright has not improved, but consistently deteriorated.

With the surprise announced, PulteGroup will work with the family to customize the home and address any unique family needs.  The home is scheduled to be completed by December 2013.

The family applied for the new home through Operation FINALLY HOME, an organization that provides mortgage-free homes to wounded and disabled veterans and the widows of the fallen in an effort to get their lives back on track.  PulteGroup and local contractors, vendors and housing partners are donating labor and materials for the new 2,710 sq. ft. home.



"Pulte Group is honored to collaborate with Operation FINALLY HOME to help put this brave veteran in a new home, said Will Cutler, PulteGroup division president in Charleston.  "Robert Wright is a testament to courage, tenacity, and valor, and we hope this home will help ease his struggles and provide him and his family with security and peace of mind as they move back to North Charleston."

"Operation FINALLY HOME is truly honored to be teaming once again with PulteGroup in changin the life of Robert Wright and his family," said Stephen Page of Operation FINALLY HOME.  "We feel wounded service members like Wright have paid for their homes in full on the battlefield.  It is our responsibility to ensure they get them."

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Sponsored Fall Decorations on East Montague to Benefit Needy Families




The Olde North Charleston Merchants Association and the City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department are collaborating once again to decorate the Olde Village section of East Montague Avenue with decorative grapevine wreaths for Fall. Schools, community groups, churches, businesses and individuals are invited to participate in this third annual beautification effort by sponsoring a wreath. Proceeds from wreath sponsorships will go toward the City of North Charleston’s Christmas Charity benefiting needy families.

Wreath sponsors may purchase a 24” grapevine wreath with two sided orange ribbon for $25 and personalize it with decorations of their choosing, or purchase a pre-decorated wreath for $50. Past participants have the option of redecorating last year’s wreath for $15. Wreaths with sponsor signage will be displayed on light poles lining the Olde Village section of East Montague Avenue throughout October and November.

Sponsorship commitments should be made by 5:00pm on Friday, September 20, 2013, and wreaths must be decorated and ready to hang by Tuesday, October 1. To sponsor a wreath or for more information contact the City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department at (843) 740-5854 or culturalarts@northcharleston.org.

Thursday, September 5, 2013

North Charleston Kicks Off Dinner Theatre Series September 20

Photo by Josh Burg
Another fabulous season of dinner theatre kicks off in North Charleston on Friday, September 20, with Sherlock Holmes and the Charleston History Mystery presented by The Black Fedora Comedy Mystery Theatre. The interactive production is a hauntingly historical and hysterical whodunit recommended for Sherlock Holmes fans, Charleston history buffs, and adults out on the town. Dinner for the evening is catered by Embassy Suites and features an entrée of Trattoria Carbonara. Tickets are on sale until Tuesday, September 17.

When a member of the infamous Charles Townson family is murdered during a civil war shooting demonstration, the World's Greatest Detective, Sherlock Holmes, is called to solve the case. Townson’s own brother is clearly the shooter and is immediately arrested, but Holmes suspects there is more to this story; in fact, several centuries more. Join the Master of Logic himself on the journey to solve this Lowcountry case of mystery, history, spooks, and specters. A journey where, without ever leaving their seat, audiences will explore Charleston's past, present, and other worldly; and where, should they choose to volunteer, audience members may actually play a victim, villain, or vile vision.

The Black Fedora Comedy Mystery Theatre opened its doors in early August of 2012. Owners/producers, Darryl & Sherry Wade, relocated to Charleston from Atlanta, Georgia, with nearly two decades of knowhow in the business of producing live, comic-mystery entertainment for corporate, college and general public audiences. Already highly ranked on Trip Advisor’s list of Charleston attractions, this new theatre is the place to go for family-friendly live theatre in a cozy setting. Their comedy-mystery shows are presented year-round at The Black Fedora Comedy Mystery Theatre and Shoppe at 164 King Street in downtown Charleston, with professional actors, volunteer audience participation and a la carte appetizers, desserts, and drinks. For more information, visit charlestonmysteries.com.

Sherlock Holmes and the Charleston History Mystery will be presented at the Charleston Area Convention Center Ballroom (adjacent to the North Charleston Performing Arts Center) at 5001 Coliseum Drive in North Charleston. The ballroom doors open at 7:00pm for dinner. Tickets are $40 per person. Group discounts are offered. Ticket price includes dinner, play, and gratuity. Tickets for just the play are available for $15. Parking is free. A cash-only bar will be available. To purchase tickets, contact Pam Smith at 843-740-5847 by Tuesday, September 17. For details on the 2013/14 North Charleston Dinner Theatre Series or information on additional programs and events, contact the City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department at 843-740-5854 or visit http://bit.ly/culturalarts.