A vibrant celebration of creativity and culture, ART CHARLESTON reflects the Gibbes Museum of Art’s mission: Art is the Reason Through a variety of events, workshops, lectures and tours, Art Charleston showcases how we interact with art in our everyday lives and the profound connection between art and our shared experience in shaping perspectives, opening dialogue, and drawing together people from all walks of life.
Inspired by the Museum’s special exhibition Statement Pieces: Contemporary Fashion Objects and the Gibbes Collection, this year’s Art Charleston highlights the intersection of fashion and fine art. Events include the beloved Art of Design luncheon with Hill House Founder and CEO Nell Diamond and Gibbes on the Street with Charleston’s top chefs. This year will debut the highly anticipated Sew Surreal Fashion Show, presenting local fashion designers’ capsule collections inspired by works in the Gibbes’ permanent collection.
Guests can also dive into dynamic panel discussions, including Threads of Change with renowned YouTubers and Generations of Creativity, spotlighting local mother-daughter fashion and design businesses.
For the festival finale, the Artisan Fair features local artisans, food and drink, and live music. This vendor market is free and open to the public and includes admission to the Gibbes.
Designed to elevate, innovate, and cultivate, we look forward to welcoming you to Art Charleston.
JANUARY 31 –APRIL 27, 2025
ART CHARLESTON IS INSPIRED BY
STATEMENT PIECES
CONTEMPORARY FASHION DESIGN AND THE GIBBES COLLECTION
Produced in conjunction with Barrett Barrera Projects, this exhibition juxtaposes dynamic works of fine art from the Gibbes permanent collection with contemporary fashion objects. Extraordinary garments by Alexander McQueen, Dapper Dan, Gucci, and others are presented alongside fashion forward figures in paintings from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, abstract works of the mid-twentieth century, and contemporary sculpture and mixed media works of today. The exhibition introduces innovative fashion to museum audiences and demonstrates the importance of design in a visual arts context.
ART CHARLESTON COMMITTEE
CO-CHAIRS
Andrea Woodfield & Michael Culler
ART OF DESIGN
Robyn Stern & Betty Anne Wilson
GIBBES ON THE STREET
Serena Finnerty & Hannah Mabry
SEW SURREAL
Jordan Brown & Eileen Bloom
ARTISAN FAIR
Brooke Beauvais & Halie Niedenstein
COMMUNICATIONS
Marie Delcioppo
VOLUNTEERS
Julie Foster
EDUCATION & PROGRAMMING
Becca Hiester
WEDNESDAY APRIL 23, 2025
ART OF DESIGN
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23 11AM–2PM
PRESENTED BY THE GIBBES WOMEN’S COUNCIL
One of Charleston’s most iconic events of the year, the ART OF DESIGN invites guests to a beautifully styled, seated luncheon, featuring multiple courses catered by Salthouse, lively conversation, and Instagram-worthy décor set against the backdrop of the Gibbes’ classical, European-style Lenhardt Garden.
The Gibbes Women’s Council is honored to present the Founder and CEO of Hill House Home, Nell Diamond Known for its cult-favorite Nap Dress®, Hill House is a fashion and lifestyle brand that brings beauty and joy to everyday rituals. Inspiring and igniting audiences, Nell has developed a hyper loyal and avidly engaged customer base, especially in Charleston with her recently opened King Street store. Named to Inc’s “Female Founders 250” list, Fast Company’s “Most Innovative” list, the Business of Fashion’s “500” list, and Marie Claire’s “Power List”, Nell has appeared on The TODAY Show, CNN, CBS News, The New York Times, Fortune, The Wall Street Journal, New York Magazine, Vogue, and Vanity Fair.
auxiliary group formed at the Gibbes Museum of Art. Today, its membership is over 200 strong and governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. When you join Women’s Council, you make a direct impact at the Gibbes. Each member serves as a liaison between the Gibbes and the Charleston community. The annual Art of Design luncheon is the Women’s Council’s largest fundraiser, featuring internationally renowned experts in design. Through this event, the Women’s Council has raised over a million dollars in support of educational programming and museum exhibitions, and a portion of these funds also assisted the 2011–2016 capital campaign to name the Museum Store.
From September to May, the Women’s Council hosts four meetings/programs along with a day trip, all designed to educate and inspire members on the arts, specifically related to the Charleston region.
WEDNESDAY APRIL 23, 2025
PANEL DISCUSSION
THREADS OF CHANGE: FASHION, CULTURE, AND THE DIGITAL AGE
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23 6PM
Leaning into our innovation pillar, we dive into the rapidly changing world of fashion and culture criticism in an era where traditional media is in decline. From deep dives into the histories of fashion empires to engaging interviews with the top movers and shakers in the fashion and culture spheres, these creators have redefined what it means to critique and celebrate fashion, film, and culture.
| Advanced Registration Required
THE PANELISTS
Founder of the YouTube channel HauteLeMode with 897K subscribers, Luke offers incisive fashion criticism, humor, and in-depth fashion history.
Founder of the YouTube channel and podcast The Cutting Room Floor with 30.2K subscribers, Recho explores the fashion industry through criticism, interviews with top designers and stylists, and personal insights.
Founder of the YouTube channel Broey Deschanel with 472K subscribers, Maia’s channel dives into film criticism, offering a mixture of film analyses, retrospectives, and political commentary.
For custom ticket and sponsorship packages, please contact Jennifer Ross, Chief Advancement Officer, jross@gibbesmuseum.org.
LUKE MEAGHER RECHO OMONDI MAIA WYMAN
THURSDAY APRIL 24, 2025
GIBBES ON THE STREET
THURSDAY, APRIL 24
SPONSOR PRE-PARTY AT THE MILLS HOUSE HOTEL
SPONSOR ARRIVAL
GENERAL ADMISSION
Experience Charleston’s world-renowned culinary scene under the stars. This one-of-akind evening transforms Meeting Street into a foodie’s delight. Featuring top chefs, an open bar, live music, and surprise entertainment, we invite you to experience one of the city’s busiest streets magically cast as an enviable dining and entertaining hotspot.
A very special thank you to Caitlin and Michael Toscano for coordinating the participation of restaurants.
FRIDAY
APRIL 25, 2025
CONVERSATION
GENERATIONS OF CREATIVITY
FRIDAY, APRIL 25 11AM–1PM
Join us for an inspiring conversation with locally based mother-daughter business duos who have made their mark in the art, design, and creative industries. This panel will explore the unique dynamics of working in the arts across generations, highlighting the interwoven relationships that foster creativity, mentorship, and innovation. Our panelists will share personal stories, the challenges and rewards of collaborating with family, and the ways in which they have shaped and influenced each other’s work. Guests will also enjoy brunch bites, compliments of Hamby Catering.
PANELISTS
Mariana Hay and Mini Hay Avant of Croghan’s Jewel Box
Mimi Striplin of the Tiny Tassel
Keiko Striplin of Kei Koakutsu Designs
Anne Darby Parker, Artist, Amelia Parker of Darling Loungewear
Susu Smythe and Nancy Clair of Kiku Refashion
TICKETS: $50 members | $60 non-members
Sponsored by
ABOVE: Sketches by Andrea Tuton, Sew Surreal fashion designer and Gibbes Visiting Artist
FRIDAY APRIL 25, 2025
FILM SCREENING
THE GOSPEL ACCORDING
TO ANDRÉ:
SCREENING AND DIRECTOR TALKBACK
FRIDAY, APRIL 25 6PM
LOCATION: CHARLESTON MUSEUM AUDITORIUM
Join us for an exclusive screening of Gospel According to André documentary that takes an intimate look at the life and career of fashion icon André Leon Talley. Known for his pioneering work in the fashion industry, Talley’s journey unfolds through rare archival footage, interviews, and personal reflections that illuminate his legacy as one of the most influential figures in the world of style and culture.
Following the screening, there will be a Talkback with the Director Kate Novack who will provide insight into the filmmaking process and share behind-thescenes stories of bringing Talley’s story to the big screen. This is a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the personal and professional life of the legendary André Leon Talley, as well as to hear from the director about the creative decisions that shaped the documentary.
$10 General Admission | $5 Students (with ID)
SURREAL
Celebrating the intersection of art and design, presents a diverse group of emerging Lowcountry designers and each’s original, cutting-edge capsule collection inspired by works from the Gibbes’ permanent collection. This show redefines visual art by closing the gap between traditional forms, such as paintings and sculptures, and wearable creations like clothing and accessories. By providing a platform for both formally trained and self-taught designers, Sew Surreal embodies the Gibbes’ commitment to innovation, diversity, and community engagement, bringing in new audiences and highlighting the transformative power of art
Immediately following the release of his album “SAUL”, recording artist, Mike B, will be gracing the runway with a live musical performance, specially curated and inspired by art and design.
GENERAL ADMISSION: DOORS OPEN AT 6:30PM. TICKETS INCLUDE STANDING ROOM ACCESS AND OPEN BAR.
VIP: TICKETS INCLUDE INVITATION TO THE SPONSOR PRE-PARTY AT 6PM, RESERVED SEATING, AND OPEN BAR.
DESIGNERS BRANDON ALSTON
NATALIE SANCHEZ
JANAAN
MUHAMMAD
ANDREA TUTON
SUSU SMYTHE
JARED MAJOR
DEV SMALLS KEIKO STRIPLIN
HUNTER HARDEE SHANIEQUA
SUNDAY APRIL 27, 2025
ARTISAN FAIR
SUNDAY, APRIL 27 1–5PM
Experience the charm of Charleston’s creative community at the ARTISAN FAIR.
This vibrant market features a curated selection of local artisans offering one-of-akind handmade goods, from exquisite jewelry and detailed pottery to beautiful textiles and original artwork. The Artisan Fair is free and open to the public and includes admission to the museum. A family friendly affair, the afternoon also includes live music, handson experiences and activities, and food and drink for purchase.
FREE
ON VIEW IN THE ROTUNDA SOA FASHION SHOW
Experience imaginative designs by students in the School of the Arts Fashion Design Major, on view in the Rotunda during the Artisan Fair. These 9th–12th grade students blend artistic talent with academic, technical, and real-world skills, focused on design, sketching, and sewing. Students showcase their work at the school’s annual spring fashion show and, this year, they are also bringing their designs to the Gibbes for wider audiences to view and be inspired.
Scan QR code for full list of Artisan Vendors including:
AARON BALDWIN PRINTMAKER AND PAINTER
AD FOLK ART
ANNA CHEN ART
BRIGHT LIGHT BAKERY
BRIGHT STAR DESIGNS
BROOKE CALLERY ART
CINDER & LOAM
DOTSUWA DESIGNS
EARTH AND AIR STUDIOS
EVERGARDEN
EVENT PORTAITS BY CAROLINE HART
INDIGO BEE COMPANY
LAWANDA’S CREATIONS
LIL TUFT CO
OLIVIA RUXTON JEWELRY
ORIGINAL GULLAH DOLLS OF CHARLESTON BY GENYA
OWL AND LILY APOTHECARY
PENELOPE DESIGN STUDIO
PLUM BIRD
THAT ART NERD
TEAL HERON
REBECCA ILLUSTRATED WILLAMERE
DON’T MISS THROUGHOUT THE WEEK
SPOOL OF FRIENDS ON DISPLAY APRIL 23–27, 2025
In collaboration with past Visiting Artist Katy Mixon (2022), the Gibbes is excited to present a new public art project during Art Charleston. Spool of Friends will be a large, immersive, communally created quilted painting in the style of an American album quilt. Students and families in the community will create individual blocks which Katy will piece into one large quilt. Using gradients of color and recycled materials, Spool of Friends will be a record of shared creativity and a collection of tokens of friendship and love, celebrating the Charleston community bound together by connecting threads.
SOCIETY 1858 STUDIO VISIT WITH KATY MIXON
Join Society 1858 for a Studio Visit with Katy Mixon on Saturday, April 26th. More details can be found on artcharleston.org.
ON VIEW AT THE GIBBES DURING ART CHARLESTON WEEK
VISITING ARTISTS & ART SALES GALLERY
JACK POWELL NICOLE VANASSE TAYLOR EPPS
ART CHARLESTON CALENDAR 2025
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23
ART OF DESIGN
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 11AM–2PM
THREADS OF CHANGE: FASHION, CULTURE, AND THE DIGITAL AGE
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 6PM
THURSDAY, APRIL 24
GIBBES ON THE STREET
THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 8–10PM
FRIDAY, APRIL 25
GENERATIONS OF CREATIVITY
FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 11AM–1PM
THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ANDRÉ: SCREENING AND DIRECTOR TALKBACK
