In celebration of the grand opening of the International African American Museum on June 27th, The Charleston Place announced it plans to honor the “untold stories of the African American journey through special programming, curated in partnership with the museum and local partners.” All experiences take place at the hotel from June 23rd to 27th and are complimentary and open to the public.
To kick off the week-long celebration, The Charleston Place will partner with The Miller Gallery on a powerful Black Joy exhibition, which will feature artwork by a special selection of the area’s top Black emerging and established artists and allies. Mixed media, photography, quilts, and paintings from artists including KELA, Lauren Sloan, Cookie Washington, Arun Drummons, kolpeace, Jeleata Nicole, and Yamonja Smalls will be included in this week-long exhibition, located on the second floor of the hotel.
Following a successful partnership in June 2022, The Charleston Place will once again be partnering with acclaimed fifth-generation basket weaver Corey Alston, this time offering daily lectures and Palmetto Rose-making classes. The art of sweetgrass basket weaving is more than 300 years old, and these hands-on educational experiences will allow guests and locals to learn more about the artistic process as well as Gullah Geechee culture. Lastly, the hotel will offer nightly dance performances by the Watoto Academy of Performing Arts, a local organization which uses the performing arts, history and literature to enhance the academic and social skills of African American children and youth.
“We are thrilled to host this special programming in honor of the grand opening of the International African American Museum,” said Robert Megargle, Managing Director of The Charleston Place. “We are unwavering in our commitment to support local community and organizations through programming, events and installations, and are honored to welcome these local partners into the hotel to celebrate the monumental impact of African American culture on the Lowcountry and the world.”
Here’s a closer look at each event:
The Lowcountry Gullah Experience: A Lecture with Corey Alston
June 23, 24, 25, 26, and 27 from 10 to 11AM | Market Street Circle
One of the most celebrated Gullah Geechee artists in the nation, Corey Alston is a direct ancestor of a family that has been weaving sweetgrass baskets for nearly five generations. The art itself is more than 300 years old and traces its origins back to West Africa. During this fascinating lecture in the hotel's Market Street Circle, guests will meet with Corey to learn more about his artistic process, the history of basket weaving, and its legacy throughout the Lowcountry.
Palmetto Rose-Making Class with Corey Alston
June 23, 24, 25, 26, and 27 from 11:30AM to 12PM | Market Street Circle
Directly following his lecture, Corey Alston will host an intimate Palmetto Rose-making class in Market Street Circle. Guests will work alongside Corey to craft these traditional Lowcountry keepsakes, all of which are made from local sweetgrass.
Dance Performance by Watoto Academy of Performing Arts
June 24, 25, 26, and 27 from 5 to 5:20PM | The Charleston Place Lobby
Led by director Donald O'Connor, the Watoto Academy of Performing Arts will perform a special dance honoring African American culture in the lobby of The Charleston Place. Comprised of elementary and middle school students from Meeting Street Academy, the Watoto program teaches students about humanity, leadership, and history through music and dance. At the heart of Watoto is a celebration of Black culture and history, from the drumming and dancing to the West African-inspired costumes. Performances take place in the hotel lobby and are standing room only.
For more information or to register for these events, please visit www.charlestonplace.com/experiences.
