Art for Charity

Around Charleston, if you have a stroke of genius, you pretty much can make it materialize.

Michael Mitchell, a native of Johns Island who decided to move back home after several years, has developed an inspiring way to help charities on a local and national level. His monthlong event, Art for Charity, starts today. Stop by the 438 King Street gallery to see interesting work from artists that Mitchell hand-selected himself. The proceeds from art purchases will benefit eight charities.

"For locals, the artwork will be a refreshing mix," says Mitchell. "All of the artists are South Carolinians, but none have previously shown in Charleston."

Mitchell, who spent nine years in Columbia and then three in Manhattan, now brings his passion for design and art back to Charleston. "I realized that I love Charleston, and I rediscovered my appreciation for the city. I came up with this idea (Art for Charity) when I had been to an art show the week before. Doing charity work has always been important to me. I called several organizations and asked if they would participate. As they said yes, I started driving around and looking for artists. I would just go on these weekend excursions and look for good art!"

There are more than 20 artists involved in the event. "There is no one showing in that gallery that I would not hang on my wall at home," says Mitchell. "I also really tried to pair each artist's style with a corresponding charity. For example, Terry Brennan's work is mostly marine life, and I paired him with the (S.C.) Aquarium."

The pop-up gallery for the event at 438 King will be open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. every day. Patrons can come inside, view the art and purchase their favorites, or they may simply donate to the charities.

"You can donate to the charity you choose, of course," says Mitchell. "You don't have to buy the art, but I'm guessing that everyone who walks in will see something that they love."

Brennan, one of the artists showing, has been a professional artist for about eight years. His recent pieces made from "found" objects are a new adventure.

"The art I've been doing lately is sort of my new style," says Brennan. "I've drawn and painted all my life, but this is three-dimensional stuff. I've been doing these pieces for a little over a year, so it's still fresh and exciting for me. I've been looking around and fashioning random objects into sea creatures. I've made other ones, too, but I really think the marine life resonates with people. Everyone identifies with it, from kids to critics. I also think it gets across some other ideas, such as the importance of recycling to our ecosystem."

Mitchell discovered Brennan through his work in a gallery in Beaufort and asked him to join the event.

"He asked me to participate, and I'm excited about the comments and feedback," says Brennan. "I'll be the featured artist for the aquarium's reception. I also plan to be in the gallery, making art out of items that people bring in. I don't know if I'll have time to actually assemble everything, but I'll be doing some painting."

Joe Byrne, another participating artist, concentrates on showing realistic objects in an abstract way.

"I grew up in Brooklyn, where I was always around industry, and I'm still influenced by it," explains Byrne. "I enjoy finding one area of an object, a part that speaks for the whole. I really try to wed expressionism and realism in my work."

Byrne is also glad to help out with an event that combines art with charity.

"I'm all for this event--it's a great cause," he says. "I've done art for benefits in Columbia before, such as for AIDS benefits."

Elena Madden is another artist who is excited about creating for a good cause.

"I'm very impressed and excited to be included," she says. "I've been working on a few new pieces for this show, and I'm really enthusiastic about it. It's a brilliant event, and it's a great way to help the community."

Madden, who grew up in Columbia, finds inspiration in the coastal waters. "I basically paint reflections in the water," she explains. "It's whatever the sky or the surroundings look like. It's basically the world turned upside-down -- very abstract. And it always changes, along with the sky, the weather, the seasons."

Each of the eight charities, along with their corresponding artists, will be honored with a reception inside the Art for Charity gallery. The receptions will be held Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights throughout the month. Notable restaurants in the Lowcountry, such as Halls Chophouse, Social and Jasmine Porch, will cater the receptions. A $10 donation at the door is suggested.

"These receptions will be a lot of fun, and every night will be different," says Mitchell. "They aren't black-tie formal, but creative attire is encouraged."

Ashley Redman, who's in charge of the Ryan White Program at Roper Hospital, is looking forward to the chance to educate the community during Art for Charity. The program coordinates medical care and supportive services for HIV-positive patients in the area.

"We're very excited about the event and about educating the public about HIV," says Redman. "Our program could use the assistance -- a lot of HIV patients are on a wait list right now. It's an immediate need, and we know this is an amazing opportunity for us."

Lindsey Claborn, who works with the Charleston Breast Center, is also happy that Art for Charity will help the cause.

"We're an organization that provides women with breast health services," says Claborn. "We're very patient-focused, and we want these women to have the best care possible. I think Art for Charity is a great idea for local nonprofits like us. And for this to be the first annual event, it's really coming together!"

There are also national charities participating, such as the Ronald McDonald House. Barbara Bond of the Lowcountry branch says that no donation is too small.

"We provide a warm welcome and a place for families to support each other while their children receive medical attention," she explains. "It's a 28-bed facility here, and the funding comes from donors' generosity and events like this one! It takes all kinds of people and all levels of giving to make it happen."

"The reason for Art for Charity is so that everyone involved can feel good," says Mitchell. "It's good for the charities, for the artists and for our community. The energy surrounding the project has been wonderful."

You can learn more about each artist, the benefiting charities and receptions by visiting www.artforcharityblog.com.