Charleston City Paper: Piccolo Spoleto 2025 Official Guide #1
CHARLESTON MUSICAL HERITAGE CONCERTS
5 concerts spotlighting Charleston’s musical history
The Sound of Charleston From Gospel to Gershwin
MAY 24, 31 & JUNE 7 AT 2pm
SUNDAY, MAY 25 AT 2pm
“Gershwin & Jazz” with Jon Philips and John Tecklenburg, “Porgy and Bess” stars Diamond Tyler and Ramelle Brooks, and “Rhapsody in Blue”
Circular Congregational Church, 150 Meeting St. Charleston with special guest, Ann Caldwell
SUNDAY, JUNE 1 AT 4pm
“Oh Happy Day” Gospel Music featuring the Bright Family Singers & Ensemble
EARLY MUSIC SERIES
at Old Saint Mary’s May 24 -June 8 • Daily at 3 pm A Piccolo Favorite
Featuring: Bach, Vivaldi, Mozart, and more
PURCHASE TICKETS AT CITYPAPERTICKETS.COM LEARN MORE AT PICCOLOSPOLETO.COM
May 24 Paris 1725 - French Baroque
May 25 Vivaldi's Four Seasons
May 26 The Glory of Handel
May 27 Brilliant Bach
May 28 The Art of the Classical Guitar
May 29 Travels Through Europe
May 30 Flowers of the French Baroque
May 31 The Best of NC Baroque Orchestra Chamber Players
June 1 The Art of the Classical Guitar with a Hint of the Recorder
June 2 Vivaldi's Four Seasons
June 3 Mozart's Eine Kleine Nachtmusik
June 4 Drums, Winds, and Strings Through the Ages
June 5 Vivalvdi's Four Seasons
June 6 Mozart's Eine Kleine Nachtmusik
June 7 The Virtuoso Recorder and Ensemble Brio
Adults $28 Seniors $26
Tickets available at Charleston Visitor Center | (843) 270-4903 www.piccolospoleto.com
June 8
Ensemble Brio-Sol y Luna-Music of the Sephardim at Beth Elohim
Welcome to the 2025 Piccolo Spoleto Festival!
Every spring, Charleston transforms — our streets, parks, and stages come alive with music, movement, and imagination. For over four decades, Piccolo Spoleto has helped make that transformation possible, and it remains one of the most exciting times of the year in our city.
This festival is a true celebration of the arts — from jazz and theater to poetry, painting, dance and everything in between. You’ll see work from incredibly talented local artists alongside emerging and established creatives from across the country. It’s a reminder that Charleston is not just a backdrop for great art — it’s a place where creativity thrives.
What I love most about Piccolo is that it brings people together. Whether you’re a lifelong Charlestonian or here for your very first visit, the festival offers something that will move you, make you think or simply make you smile. It’s in the moments of connection — in the audience, on stage, and out in the community — that this festival really shines.
To the artists: thank you for sharing your gifts with us. To the city’s Office of Cultural Affairs and the volunteers who make all of this possible — your work makes a lasting impact, and I’m truly grateful.
So, get out there, explore something new, and soak up everything this festival has to offer. Here’s to a vibrant, joyful and unforgettable Piccolo Spoleto.
Sincerely,
William S. Cogswell, Jr. Mayor
Festival Staff About the Festival
The
Piccolo Spoleto Festival annually presents a varied program that includes visual arts exhibitions, performances of classical music, jazz, dance, theater and choral music, as well as cultural events and community celebrations, poetry readings, children’s activities, craft shows and film screenings.
Piccolo Spoleto prioritizes accessibility for both artists and performers, presenting professional work of the highest standard, while ensuring that nearly half of Piccolo’s events are admission-free, with the balance offered at affordable prices.
In addition to the Festival’s visual arts, artisan crafts exhibitions and public art installations, performances are being planned for outdoor settings in Charleston’s parks. Events are scheduled in advance for the City’s larger parks on a rain-or-shine basis; smaller neighborhood pop-ups events will be announced the week of the event to ensure that the weather will accommodate the performance.
Piccolo Spoleto was launched in 1979 by the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs, which continues to work closely with an engaged group of volunteers from the Charleston arts community. The working group of arts professionals who serve as volunteer program coordinators for the Festival now numbers nearly 40 with each specializing in a particular discipline, genre or period.
Applications for the 2026 Piccolo Spoleto Festival will be available online in the autumn at PiccoloSpoleto.com
For more information, call the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs at (843) 724-7305 or email CulturalAffairs@charleston-sc.gov.
Classical, flamenco, and fingerstyle guitar virtuoso
CHRISTOPHER LAUGHLIN
Piccolo Spoleto Festival
THUR, MAY 29 AT 6PM at Circular Congregational Church 150 Meeting Street | $25 SAT, MAY 31 AT 4PM at Gage Hall 4 Archdale Street | $25
Timeless classics by Albeniz and Bach, fiery flamenco works by Paco de Lucia and others, and inventive arrangements of popular music for guitar and special effects by Tears for Fears, Guns ‘N Roses, U2, Bill Withers, and more!
Piccolo Spoleto Festival is produced and directed by the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs
CITY OF CHARLESTON
William S. Cogswell, Jr. Mayor
CITY COUNCIL
Boyd Gregg District 1
Kevin Shealy District 2
Jim McBride District 3
Robert Mitchell District 4
Scott Watson Director
Mindy Manziano Co-Producer of Piccolo Spoleto (Programs)
Harrison Chapman Farmers Market Manager
Karl L. Brady Jr. District 5
William Dudley Gregorie District 6
Perry K. Waring District 7
Michael S. Seekings District 8
OFFICE OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS
Basil Punsalan Outreach and Event Coordinator
Anne Quattlebaum City Gallery Manager
Katie LaPorte Cultural Projects Coordinator
2025 SCOTTISH PERFORMING ARTS CLASSIC
June 6-7 South Carolina Society Hall 72 Meeting St. | Downtown
William Tinkler District 9
Stephen Bowden District 10
Ross A. Appel District 11
Caroline Parker District 12
Latanya Mueller Production Manager
Sidney Shanahan Artist Liaison and Event Coordinator
Rachel D. Workman Co-Producer of Piccolo Spoleto (Operations)
What’s in store for the 2025 Piccolo Spoleto Festival
By Madey Lynch
Piccolo Spoleto will kick off its annual festival May 23 outside Charleston City Hall with the usual music, speeches and special performances. But this year, the annual arts celebration offers something extra special that people won’t want to miss, said Scott Watson, director of the Office of Cultural Affairs, which produces the festival.
“It’s not about opening day. It’s about opening weekend,” he said. “We have a lot of traditions that take place opening weekend, but a lot of really great exhibits and other pop-ups people will want to see, too.”
One of the traditions is the Sunset Serenade, which takes place at 8 p.m. May 23. This year, the Charleston Symphony Orchestra will perform with multiple guest soloists including Kyaunnee Richardson, a celebrated opera singer. The program features works by George Gershwin, Leonard Bernstein, Andrew Lloyd Webber and more.
Another returning favorite is the Pajama March, featuring Atlanta-based community band Seed and Feed Marching Abominable. It’s a raucous event under colorful lighting late at night — it will take place from 10:30 p.m. to midnight May 24 outside the U.S. Custom House on East Bay Street. The band also has performances set for 11 a.m. Saturday at Marion Square and 11 a.m. Sunday at the Custom House. Other opening weekend highlights include
the festival’s 3 p.m. Memorial Day concert at Hampton Park, a Gullah Geechee Angel Network presentation from noon to 3 p.m. on May 24 at the Cannon Street Arts Center and “Connections” by Lowcountry Voices at Morris Street Baptist Church at 5 p.m. May 25.
“We really want people to just walk down the street and see something and stop to watch or participate in what’s going on,” said Watson. “That is what’s so cool about Piccolo Spoleto.”
Festival connects people
Charleston Mayor William Cogswell says the festival transforms Charleston’s streets, parks and stages.
“This festival is a true celebration of the arts — from jazz and theater to poetry, painting, dance and everything in between,” he said in a recent letter welcoming guests to the area. “You’ll see work from incredibly talented local artists alongside emerging and established creatives from across the country. It’s a reminder that Charleston is not just a backdrop for great art — it’s a place where creativity thrives.”
The mayor said what he enjoys most about the Piccolo Spoleto Festival is how it brings people together.
“Whether you’re a lifelong Charlestonian or here for your very first visit, the festival offers something that will move you, make you think or simply make you smile,” he said. “It’s in the moments of connection — in the audience, on stage, and out in the community — that this festival really shines.”
17 days of family-friendly fun and performances
Piccolo Spoleto runs for 17 days each year, and the opening weekend previews the program. The planning committee never picks a theme, but they often end up finding one as the festival goes on.
“We are always trying to be supportive of new artists and new ventures in the community,” Watson said. “We have artists participating for the first time and doing something new and novel and different, and that’s great because it brings a new energy in and gets people to come out who haven’t before.”
While the focus is on the local arts scene in Charleston, the larger mission is on building and fostering community through the arts; bridging gaps between generations and other potential divides.
“We have people coming with their
Caleb Barrett
The Seed and Feed Marching Abominable has three performances
The Memorial Day Concert in Hampton Park is an annual opening weekend highlight
grandkids who came when they were young. It’s really great to see,” said Watson. Some more coming highlights of the citybacked festival:
Sundown Poetry Series. Greenville, S.C., Poet Laureate Glenis Redmond is one of nine poets who will recite works as part of a weekday evening poetry series in Washington Park starting May 27.
Noon concerts at Circular. Every Monday to Friday starting May 26, creative musicians will offer free midday concerts at Circular Congregational Church, including Charleston stalwarts Peter Kfoury, Ann Caldwell, Mike Fritz and Leah Suarez.
Early Music Series. If you have a penchant for early classical music, don’t miss a May 24-31 series at 3 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Hasell Street that features composers from Mozart and Vivaldi to Handel and Bach.
Young artists. And if you’re into emerging artists, check out a series where College of Charleston students showcase various musical disciplines in the Recital Hall of the Simons Center for the Arts on St. Philip Street.
Piccolo Fringe. You can get your fill of rib-tickling improvisational comedy at more than a dozen shows at Theatre 99 on Meeting Street.
Theatre. There are lots of theatre offerings throughout the festival including four performances of La serva padrona by the Charleston Opera Theater. The Threshold Repertory Theatre presents six plays, including the popular A Yank in Scotland, with four shows from May 25 to June 3. And the students at the College of Charleston offer seven performances of plays and staged readings at three sites.
Piccolo Fiction. Meet authors Laurie Devore, Julia Elliott, Patti Callahan Henry and Finn Merritt during a 5 p.m. May 31 reading event at Blue Bicycle Books, 420 King St.
Sand-sculpting competition. Head over to the beach at Isle of Palms 9 a.m. June 7 to enjoy the festival’s grittiest challenge — the annual sand-sculpting competition. You’ll be amazed how artists take raw water and sand to create fantastic castles and more.
The festival wraps up 5 p.m. June 7 with a free finale at Hampton Park. It features a surprise lineup of musical artists and food vendors, and it serves as a much-anticipated highlight of the season.
Madey Lynch is is an arts journalism graduate student at Syracuse University. Editor Andy Brack contributed to this story.
Photos provided
Charleston Symphony (above) and guest artist Kyaunnee Richardson (left) will thrill crowds at the traditional Sunset Serenade
Circular church offers a Piccolo musical buffet
By Henry O’Brien
James Island artist Mary Edna Fraser loves performing at Circular Congregational Church for one reason more than any other: the harmony.
The round shape of the historic building at 150 Meeting St., she says, can create a harmony that allows audience members to hear the people around them easily.
“It just bounces off the walls nicely,” she said. “The ceilings aren’t too tall, so everybody can hear each other.”
Fraser’s band, Lime and the Coconuts, will take advantage of that harmony May 26 during the church’s ongoing “Music at Noon” concert series during the 2025 Piccolo Spoleto Festival. It is just one of 10 free shows of musicians, artists and bands that will perform at the church at noon from May 24 to June 8.
The group, named after Harry Nilsson’s song “Coconut,” is led by Fraser on the strings and Cajun accordion. She is accompanied by Jeff Narkiewicz on bass, Noodle McDoodle on strings, Matt Sciarro on clarinet and Keith Nam on saxophone. Fraser first played a toy Cajun accordion gifted from her parents before eventually moving to a full-sized version in her current band and her previous one in Atlanta. She described her style as more akin to playing a French horn.
“The normal way it’s played by the Cajun people is kind of an ‘oompa’ or percussive sound,” Fraser said in an interview. “And then I pull out the stops and play it as a single note. Very long, long notes.”
Fraser said Lime and the Coconuts, which has performed at the church multiple times, will play Billie Holiday songs, tunes from the early 20th century and original songs — all with jazz sounds at the forefront.
• IF YOU WANT TO GO: “Music at Noon,” May 26-May 30, and June 2-June 6, Circular Congregational Church, 150 Meeting St. Free.
Venue to showcase additional ticketed events
Guitarist Alejandro Rowinsky, who performs at 6 p.m. on May 30 in a $20 ticketed show, will present a classical guitar concert. He has played in Charleston before, but for a gig far different from the one at Circular Congregational. Rowinsky played his guitar in the song “Misbehavin’ ” from the
Guitarist Christopher Laughlin (above) is just one of several performers who will grace Circular Congregational Church (left)
Photos provided
“
I find the music exciting to play, and I think audiences find it very exciting to listen to.”
—Guitarist
Christopher Laughlin
locally-filmed HBO show The Righteous Gemstones. The tune is eventually featured in multiple episodes — specifically in episodes five and six of season one — where it is performed by actors Walton Goggins and Jennifer Nettles.
Rowinsky said via email that his musical career began in 2016 when he auditioned for the “Elena of Avalor” live show at Disney World. He was chosen to be the lead guitarist for the show, performing onstage at Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom. Since then, Rowinsky hasn’t slowed down, playing in venues like The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas and Six Flags.
The day before Rowinsky’s performance, guitarist Christopher Laughlin will be at Circular Congregational,
performing Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Prelude to Cello Suite No. 1,” pieces by legendary Spanish composer Isaac Albéniz, a flamenco piece from fellow Spanish composer Paco de Lucía and more. Tickets are $25 each.
For Laughlin, skilled in classical, flamenco and fingerstyle guitar, the performance at Circular Congregational will give him a chance to show off his range and to expand his technique. This is especially the case with the flamenco guitar, as he had to learn more advanced strumming techniques in order to play properly.
“I find the music exciting to play, and I think audiences find it very exciting to listen to,” Laughlin said.
He will close out the performance with pop songs such as “Just the Two of Us” by Bill Withers and “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” by Tears for Fears. If the audience wants an encore, Laughlin said, they’ll get “Sweet Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses.
Henry O’Brien is an arts journalism and communications graduate of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University.
Lime and the Coconuts perform May 24 (Wragg Square) and May 26 (Circular)
The Festival by Genre
Charleston’s Piccolo
Spoleto Festival is back with a broad range of performances — from free outdoor concerts, familyfriendly fun and exhibitions to ticketed events to whet your cultural whistle in theater, music and more. Get out during the 17-day festival to experience the Holy City’s creative community. The calendar profiled in this publication focuses on the first half of the festival. To learn more, check schedules, and buy advance tickets, visit PiccoloSpoleto.com
FESTIVAL TRADITIONS
Gullah Geechee: Connecting Wid Da Diaspora
The Gullah Geechee Angel Network presents this event that highlights artists, art and history connecting with the diaspora. Honor, celebrate and sustain Gullah Geechee culture with education, food, dance, music and more. Featuring Jasmine Smalls, Georgia Nubia, Anastasia Ketchen, Larry Ford and Randi Sykes. Noon to 3 p.m., May 24. Cannon Street Arts Center, 134 Cannon St. Free.
Children’s Programs at the Library
All events at Charleston County Public Library, 68 Calhoun St. Free tickets are limited, but required, for various kidfriendly programs:
9:30 a.m., and 11:30 a.m., May 27: Dancing on Air Crew
11: a.m., May 31: College of Chalreston’s Opera’s “Goldie B. Locks and the Three Singing Bears.” in Jack and the Beanstalk 9:30 a.m., and 11:30 a.m., June 3: Anson Quartet’s “Kids Classical! At the Library.”
again be at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 89 Hasell St, Charleston. Bach, Vivaldi, and Mozart are the composers that will be featured in an intimate setting with stunning acoustics in this Piccolo favorite. All concerts start at 3 p.m. and last an hour. Tickets are $30 and available online or at the door.
May 24: Paris 1725 – French Baroque
May 25: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons
May 26: The Glory of Handel
May 27: Brilliant Bach
May 28: The Art of Classical Guitar
May 29: Travels through Europe
May 30: Flowers of the French Baroque
May 31: The best of N.C. Baroque Orchestra Chamber Players
• Learn about June 1-8 shows at PiccoloSpoleto.com
L’Organo
Musicians will explore the range of pipe organs in nine churches throughout the Holy City in Piccolo Spoleto’s annual L’Organo performances. Learn more about the music and locations online at PiccoloSpoleto.org. Free, but contributions welcome.
10 a.m., May 26: Eugene Lavery. St. Michael’s Church, 71 Broad St.
10 a.m., May 27: Aaron Patterson. St. John Lutheran Church, 5 Clifford St.
10 a.m., May 28: Thomas Russell.
Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, 120 Broad St.
10 a.m., May 29: Pamela Kane.
Emanuel AME Church, 110 Calhoun St.
10 a.m., May 30: Chase Olson.
Summerall Chapel, The Citadel.
3 p.m., May 31: Laura Smith. Holy Spirit Evangelical Lutheran Church, 3075 Bees Ferry Road, West Ashley.
• View June 1-8 shows online at PiccoloSpoleto.com
Lowcountry Voices
This group presents “Connections” exploring the musical journey between the Carolinas and Barbados. Morris Street Baptist Church, 25 Morris St. (F)
5 p.m., May 25
MUSIC
Shows may be ticketed (T) or free (F). More info: visit PiccoloSpoleto.com. Please check the website for other shows not listed below.
Early Music Series
A major part of Piccolo Spoleto since 1986, the Early Music Series this year will
Noon concerts at Circular
Enjoy the talents of a broad array of local musicians who are performing as a tribute to the festival with free noon concerts at Circular Congregational Church, 150 Meeting St. Performances are by:
May 26: Lime and the Coconuts
May 27: Alva Anderson and Frank Duvall
May 28: Peter Kfoury and Delia Charkler
May 29: Top Notes 8-Hand Piano Ensemble
May 30: Ann Caldwell
June 2: Jonathan Kammer
June 3: Mike Fritz Jazz Quartet
June 4: Brentwood United Methodist Youth Choir
June 5: Bill Carson and Ron Wiltrout
June 6: Leah Suarez and Friends
New South Festival Singers
Formerly the William Baker Festival Singers, the group has performed at Piccolo Spoleto since 1989, bringing exciting a cappella classics and spirituals. The group’s newest album, “Legacies of Light” was recorded live at Piccolo Spoleto 2023. Location: Circular Congregational Church, 150 Meeting St. Longtime director Lynn Swanson will retire after the performance. Free.
3 p.m., May 26
Charleston Musical Heritage Series
The Sound of Charleston, featuring music of Charleston’s history, from gospel to Gershwin, is a Festival favorite that this year offers more than ever. All shows at Circular Congregational Church, 150 Meeting St. (T)
• The Sound of Charleston: 2 p.m., May 24; 2 p.m., May 31; 2 p.m. June 7.
• Gershwin and Jazz: 2 p.m., May 25.
• Oh Happy Day Gospel Music with Ann Caldwell: 4 p.m., June 1.
Note Schedule is subject to change, with additions and tweaks expected in the coming weeks. Be sure to check back with the Charleston City Paper and the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs for the latest up-to-date information. This advance calendar listing focuses on the events in the first half of Piccolo Spoleto. Additional offerings will be highlighted in the second Piccolo Spoleto program guide to be published on May 30. The most up-to-date calendar information can always be found at piccolospoleto.com
piccolospoleto.com
PiccoloSpoletoFestival
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Concerts at the Citadel
Carillonneur Michael Varnadore will play The Citadel’s 59-bell Carillion, one of the largest instruments in North America. All concerts are free and start at 11 a.m. 171 Mountrie St.
May 27, 29, June 3, 5, 7
Music for Children, May 31
Guitar Series at Circular
Guitarists Christopher Laughlin and Alejandro Rowinsky perform in thrilling separate shows that range from timeless classics to flamenco to Disney themes.
Venue: Circular Congregational Church, 150 Meeting St. (T)
Christopher Laughlin, 6 p.m., May 29
Alejandro Rowinsky, 6 p.m., May 30
Young Artists Series
Emerging artists from the College of Charleston showcase their talents in various musical disciplines in shows at the Recital Hall of the Simons Center for the Arts at the College of Charleston, 54 St. Philip St. All shows at noon. (T)
May 26: My Romance
May 27: Back to the Future
May 28: I’ll Take Romance
May 29: Great American Songbook
May 30: Music of the Romantics
June 2: Mostly Mozart
June 3: Go for Baroque
June 4: Isn’t It Romantic
June 5: To Infinity and Beyond
June 6: Steel Band, Caribbean Style!
Other musical events
• Athens Chamber Singers, 5 p.m.
May 24. Circular Congregational Church, 150 Meeting St. (F)
• Beats of Brazil – Porto Seguro with Alva Anderson, 3 p.m., May 25, and 3 p.m. June 1, Gage Hall, 4 Archdale St. (T)
• Brahm’s Piano Quintet with violinist Yurly Bekker, 6 p.m., May 27, Charleston Library Society, 164 King St. (T)
• Charleston Gospel Choir presents “A Tribute to Sergeant Isaac Woodard,” 6 p.m., May 24, Second Presbyterian Church, 342 Meeting St. (T)
• Charleston Men’s Chorus, noon, May 26, Memorial Day concert at First (Scots) Presbyterian Church, 53 Meeting St. (T)
• The Charleston Museum: A Modern Yankee Doodle, 1 p.m., May 25, Charleston Museum, 360 Meeting St. (F, but reservations required).
• City Lights Eastside Piccolo Series with Marcus Amaker, 6:30 p.m. May 29. City Lights Eastside, 12 Line St. (F, with cafe minimum).
Drummond weaves story-rich work at Piccolo
By Ally Watkinson
South Carolina native Arun Drummond doesn’t want to define his art using just one category.
“I’m a multi-disciplinary artist. A lot of my work does draw from Gullah traditions,” he said. “But I also like to focus on Southern history, contemporary Black culture.
“I do work that does not incorporate Gullah traditions, and that is all about storytelling and symbolism.”
Drummond, has lived in Charleston for 21 years, but this year is his year participating in Piccolo Spoleto, where he will display work as a featured artist at Marion Square and Cannon Street Arts Center.
“The festival throughout the years has been something that I have aspired to be a part of,” Drummond said. “I hope that being a part of (it) allows my work to be seen by a broader audience.”
In his art, Drummond often incorporates basketweaving traditions with painted canvas to explore a variety of themes, each categorized as a series: the nature series, the convergence series and the matriarch series. The last is inspired by the women who raised him, including his grandmother, Miss Dorothy.
“I feel like all of us can relate to having that person in their family that is sort of the glue that holds everything together. So I continue to honor her through this work and … my mother, my two aunts,” Drummond said. “Without those women, I wouldn’t be who I am.”
Outside of Piccolo, Drummond’s work is part of the museum shop at the International African American Museum (IAAM).
“At the museum, we talk a lot about sort of emphasizing the idea of cultural preservation and what it really means to pass on an art practice, to pass on the story,” said Brandon Reid, a public historian at IAAM. “Through his artwork, he’s able to portray aspects of the African American experience by being very intentional about how he designs and sort of creates and frames the individuals portrayed in his pieces.”
“I feel like all of us can relate to having that person in their family that is sort of the glue that holds everything together. So I continue to honor her through this work and … my mother, my two aunts. Without those women, I wouldn’t be who I am.”
—Artist Arun Drummond
Drummond is also working on opening his own space later this year on Line Street, Drummond Studio Gallery. He said it will feature artists from across the country at different stages in their careers.
NINA SIMONE
Visual Art
graphic-rich paintings often incorporate other media, such as sweetgrass baskets
Story-rich
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13
“I want to continue storytelling because I feel like it’s one of the most powerful ways to communicate,” Drummond said. “When I realized that I had a platform where people actually are listening to me and paying attention, then I knew that I had to use that platform for a higher purpose.”
The gallery’s motto is ‘art, culture and community,’ and is meant to be a space where everyone feels welcome. For Drummond, art is meant to serve as a historical document of
our respective moment in time.
“It’s a snapshot of the things we are creating,” he said, “the things we are observing and the changes happening in our environment every day.”
Drummond is a vendor at the Charleton Farmers Market, and will be one of the craft exhibitors at Marion Square on May 25 and June 1. His work will also be on view at Cannon Street Arts Center from May 28 to June 8.
Ally Watkinson is an arts, style and culture journalism graduate student at Syracuse University.
Photos provided
Drummond’s
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