Gibbes Museum feels economic crunch

Nothing is impervious to a broken economy. Just ask the Gibbes Museum. The venerable art institution is the centerpiece -- with ample funding and private sponsors, not to mention an estimable collection of fine art -- to Charleston's various galleries and museums. But that doesn't make things any easier. Staff is pulling double duty. Numbers are being crunched. And every dime is accounted for.

A bigger museum, with more art, means more maintenance and bigger costs. Combating these challenges, as well as remaining vital and important to Charleston's art scene, is a heavy load to carry. Angela Mack, the Gibbes' executive director, discusses the situation with the Post and Courier's Dottie Ashley.

Here's a sample:

The Gibbes operates under its founding organization, the Carolina Art Association, formed by a group of civic-minded, art-loving citizens in 1858. The present building at 135 Meeting St. opened its doors to the public in 1905, causing a flurry of arts activity.

"Here at the Gibbes, our major problem is that we are housed in a beautiful building that is more than 100 years old but it is extremely expensive to maintain — people have no idea," says Mack, the longtime curator at the Gibbes who was appointed executive director last spring.

Anticipating a financial downturn, the museum board asked Mack to wear two hats, as she also continues in her position as curator.

Read the article here.

And check out the Gibbes Museum's website for features, exhibits and updates.