A Fine art weekend

CFADA, Art Walk, Redux highlight numerous events in Charleston

If you are an art lover, this is the week for you.

There is so much going on in Charleston's art world this week, it's a bit dizzying, and rather impossible to list everything that is happening.

Whether you are looking for higher end events, smaller shows, combo art and food events or even a free grant-writing workshop, get the calendar and start making a schedule!

Fine Art Annual Weekend

For 11 years, the Charleston Fine Art Dealers' Association has held its Fine Art Annual Weekend, bringing thousands of visitors to the city to experience art by some of the best local galleries.

The event features more than 25 leading artists exhibiting at the 13 association member galleries as well as participating in the painting in Washington Park. The event takes place on Nov. 6 and 7.

Last year, the art dealers' association raised more than $18,000 for high school art programs. It started donating to schools in 2004, and has given more than $140,000 to art programs since. The group has grown from just a handful of founding members to 13 galleries.

The event kicked off Wednesday with a lecture on Women in Art at the Gibbes Museum.

Beginning at 5 p.m. Friday, there will be new exhibits and a reception at all of the participating galleries: Ann Long Fine Art, Carolina Galleries, Charleston Renaissance Gallery, Corrigan Gallery, John Carroll Doyle Art Gallery, Ella Walton Richardson Fine Art, Helena Fox Fine Art, Horton Hayes Fine Art, Martin Gallery, Robert Lange Studios, Smith-Killian Fine Art, The Sylvan Gallery and the Wells Gallery.

Starting at 9 a.m. Saturday, the public can once again mingle and watch artists at work as they create artwork that will be auctioned later. The event takes place at Washington Park from 9 a.m.-noon.

During this plein air event, there will be a show of student works for the sixth annual High School Art Competition. Celebrity judges will announce the winners at 11:30 a.m.

The Charleston Art Auction will start at 7:15 p.m. at the Renaissance Charleston Hotel, 68 Wentworth Street. Reservations are recommended as seating is limited. Ticket are $50.

Visit www.cfada.com and for ticket reservations for the auction call 722-0128.

First Friday Art Walk

The Broad Street Merchants Association continues hosting its "First Fridays" on Broad Street's Gallery Row.

The theme for this month is "Autumn in Charleston." All participating galleries and businesses on Broad Street are inviting the public in to come and check out their latest features.

Participating merchants include: Ellis-Nicholson Gallery, Hamlet Fine Art, Edward Dare Gallery, Coco Vivo, Mary Martin Fine Art, Utopia, Atmah Ja's, Spencer Galleries, Ella Walton Richardson Fine Art, Martin Gallery, Scoop Studios, Jake's, Blind Tiger and the Oak Steak House.

This event is free and open to the public and will take place 5-8 p.m. Visit www.Charlestongalleryrow.com or call 722-1944.

'Mega Churches' at Redux

Redux Contemporary Art Center is showing "Mega Churches," a photography exhibition by artist Joe Johnson. The event begins with a lecture by the artist at 5:30 p.m. today, followed by an opening reception at the Center at 136 St. Philip Street.

Not sure what a megachurch is?

Executive Director Karen Anne Myers says the exhibition features a selection of photographs from megachurches, which have inspired thousands of Christian worshippers to gather inside vast post-modern architectural spaces across the nation.

Most definitions require that a minimum of 2,000 worshippers must attend the weekend service for the building to attain the "megachurch" status, Myers says. Johnson photographed the empty interior architecture and sanctuary spaces of the churches.

"Mega Churches" will be on display at Redux until Dec. 18. Admission is free.

Tonight's reception is open to the public and includes light refreshments. 722-0697 or visit reduxstudios.org.