Showcasing Contemporary Southern Art

A great way to get to know the Charleston art scene is by joining an auxiliary group associated with one of the city’s museums. These groups are growing around the country, and they provide a great way to get involved. The New York Times recently commented on the importance of these auxiliary groups in engaging young patrons.

In Charleston, Society 1858, the young patrons' group with the Gibbes Museum of Art, has been successful in local efforts of engaging a new generation of art patrons. Society 1858 was founded in 2010, and it has provided me with wonderful opportunities to learn about Charleston’s art scene and meet other art lovers. I have made many great friends by joining this group. With over 225 members, you’re bound to make a friend or two! The group is working to promote the arts in the Southeast and support installations, exhibits, and events that will introduce the artists to the Charleston art community, as well as provide art-lovers the opportunity to get to know the artists.

The group recently launched an exciting new initiative: The Society 1858 Prize for Contemporary Southern Art. An artist from the Southeast will be acknowledged for his or her artistic acheivement, as well as a cash prize of $10,000. Follow the competition here.

Images L to R: Jim Arendt, Andre Leon Gray, Sonya Clark, Jackson Martin, Damian Stamer, Jason Mitcham, and Stacy Lynn Wadell. Collage by Erin Bennett Banks

The winner will be revealed at a celebration at The Vendue, Charleston’s Art Hotel on September 18.

Check out Society 1858 on Facebook.

Image (house) painted by David Stamer.