Moran’s Roseate Spoonbill with Water Lilies
Press Release
The Charleston Place is celebrating the arts throughout the month of May by welcoming four renowned female artists for week-long residency programs. Participating artists include mixed media fashion illustrator Meredith Wing of MooMooi; vibrant felt artist Sam Sidney; underwater photographer Leigh Webber ; and nature-inspired watercolor artist Annie Moran. Each artist will create and edit their masterpieces from a glass “arthouse” pop-up space in the grand lobby, and will lead interactive experiences for guests and locals. A selection of artistic products, including prints and gift items, will be available for purchase in the hotel's newly redesigned boutique.
From May 1-8, New York-based Meredith Wing of MooMooi will bring her whimsical fashion illustrations, made with real flowers, plants and fruit, to The Charleston Place. Each day, she will draw inspiration from the hotel and surrounding area to create new works of art using some of the Lowcountry's distinct flora and fauna. From 2-5pm Monday-Friday, Wing will work from the lobby arthouse so that guests and passersby can get a behind-the-scenes look. On May 7 from 4-6pm, Wing will conduct individualized portrait sessions, giving participants the rare opportunity to take home their own custom MooMooi illustration. Attendees are encouraged to don their finest Kentucky Derby attire (and hats) for a pre-race sketch before heading to the Thoroughbred Club for the main event. On May 8 from 2-4pm, Wing will host a special Mother's Day with MooMooi workshop, during which guests and locals will learn how to create their own collage using a custom designed template and an array of local flowers and delicate accoutrements.
Then from May 9-16, The Charleston Place will welcome local artist Sam Sidney, whose series of colorful felt creations have earned her national acclaim and commissions from celebrities including Jerry Garcia and Andy Cohen. In addition to working from the arthouse from 12-3pm daily, she will also host a workshop on May 14 from 10am-12pm, so participants can learn how to create their own custom felt work of art. Sidney's intricate portraits of global icons ranging from Iris Apfel to Martha Stewart will also be on display throughout the space, and some will be available for purchase in The Charleston Place boutique.
Just in time for the warm weather, The Charleston Place will “Dive In” with award-winning local photographer Leigh Webber May 16-22, bringing her celebrated underwater photography to the hotel in a playful, interactive way. Webber will host an experiential demonstration in the hotel's rooftop pool on May 20 from 5:30-7:30pm, followed by poolside cocktails and an artist meet and greet. Guests and locals can also book hotel packages or individual photography sessions with Webber, which include a one-hour underwater photoshoot and an art consultation to create a customized piece of artwork. From 2-5pm daily, Webber will edit her photography from the arthouse studio, answer questions and book individual photography sessions upon request.
To round out the month of art installations, The Charleston Place is partnering with New Orleans based watercolor artist and jewelry designer Annie Moran, who will be in residence from May 23-May 31. Known for her nature-inspired fine art, jewelry and wallpaper, Moran will live sketch from the arthouse from 2-5pm daily and create new works drawing from Charleston's local birds and picturesque natural surroundings. On May 26 from 5:30-7:30pm, she will host a watercolor workshop, perfect for nature enthusiasts and suitable for everyone from novices to experts. A selection of Moran's wallpapers, fabric accessories and original paintings will also be on display and available for purchase.
“With spectacular events like Spoleto and The Gibbes Museum's Art Charleston taking place throughout May, we felt that it was the perfect time to celebrate the arts in a meaningful, interactive way,” said Bob Megargle, Managing Director, The Charleston Place. It is our hope that the local community as well as travelers coming to attend these incredible cultural events will find our artists-in-residency an additional source of inspiration and joy.”
Availability for all sessions and workshops is limited and advance reservations are required. Reservations can be made via The Charleston Place website.
