Partnership in Art & History

by Judy Blahut

“The Pursuit of Freedom and Opportunity” |
Hilton Head Island: Pre-Columbian Era to 1982

by Pat Batten
President, Board of Directors
Art League of Hilton Head Island

At the beginning of the school year, Kathleen Harper, the Hilton Head Island Middle School IB facilitator approached Jenn McEwen, the Town’s Director of Cultural Affairs with an idea to bring Hilton Head Island's unique history to the students through artistic expression.

The plan was to have artists create images representing significant milestones in the history of the Island. Working with historians for accuracy, some of the most significant moments from the Native American shell rings, to the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, and Mitchelville and Reconstruction were identified. The historians were each paired with a specific artist with interest in each time period including authentic Gullah artists to tell those sections of the story. 

by Dennis Lake

The idea grew to include the school and more than 7 organizations and 10 artists! Art League of Hilton Head was contacted to provide the artists and local historians from the Heritage Library, Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park, the Gullah Museum and Coastal Discovery Museum provided the historical background to be translated into 10 large art pieces. Art League then partnered with NIBCAA in the selection of artists.  Beginning with a canvas depicting the Shell Ring and ending with a montage of the bridge, the lighthouse and Charles Fraser, these artists and historians working together have created a permanent display visually showcasing our island’s history. 

This project has been a beautiful example of the power of partnerships and will be a treasured asset for the students and faculty of Hilton Head Island Middle School. 

The public is invited to view the art and meet the artists and historians at a reception at Hilton Head Middle School on May 7th at 6:00 p.m.

Chat with "Gullah Days" Authors

HHSO Chamber Series Presents

Join the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra at SoundWaves for an evening of chamber music from Charleston’s Yuriy Bekker, Michael Klotz, and Jason Calloway!

February 20, 2020
7:30 PM
SoundWaves by HHSO

More Info & Tickets Online Here

Neil Simon's "Rumors" at the Arts Center Closes this Week

The cast of Rumors, Photo credit: Gustavo Rattia

Don't Miss Your Chance to Catch this Raucous Comedy!

In Neil Simon's classical farce Rumors four couples arrive at the 10th anniversary celebration party for New York's deputy mayor and his wife, only to find the mayor with a gunshot wound and the wife totally missing. The madcap antics are set in Palisades at a dinner party that goes topsy-turvy from beginning to end.

Arts Center of Coastal Carolina
February 4 - 23, 2020

Info & Tickets Online Here

History & Happy Hour

Horace Mungin Speaks @ BO Art

A living legend in the literary world will visit Hilton Head Island. Horace Mungin will discuss his role in the New York Black Arts Movement of the 1960s and tell stories depicting a range of experiences since.

Mungin fascinates audiences with his literary range and careful research and audiences at BO Art will be treated to an intimate discussion with this historic author moderated by local poet Elizabeth Robin. Mungin will also read from his work, including a new book due out in April. Books will be available for sale and signing after the reading.

Horace Mungin is a writer and poet from the period known as The Black Arts Movement (1965-1975). He calls his works Black Liberation Poetry and he has been directing his work towards the enlightening of black audiences since the fury of the 1960s. Mungin is founder of Black Forum Magazine, a national, popular literary publication created during The Black Arts Movement. It is now featured in a permanent exhibition at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC. The author of 13 books, his newest release is due out this April. 

February 28, 2020
5-7 PM
BO Art

More Info Online Here

Arts Ob We People Continues through February 29th

The Arts Ob We People Winter Exhibition and Sale is a display of original work by emerging and leading artists that represent the life of Gullah people on Hilton Head Island and the surrounding communities. 

Now - February 28. 2020
Art League Gallery @ the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina
More Information Online Here

Art League of Hilton Head 4th Friday Artists Market

Irish Tenor Live at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina

Emmet Cahill, widely regarded as “Ireland’s most exciting young tenor” and star of PBS’ Irish music phenomenon Celtic Thunder, is back on tour in the USA this spring. It’s time to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day all March long with one of the most in-demand Irish music acts in the country!

The concert will feature a blend of traditional Irish songs, Broadway and movie hits, nostalgic favorites and more. Emmet will also take audience requests during the popular “song request medley” segment, which often brings surprises from the audience! Emmet will be accompanied by Seamus Brett on the piano and the Emerald String Quartet.

March 3 & 4, 2020
Arts Center of Coastal Carolina
Tickets & Info Online Here

FREE Youth ArtsFest @ Arts Center of Coastal Carolina

In celebration of National Youth Arts Month, the Arts Center’s free Youth Arts Festival shines the spotlight on Lowcountry youth performers and visual artists during an afternoon of food, fun and festivities. From education activities in the visual arts, drama and dance workshops, to delicious snacks, the afternoon will give young artists the opportunity to experience a variety of mediums first hand and learn from guest artists.

March 7, 2020
11 AM  - 1 PM
Arts Center of Coastal Carolina

Native Plant Sale @ Coastal Discovery Museum

 The museum will have a variety of native plants to cover diverse landscaping needs, from vines to blooming bushes to butterfly friendly landscaping. You will learn from the experts what are the best native plants for your landscape.  

Native plants have the advantage of being adapted to the local environment and therefore require little or no care at all. Native plants are also used by local wildlife in a number of ways and are great to attract local pollinators. Museum volunteers and master gardeners will be on hand to explain the value of the different species available at the sale. 

March 21, 2020
10 AM - 1 PM
Info Available Online Here

Lowcountry Fair with Historical Flair Comes to Hilton Head

Community Create Applications Online Now

We want to hear your ideas! 

Two of the greatest resources that our community has is its people and their creativity. The Office of Cultural Affairs is seeking ideas from our community visual artists, performing artists, musicians, lecturers, and art professionals at every stage of their careers to submit proposals for our Community Creates Initiatives.

Full guidelines and criteria can be found online. Applications can be submitted year round and projects will be selected as time and budget allows. 

Check it out online here