After a month of music, theater, art festivals, openings, parties, galas, dancing,and eating, the S.C. Arts Gala and Elizabeth O’Neill Verner Awards seemed the perfect note to end on. The S.C. Arts Foundation hosted the gala earlier this month, which was packed with arts lovers and artists. We celebrated the eight recipients of the 2013 Verner Award, which is the state's highest award in the arts.

There was plenty to cheer for with these recipients:

Mary Whyte, Artist Award: Watercolor artist Mary Whyte is a teacher and author whose figurative paintings have earned national recognition. A resident of Johns Island since the early 1990s, Whyte garners much of her inspiration from the Gullah descendants of coastal Carolina slaves who number among her most prominent subjects. Her portraits are included in numerous corporate, private and university collections, as well as in the permanent collections of South Carolina’s Greenville County Museum of Art and the Gibbes Museum of Art in Charleston. Her paintings have been featured in International Artist, American Artist, CBS Sunday Morning and many other forms of publication and media.

Mayo Mac Boggs, Arts In Education Award: Kentucky-born Mayo Mac Boggs was born into a family tradition of ironwork. As an adult, he took the materials and processes of that tradition and made it art. Over the years the Converse College professor has produced a wide range of artwork, from abstract paintings to steel sculptures and bronze work. His work can be found in the presidential libraries of Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter and collections around the world. Boggs was invited to present his September 11th World Trade Center memorial, “The Halo Project,” at the International Biennial of Contemporary Art exhibition in Italy. His teaching career has included serving as chair of the Department of Art and Design at Converse, where he has mentored and inspired generations of students since 1979. Thanks to his leadership and encouragement, many of those students have gained worldwide recognition for their accomplishments.

The City of Anderson, Government Award: Anderson has gained the attention of the region for the way it has embraced public art as a part of its downtown area. Through judicious use of resources and carefully cultivated partnerships, the City of Anderson sets a standard for public art in South Carolina. With a population of just over 25,000 residents, Anderson has made art accessible for all by forging partnerships with other organizations to enhance quality of life through art. This vision has culminated in 12 separate and distinct art installations to dot the city with 200 opportunities for exposure.

Charles Fox, Fox Music House; Business Award: Charles Fox’s grandparents founded Fox Music House in 1928. In 1993 he became the third generation of his family to lead the business. During his tenure, he and his staff have expanded the company’s commitment to the arts and, especially, to arts education in public and private schools. An active volunteer with numerous arts organizations, Fox has been a significant factor in the success of many of Charleston’s successful arts initiatives. Through his business, Fox has donated pianos to schools and offered store facilities for students to have a place to practice. He and his staff have provided pianos and tuning for the Charleston Symphony and the S.C. Music Educator’s Conference and have been active in the College of Charleston International Piano Series. Through his heavy involvement with many organizations benefitting the arts, Fox has made an impact that can be felt across South Carolina’s Lowcountry.

Ethel Brody, Individual Award: Ethel Brody has been an unwavering supporter of the South Carolina arts community as an artist, patron and advocate for many years. As an active volunteer and donor with the Columbia Museum of Art since the 1960s, she has personally donated more than 140 gifts of art to the museum’s collection. Brody has also been a major supporter of the 701 Center for Contemporary Art in Columbia since it opened in 2008. Each year she sponsors one of 701 CCA’s artist residencies, helping artists from outside the Midlands to work and exhibit at the center. An artist herself, Brody can often be found in her studio at Vista Studios in Columbia. She is a frequent participant in group shows and solo exhibitions, and has exhibited throughout the state and beyond.


Franklin G. Burroughs – Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum, Organization Award: Since opening in 1997, the Franklin G. Burroughs - Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum has pursued its mission to be one of the finest art institutions in the Carolinas. It offers a diverse array of programming for local residents and visitors to the Myrtle Beach area. The museum offers tours and hands-on learning experiences free of charge to school groups, daycare centers, Boys and Girls clubs, scout troops and other organizations to introduce children to the arts and culture of the region and state. Each year the museum holds a juried high school exhibition that celebrates young, emerging artists by awarding thousands of dollars in prizes and scholarships. These initiatives, combined with the museum’s free admission policy, have made it a beacon for the arts community of the coastal region.

John Ashbury Zeigler Jr., Lifetime Achievement Award: 101-year-old John Zeigler is a true renaissance man. He is an acclaimed author, poet, teacher, and a true lover of the arts. The author of two books of poetry, Zeigler has been published in a variety of literary journals and magazines including Harpers Bazaar, The Lyric, The New York Times, and the yearbooks of the Poetry Society of S.C. He was also the owner of the Book Basement, a bookstore that served the Charleston community for 20 years from the ground floor of his family home. In addition to acting as a beloved mentor to many emerging writers at the College of Charleston, Zeigler has given time and resources to the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, the Charleston Academy of Music, Spoleto Festival USA, and many other South Carolina arts organizations. In 2011 Gov. Nikki Haley recognized Zeigler’s impact on Charleston and South Carolina by awarding him the Order of the Silver Crescent.

Pearl Fryar, Special Award: Fryar was born in Clinton, N.C., the son of a sharecropper. Since the early 1980s, Fryar has been creating fantastic topiaries at his garden in Bishopville. Using a skilled hand and artistic temperament, he turns ordinary plants and shrubs into living sculptures, often using plants rescued from local compost piles. Fryar and his garden are now internationally recognized and have been the subject of numerous newspaper and magazine articles, television shows, and a documentary titled, A Man Named Pearl. Today, the Pearl Fryar Topiary Garden draws visitors from around the globe.

701 Whaley Street was turned into an amazing art gallery for the event, with one room featuring a sale of works priced less than $1,000, and another featuring work available by silent auction. The artwork represented the best visual artists in the state. People drank wine, bid, drank some more wine, and bid some more. I was quickly outbid on the piece that I wanted, but went home happy to have seen so many artists get the notice and recognition that they deserve.

 The actual statuettes associated with the Verner Award were presented to the recipients the next day during a special ceremony in the rotunda of the S.C. State House. It was a banner day for each recipient, but more so for the state of South Carolina, which can be proud of the incredible ambassadors we have in the arts.

Social media lit up tonight with declarations that “America got it right” after St. Helena Island native Candice Glover was voted the winner of “American Idol.”

Even the most jaded reality television critics have to admit that this season’s winner has a talent that stops listeners in their tracks. This was evidenced Thursday night by Glover’s duet with Jennifer Hudson, during which she held her own despite being the less experienced of the two performers.

This was Glover’s third attempt at success on “American Idol,” having previously auditioned for seasons 9 and 11. The first time she auditioned, it is reported that former judge and show creator Simon Cowell stated that he couldn’t imagine her being more than a lounge singer.

During Season 12, Glover created magical moments at almost every turn. When she worked with jazz legend Harry Connick Jr. on Billie Holliday’s “You’ve Changed,” she captivated the most devoted fans of the genre and introduced a legend to the younger set. When she performed Adele’s “Chasing Pavements,” we could practically feel the judges and audience becoming infatuated. And tonight, as Glover tearfully sang “I Am Beautiful” as she soaked in the fact that she had won, it was clear how much this accomplishment means to her.

There is little doubt that Beaufort County is alive with celebration of their “Hometown Idol” tonight. South Carolina has much to be proud of in Candice Glover!

While much of the nation is riveted by “American Idol” contestant Candice Glover’s performance on the hit reality show, no area is showing its enthusiasm like the people of Beaufort County, S.C.

“We are very proud of our ‘Hometown Idol,’” says Robb Wells, Tourism Director for the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce. Wells and his team have been working hard to show Glover and the world how South Carolina supports and celebrates its talent.

Tonight, millions will watch the show’s finale to see who will win the top prize by gaining the most votes from viewers via phone and internet. In Beaufort, near Glover’s hometown of St. Helena Island, the celebration of her success throughout the show has already begun. When Glover returned for the ‘Hometown Visits’ episode May 3, an estimated 20,000 people attended the events to see and hear the singer. Beaufort’s Mayor Billy Keyserling presented Glover with a key to the city, and Gov. Nikki Haley declared the day “Candice Glover Day” across South Carolina, presenting the star with the legislation on stage.

After Glover’s return to Los Angeles, the festivities continued with a viewing party at the Highway 21 Drive In that welcomed 150 vehicles to watch Wednesday’s episode on the big screen. Tonight there will be a special viewing at the University of South Carolina-Beaufort’s Performing Arts Center, where about 200 people are expected to show their support.

With this much enthusiasm, it’s clear that no matter tonight’s outcome, South Carolina has a new star who will be cheered on throughout her career. Watch Candice Glover perform tonight at 8 p.m. on Fox. Good luck, Candice!

This past weekend I made sure to send a Mother’s Day text to a friend whom I admire greatly. She has four children, one of whom lives with autism, and she has established a foundation called Winston’s Wish that works with community partners and volunteers to provide outreach and educational opportunities for families touched by the disorder. She really is a SuperMom. Last night, when I heard about a special opportunity in Columbia she was one of the first people I wanted to share it with.

Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College in Columbia will bring back a favorite this Sunday, but with a more inclusive twist. “Story Squad” — a favorite from last fall — will be performed in the same engaging manner that had children and adults leaning in for more, but this time the performance will be sensory-friendly.

This means that the production will be slightly modified to create a more enjoyable experience for audience members who live with autism or other sensory-specific disorders. Sudden noises that might be a part of the performance will be quieter, surprises will be less so, and the lighting will be friendlier. If a lighting change does occur, the audience and parents will first be warned before the transition by a specially trained usher. In order to ease audience members into the performance experience, a “social story” is available at here that explains what will happen when visitors arrive at the theater and what to do if feelings of worry or anxiety arise.

The cast of Story Squad and Harbison Theatre staff worked with Jessie Baughman, lead case manager for Palmetto Autism Interventions, and Susanna Fomby, who has worked as a consultant for the sensory-friendly performance of The Lion King on Broadway.

“Sensory disorders, common but not limited to individuals with autism, can make attending some events and outings challenging for families,” Baughman says. “By offering sensory-friendly performances, Harbison Theatre provides an inclusive and judgement-free environment in which Midlands children and their families can have an opportunity to experience the arts.”

The idea for a sensory-friendly performance at Harbison Theatre was conceived by Katie Fox, Director of Theatre Operations.

“Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College is a place where everyone belongs,” she says. “That includes audience members for whom theatrical performances may sometimes feel stressful. We are grateful for the opportunity to welcome an audience with sensory sensitivity through our doors and we hope to see other performing arts organizations offer such performances in the future.”

Darion McCloud, creator and captain of the Story Squad, agrees. “What a cool, unique way to engage our entire community,” McCloud says. “When Katie [Fox] approached me with the idea, we were all in. We are proud to participate and it’s a fun challenge.”

This special version of Story Squad will be performed at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 19, at Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College. Tickets are $10. For more information, please visit the theater’s website.

Are you a dabbler? If so, downtown Clemson is a great place to be on Saturday, May 18.

The Clemson Festival of the Arts will feature hand-on art projects, food, music, children’s activities and a chance to purchase from local artists. Test the extent of your dabbling skills by participating in the making of a large-scale work of art with a flash mob, or take part in any of the other creative opportunities available in painting and sculpture.

Members of the Artists Guild of Clemson will be on hand to chat, give demonstrations, and sell their work and a variety of music will be heard throughout the day.

The festival takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Catherine Smith Plaza on College Avenue, and admission is free. For more information, please visit explorearts.com.