'Seeking' new art in Charleston?

Artist Iamikan unveils newest work of art at opening of Seeking Indigo

The first of its kind in Charleston, Seeking Indigo is part retail store, part wellness center geared at creating an enlightening space blending Eastern and Western philosophies together in a contemporary mind-body-spirit concept. The center, 445 King St., will have its grand opening 5-8 p.m. tonight during the Upper King Street Design Walk.

Charleston-based artist Iamikan will unveil one of his works of art at the opening event. He was commissioned by Seeking Indigo to paint the glass facade on an eight-and-a-half-foot waterfall that will greet all who enter the 6,000-square-foot urban oasis.

Known for his geode-like creations as well as artwork that has undergone an alchemical process, Iamikan exhibits exclusively at Atmah Ja's, The Art of Core Consciousness gallery on Broad Street. Longtime collectors of Iamikan's art, Kathryn Peters and Blake Kingsbury, say that "Having Iamikan's 'Infinite Recognition' sets the entire tone for Seeking Indigo; it is the sum of everything we desire to create in this space through the consciousness of one raging piece of art, communicated right at our front door. It represents who and what we are and everything we believe in. That is the power Iamikan's art possesses and why we are exchanging with The Art of Core Consciousness." Peters is the visionary of Seeking Indigo and Kingsbury is the owner.

The feelings are mutual as Iamikan says, "What Seeking Indigo is representing with this piece is the liberation within, to rise up, and recognize yourself in everything. That is one's infinite possibility!"

Check it out tonight at Seeking Indigo (725-0217) or visit The Art of Core Consciousness Gallery, 29 Broad St. (323-8341).

Holy Music and Arts Festival

This Saturday, get holy with some music and art at the first Music and Arts Festival 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at Mount Pleasant's Holy Ascension Orthodox Church in I'On.

The main music event will be a 4 p.m. concert of Holy Ascension's choir, featuring liturgical music from across the world, reaching back to the second century, in the Eastern Christian Tradition. The I'Onissimo Strings and Brass will also play in the newly completed garden.

The Russian Tea room will highlight acclaimed international student pianists from the College of Charleston, flautist/story-teller Susan Conant and the delicious talent of Christophe, a local French Chocolatier. The central art exhibit in the nave of the church will feature 20th century hand-painted Russian and Byzantine sacred iconography.

"We anticipate a market of more than two dozen members of the Community of I'On Artists who will display their paintings, sculptures, and photography for

viewing and for sale. Guests can also enjoy demonstrations of Russian bell ringing and Byzantine wood carving, a children's art wall, face painting, tours of the church, and talks on architecture," said organizer Friar John Parker.

The festival is free to the public, and food and beverages are available for optional donations. Parker asks guests to bring a grocery-bag of nonperishable food for East Cooper Community Outreach's food pantry.

For more information, contact frjohn@ocacharleston.org or call 881-5010.

Tyler Blanton and R.T. Shepherd go "Over the Edge"

The Bridge Gallery, 83 Center St., Folly Beach is hosting an exhibit called "Over the Edge" featuring works by Tyler Blanton and R.T. Shepherd 5-10 p.m. Saturday.

Blanton holds a Bachelor of Arts from Smith College, and an Master of Arts from New York University, and has studied art in Scotland and Venice. Having had a prior career as a professional ballerina for many years, Blanton's artwork is infused with the same gracefulness, but with a bit of an edge. She is passionate about the world, peace, nature, spirituality, the environment, war … she is expressing and intelligent, and has a lot she wants to convey to the world. Blanton is known internationally and has received numerous awards and accolades.

Shepherd has long been a staple of the Charleston art community. A great collector of other artists' works, his works have also become collectors' items. His works are done using a variety of found objects, various mediums, and are often unexpected combinations. "He brings focus to the mysteries of our everyday world. Small things we may find insignificant, pop with joy and profound empathy when R.T. makes them his own. The artist is telling us 'this is life intermingled with art and you must not ignore the beauty of the experience.' " says gallery owner Suzan McNeil.