The Restoration | Cultural Almanac | Winter 2020 | Issue 12

CULTUR A L A LM A NAC

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W I N T ER 2 02 0 | ISSU E 12

SPOLETO LEGACY

reflecting on a Charleston staple with Nigel Redden

FOR ART’S SAKE

with Angela Mack of Gibbes Museum of Art

a new wave of impact-driven women in the social good space.

Our Seasonal Selection is the Perfect Balance of Skill and Heart.

January

Spiced Winter Thyme Latte

February

Gingersnap Latte

March

Honey Lavender Matcha

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LETTER FROM

M G the A

s we welcome a new year, many of us are starting to think about lifestyle changes we can make to

help us feel stronger, connect more meaningfully, and work smarter. Upon chatting about it with guests and colleagues alike, I’ve come to the realization that many of the New Year’s resolutions each of us aspire to achieve are grounded on a single premise: seeing the world with new eyes — shifting our perspectives.

If, like us, you’re also pondering how you can be the best version of yourself in 2020, perhaps these three lessons will come in handy. They’re at the core of the Southern way of living, and continue to serve us well.

Have a good laugh. In and out of work, a good sense of humor can improve nearly every aspect of life — it eases tension and gives you a much more positive outlook on things.

This year’s Charleston Comedy Festival, scheduled to take place January 15 - 18, promises to bring laughter and comedic relief to last you all year round, with stand-up, sketch and improv performances by some of the most celebrated acts in the industry.

Savor each moment. This year, we’d like to invite you

I feel immensely fortunate to live in a city with culture and traditions that continuously inspire us to stay curious about the world around us, and in many cases, to move outside of our comfort zone. With its pastel-hued historical sites, lush landscapes, and thriving business and culinary scene, Charleston is as fascinating as it is multifaceted. It’s with great pride that we share the richness of our community with you.

to savor each day — literally. Showcasing a wide selection of high-caliber local restaurants to satisfy everyone’s taste, The Lowcountry Oyster Festival will be held on January 26. Another favorite returning on March 4-8 is Charleston Wine + Food, which will bring together top chefs, winemakers, and farmers for a joyful celebration of global flavors.

Play it by ear. Next time you visit us, we encourage you to practice being more spontaneous and open to trying new things. Check out the Charleston Jazz Festival, held January 13 - 26, where musical improvisation reigns supreme.

As you can see, this season is packed-full with opportunities for you to experience Charleston’s best flavors, sounds, and sights. May your visit, and this new year be filled with enriching surprises!

Chelsea Nightengale, General Manager

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d e B n i y Sta Experience the height of relaxation in the comfort of your suite with our in-room spa services. We will bring the luxury spa experience to you.

Contact our Concierge at 843-518-5119 to schedule your experience.

75 Wentworth Street, Charleston | TheRestorationHotel.com | 843.518.5100

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January 09-19

CHARLESTON RESTAURANT WEEK Immerse yourself in Charleston’s renowned, high-quality cuisine with prix fixe lunch and dinner menus. The Watch Rooftop Kitchen & Spirits will feature special menu items, promotions, and discounts. Indulge in 3 Courses for $35.

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CHARLESTON COMEDY FESTIVAL This year marks the 17th annual Charleston Comedy Festival. The event promises to be an even bigger hit than ever before with huge acts, more performances, venues, and attendees.

For tickets and more information, visit: charlestoncomedyfestival.com

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CHARLESTON JAZZ FESTIVAL Covering a range of styles from a wide variety of celebrated jazz artists both emerging and home-grown. Head to the Charleston Jazz Festival for a hardy serving of music ranging from swing and salsa to blues, Brazilian, and more. For more information, visit charlestonjazz.com/festival

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LOWCOUNTRY OYSTER FESTIVAL Experience the world’s largest oyster festival, named among the “Top 20 Events in the Southeast” by Southeastern Tourism Society. Enjoy everything from oyster shucking and oyster eating contests, to live music, a selection of wine and beer, and local foods, plus a designated children’s area.

Weekly Events HAPPENING EVERY MONTH

SUNDAYS BRUNCH AT THE WATCH ROOFTOP 10AM-3PM Join us every Sunday for a fine selection of brunch items including our very own Vanilla Bean Brioche French Toast.

LIVE MUSIC SERIES AT THE WATCH ROOFTOP 12PM-3PM

MONDAYS $10 BURGER + BEER NIGHT AT THE WATCH ROOFTOP 4PM-CLOSE

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Enjoy an assortment of amazing craft beers paired with The Watch’s mouth watering burger.

CHANGEMAKER SERIES: JAMEE HALEY

Join Jamee Haley in The Library at 6pm to learn about her efforts in continuing the development of Charleston’s culturally diverse communities. See how she intends to provide essential resources, technical assistance, and mentorship to local businesses of all shapes and sizes in 2020.

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TUESDAYS TIKIS + TACOS AT THE WATCH ROOFTOP 4PM-CLOSE Every Tuesday starting at 4pm join us at The Watch for delicious rum cocktails and $3 fish tacos!

WEDNESDAYS

SHAKEN & STIRRED: PENICILLIN COCKTAIL

After its first debut in 2005, this new cocktail is quickly gaining momentum all around the globe for its complex, smokey turn on the Whiskey Sour. Though it doesn’t contain all the healing properties of the antibiotic it’s named after, the Penicillin Cocktail with its single-malt scotch and honey-ginger syrup is a surefire cure for a frigid winter night. Join us in The Library from 5pm-6pm for a taste.

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1 DOZEN WINGS $9 - 1/2 PRICE BOTTLE OF WINE AT THE WATCH ROOFTOP 4PM-CLOSE For more information, visit the Happenings page on our website.

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February

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BACON & BOURBON FESTIVAL Make your way to the Charleston Area Convention Center for one sizzling celebration that truly takes the cake (or bacon). You’re sure to get a belly-full of fun with tons of games, prizes, live music, and of course Charleston’s finest bacon and bourbons around. More information at baconandbourbonsc.com

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CHANGEMAKERS SERIES: CORY CHEWNING Gather your friends and join us in The Library for the Second Edition of our Charleston Changemakers Series, introducing Charleston’s newest wave of movers and shakers. Get together with Cory Chewning at 6pm to discuss environmental sustainability and the solutions she is exploring for a better future.

14-16

SOUTHEASTERN WILDLIFE EXPOSITION

This three-day event showcases everything we love about wildlife and nature. Through an incredible lineup of events – from fine art exhibits, conservation education, sporting demonstrations, and parties, SEWE invites everyone to explore our “wild” side and pay tribute to our naturally beautiful world. For more informaiton, visit: sewe.com

Weekly Events HAPPENING EVERY MONTH

SUNDAYS BRUNCH AT THE WATCH ROOFTOP 10AM-3PM Join us every Sunday for a fine selection of brunch items including our very own Vanilla Bean Brioche French Toast.

LIVE MUSIC SERIES AT THE WATCH ROOFTOP 12PM-3PM

MONDAYS $10 BURGER + BEER NIGHT AT THE WATCH ROOFTOP 4PM-CLOSE Enjoy an assortment of amazing craft beers paired with The Watch’s mouth watering burger.

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CHANGEMAKERS SERIES: BECKY BURKE

Becky Burke, founder of Bread + Butter, will be available to share her passion for connecting the city’s hospitality industry with the community through service initiatives. Learn all about her work and inspiration in today’s discussion, starting at 6pm in The Library.

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TUESDAYS TIKIS + TACOS AT THE WATCH ROOFTOP 4PM-CLOSE Every Tuesday starting at 4pm join us at The Watch for delicious rum cocktails and $3 fish tacos!

WEDNESDAYS

SHAKEN & STIRRED: CLOVER CLUB A classic raspberry concoction that dates as far back as the late 1800s. You can find this pre-prohibition cocktail in The Library between 5pm-6pm for a sweet taste of one of Philadelphia’s greatest contributions to mixological history.

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1 DOZEN WINGS $9 - 1/2 PRICE BOTTLE OF WINE AT THE WATCH ROOFTOP 4PM-CLOSE For more information, visit the Happenings page on our website.

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Weekly Events

March

06-08

CHARLESTON ANTIQUE SHOW

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CHANGEMAKER SERIES: KATIE ZIMMERMAN

Katie Zimmerman will be available in The Library at 6pm to discuss her goals for transportation and safety in 2020. Join us to find out how you can make more of a positive impact in your community through simple transportation solutions.

04-08

Spring in Charleston is the ideal season to visit and to see a showcase of 17th to mid– century modern English, European, and American period furnishings, decorative arts & fine art, architectural elements, garden furniture, vintage jewelry, silver and more. The show is a premier destination for collectors and enthusiasts who enjoy seeing and learning about incorporating antiques into modern-day decor.

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SUNDAYS BRUNCH AT THE WATCH ROOFTOP 10AM-3PM Join us every Sunday for a fine selection of brunch items including our very own Vanilla Bean Brioche French Toast.

LIVE MUSIC SERIES AT THE WATCH ROOFTOP 12PM-3PM

MONDAYS

FESTIVAL OF HOUSES & GARDENS From March 11 through April 18, find yourself tangled in the city’s charm this Spring with the Festival of Houses & Gardens. Tour private houses and gardens from the city’s most stunning properties.

Uncover the history behind Charleston’s distinctive architecture, and celebrate our unique culture with lunch, music, and other Lowcountry lifestyle events.

$10 BURGER + BEER NIGHT AT THE WATCH ROOFTOP 4PM-CLOSE Enjoy an assortment of amazing craft beers paired with The Watch’s mouth watering burger.

TUESDAYS TIKIS + TACOS AT THE WATCH ROOFTOP 4PM-CLOSE

CHARLESTON WINE + FOOD

One of Charleston’s most talked about events, save room for five life-giving days filled to the brim with top chefs, winemakers, authors, storytellers, artisans, and food enthusiasts from around the globe. For tickets visit: charlestonwineandfood.com

HAPPENING EVERY MONTH

Every Tuesday starting at 4pm join us at The Watch for delicious rum cocktails and $3 fish tacos!

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WEDNESDAYS

SHAKEN & STIRRED: TRINIDAD SOUR Discover a new cocktail favorite in The Library from 5pm-6pm. This unusual modern classic invented in 2009 by Giuseppe Gonzalez contains rye whiskey, Angostura bitters, orgeat, and lemon to give your bitter winter an extra oddball kick.

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1 DOZEN WINGS $9 - 1/2 PRICE BOTTLE OF WINE AT THE WATCH ROOFTOP 4PM-CLOSE For more information, visit the Happenings page on our website.

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INTERLACING HISTORY AND PERSPECTIVES with Angela Mack

Executive Director and Chief Curator of the Gibbes Museum of Art

Angela stands in sculptor Patrick Dougherty’s “Betwixt and Between, ” an installation currently on display at the Gibbes Museum of Art.

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A

ngela Mack, Executive Director and Chief Curator of the Gibbes Museum of Art, is committed to engaging people of all backgrounds through experiences that connect their senses, bodies, and minds. Today, she speaks to us about the power of the arts to help mitigate discord and nurture empathy.

In October of last year, The New York Times published an article that scrutinized the power dynamic depicted on an infamous photograph of Donald Trump and Nancy Pelosi. The image, which shows Pelosi standing defiantly across a table from a scowling Trump, quickly went viral, inspiring conflicting interpretations across the political spectrum. Fascinated by the debate this image generated, Michelle Ruiz, a contributing editor at Vogue, later invited four art experts to provide their evaluation of the scene. Angela Mack, Executive Director and Chief Curator of the Gibbes Museum of Art, was one of them.

When prompted, Mack began her analysis by pointing out that, unlike most table scenes in art history, which usually present the occasion as an opportunity for a coming-together of spirits, the Pelosi/Trump photo represents a different kind of dynamic — one that is blatantly adversarial in nature. She proceeded to explain that their interaction was more reminiscent of what we see in Caravaggio’s Beheading of St. John the Baptist, where a moribund martyr is brought upon a distraught audience. “Table scenes, I guess, can bring people together or tear them apart,’’ added Mack. Similarly, this heated moment, frozen in time, conferred a narrative about the fractured relationships and divisiveness that our nation is facing.

“In the tumultuous world that we live in, and it really gets more and more tumultuous every day, love is the only force that’s going to carry us through,’’ Mack expressed on a separate interview, presented as part of the Creative Mornings lecture series. A firm believer of art serving as a connective tissue for communities, Mack is a proponent of using museums as avenues for turning the tables on our differences. “There is no controversial topic that cannot be addressed in a thoughtful and empathetic way through art,’’ she notes. Mack’s views are consistent with the ethos so fervently embraced today by The Gibbes Museum of Art. Following its expansion in 2016, The Gibbes Museum of Art made room for public education spaces, artists’ studios, and additional gallery space. Guided by the notion that when we open ourselves to art, we open ourselves up to the world, the institution enriches minds with exhibitions that promote inclusion, heal our hurt, revel in our experience, and with it, encourage the forging of a more compassionate world.

Two particular exhibitions that Mack is excited to present this year are A Return to the Grand Tour: Micromosaic Jewels from the Collection of Elizabeth Locke, a fascinating juxtaposition of antique and modern craftsmanship enabling a lost art to come to life once again; and Central to Their Lives: Southern Women Artists in the Johnson Collection, an exhibition that examines the challenges female artists faced during a period in which women’s social, cultural, and political roles were being redefined. Both will run from January 17th through May 3rd. The Gibbes Museum of Art is also the home of several permanent collections, intertwining four centuries and providing an introduction to the visual culture of the South.

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Inner twined

By Marcus Amaker

You don’t have to look far for signs of connection. floor to ceiling strands of shared air, or sidewalk to sun oxygen, binding our breathing. trees are made up of the tightened tension of sticks – betwixt and between deep-rooted solitude that can withstand storms. recycled, it can become art that reminds us of … connection. we are no more than plants. each lung’s exercise is a leaning of meaning. we lean toward light even when we are not nourished, but nourishment is enlightenment because we are sticks held together by love, unbroken.

I would like to be woven with you.

(Commissioned for the Gibbes Museum’s Art of Jazz series.)

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Food & Beverage Director Daniel Nightengale recommends the Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich at The Watch Rooftop during the Charleston Wine + Food festival.

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Charleston Wine + Food • March 4 - 8, 2020 For five soul-smackingly good days, the Holy City will host Charleston Wine + Food, a spectacular gathering of top chefs, winemakers, authors, storytellers and food enthusiasts from around the globe.

L

ooking to deep dive into our delectable foodie

entirety. Notable guests will include Chef Maneet

scene? The 15th edition of Charleston Wine +

Chauhan, Executive Chef, and Co-owner of Chauhan Ale

Food, scheduled to take place March 4 - 8, is a

& Masala House, and former judge on Food Network’s

must-stop for all out-of-town visitors. Get ready to enjoy

Chopped; Michael Scelfo, Executive Chef and Founder

dishes that define Lowcountry cuisine against some of

of Alden & Harlow, named one of the “Best Restaurants

the most picturesque backdrops our city has to offer.

in the World” in 2016 by Condé Nast Traveler, and Jill Mathias, Chef of Chez Nous, one of Charleston’s most

Featured on Departures’ Culinary Festivals Around the

respected French eateries.

Country Worth Traveling For, Charleston Wine + Food champions our region’s rich food heritage through

Whether you’re interested in attending a multi-course

memorable culinary experiences. Fueled by a passion

dining experience, strolling through casual signature

for the people and places that make the Holy City

events, or to take your taste buds on a multicultural feast

unique, this year’s installment will feature a wide array

during the festival’s Night Bazaar, The Restoration Hotel

of interactive exhibits led by top chefs, winemakers,

is the perfect place to stay to be in close proximity to

artisans, and farmers. One of the most coveted offerings

Marion Square, the heart and soul of Charleston Wine +

returning this year is the festival’s acclaimed Culinary

Food. The location is well within walking distance, and

Village, an all-inclusive event that grants guests access

five minutes away by car.

to five full hours of tastings, sippings, demonstrations, live music, and so much more. The Culinary Village is

Tickets for Charleston Wine + Food are now on sale at

comprised of multiple pavilions including The Corkyard

charlestonwineandfood.com.

and Beer Garden, which will showcase 15 craft breweries and a diverse assortment of high-quality wines from all

To book your stay with us, visit therestorationhotel.

around the world.

com or call our Concierge at 843.518.5100. While you’re here, don’t forget to stop by The Watch to

The all-star lineup of culinary personalities attending

sample the special offerings we’ve created for the

Charleston Wine + Food is too extensive to cite in its

occasion.

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T HW ER I N ET ST EO R R2 A0 T2 I0 O N| HI S O ST UE EL . 1C2O M

History Reimagined A HISTORIC OVERVIEW OF CHARLESTON

Described as a “living museum,” Charleston is rich with beautifully preserved architectural and historical treasures. Explore these historical landmarks and learn about the Holy City’s vibrant past.

NATHANIEL RUSSELL HOUSE

RAINBOW ROW

Built in 1808 by Charleston merchant Nathaniel Russell, this historical landmark features graceful interiors, formal gardens and a collection of 18th century fine art pieces. Visit to get a glimpse of the opulent lifestyle embraced by elite families living during the early days of the American Republic.

San Francisco has The Painted Ladies and Charleston has Rainbow Row -- the longest cluster of Georgian row houses in the United States. Located north of Tradd St. and South of Elliott St., these pastel-colored beauties are a popular attraction and one of the most photographed spots in Charleston.

POWDER MAGAZINE

EDMONDSTON-ALSTON HOUSE

Completed in 1713, The Powder Magazine is South Carolina’s oldest government building. Once used as an arsenal from 17131748 and during the American Revolution, today it is a museum where you can explore colonial military history in the last standing component of Charleston’s original fortifications.

Not far from Rainbow Row, The Battery is the ideal spot to stroll among arching trees and catch striking views of the Ravenel Bridge.

The area is also home to many historical homes including the Louis DeSaussure House, the Edmondston-Alston House, the William Ravenel House and many more.

OLD EXCHANGE AND PROVOST DUNGEON

FORT MOULTRIE NATIONAL MONUMENT

Located on the east side of Charleston’s historic downtown area, The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon functioned as a commercial exchange, custom house, post office, and city hall over the course of two and half centuries. The building is handicap accessible and welcomes guests of all ages.

Undergoing destruction and reconstruction over the course of two centuries, Fort Moultrie is the only area of a National Park System where the entire history of American seacoast defense can be traced. Situated on Sullivan’s Island, this impressive historical site promises engaging exploration opportunities for all.

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EVERYTHING IS BETTER WITH CAKE Create magical moments with our Celebration Cake, with three luxurious layers of rich blue velvet and white-chocolate buttercream.

75 Wentworth Street, Charleston | TheRestorationHotel.com | 843.518.5116

Changemakers come from all walks of life — they raise the bar across all industries with trailblazing work that redefines how we tackle societal challenges.

Introducing Katie Zimmerman, Jamee Haley, Cory Chewning, and Becky Burke: four leading ladies who are tenacious about the greater good and are impacting change in the Lowcountry.

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ENCOURAGING A VIBRANT ECONOMY

WITH SMB ENTREPRENEUR

JAMEE HALEY Jamee Haley, co-founder of Lowcountry Local First, is a fierce advocate for advancing economic development in Charleston’s culturally diverse communities. Her organization delivers important resources, technical assistance, and mentorship to local businesses of all shapes and sizes.

What inspired you to launch Lowcountry Local First?

recruitment of large companies. In

Charleston — the place my husband

of the economy, we need to make sure

and I have called home for 26 years.

that we look after the businesses that

We’ve got so many beautiful beachside

are right here in our own backyard.

and historic communities, but it’s

Lowcountry Local First is keen

the people who run businesses inside

on educating elected officials and

those buildings; who want to leave a

consumers alike about the importance

legacy behind for their loved ones,

of doing so.

who give this city its special flavor.

As an entrepreneur, I understand the challenges these businesses face and want to do my part at empowering their success.

How do local-independent

businesses contribute to creating a vibrant economy?

A vibrant economy is one that is resilient and diverse. It depends on an array of industries including farming, retail, makers, manufacturers and all the services business and residents alike rely on. We know that for every $100 spent at a local business, $45 stays within our community — versus only $14 when spent at a non-local business. When we

“We want to help grow the number of minority-owned local businesses so that every talented local entrepreneur can share in the prosperity of Charleston.”

development dollars are spent on the

create this kind of relationship economy, we all grow together.

How does your organization

contribute to advancing economic development?

Small businesses create 90% of all jobs in our country yet 75% of all economic - 16 -

order to weather the ups and downs

Tell us a bit about your model and

the programs you’ve got currently in place.

We deliver resources, technical assistance, and mentorship to local businesses of all shapes and sizes.

Some of our most popular initiatives include Good Business, which facilitates affordable coworking spaces, and Good Enterprise, created to address the opportunity gap in our entrepreneurial ecosystem.

What is your organization doing to encourage diversity and sustainable practices?

One of the many challenges growing cities often face is the gentrification that occurs when the appropriate measures aren’t put in place. We want to help grow the number of minorityowned local businesses so that every talented local entrepreneur can share in the prosperity of Charleston.

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BUILDING AN EQUITABLE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM

WITH MOBILITY CHOICE ACTIVIST

KATIE ZIMMERMAN Katie Zimmerman, executive director of Charleston Moves, has dedicated much of her career to advocating for mobility choice, more specifically, the creation of bicycle, pedestrian, and public transportation infrastructure that facilitates more equitable access to economic and civic opportunities.

Tell us about Charleston Moves, its history, and mission.

Since our organization got its start in the late 1990s, we’ve been working towards a vision of a city with mobility choice. Our first success was adding a bicycle and pedestrian path to Ravenel Bridge, linking Charleston and Mount Pleasant. Today, Charleston Moves advocates for a broader mission — building safe and connected spaces that bring valuable opportunities to all, including reduced traffic congestion, cleaner water and air, and the ability to commute with ease to their jobs and other essential locations.

“Public participation is vital to improving our mobility.”

How do better transportation solutions translate into an improved local economy?

Sitting in on municipal budget committee meetings, it amazes me how much of our tax dollars are spent on resources for cars — parking garages, meters, road maintenance, etc.

Pedestrian infrastructure is significantly cheaper to install and maintain than its motor vehicle counterparts and makes our city healthier and more liveable.

Transportation choice also opens the door to substantial savings for our residents — gas, tolls, parking and so on. Local businesses can also benefit from the added foot traffic.

In which ways does mobility facilitate more equitable access to opportunity?

It’s important to recognize the history of inequity behind our transportation system. Highways were once built through AfricanAmerican communities, with bridges that often lacked pedestrian access — this contributed to segregating our neighborhoods. The rise of the automobile was conducive to substantial economic barriers and also decimated our public transportation systems. Advocating for mobility choice translates into creating a more even playing field, with access to economic and civic opportunities for all.

What are the public health implications of encouraging cleaner mobility solutions?

Biking, walking and even taking the bus to reduce the emissions of air pollutants shown to cause serious conditions among vulnerable populations. South Carolinians also suffer from high rates of obesity and associated diseases, so opportunities to exercise and to get out of our cars are increasingly important.

In which ways do you believe that “progress is people-powered?”

The only way that our region will invest in and build multimodal infrastructure is if citizens request it — public participation is vital to improving our mobility. In a more literal sense, access to people-powered modes of transportation are ways our community can progress to becoming a stronger, healthier region.

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SHEDDING LIGHT ON OCEANIC POLLUTION

WITH PHOTOGRAPHER

CORY CHEWNING Cory Chewning is a Charleston-based photographer with a passion for environmental sustainability. Next year, she’ll be lending her talents to eXXpedition, an all-women voyage exploring the impact of plastics in our oceans. She’ll be part of a multidisciplinary team exploring solutions to this global emergency.

What attracted you to pursuing a career in photography?

How did you earn your spot to participate in the voyage?

I’ve always been attracted to light, faces and the emotions behind photographs. My fascination with the craft started in middle school and carried through much of high school when I got my first Canon Rebel EOS. About a decade later, not long after I moved to Charleston, I invested in my first professional-grade camera; which has been a companion through many chapters of my life, including the birth of my first child.

I inquired soon after the application

What synergies have you found between photography and your interest in sustainability?

and sleep deprivation.

I’ve found that photography has the power to bring the unseen to life, and in many cases, to connect people with realities and ideas they might otherwise not evaluate with the same level of thoughtfulness.

process first opened but was so worried they wouldn’t take me into consideration — after all, I had a newborn baby at home! Within a few days, I received a request for a video application, which my eldest son filmed while I bounced his baby brother on my lap. Not long after, I was invited to a Skype interview, which I somehow nailed despite all the chaos

“Even the smallest changes can make a massive difference at the macro level.”

How did you first hear of eXXpedition and what attracted you to participate in the program?

What do you think will be the most challenging and exciting aspects of participating in the trip?

Emily Penn, the founder of

I’m thrilled to be a part of something

eXXpedition, has been featured in TIME and NatGeo. I’ve also followed her on Instagram for quite some time. She’s incredible! I share her deep passion for environmental sustainability, so when I stumbled upon the voyage’s announcement last fall, I was immediately hooked.

bigger than myself. As far as challenges go, I hope I can do eXXpedition justice by contributing my work to raise awareness about the issue of plastic accumulation and opening a pathway to exploring new solutions.

This will also be my very first time away from my kids.

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What important message would you like to share with sustainability enthusiasts everywhere?

First and foremost, I’d like to reassure them — to let them know that there’s no reason they should be afraid of changing their daily habits for the better. Many people are overwhelmed by the idea of reducing their use of plastics, but even the smallest changes can make a massive difference at the macro level.

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STRENGTHENING CHARLESTON’S HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY

Becky Burke is an attorney by trade with a passion for facilitating enriching opportunities. She currently serves as executive director of Bread + Butter, an organization aimed at connecting the city’s hospitality industry with the community at large through staffing and service initiatives.

WITH ATTORNEY & RESTAURATEUR

BECKY BURKE

staffing void. Bread + Butter aims to do that by working with those most in need of employment in our community.

Tell us about what inspired the name of your organization, Bread + Butter.

We chose the name Bread + Butter because we wanted something that was foodrelated and also incorporated economic empowerment. We want our students to make that “bread and butter” in the hospitality industry after they complete our program.

What makes Charleston’s hospitality and restaurant community stand out worldwide?

Charleston’s food culture is particularly unique — chefs from all over the country are moving here to open restaurants and be a part of the excitement. We have such a high caliber restaurant scene for a relatively small city. We’re also fortunate to have a bounty of talented fishermen and farmers to source the highest quality and freshest ingredients possible.

What personal or professional experiences propelled you to launch your organization?

I’ve been working with food in some capacity for the majority of my career. I started at a sandwich shop in high school and continued working in restaurants to put myself through undergrad and even law school. In fact, working at a restaurant was my favorite part of law school by far!

I joined AmeriCorps after law school and worked on food justice issues in North Charleston, ran a successful food truck, Roti Rolls, and opened HUSK. But my heart has always been in food advocacy and that’s why I’m excited about this project! I love the food and beverage community here and the support and inspiration it has given me. I love sharing that inspiration with our Bread + Butter participants!

“We want to empower our students by giving them skills they can use for the rest of their lives.”

How can students benefit from participating in a culinary arts curriculum?

My business partner, Xan McLaughlin, reached out to me about the project when he was Operating Partner at Lee Lee’s Hot Kitchen. He saw students from Burke High School outside the restaurant when they should have been in school. He did a little more research and found out they were in a gang and that to get into the gang you had to get expelled from Burke High School. We wanted a better option than that.

Through culinary arts, students learn to work together as part of a team, to make a product they can be proud of, and how to be a responsible workplace member. They greet and work with our Bread + Butter chefs, execute a recipe, and keep their workplace clean and safe. These are skills that are useful in whatever career they choose.

And of course, everyone benefits from the knowledge of being able to make themselves and their family delicious meals!

Beyond teaching important skills, what is the larger social impact of Bread + Butter?

What challenges does Charleston’s hospitality and restaurant community currently face?

At Bread + Butter, we love our food and beverage community in Charleston and we want to continue to see it thrive! One of my favorite things about Charleston, and one of the things that makes it such a popular food destination, is our culinary values and culture here. We are currently in a staffing crisis — there will be 4,400 new hospitality jobs by 2021. We can’t even fill the ones we have now! There are 1,700 restaurants currently in Charleston with more opening every day. It’s integral to the health of our economy that we help fill the - 19 -

We want to empower our students economically by giving them a skill they can use for the rest of their lives and wherever they end up living. Beyond that, we want to fuel our local economy by ensuring we have a skilled and passionate workforce to allow our culinary scene to continue to thrive. To do this, we want to ensure those most in need of employment have access to this rapidly growing field. We’re excited to say that we’ve placed over one-third of our students in the culinary industry and that number continues to grow.

BOOK YOUR SUMMER STAY WITH US Serene mornings, refreshing afternoons, and balmy evenings.

Experience the enchantment of summer at The Restoration Hotel, located in the heart of Charleston’s picturesque King Street.

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REFLECTIONS ON LEGACY with Nigel Redden

General Director of Spoleto Festival USA Nigel Redden is the general director of Spoleto Festival USA, one of our nation’s premier performing arts events.

An offspring of Italy’s Festival Dei Due Mondi, this annual showcase held in Charleston enlists high-caliber artists from all over the world who for 17 days delight guests with a rich, multi-disciplinary program that blends classic, traditional works with contemporary interpretations.

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“I would hope they’d leave pleasantly surprised, but also a bit puzzled — I hope the performances linger in their minds and inspire them to ask questions about the topics addressed.”

I

Patrice Caurier and Moshe Leiser directed an allnew production of Richard Strauss’s Salome at the Charleston Gaillard Center. Pictured: Paul Groves and Melanie Henley Heyn. Photo by Leigh Webber

n the late 70s, Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Gian

disciplines into an integrated program allows us to tell a uniquely human

Carlo Menotti founded an American counterpart to Italy’s Festival Dei

story.” Despite them not sharing a commonplace in history, stories told

Due Mondi, a tour de force which to this date features some of the most

in spoken text, music and movement somehow come together to depict

outstanding acts in opera, dance, drama, and the visual arts. By an almost

nearly universal truths that resonate with people from all walks of life.

poetic turn of fate, Nigel Redden, who once served as an intern at its Italian precursor, became the general director of Spoleto Festival USA. Today, he speaks of the event’s program with the same sense of wonder he might have felt some 40 years ago when he was a youngster experiencing the transformational power of the arts for the first time.

When thinking about how Spoleto Festival has evolved throughout its 44 seasons, Redden emphasizes that this element of juxtaposition remains a defining trait, but that much like artistic expression does over time, the event’s range has broadened to incorporate emerging perspectives.

Redden developed an interest in the performing arts early in life, attending chamber orchestra and opera performances since he was enrolled in high school. However, it wasn’t until he visited the Festival Dei Due Mondi

While the festival still highlights classical works dating back to 300 years ago, sometimes more, it also makes room for up-and-coming artists who contribute performances that blend classical and contemporary elements.

in Spoleto, a small town nestled between Florence and Rome, that he

To illustrate the point, Redden cites a performance that combines a piece

understood the mighty effect that comes from juxtaposing various art

from the 1620s, the era of the Mayflower, with a visual installation with

forms within a single encounter. Redden explains, ”The weaving of multiple

photographs depicting the plight of modern-day immigrants.

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“The weaving of multiple disciplines into a single program allows us to tell a uniquely human story.”

Throughout his 10+ years serving Spoleto Festival USA, Redden has lived through a vast amount of meaningful moments that have made him proud to be a part of the annual event. One that particularly stands out to him is helping organize the Places with a Past exhibit, an installation that pushed guests to engage in a conversation about indelible historical wounds that continue to ache us today. Redden adds, “One of the pieces, a reproduction of a photograph taken by George Barnard, is still on display at the portico of The Emmanuel Church, to remind us of where we come from and how we can begin to heal.”

Taking a look at this year’s program, Redden is especially excited about introducing a newly commissioned opera by Rhiannon Giddens based on the autobiography of Omar Ibn Said, an enslaved Muslim-American man who was brought to Charleston in 1807. American Composer Michael Abels, who wrote the music for Jordan Peele’s acclaimed films Get Out and Us, is working closely with Gibbens in creating the libretto for the opera, which will incorporate

Spoleto Festival USA announces its commission of a new

traditional West-African and European sounds.

full-length opera by MacArthur Fellow and Grammy

He is also thrilled to present Emma Rice’s

the life and autobiography of Omar Ibn Said.

Award-winner Rhiannon Giddens (pictured), based on

Romantics Anonymous, a charming love story with lyrics and music by Christopher Dimond and Michael Kooman. This musical promises to be a treat for the senses of first-time attendees, who might feel a bit intimidated by the idea of watching an opera. Yet, as we were concluding our interview, Redden reminded us, “It’s too bad opera has a reputation for being stiff. From its beginnings, it’s always been meant to delight and entertain. I’m hoping that composers like Giddens and Abels can help us rescue the genre from post-modernity and make it more accessible for all audiences.”

When we asked Redden what he hoped would be

The next season of Spoleto Festival USA will

the main takeaway of the audience, upon watching

take place May 22 - June 7 with shows held

the program his team has put together for the 2020 edition of Spoleto Festival USA, he said, “I would hope they’d leave pleasantly surprised, but also a bit puzzled — I hope the performances linger in their minds and inspire them to ask questions about the topics addressed.” It’s precisely this commitment to pushing boundaries with thoughtprovoking content that keeps guests coming back year after year.

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across multiple scenic venues in Charleston, including the Gaillard Center, the Dock Street Theatre, and the Gibbes Museum of Art — all only a few blocks away from The Restoration Hotel.

Book your stay today to enjoy a wonderfully curated experience.

Discover Charleston 75 Wentworth Street, Charleston | TheRestorationHotel.com | 843.518.5100 | @TheRestorationHotel