North Charleston seeking sculptor for Performing Arts Center Monument Busts

Mayor Bourne & Mayor Summey
at the City's 40th Anniversary celebration

The City of North Charleston seeks to commission a sculptor to create depictions of the city’s two prominent mayors. The commissioned busts will be permanently featured on granite outdoor pedestals at the newly built outdoor monument at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center, located at 5001 Coliseum Drive in North Charleston, SC. Each sculpture should be at least two feet tall and cast in bronze or another metal suitable for outdoor exhibition. Professional sculptors nationwide are invited to submit their qualifications and proposals for this unique public art opportunity via the online application. There is a $7 application fee and submissions are due by April 8, 2014.

A Selection Committee comprised of city officials and community leaders will choose one artist to create both sculptures. The committee is looking for design proposals that will generate excitement and interest for the community and compliment the outdoor monument where the busts will be installed. The total budget for this project is yet to be determined. Artists’ proposals should include all costs associated with the project including, but not limited to: artist's design fees, materials, production costs, travel, documentation, shipping, and any permits, license, or insurance. Artists will be notified of the commission award by April 15, 2014. The sculpture installation will be approximately 120 days from the April 8 submission deadline.

In order to be considered for the commission, sculptors must prepare and submit the following RFP materials using the Slideroom.com online application:
A. Statement of Interest describing pecific interest in the project, potential approach, and any relevant past experience
B. Thorough proposal including costs, materials, process, and timeline for creating the busts.
C. Current resume/CV
D. A maximum of five quality digital photographs of artist’s previous work that accurately represent the artist’s aesthetics and style. All images must be accompanied by a brief description of the artwork, title, location, size, and completion date.
E. Optional: The artist’s web site may be listed. The artist may include up to three additional materials such as references, reviews, news articles, awards or other related information.
F. Application fee of $7.00, payable online

The City of North Charleston reserves the right to reject all applications and/or adjust the project time line. For more information about this public art project, contact Cultural Arts Director, Marty Besancon, at 843-740-5850 or mbesancon@northcharleston.org. For technical assistance, contact Arts Coordinator, AnneTrabue Nelson, at 843-740-5852 or anelson@northcharleston.org. To learn more about other programs and artist opportunities offered by the City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department, visit http://bit.ly/culturalarts.

Wearable Art Designers and African American Art Quilters Sought for Annual Exhibitions in North Charleston

The City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department is seeking entries from textile artists from across the nation for two exhibitions presented as a component of the 2014 North Charleston Arts Festival, taking place May 2-10. African American art quilt artists in the United States, Mexico, and Canada age 18 and up are invited to participate in the 8th Annual African American Fiber Art Exhibition, titled JOY. Wearable art artists and fashion designers in the United States age 18 and up are welcome to submit entries for the 2nd Annual Wearable Art Competition and Exhibition. Both exhibitions will be on display at North Charleston City Hall from April 30-June 20, 2014. A $30 entry fee applies to each exhibition opportunity and allows artists to submit up to four entries. Applications for these exhibitions are only available online and may be accessed via the links at NorthCharlestonArtsFest.com/apply. Deadline for entries is Monday, March 3, 2014.

8th Annual African American Fiber Art Exhibition: JOY

Quilt from 2013 (7th Annual) African American Fiber Art Exhibition
Anansi & the Pot of Wisdom by Carolyn Brackat

 

 

Curated by award winning and nationally exhibiting textile artist, Torreah “Cookie” Washington, this unique exhibition offers African American art quilters a showcase to display their original and innovative designs. This year’s installment calls for art quilts inspired by the emotion of joy. Joy can be seen in the eyes of a child or felt while dancing; it can be heard in an exuberant holler when we hear fantastic news or in a squeal of delight when receiving a surprise gift. We can express joy in many ways. The challenge for this year’s exhibition is for artists to show the world their joy through an art quilt. Entries may be hand or machine quilted and embellishment is encouraged.

Following the close of the show, up to thirty works will be selected to tour the state through the South Carolina State Museum’s 2014/2015 Traveling Exhibitions Program. Sites across South Carolina may request the exhibit to tour in their facilities, thus providing additional exposure for the selected artists. Additionally, organizers are proud to extend a special opportunity to young quilt artists who do not meet age eligibility requirements to enter the annual exhibition. Emerging quilt artists under the age of 18 may submit quilts for Our Next Generation, a parallel exhibition that will be on display at the Unity Church of Charleston.

 




2nd Annual Wearable Art Competition & Exhibition

Best in Show from 2013 Wearable Art Competition & Exhibition

Elegant Bits N’ Pieces by Kathy Knapp

Juried by Torreah “Cookie” Washington, with assistance from the City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department, this opportunity offers emerging and established designers a showcase to exhibit their inspiring fashion designs, wearable art garments and accessories of all styles. The goal is to present innovative and wearable work of the highest quality and to provide a forum to share the growing enthusiasm for an exploration of techniques and materials. Wearable art garments in all styles are welcome, including garments, hats, handbags and accessories. Garments for both men and women are encouraged.

The 8th Annual African American Fiber Art Exhibition and the 2nd Annual Wearable Art Competition and Exhibition will be on display 8:00am-8:00pm daily from April 30-June 20, 2014, on the 1st and 2nd floors of North Charleston City Hall, located at 2500 City Hall Lane in North Charleston. Admission is free. A public reception in honor of both exhibitions and announcement of winners for Wearable Art will be held at City Hall on Thursday, May 8, 2014, from 6:00-8:00pm. For more information about the North Charleston Arts Festival, these exhibitions, or other exhibition opportunities, contact the City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department at (843)740-5854, email culturalarts@northcharleston.org, or visit NorthCharlestonArtsFest.com.

2014 North Charleston Arts Festival design competition underway

2013 Festival Design Winner
'A' Train  by Linda Elksnin

The City of North Charleston is calling upon South Carolina visual artists to participate in the 2014 North Charleston Arts Festival Design Competition. The winning piece will become the official art design of the 2014 Arts Festival, taking place May 2-10, and will be featured on promotional materials and merchandise, including billboards, print ads, television commercials, program booklets, posters, apparel, online and more. The winning artist will receive $500 and be given the opportunity to exhibit other original works at the North Charleston City Gallery during the festival. In addition, the winning piece will become part of the City of North Charleston’s Public Art Collection, which is displayed throughout City Hall.

Applications are available online at www.NorthCharlestonArtsFest.com/apply. Submissions may be delivered in person to the North Charleston City Gallery on January 17 & 18, 2014, or may be submitted via email to culturalarts@northcharleston.org with a deadline of 12:00pm on Saturday, January 18, 2014. There is NO entry fee to participate. The competition is open to South Carolina residents ages 18 and older. Categories of work accepted are: acrylic, oil, drawing/pastel, watercolor and 2-D mixed media.

The North Charleston Arts Festival is organized and presented by the City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department. The annual nine-day celebration of arts and culture highlights national, regional and local artists and performers in the areas of Dance, Music, Theatre, Visual Arts, Crafts, Photography, Media Arts and Literature. For over 3o years the festival has made quality arts programming affordable and accessible to the widest spectrum of the public, attracting over 30,000 residents and visitors from throughout the Southeast and beyond to experience 100+ free and modestly priced performances, workshops, exhibitions and activities in a variety of venues, including libraries, community centers, schools, civic auditoriums and parks. Named a Top 20 Event by the Southeast Tourism Society, the event has matured into one of the most comprehensive arts festivals in the state of South Carolina.

For more information about the North Charleston Arts Festival and other participation opportunities visit NorthCharlestonArtsFest.com, or contact the City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department office at (843)740-5854 or culturalarts@northcharleston.org.

Visual, Performing, Media & Literary Artists Sought for 2014 North Charleston Arts Festival

The City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department is seeking applications from artists in music, theatre, dance, visual art, crafts, photography, media arts and literature for participation in the 2014 North Charleston Arts Festival to be held May 2-10. National, regional and local artists, ethnic and cultural groups, community based groups and individuals are encouraged to apply. Artists may apply for inclusion in the Main Event, held May 3 and 4 at the Charleston Area Convention Center Complex, or may submit proposals for one of the festival’s stand-alone Individual Events, which take place at various locations throughout the festival week. Visual artists should note that this application is for events and presentations such as installations, solo or group exhibitions, workshops, demonstrations and lectures, and not for participation in the Festival’s Juried Art Competitions. Applications may be downloaded at NorthCharlestonArtsFest.com/apply. The deadline to apply is 5:00pm on Monday, January 6, 2014.

The North Charleston Arts Festival is one of the most comprehensive arts festivals in the state, drawing over 30,000 residents and visitors annually to participate in a fabulous array of performances, exhibitions and activities in all arts disciplines. The Main Event Weekend at the North Charleston Performing Arts and Charleston Area Convention Center on Sat., May 3, and Sun., May 4, offers free admission and parking to over 40 performances on four themed stage stages; General Audience, Cultural Heritage, Bands and Youth Entertainment. Other Main Event activities include judged art and photography shows, the SC Palmetto Hands Juried Fine Craft Exhibit, a gem & mineral show, an antique show, children's activities, art and craft booths and a food courtyard. The Arts Festival continues with over sixty events and exhibitions throughout the week at various locations. An array of free and ticketed offerings include street dances, concerts, theatre presentations, film screenings, an art walk, children’s programs, workshops and demonstrations, a National Outdoor Sculpture Competition & Exhibition and much more. The festival concludes with the Grand Finale at North Charleston Riverfront Park featuring performances, children's activities and fireworks over the Cooper River.

For more information about the North Charleston Arts Festival and other participation opportunities visit NorthCharlestonArtsFest.com, or contact the City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department office at (843)740-5854 or culturalarts@northcharleston.org.

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.