Visual Artists and Fine Craft Artisans Sought for Annual Co-Op Gallery in North Charleston

The City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department is accepting applications from visual artists and fine craft artisans for participation in the Meeting Place Art and Fine Craft Co-Op, an annual, temporary artist cooperative gallery located at 1077 East Montague Avenue in the Olde Village area of North Charleston.  Operating Fridays and Saturday, April 6 through May 26, the Co-Op is dedicated to presenting many artists of varied backgrounds working in a diverse array of media and representing a full range of styles. Eligible applicants include artists creating fine art, fine crafts, photography, pottery, jewelry, fiber art, glass, sculpture, and more.

Applications for the Co-Op Gallery can be found online at http://bit.ly/culturalarts under the Applications and Registration forms section. Call the Cultural Arts Department office at 843-740-5854 to request a print copy. Deadline for applications is Thursday, March 1, 2012.  There is no fee to apply. Applicants must be a South Carolina resident, ages 18 and up.  Artwork eligible for submission must be original work completed within the last two years. An artist reception will be held during the North Charleston Arts Festival Art Walk on Wednesday, May 9, from 5:00-8:00pm.  

The Meeting Place Art and Fine Craft Co-Op is presented as a component of the 2012 North Charleston Arts Festival, May 4-12. The nine-day celebration of arts and culture provides over 30,000 thousand residents and visitors with an array of performances, exhibitions, and activities.  The Main Event, held the first weekend in May, offers free admission and parking to over 40 performances on four themed stage stages; General Audience, Cultural Heritage, Youth Entertainment, and Bands. Other Main Event activities include judged art, photography, youth art, and fine craft exhibitions, a gem & mineral show, an antique show, children's activities, art & craft booths, and an outdoor food courtyard.  The Arts Festival continues with numerous free or moderately priced ticketed events throughout the week at various locations around North Charleston and concludes with fireworks over the Cooper River at the Grand Finale at North Charleston Riverfront Park.

For more information about the North Charleston Arts Festival, the Meeting Place Art and Fine Craft Co-Op, or other exhibition opportunities, visit http://bit.ly/culturalarts or call the Cultural Arts Department office at 843-740-5854.