ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
5 PICCOLOSPOLETO.COM
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, crafts 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 admissionfree, with the balance offered at affordable ticket prices. 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 forty, with each specializing in a particular discipline, genre, or period. These arts professionals and scholars devote significant time, energy, and expertise to help curate and plan the various series and presentations that comprise the Piccolo Spoleto Festival. Their input and guidance is essential to framing this comprehensive multi-disciplinary arts festival program, which is produced and presented by the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs. Applications for the 2016 Piccolo Spoleto Festival will be available online in the autumn at www.piccolospoleto.com. For more information, call the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs at (843) 724-7305 or email CulturalAffairs@charleston-sc.gov.
About Tug Mathisen, 2015 Piccolo Spoleto Poster Artist Artist tug mathisen is a native of Charleston and loves all things Charleston. His favorite subjects are local wrought ironwork, Charleston’s unique houses, and the salt marshes near the city and the sea islands. Tug has painted all of his life and continues to explore new techniques and painting methods. Etta is Tug’s Black Lab puppy.
“Jukebox Gate” Tug Mathisen 2015 Piccolo Spoleto Poster Artwork
Tug and his wife, Betty, are restoring a mid-century house on Coburg Creek West of the Ashley. His work can be found downtown at the Courtyard Art Gallery, 149½ East Bay Street.