Sand sculptor Tommy Freeman has competed in the last 14 of the Piccolo Spoleto Sand Sculpting Competition’s 37 years. What began as a casual family activity has become a tradition for Freeman and a treasured summertime ritual. His team name has changed several times over the years as have its members, from including his wife and children to eventually encompassing friends, … [Read more...]
Art Rediscovered: Photography By Anne
Anne Caufmann’s new Photography by Anne ‘Gallery' marks a shift from creating images for others to creating from within. The Gallery invites Caufmann to reconnect with the reasons she picked up a camera in the first place: to explore light, form and emotion through the lens. This isn’t a retreat from the commercial world, but rather a reclamation of creative space where … [Read more...]
Mr. October: Mastermind Behind Boone Hall Fright Nights
Mount Pleasant has its very own mastermind of scare. He’s the brainchild behind the thrills and shrills at Boone Hall Fright Nights. He’s the king of horrors, the genius of gore … his name is Ryan Neal and his gruesome creations live rent free in your wildest nightmares. A Charleston native, Neal has been bringing adolescent fears to life since he joined the staff at Boone … [Read more...]
Drayton Hall: Preserved with Purpose
The earliest and finest example of Palladian architecture in the United States, Drayton Hall has housed seven generations within its walls throughout the centuries. Situated along the banks of the Ashley River, the tract of land was purchased in 1738 by John Drayton, the son of a leading colonial family who created generational wealth by facilitating slavery. Documents from the … [Read more...]
Nature POP! Magnolia Plantation and the LEGO Brick Road
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, one of Charleston’s most treasured historic sites, is bringing a bold new experience to the Lowcountry this summer with Nature POP!, an awe-inspiring exhibition by acclaimed artist Sean Kenney. Opening May 23 through Aug. 15, this highly anticipated exhibit will feature more than 40 larger-than-life sculptures made entirely of LEGO bricks, … [Read more...]
The Art Place Studio: Sculpted With Love
In 2012, the mother of a child named Henry who was believed to be terminally ill, paid a visit to The Art Place Studio. Owner and ceramic artist Vanessa Steele created the concept of tracing his hand prints into stoneware clay. She sculpted them into a bowl, kiln fired the piece, glazed and stamped it with his name and the year as a meaningful bereavement treasure that would … [Read more...]
Perspective Art Gallery: Art With Heart
Nestled in the heart of Mount Pleasant, Perspective Art Gallery has become a cherished hub for local artists and aspiring creatives. Since its inception in May 2017, the gallery has operated as a nonprofit driven by a heartfelt mission: to give back to the community and support the artistic growth of middle school students. Betsy Jones McDonald, a member of the gallery’s … [Read more...]
Unplug and Zip: Charleston Adventure Forest
Families are truly the heartbeat of Mount Pleasant and we celebrate that every chance we get — both at home and in the businesses we support. Recently, my family discovered a gem that we believe every family should experience: Charleston Adventure Forest. Owned by the Hankinson Family and run with the help of their four adult children, this place offers an adventure that’s a … [Read more...]
Constructive Criticism: Return of “The Critic”
Playing as a musician in front of crowds, writing music reviews and learning how to work technical equipment in the studio, taught Jim Voigt how to talk to people and think on his feet. Voigt is a local celebrity more commonly known as “The Critic.” When Voigt moved to Charleston from New York in 1992, a friend who owned the radio station 96 Wave discovered Voigt’s talent as … [Read more...]
The Chill Factor: Emma Navarro’s ‘Even-keeled’ Approach Proves Elite at Wimbledon
It’s an enigma how Charleston’s Emma Navarro is cooler than the other side of the pillow under the brightest lights on the biggest stages. The 23-year-old phenom is harnessing her superpower and it’s an unflappable calmness that has lately given her an edge against the game’s greats. The promised princess of women’s tennis in the Lowcountry, an Ashley Hall graduate and … [Read more...]