Rock Stars

Every arena has its rock stars, but it isn’t every day that a person gets to have a “back stage pass” to “rub elbows” with them and learn firsthand about their work. On Saturday evening, September 24, I had the amazing opportunity to do just that.

That evening, the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry had its Patron Party—the kickoff event for our Inaugural Public Art Exhibition on Hilton Head Island. Many of the artists whose work was on display were in attendance. What a blessing to have a casual opportunity to visit with them and discuss their passion, their muse, and their art! It was inspiring to hear from them directly about the pieces on display, about their reaction to the event and to Hilton Head Island, and, in fact, just to meet artists of this caliber.

These sculptors are most certainly ROCK STARS of the highest order! After reviewing 339 entries, a skilled group of jurors chose 20 sculptures from all over the country to be displayed in this competition/exhibition. These sculptures are magnificent! Frankly, I am very glad I am not on the jury to choose a piece for purchase for the Island, as I have developed a love affair with a number of the pieces. I will hate to see any of them leave our little corner of paradise.

There is a lot of good news. First, these pieces have been beautifully positioned and displayed around the perimeter of the amazing Honey Horn Plantation as the guests of the Coastal Discovery Museum, and will be available for the public to view through the end of December. Second, a People’s Choice award will be given, and everyone who wishes to participate may vote for their favorite piece. Tell your friends to visit the exhibition and they too can vote for their favorite online at www.hhipublicart.org. This award will be announced on November 20, 2011. Third, virtually all of the pieces are for sale and so if you have a spot in mind that is just crying for just the right sculpture, there is hope!

It is only fair, in writing about our Rock Stars, that I tell you who they are. Here is our own Hall of Fame: Maria Artemis (Atlanta, GA), Jorge Blanco (Sarasota, FL), Jonathan Bowling (Greenville, NC), Bill Brown (Linville Falls, NC), Mark Chatterley (Williamston, MI), Kevin Eichner (Hilton Head Island, SC), Tom Holmes (Greeley, PA), Hanna Jubran (Grimesland, NC), Rollin Karg (Kechi, KS), Stephen Kishel (Bluffton, SC), Mark Kurcke (Wilmington, NC), Todd McGrain (Ovid, NY), John Merigian (Superior Township, MI), Kim Radochia (Beverly, MA), Barton Rubenstein (Chevy Chase, MD), Michael Shewmaker (Hilo, HI), Paula Smith (Rock Hill, SC), Kenneth M. Thompson (Blissfield, MI), Bill Wood (Fairfax, VA), and Valeria Yamamoto (Bay Harbor Islands, FL).

So, treat yourself. Come to Hilton Head Island’s Coastal Discovery Museum and see the work of this amazing group of sculptors. Come to see the significant effort of the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry-- its volunteers, sponsors, donors and friends-- to bring beauty, education and appreciation for the arts, and yet another significant attraction for visitors to enjoy in our amazing community. Art, afterall, is one of the EVERYDAY MATTERS that makes EVERY DAY MATTER.

Denise K. Spencer President and CEO