Exhibit extols man's love of American movie theater glory days

The Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art will be showing Kendall Messick's multimedia exhibit "The Projectionist" beginning with a reception 5-7 p.m. Friday at the Halsey Gallery.

The show will run through Oct. 13. The exhibit opening will be preceded and followed by a screening of Messick's documentary film "The Projectionist" at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. in room 309 of the Simons Center for the Arts on the College of Charleston's campus.

All events are free, and the public is encouraged to attend.

This film and exhibition explores one man's lifelong fascination with an era in American culture that has been almost forgotten — the age of the grand movie palace.

"This fascination culminates in Gordon Brinckle's (pronounced brink-lee) magical creation — The Shalimar Theatre — lovingly constructed in the basement of his modest Delaware home. This exhibition features Kendall Messick's documentary photographs, which present Gordon Brinckle in his daily life, performing such mundane tasks as taking out the garbage. These are juxtaposed with the images of the subject taking the stage for colorful introductions at The Shalimar Theatre," explains Katie Lee, curator of the Halsey Gallery.

Messick's documentary film "The Projectionist," which was co-created by Lida Burris Gibson, will be presented on the screen and stage of Brinckle's Shalimar Theatre. The theatre itself is part of the traveling exhibition and will be reassembled in the Halsey Gallery for this show. Brinckle's design drawings for his theatre will also be on display.

"Since I first began making pictures, I have used my camera as a way to hold onto someone, someplace or something that might without warning be gone or forever changed … Gordon Brinckle is one such person that merits recognition and he can be an inspiration to us all," Messick says of his chosen media and this particular project.

"Kendall Messick is an artist who works with photography and film to capture intimate stories that would otherwise go unheard. Each of his documented stories reflects a universal experience that transcends the storyteller, making the work resonate with the larger audience," says Lee.

Messick photographed Gordon Brinckle and his Shalimar Theatre for more than three years.

With a passion for stories and storytellers, Jackson, Miss., producer and editor Lida Burris Gibson has produced more than 200 projects ranging from TV spots to long-form instructional programs. Her clients include local businesses, state agencies, non-profits and international corporations. Messick and Gibson have been creative partners since their completion of the documentary "Corapeake" in 2001.

Don't miss the opening reception and screenings Friday at the Halsey, located within the Simons Center for the Arts at 54 St. Philips St. on the College of Charleston campus. Parking is available in the Wentworth Garage.

For more information, visit www.theprojectionist.net, www.halsey.cofc.edu or call 953-5680.

Hounds Abound

The new Sovereign Hound Gallery has just opened its doors in downtown Charleston.

Large format black and white dog portraits by Natalie Cartner create a dynamic contrast with the gallery's bright red walls. The Sovereign Hound has a strong focus on animal related art, and features the bronze sculptures of esteemed artists Brian Arthur and Loet Vanderveen. You can also find original oils of Lowcountry marsh-scapes by Henry Von Genk, in addition to a selection of whimsical decorative items.

The Sovereign Hound Gallery, 272-B Meeting St. at the corner of Meeting and Society streets, is open 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday.

For more information, call 577-8588.

Fletcher Williams

Fletcher Williams will present a show of his newest works 4-7 p.m. Sunday at Ansonborough Square, 334-B East Bay St.

The event is hosted by Charisma. Hors d'oeuvres will be provided by Iverson Catering.