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Ma’am Saab Now Serving Lunch Downtown

Good news for those that just can’t get enough of Ma’am Saab’s delicious Pakistani cuisine, as the Meeting St. hotspot is now serving lunch for both walk-ins and reservations Tuesday-Saturday from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.!

Their lunch menu is completely different from dinner service, with familiar items from Malika like Dahi Puri, Chicken Tikka Pizza and their iconic Masala Fries. New dishes like Chef Maryam’s long-awaited Fried Chicken Sandwich with tikka mayo, pickled cucumbers and raita, which showcases her Pakistani roots with a Southern twist, and Signature Thali with butter chicken, Saag Paneer, Tawa Qeema and Lahori Cholay also join the lunch lineup.

This one-of-a-kind lunch is not to be missed, and there’s no better way to wash everything down than with one of their inventive cocktails, all available with Delta 9 or alcohol-free spirits.

Please see here for images: https://bit.ly/3QPSRDy, and here for the lunch menu: https://bit.ly/3OUDhUm

Firefly Hosts “Share Your Craft” Event Highlighting Makers in South Carolina

Firefly Distillery is celebrating state-wide distribution of its most premium spirit, Bend & Steal American Whiskey, by hosting a new event on Saturday, September 16 from 12 – 4 p.m.! Highlighting local craftsmen, the “Share Your Craft” event will feature makers from across the state to showcase their talent.

Free to attend, the September 16th event will shine a light on a wide array of local craftsmen from boat builders and woodworkers, to makers of fly-fishing flies, knives, furniture, and more through live demonstrations and dedicated vendor booths. Blending the passion and pride found in crafting goods and distilling an award-winning whiskey, this new event celebrates the expanded distribution of Bend & Steal throughout the state. Whiskey cocktails will be available for purchase and tasting, while local food trucks and live music will round out the afternoon event on Firefly’s 5-acre field along the Noisette Creek.

Elite Charleston Fertility Clinic Hires New Physician

Andrea Peterson, MD- Coastal Fertility Specialists

Coastal Fertility Specialists is thrilled to announce they have hired a new physician for their Nexton office. Dr. Andrea Peterson will join the growing Coastal Fertility team as their fifth doctor.

Dr. Peterson is a South Carolina native who grew up in Columbia and attended the College of Charleston Honors College. She received her medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), where she was inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society by her peers for her compassionate care of patients. At MUSC, she also earned a Master of Science in Clinical Research. She completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Texas Southwestern/Parkland Hospital in Dallas, Texas, one of the most respected and revered programs in the country. Her residency was followed by a three-year fellowship specializing in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, New York.

Dr. Peterson is board-certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and is board-eligible in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. She is also a fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (FACOG). Additionally, she is an active member of both the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and the Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (SREI).

“We are very excited that Dr. Peterson has returned to South Carolina and Coastal Fertility Specialists,” said Practice Founder and Reproductive Endocrinologist Dr. John Schnorr. “She is an amazing physician who will bring a wealth of experience, expertise and compassion to our patients across South Carolina and Georgia.”

Dr. Peterson has first-hand experience with the complexities of infertility. In fact her son, Leif, was conceived via in vitro fertilization at Coastal Fertility Specialists. Becoming a mother has given her a new perspective on how impactful her work is on an individual’s life. She is passionate about helping her patients grow their families and experience the joy of being a parent. Dr. Peterson lives on Daniel Island with her husband, Lee, son, and their two Golden Retrievers.

Coastal Fertility Specialists has offices in Mt. Pleasant, Summerville, Columbia, Savannah and Myrtle Beach. For more information visit us at www.coastalfertilityspecialists.com or 843-883-5800.

Camp Cole Breaks Ground on New Southeastern Freight Lines Activity Center

Camp Cole broke ground on its new Activity Center Tuesday, August 22.

Garvin Design Group and Hood Construction joined Camp Cole to break ground on the organization’s new Southeastern Freight Lines Activity Center project on Tuesday, August 22. In a special groundbreaking ceremony, Camp Cole leadership turned over spadefuls of ground to officially kick off the project’s construction.

Constructed on Camp Cole’s existing 40-acre campus in Eastover, the new 20,000 sf Activity Center will provide much-needed indoor space for year-round programming. The building combines elements of a gymnasium, art studio, library, and yoga/movement studio. The new building will feature:

• A basketball gym with goals and court lines
• An elevated stage with a built-in ramp
• Glass garage doors to create an indoor-outdoor environment
• An art room with built-in supply storage
• A sensory room with swings, bounce seats, climbing walls, soft flooring, and audio controls

The new Activity Center includes elements of Universal Design with careful attention to the details required for individuals with various physical and sensory needs. Colors and materials reflect thoughtful consideration for campers’ comfort and ease within the spaces.

“We have loved getting to work with the Camp Cole team to help bring their vision to life,” said Alex Sojourner, Garvin Design Group Architect. “Their passion and excitement for the camp’s mission is contagious, and we cannot wait to see the campers embrace all the opportunities the new space will have to offer.”

Like Camp Cole’s leadership, the project team is female-led. Alex Sojourner and Kim Moon with Garvin Design Group led architectural design and interior design for the building. Hood Construction project manager Amanda Harter will lead the construction team. The project is expected to be completed in the fall of 2024.

“We are honored to continue our partnership with Camp Cole and play a part in bringing this important facility to reality,” said Amanda Harter. “Our entire team at Hood Construction is thrilled to serve as construction manager on this project, which will play a vital role in the camp experience for years to come.”

About Garvin Design Group: Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Garvin Design Group offers comprehensive planning and design services for a variety of project types and sizes. From master planning and programming to interior up-fits and new construction, Garvin Design Group strives to provide client-driven design solutions throughout South Carolina. The firm of 24 people has completed more than $1 billion worth of projects since its founding in 2003. GDG’s contributions to the community and the profession earned it the American Institute of Architects – South Carolina’s (AIA SC) 2019 Firm Award, the Columbia Chamber’s 2020 Small Business of the Year Award, and recognition as a 2021 and 2022 Top 3 Best in Business Award from SC Business Monthly. For more information, visit www.garvindesigngroup.com.

About Hood Construction: Hood Construction Company was founded in 1986 as a full-service Construction Management firm, currently licensed in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. Now in its 37th year, Hood specializes in CM-R and Design-Assist Delivery, Pre-construction Consulting, Site Analysis, Project Management, and General Contracting for a broad spectrum of commercial and industrial clients. For more information, please visit us online at www.hoodconstruction.com.

Southeastern Wildlife Exposition Opens Year-Round Wildlife Art Gallery in The Shops at Charleston Place

The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the southeast’s premier wildlife art show and outdoors lifestyle event, will host the grand opening of ‘Gallery by Southeastern Wildlife Exposition’, a new art gallery and studio space on August 30 from 10am – 5pm in the Shops at Charleston Place (205 Meeting Street). The gallery will become a year-round extension of SEWE’s passion for the great outdoors and showcase the organization’s mission to preserve wildlife art and support conservation. The gallery will feature wildlife art, artists and exhibitors and host artist residencies, special exhibitions and events.

“Gallery by Southeastern Wildlife Exposition is an opportunity to market and showcase SEWE throughout the year and provide access to wildlife art and educational activities to the public,” said John Powell, SEWE President and CEO. “This celebration of SEWE would not be possible without the support of Beemok Hospitality Collection whose dedication to art, conservation, and impactful community events is reflected in this gallery opportunity.”

The opening exhibit will highlight the works of 22 wildlife artists, including Thomas Brooks, Kathleen Dunphy, C. Ford Riley, Julia Rogers, Mark Horton, John Banovich, Cole Johnson, Wes and Rachel Siegrist, Stefan Savides and David Turner. The gallery will also include artisan makers like Mark Lexton, Clayton & Crume, Norton + Hodges, Ben & Lael and Waldroup Woodworks.

SEWE has been a champion of wildlife art for 42 years, showcasing premier wildlife artists at its annual exhibition, held in downtown Charleston over Presidents’ Day Weekend.

Each February, SEWE displays the works of more than 90 painters, carvers and sculptors in its Fine Art Gallery located in the ballroom at The Charleston Place. The new Gallery by SEWE will create a continual touchpoint for the organization, allowing it to promote artists year-round, sharing pieces from well-respected veterans, mid-career creators and talented up-and-comers.

“For 36 years, The Charleston Place has been a proud supporter and host of the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, so we couldn’t be more excited to extend that partnership year-round,” said Robert (Bob) Megargle, Area Managing Director for Beemok Hospitality Collection (BHC). “We look forward to welcoming locals and travelers alike to the new wildlife gallery located in the hotel.”

The grand opening celebration on August 30 will include light refreshments and meet and greets with SEWE makers, including custom monogramming with Clayton & Crume and a first look at Norton + Hodges fall hat line. Additionally, attendees can enter to win SEWE tickets and merchandise prize packages.

Gallery by SEWE will be open Monday – Sunday from 10am to 6pm. For more information, please visit: gallerybysewe.com or call (843) 723-1748.

SEWE will return to host its 42nd annual show in downtown Charleston, February 16-18, 2024. General admission passes, special event tickets and limited VIP Packages for the highly anticipated event will be available October 6. SEWE will feature popular attractions for attendees across five major exhibit sites in downtown Charleston: The Charleston Place, Brittlebank Park, Gaillard Center, Charleston Marriott and Marion Square. Many patron favorites will be back again in 2024, including the SEWE Fine Art Gallery, DockDogs®, Center for Birds of Prey demonstrations, curated artisan goods and craftsmen exhibitors, canine demonstrations from herding and retrieving breeds, chef demos, and more.

SEWE is recognized as the kickoff event for Charleston’s tourism season. The nonprofit organization’s mission is to showcase the finest in wildlife art, create awareness for the conservation of wildlife and the environment, positively influence wildlife and nature education and to impact local and statewide economies through increased tourism.

About the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition: For more than 40 years, the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, has proudly presented the finest in wildlife art, conservation and the outdoor lifestyle at its annual event in Charleston, South Carolina. SEWE will host its 42nd event in 2024 at multiple venues throughout downtown Charleston from February 16-18, with VIP events beginning on Thursday, February 15. For more information on the event, please email sewe@sewe.com, visit sewe.com or call 843.723.1748.

The Halsey Institute Announces Event Lineup for Newest Exhibition

The Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art, Charleston, SC’s destination for adventurous contemporary art, is celebrating its newest exhibition La Vaughn Belle: When the Land Meets the Body, on display August 25-December 9, with an array of events open to the public.

Artist Talk- August 26, 2 p.m.
Art-lovers are invited to take a deep dive into the work behind When the Land Meets the Body with renowned artist La Vaughn Belle. Free and open to the public, guests can join in on the conversation at the Halsey Institute – 161 Calhoun Street, Charleston, SC 29401.

WGS Intersections- Sept. 28, 4 p.m.
Open to the public for free and organized by the Women’s and Gender Studies Program (WGS) at the College of Charleston, this panel discussion will examine the themes explored in La Vaughn Belle’s When the Land Meets the Body. WGS Intersections will be led by Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture Executive Director Tamara Butler, African American Studies Associate Professor Mari Crabtree and Biology Senior Instructor Deb Bidwell at the Halsey Institute. WGS Intersections is part of a weeklong interdisciplinary series Land, Body, History presented by WGS from September 25-29.

Poetry Reading- Oct. 5, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Join the Halsey for light bites and refreshments in the galleries for an evening of poetry from Marlanda Dekine and A$iahMae. Marlanda Dekine, author of Thresh & Hold and i am from a punch & a kiss, has received numerous fellowships and awards from Gender Benders, SC Arts Commission, Castle of our Skins, Tin House, Palm Beach Poetry Festival and more. Dekine’s poems can be found in anthologies, composed music and in literary publications such as POETRY, Oxford American and Orion Magazine. A multi-hyphenated artist whose background spans across film, curation, production, performance and language arts, A$iahMae currently serves as the co-creator for the writing platform For The Scribes and Charleston, SC’s Second Poet Laureate. As a Watering Hole Fellow, A$iahMae’s work has been featured in The Gibbes Museum of Art, Charleston Food & Wine Festival, The Post and Courier and more.

Halsey After Hours- Oct. 25, 5-7 p.m.
The Halsey invites members and not-yet members alike to enjoy happy hour at the Halsey After Hours event. Attendees can drink in the views of the current exhibition La Vaughn Belle: When the Land Meets the Body, meet Halsey staff and advisory board members and walk away with a memorable photo featuring the famous moon from the Halsey’s Moon Party. Free to members; not-yet members will be asked to make a $10 donation at the door.

Carolina Gold Cultural History Tour – Nov. 4, 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Go off-site with the Halsey at Caw Caw Interpretive Center and explore the histories behind the land depicted in La Vaughn Belle: When the Land Meets the Body. A portion of new video work made by Belle for the exhibition was filmed at Caw Caw. During the 75-minute program, participants will learn more about the former rice fields and the cultivation process for rice using reproduction artifacts, examine the roles and influences of enslaved Africans and African Americans, and discuss the events associated with the Stono Slave Rebellion. Email HalseyRSVP@cofc.edu to reserve your spot.

Family Day!- Nov. 12, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Free and open to the public, families are welcome to join the Halsey staff for guided tours, art activities that explore the exhibition, healthy snacks and more for a fun-filled, family-friendly celebration of La Vaughn Belle: When the Land Meets the Body.

Roadside Blooms Wreath Making Workshop- Dec. 2, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Roadside Blooms, a local magical plant, flower and rock shop that specializes in wedding and event florals, workshops, planter services and everyday deliveries, will be visiting the Halsey galleries for a wreath making workshop using American-grown local flora. Crafters will also receive a free guided tour of the La Vaughn Belle: When the Land Meets the Body exhibition. Tickets are $25 with supplies included; guests can email HalseyRSVP@cofc.edu to sign up.

Jean Macaluso Presents “Of Water: Aquascapes Photography”

The SOBA Featured Artist Exhibit Will Run Sept. 5-Oct. 1 with an opening reception from 5-7 p.m. Sept. 14

Jean Macaluso will present a photography exhibition throughout September at The Society of Bluffton Artists Gallery, located in Old Town Bluffton. The exhibit will run Sept. 5-Oct. 1 with an opening reception from 5-7 p.m. Sept.14th at the SOBA Gallery. These events are free and open to the public.

The overall theme of Macaluso’s body of work focuses on the calming properties of water as a symbol of healing and power for cultures around the world. “Aquascapes” taps into the mystical nature of oceans, lakes, rivers, or bays.

“Through these images, I hope to provide you with the opportunity to ponder what water means to you,” Macaluso said. “Whether as a symbol of hope and healing, or one of beauty and change, we can not deny the impact that water had, has, and will have on our lives. Art gifts us a chance to review things that we tend to gloss over as we go about our day. It is my desire that my artwork is that chance to discover your own meaning in what is so often overlooked.”

As a Fine Arts Photographer, Macaluso uses many different cameras, from old or “toy” cameras to digital ones. She uses modern technology to print them digitally. Together, this produces the look and feel that appeals to her aesthetically in black and white.

Working in color, Macaluso captures nature’s essence by presenting visual beauty through a still moment in time providing the viewer with a simple, vivid, and direct experience.

Macaluso graduated from Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania with a degree in Art and Art History. Her passion for photography includes a special interest in the black and white process, both traditional and digital. Other interests include painting, wheel thrown pottery, hand built pottery, and clay sculpture. Her artwork can be found in the United States, France, and the Netherlands in collegiate, private collections, and doctor’s offices.

Jean recently relocated to the Low Country with her husband and Golden Retriever Mylie.

Jean Macaluso Presents “Of Water: Aquascapes Photography”

About The Society of Bluffton Artists:

SOBA is the heart of the flourishing art hub in Old Town Bluffton’s historic district at the corner of Church and Calhoun streets. As a non-profit art organization, SOBA offers regular art classes, featured artist shows, exhibitions, scholarships, outreach programs and more. The gallery is open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sundays. Please visit www.sobagallery.com for a complete calendar of events and other information or call 843-757-6586.

 

Leadership Dorchester Class of 2023 Kicks off Fundraiser for Revitalization of Huger Park with a goal of $50,000

Rendering

SUMMERVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA – Leadership Dorchester Class of 2023 is pleased to commence fundraising efforts for the revitalization of Huger Park. Scheduled to begin August 1st, with the goal of renovating Huger Park, including the addition of needed ADA signage within the park and a memorial fixture and brick pathway in honor of former Town of Summerville Planner, Joe Christie.

In addition to the $100,000 in funding the Summerville Parks Foundation was able to secure through the Town of Summerville, the class intends to raise $50,000 to finalize the project. The scope of work includes equipment replacement, Installation of a legacy walkway and ADA Signage. Site work includes grading, leveling, landscaping, and adding engineered mulch. The project will replace fencing, gutters, and paint for the pavilion, as well as refurbish current memorial benches and plaques. “Parks give individuals a space for meeting their neighbors in person. Community parks can be spaces for kids and adults to gather and meet new people who enjoy similar activities. Parties and reunions can use picnic areas to provide space for large gatherings. Those interactions then form the basis of community.

Separate families and individuals can bond together with the intention of creating a communal space like a park can help bring a space where citizens can interact with neighbors and community members, sparking unique and meaningful connections,” states Bob Jackson, Summerville Council Member.

Huger Playground is a sweet, pocket park located in the heart of downtown Summerville, just off West Richardson Avenue. This playground is loved and used by many in the community. The playground currently has many of the original pieces that were installed around the 1950s. This project will transform this hidden gem into an inviting adventure for all children. It is the goal of the Leadership Dorchester Class of 2023 to create a space that encourages community togetherness and safety.

“Summerville Parks Foundation (501c3) was developed to assist with providing capital resources to improve the Town of Summerville parks. Partnership with Leadership Dorchester on the construction of Huger Playground is a fantastic demonstration of combining public private resources to redevelop the park with an improved play structure for the next generation and celebrates the Summerville spirit of community involvement and collective good will. We look forward to celebrating this project and others to follow.” states Steven Doniger, Summerville Parks Foundation Board Member.

“Being a part of Leadership Dorchester has opened my eyes to so many wonderful things about the region that I did not know about in all sectors of business, community, and government. But it’s also so much as we get to forge lifelong friendships with some amazing people that we may never have met and that is truly a gift. With the project that we are a part of, we get the opportunity to work together as a team to make a lasting impact in our community,” states Larry Collett, Project Leader for Leadership Dorchester Class of 2023.

To help ensure the success of this project please visit, https://leadershipdorchester.com/support.

Sponsors can join Leadership Dorchester by sponsoring a Legacy Brick to be added to the newly created walkway or invest at the Visionary, Platinum, or Gold level. Detail and benefits on each option can be found at https://leadershipdorchester.com/support.

About Leadership Dorchester:
The Greater Summerville/Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Dorchester program is an 11-month intensive and comprehensive study of the political, civic, economic and social dynamics in action within Dorchester County. The program begins with an overnight retreat and ends with graduation. Upon completion of this program the participant will be well-positioned to educate their peers, coworkers and potential residents about Dorchester County. The class participates in unique
opportunities in team building exercises, professional network development, training and leadership development. Leadership Dorchester emphasizes diversity and develops proactive, forward-thinking leaders that can identify and offer unique solutions to specific community issues. The primary objective is to increase awareness, knowledge, and understanding of the region’s economy and community networks while developing the future community and political leaders of Dorchester County.

Learn more at https://www.greatersummerville.org/leadership-dorchester

About Summerville Parks Foundation:
The Summerville Parks Foundation is a newly formed 501C-3 led by volunteers in the community. Its’ Board of Directors is dedicated to preserving, enriching, and maintaining cultural, environmental and recreation facilities and programs in Summerville.

Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089679357333

About the Town of Summerville:
The Town of Summerville Parks and Recreation Department’s mission is to improve the quality of life and overall wellness of residents through the creation and provision of safe, healthy, beautiful, and harmonious park facilities and diverse leisure opportunities in a sustainable and fiscally responsible manner.

Learn more at https://summervillesc.gov/
For more information, please call (843) 696-9458 or email mmcdonald@dorchestercountysc.gov

Rodney McMillian, Columbia-born artist with national reputation, receives Key to the City

Rep. Micah Caskey (left) looks on as Rep. Todd Rutherford (center) presents artist Rodney McMillian (right) with a resolution. Photo credit: Columbia Museum of Art / Victor Johnson.

Columbia, S.C. – The Contemporaries, an affinity group of the Columbia Museum of Art (CMA), have revealed two new museum acquisitions by Columbia-born artist Rodney McMillian. The CMA is the first museum in the Carolinas to acquire McMillian’s work. Both paintings are currently on display in the CMA’s collection gallery 20, where they will remain on view through October.

At a reception on August 7 at the museum, Columbia City Councilman Dr. Aditi Bussells presented McMillian with a Key to the City. S.C. State House Representative Todd Rutherford honored McMillian with a resolution.

Columbia City Councilwoman Dr. Aditi Bussells presents McMillian with a Key to the City. Photo credit: Columbia Museum of Art / Victor Johnson

“McMillian is one of the most thoughtful and engaging American artists working today,” said Della Watkins, CMA executive director. “The paintings acquired by the CMA — one representational and one abstract — exemplify McMillian’s artistic range and the intricacy of his subject matter.”

McMillian’s conceptual art practice is engaged in an ongoing investigation of the United States, its history and public perceptions, as well as the private experiences and dreams of its inhabitants. He works across a wide range of media, including painting, sculpture, and film. The CMA now counts itself among one of the many public collections that hold McMillian’s work, including the Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum of Modern Art, New York, the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, The Studio Museum in Harlem, New York, and the Kunstmuseum Wolfsburg, Germany. McMillian — who lives and works in Los Angeles, California — serves as professor and chair of the department of art at UCLA.

McMillian’s artworks (right) on display in gallery 20. Photo courtesy of the Columbia Museum of Art / Victor Johnson.

“Rodney McMillian’s work is a shining example of the transformative power of art. We are proud to claim him as one of our own and to celebrate his exceptional achievements,” said Columbia City Councilman Dr. Aditi Bussells. “With these acquisitions, McMillian’s artwork will forever be a part of our city’s rich cultural tapestry.”

Currently on view in a CMA collection gallery featuring art created after 1960, McMillian’s paintings are presented alongside works by other major figures such as Sam Gilliam, Carrie Mae Weems, and Andy Warhol.

“McMillian’s success is an inspiration to all who have known him throughout the years and to the many bright, young minds we have in South Carolina. It is heartening to see his talents recognized and celebrated on a statewide platform,” says S.C. State House Representative Todd Rutherford. “This resolution is a testament to the deep admiration and pride our state holds for Rodney’s remarkable accomplishments, and it represents the lasting legacy of creativity and artistic expression that flourishes within our community.”

These important acquisitions were made possible through the efforts of the Contemporaries, an organization that supports the CMA through fundraising.

“This is a momentous occasion for our organization, marking the first time in our history that we acquired not only one, but two incredible artworks from a single artist,” said Will Roberts, Contemporaries president. “McMillian’s art challenges norms and inspires creativity. Ultimately, these works help fortify the Contemporaries’ mission to grow involvement at the CMA while securing modern art at the museum.”

The Contemporaries host art-centered events throughout the year — no art background required! Signature events include its spring and fall membership drives and an annual ball.

The group’s goal is to engage new audiences at the museum through programs and networking opportunities. This year’s fall membership event is centered around the McMillian acquisitions and open to the public. More details will be announced soon via the Contemporaries’ social media pages and email newsletter.

About The Contemporaries of the Columbia Museum of Art
Founded in 1994, The Contemporaries are a nonprofit affinity group of the Columbia Museum of Art. Through social and cultural events, the Contemporaries bring a diverse and vibrant network to the museum while raising funds for impactful art acquisitions. To date, the group has contributed to the acquisition of eight artworks in the CMA Collection, including site-specific works such as Dale Chihuly’s Untitled (Chandelier) and Daniel Rozin’s Phase. Earlier acquisitions include works by Sally Mann, Jennifer Bartlett, George Tooker, and Henry Mandell. The Contemporaries have contributed more than $800,000 in art acquisition funds to support the Columbia Museum of Art. To learn more and get involved, visit https://www.columbiamuseum.org/belong/affinity-groups/contemporaries.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colacontemporaries/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ColumbiaContemporaries/

About the CMA
The Columbia Museum of Art is a charitable nonprofit organization dedicated to lifelong learning and community enrichment for all. Located in the heart of downtown Columbia, S.C., the CMA ranks among the leading art institutions in the country and is distinguished by its innovative exhibitions and creative educational programs. At the heart of the CMA and its programs is its collection, which encompasses 7,000 works and spans 5,000 years of art history. Established in 1950, the CMA now welcomes more than 150,000 visitors annually and is a catalyst for community creativity and education, engaging people of all ages and backgrounds. It is the recipient of a National Medal from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, a National Art Education Association award for its contributions to arts education, a National Park Foundation Award, and two Governor’s Awards for the Arts for outstanding contributions to the arts in South Carolina. In order to serve even more audiences, the CMA underwent a transformation. Funded by a successful capital campaign, the two-year renovation project garnered new collection galleries with a progressive thematic layout, new studios for artmaking, cutting-edge program and event spaces, and an entrance on Main Street. Overall, more than 15,000 square feet of functional space were added to the building’s existing footprint. To learn more, visit columbiamuseum.org.

Lowcountry Food Bank Celebrates 40 Years of Fighting Hunger in Coastal South Carolina

Former LCFB Exec Director Jermaine Husser, Current LCFB Pres and CEO Nick Osborne, Former Pres & CEO Pat Walker

CHARLESTON, SC — In 1983, ground beef cost $1.29 per pound, the Mario Bros. game was introduced internationally, Star Wars VI – Return of the Jedi, and Tootsie were popular in movie theaters, Sally Ride made history as the first woman to visit outer space, and on August 3rd, 1983, Lowcountry Food Bank was established. Lowcountry Food Bank (LCFB) is celebrating its 40th anniversary in August 2023!

Celebrations to mark this 40th anniversary milestone were held in Charleston and Myrtle Beach last week. Anita Zucker, Chair – The InterTech Group, John Tecklenburg – Mayor, City of Charleston, Nick Osborne – President and CEO, Lowcountry Food Bank and Monica Scott – LCFB Board of Directors Chairperson welcomed guests at the LCFB Charleston Regional Food Center in North Charleston. A celebration in Myrtle Beach took place at Myrtle Beach Bowl, hosted by Larry Nowak – head of LCFB partner agency Faith Outreach Ministries.

Lowcountry Food Bank kicked off its 40th anniversary celebration at its 2023 Chefs’ Feast fundraiser gala in February. The celebration continues at the 3rd Annual Lowcountry Food Bank Walk to Fight Hunger on September 10, 2023 at Wannamaker Park in North Charleston. The Walk is a fun-filled, family-friendly day, open to our community, that also brings awareness to hunger issues during Hunger Action Month in September, when communities across the country come together and take action to fight hunger.

“When Lowcountry Food Bank was formed 40 years ago, our founders had a vision to address the greater Charleston-area community health issue of hunger, which we now understand as food insecurity,” said Nick Osborne, Lowcountry Food Bank President and CEO. “When you fast-forward to 2023, our partner agencies and food pantries distribute 89% of the food we procure to neighbors who experience hunger throughout coastal South Carolina. In 2022, we distributed more than 40 million pounds of food and more than 33 million meals, including protein, fresh produce and dairy products, to 200,000 Lowcountry neighbors who experience food insecurity.”

History
LCFB’s original home was in Ladson, then the organization moved to the Charleston Naval Base. In 2008, LCFB moved to its current location in North Charleston on Azalea Drive with more than 60,000 square feet of operational space. As demand grew, operations expanded with facilities in Myrtle Beach and Yemassee to serve individuals, families, children and seniors across the 10 coastal counties of South Carolina.

In 2005, LCFB launched Growing Food Locally, an initiative to purchase fresh, locally-grown produce from small farms. LCFB has expanded these collaborations, most recently in partnership with the Gullah Farmers Co-op in St. Helena, SC.

The on-site Zucker Family Production Kitchen was created in 2010, which is essential in preparing meals for those the Food Bank serves, and the kitchen served its two millionth meal in 2021. LCFB piloted the Fresh for All program in 2014, a farmer’s market-style mobile food distribution model that meets neighbors who experience food insecurity in their own communities. In 2023, LCFB is articulating its strategic direction in further leading the fight against hunger by engaging its partners and listening to the voices of those with lived food-insecurity experience to shape its next strategic plan.

On the Horizon
LCFB will expand its presence in the southern-most counties it serves with a new, strategically located facility in Hampton County that will provide increased food storage capacity, new feeding programs, and greater engagement with our existing and growing number of partners in the southern, coastal SC region. The facility will serve as a hub for LCFB partners to convene, collaborate, and share learning opportunities.

“We believe that greater access to nutritious food can help break the cycle of hunger and alleviate food insecurity,” said Osborne. “Food is a basic human right, and we will continue to address the root causes of hunger to bring the food insecurity rate down further in the coastal counties we serve.”

Click here to view the Lowcountry Food Bank Infographic Timeline and History https://lowcountryfoodbank.org/about-us/lowcountry-food-bank-history/

Lowcountry Food Bank 40th Anniversary Celebratory Video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pu3mdpQngyE&pp=ygUTbG93Y291bnRyeWZvb2QgYmFuaw%3D%3D
View and Share the 4-Minute Lowcountry Food Bank

About the Lowcountry Food Bank: Feed. Advocate. Empower.
The Lowcountry Food Bank serves the 10 coastal counties of South Carolina and distributed more than 40 million pounds of food in 2022. The Lowcountry Food Bank helps fight hunger by distributing food to more than 230 partner agencies including on-site meal programs, homeless shelters and emergency food pantries. The Lowcountry Food Bank advocates on behalf of those who experience hunger and helps empower people to make healthy and nutritious food choices. For more information, visit the Lowcountry Food Bank website.