Charleston Supported Art, LLC, is set to launch year two of its innovative program of art sponsorship and distribution. Inspired by the buy-local, from-the-source model of community supported agriculture, the program offers art lovers the opportunity to purchase seasonal shares of original art created by a curated group of local artists. Shares are limited and will be available for purchase beginning January 30.
Charleston Supported Art (CSA) supports artists in the creation of new work and aims to foster relationships between emerging and established artists and collectors with the potential for future art purchases. Overall, 12 Tri-County visual artists working in a variety of styles and media were selected to participate through an open application process that began in November 2014. With the promise of a $1500 stipend, these artists will create 32 exclusive works of contemporary art for their assigned season. The 2015 program consists of three seasons – Spring, Summer, and Fall - with four artists featured per season. Collectors, also known as shareholders, receive a total of four pieces of original art with each share purchased, one from each artist.
The 12 artists participating in CSA’s 2015 program were selected from a pool of over 75 applicants through a jurying process made up of two phases. Artists participating in the inaugural 2014 program were invited to weigh in during the first phase. Each season’s offerings promise to show the quality, diversity and innovation of the contemporary art in Charleston that CSA strives to promote. The 2015 artists and their assigned seasons are:
SPRING
Pick-up Event – April 23
Chambers Austelle (painting)
Elizabeth Calcote (printmaking/textile)
Chris Nickels (illustration)
Karin Olah (mixed media)
SUMMER
Pick-up Event - August 6
Arianne King Comer (printmaking/batik)
Lune Mer Porcelain Studio (ceramics)
Riki Matsuda (mixed media)
James Wine (painting)
FALL
Pick-up Event – November 5
Jordan Fowler (sculpture)
Nina Garner (photography/mixed media)
Lisa Shimko (painting)
Alex Waggoner (painting)
Each 2015 CSA share is priced at $425 + tax and will be delivered through exclusive seasonal pick-up events hosted at venues such as The Faculty Lounge and Mixson Bath & Racquet Club. These pick-up events provide shareholders the chance to interact with the featured artists and fellow art enthusiasts, and will also be the first time the contents of each seasonal share will be revealed. Shares have proven to be a worthy investment for the novice collector looking to build a foundation for a collection, seasoned collectors aiming to keep abreast of Charleston’s ever-changing contemporary art scene, and patrons who enjoy sharing their appreciation for visual arts with friends and family by giving pieces as gifts. “This was such a great idea,” says 2014 shareholder Erin Ziegler. “You can already feel the positive influence of local artists throughout our home. We’re thankful to CSA for putting this together at an affordable price for local art supporters that don't have the time to curate a their own collection.”
Only 32 shares for each of the three 2015 seasons will be offered, totaling 96 for the year. Purchases can be made online at www.charlestonsupportedart.com. In order to aid collectors in their buying decision and to accommodate in-person purchases, two Artist Meet & Greet events will be held. The first Meet & Greet will take place from 6:30-8:30pm on Thursday, February 19, at Redux Contemporary Art Center in Downtown Charleston. A mid-year Meet & Greet event is set for 6:30-8:30pm on Thursday, June 18, at Lowcountry Local First’s Local Works. The 12 featured artists will be present at both of these free events so that the public can get to know them and their work. Refreshments will be provided by Frothy Beard Brewing Company and Cannonborough Beverage Company. All are welcome to attend.
For more information about the program, to learn more about the artists, or to purchase a share, visit www.charlestonsupportedart.com. Additional questions or requests to be added to the CSA mailing list may also be directed to info@charlestonsupportedart.com.
About Charleston Supported Art, LLC
Charleston Supported Art is a platform to connect emerging and established artists and collectors. Launched in November 2013, the program is part of a nationwide movement that has developed in over 40 communities across the country and is the first of its kind in Charleston. Organizers include Kristy Bishop, Camela Guevara, Erin Glaze Nathanson, AnneTrabue Nelson, and Ann Simmons. Supporters include Artist & Craftsman Supply, Básico, Cannonborough Beverage Company, Frothy Beard Brewing Company, Ink Meets Paper, Lowcountry Local First, Mixson Bath & Racquet Club, Redux Contemporary Art Center, The Cut Company, and The Faculty Lounge.
