With Open Studios coming up on Nov. 10-11, (select studios open the evening of November 9) our team wanted to be ready to make the most out of the weekend (since there are 140+ artists to see) so we made our routes already. Which galleries + studios are you planning to visit?
Here are our team’s routes:
Kendall
Since I recently moved downtown, my first stop will definitely be “A Square Affair,” the 12x12 exhibit at the Metropolitan Arts Council Gallery in the West End to see how each artist expresses their personality on a small square and grab a catalogue to plan my route. My second stop is to see Kiah Bellows at Art & Light, whose dreamy paintings I completely fell in love with at Artisphere earlier this year. While I’m over in the Village of West Greenville, Artbomb is a can’t-miss spot. Peeking into all the studios was always my favorite when I did Open Studios with my dad in high school.
Then I gotta stop by my native Fountain Inn to see Deborah Morrow Johnson’s incredible classical paintings (think Michelangelo) + her son Brad Johnson nearby, who paints the most lush scenery. The last stop is Cindy Hammond, who has the cutest studio of my dreams in her backyard. P.S. If you travel to Fountain Inn, here’s what else to see while you’re there.
Heather
An afternoon spent cruising the ’05 checking out local art in a golf cart. First stop: Melissa Anderson (Fairview Ave.), a contemporary impressionist artist who paints some pretty beautiful equestrian paintings. 🐎 Up next, Gretta McCall (off Tindall Ave.) who is inspired by the beauty of the female form. From us GVLtoday girls, yes queen.
Crossing over Augusta, I’d head to Danielle Miller-Gilliam’s studio (Sevier St.) who has some killer bridal jewelry. 👰 Next, Marie Scott (E. Augusta Place) for all of my fellow Carolinians who love art that celebrate our beautiful state. I’m definitely snagging a Cooper River Bridge piece for my sister (a College of Charleston freshman).
Jordan
After following @leandrahill on Instagram and seeing her simple yet earthy designs, it’s safe to say her studio at The Station on Pendleton St. will be my first stop to pick up some Serendipity studs or stackable rings.
My next stop is The Artistry to see Ryan Calloway for his blacksmithing + metal arts and Karen Dillingham’s tie dye dresses. 👗
After leaving my usual comfort zone of the Village (where we work + spend a lot of time drinking coffee), I’ll pop over to Pelham Road to get a peek into Sylvie Bucher’s studio – especially since she is usually out and about making artwork from manholes.
Open Studios is one of my favorite annual events – I love peeking into the workspaces of local artists and seeing where the ideas come to life. Follow us @gvltoday and our friends @macartscouncil to see snapshots of the weekend, and tag us in your own studio snaps.
