Can We Go Back Next Week?

Hollie and I at Sunrise
Downtown Charleston


A Summer Storm Blowing Over Sullivan's Island
The Edgar Allen Poe Branch of Charleston's Library- on Sullivan's Island



Still thinking about our vacation last week, and what a wonderful time I had. Lovely, lovely, Charleston, SC. There were so many inspiring points- I almost don't know where to begin.
I'll start with Hollie. Hollie is the shizz. and has been for her whole life. We met as fellow art majors at Belhaven College back in the 90's. We were both quick to leave Belhaven behind after graduation, but after all these years we are still great, and even closer, friends. Just hanging out with a best friend like that was enough to make me smile.
Then, there's the beach. I mean, BEACHES !!! Isle of Palms, Sullivan's Island, Folly: three beautiful beaches with distinctive vibes. Isle of Palms: new buildings, slightly upscale, very touristy. Sullivan's Island: laid back atmosphere, pleasantly un-crowded, kinda quirky (Edgar Allen Poe lived here and wrote Gold Bug!). Folly Beach: surfer friendly, semi- bohemian, fun times.
Also, the historic city itself is not to be missed. My beach obsession left little time for city adventures; however, I did go on a bike tour through downtown. Well, not an organized tour, but one led solely by myself. I rode over the Cooper River Bridge (wow- amazing view), along the battery, and down Rainbow Row. Oh, and the interior of the Urban Outfitters on King Street is out of control. You should go. I should go back!

They've Got It Goin' On

magpie etc., a gallery of sorts celebrates its grand opening with a public reception Sunday, June 29, 4–9 p.m. The reception will feature music by k.s. Rhoads and The Smoking Flowers; artwork by The Lost Boys of Sudan, Miranda Crump, Brandon Gnetz, e.f. harper, Andee Rudloff and the Twisted Sisters; and custom clothing and accessories by magpie apparel. Located in the 12 South neighborhood, at 2227 10th Avenue South, magpie etc. is a creative addition to this thriving artistic community.

Created by 12 South residents, designer Rhiannon Guillet and artist Emily Harper, magpie etc. was conceived as a warm and welcoming gallery space for fellow artists, musicians and performers to share their talents. The gallery will present art openings for local and regional artists, trunk shows, live music performances and workshops. Open to the public each Saturday, and other days by appointment, visitors can find a variety of unique, handcrafted items.

"Rhiannon and I have always shared a similar vision which is what makes us such a great team," says Emily Harper. "Part of that vision has been to have the opportunity to offer an outlet for all the many talents who inspire our own lives."

Guillet and Harper have collaborated for more than five years on various projects, including their custom clothing and accessories line, magpie apparel. Plucking vintage clothing from flea markets and thrift stores, Guillet designs one-of-kind garments, while Harper creates jewelry from carefully selected remnants such as buttons, coins and guitar strings. The new gallery is a natural extension of these efforts.

magpie etc.'s quaint 10th Avenue South location—a one-time neighborhood market with a bubblegum pink-painted brick façade—evokes the charm of the gallery housed within.

"Emily and I have had the joy of watching 12 South grow into a cozy, creative community over the last three years that we have lived in the neighborhood," says Guillet. "We are excited about contributing to the already thriving creative energy."

In September 2008, magpie etc. will feature bronze sculptures by Donnie Firkins.

It's Official.

The official first day of summer is here; summer solstice is today!
Enjoy :)

Good Humor Goes a Long Way

Beth and I, working diligently.
All lined up, just waiting their turn.
Grace and Seamus, our cutest assistants.



I've been getting to know some new folks since being around the Downtown Presbyterian Church, and it's been quite nice. One is a photographer named Liz, who keeps a fun photoblog. The pictures accompanying this post are by Liz; she took them as we were hanging the Contributor Show for the most recent First Saturday event.
The studio open house last night went really well. Thank you to everyone who came by! Thank you as well, to the good- humored woman who was not angry that I jumped screaming out of a dark corner at her- Tom I thought that was going to be you. Also, Jon saved my day by picking up food, making lemonade, helping set up, and generally calming my craziness. Thank you, thank you, thank you.