Monthly ArtWalk includes additions
By Jim Balow

Charleston Gazette Staff writer

Still looking for the perfect present for that hard-to-buy-for aunt? You might find it Thursday night, when a collection of downtown galleries and gift shops open their doors for the monthly ArtWalk.
The final ArtWalk of the year offers several surprises, like holiday carolers and two new venues, said Susie Salisbury of the Charleston Area Alliance.

“The first thing new and different are the new additions,” Salisbury said. “Charleston Catholic High School has an exhibition by their art students,” Salisbury said.

The exhibit includes works by advanced placement artists Avrah Urecki, Rob Fluharty, Aidan Kim, Elyse Campbell and Mark Thompson, a lifesize Nativity installation by middle-schoolers and art from students in grades 6-12.

“The other one is the Clay Center is joining us, which is great. The museum [art gallery] will be open for free.”

Visitors can see the current shows in the art gallery: Lightscapes for the Holidays, sculpture and installations by local and regional artists that include Christmas lights; and Seasonal Selections from the Permanent Collection. The gift shop will also be open.

If the weather is cold or you have trouble walking, you can hitch a ride on a trolley. The free trolley will be making loops along Quarrier, Capital and Lee streets and Leon Sullivan Way, with six stops near the 12 venues, from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Carolers from Girl Scout troops 4833 and 4829, plus family and friends, will add a festive air both on the trolley and along downtown streets.

Other shops that will join ArtWalk from 5 to 8 Thursday evening are Art Emporium, Stray Dog Antiques, Roger Lucas Gallery, Gallery Eleven, Annex Galley at Taylor Books, Good News Mountaineer Garage Gallery, Blue Door Art Studio, Chet Lowther Studio, The Purple Moon and The Squire Tobacco.

“It’s an opportunity to buy local art from local artists and support local, independently owned businesses, and enjoy a traditional holiday experience,” Salisbury said.

To contact staff writer Jim Balow, call 348-5102.