Eye Level Art has a vision for Charleston's progressive future

'I don't like safe art. I like art that challenges people," said Eye Level Art gallery coordinator Caroline Millard.

It's this attitude embodied by Eye Level Art that has made it arguably the most edgy art gallery in Charleston. But to describe it in relation to other galleries wouldn't be fair. There is simply no other gallery like Eye Level; it is on its own level.

"We choose our artists by what speaks to us. The artists we work with definitely have a specific feel to them overall," Millard said. "We're not looking for oil paintings of the marsh. There is a place for that art; it's great art if that's what speaks to you. But what speaks to us are artists that are doing something different or doing a new technique or that are young and up and coming. Even with an artist that is established, like Max Miller, there is something specific about his art. It's not safe."

Now mainly at 103 Spring Street with a warehouse on Heriot, Eye Level Art has been pushing the definition of art for almost five years.

In addition to shows of various mediums, the gallery hosts regular music events, film screenings, performing arts and mixed-media parties. Plans include socials and classes in art, dance, cooking and yoga.

"I hate to say that it is just fun, but it is," said Millard. "It's fun. You can't just be black and white, numbers, straight lines all the time. People want something that engages them but something that is also entertainment, something that challenges them, but something they enjoy being challenged by."

The art presented by the gallery is as unique as the gallery itself. The new location at 103 Spring has a beaten-down facade. The only clue to the entrance is a painted-on arrow.

Walking through a peeling wooden door, guests are offered a huge space with high ceilings and art everywhere that leads out into an enclosed back courtyard.

"I love that we're doing something different," Millard continued. "I love that we're off the beaten path, we're not a gallery in the French Quarter. We're away from that, so that opens up the door for us to do creative things and clever shows and eclectic music. I like the creativity that comes with working here."

Owner Mike Elder agrees. Choosing the right space to support his artists and to foster an original, innovative atmosphere was important to him.

"Both spaces are unique to themselves," said Elder. "Here, people think, are we at the right place? Do we have the right address? And I love that. It would be hard for me to ever do a King Street or Broad Street gallery, unless it's just really progressive. I like the fact that people come in and they're really surprised."

Elder never had an artsy background. He is that every day person who happens to love art that Eye Level Arts draws in. His appreciation for art, coupled with his business and accounting background, meant that he saw art as something accessible to everyone.

"The art community is for everybody," said Millard. "Art speaks to different people in different ways. It doesn't really matter if you are a connoisseur of art or if you're new to it and just have an interest in it. It's for everybody, so we want to have something for everybody."

The name of the gallery itself reveals its "art for everyone" approach. It reflects the rule of hanging art and eye level on the wall. Elder says it reflects the different eye levels everyone has and the differences in their tastes in art.

"My personality is, I talk to everyone, whether you're a buyer or not. I'm not typical in that way, I'm not the gallery owner profiling if people are going to buy. I've never been like that," Elder said.

"Art is great. You can learn from art. Art to me is like a mirror into the person. No matter what it is, you can imagine it as a mirror. And all your senses, colors and shapes and everything, if you're open to it, it will tell you about yourself. And then you discuss that with other people. And people like certain art for certain reasons. It's a catalyst for communicating with people."

The gallery strives to communicate with as many people as they can in every way possible.

From mingling with guests to providing something for everyone, Elder's biggest goal is to create a stronger, more dynamic community around ELA.

In that vein, by the end of this month, he will launch the gallery's new membership program. For a membership fee, members can get discounts, free tickets to events, admission to exclusive parties and many other special treatment items and perks.

"This membership program is going to really communicate what I've wanted to do since Day One," said Elder. "I mean I want to sell art and all forms of art, but I almost want more of a social club too, or a community driven group that have similar interests but they're also unique individuals themselves."

"People need to get together," he continued.

"In the olden days, people used to only interact by getting together, by gathering. Now, it's all cell phones, it's online. People go to their cubicles and they interact with people in their office and they go home and they see their spouse and they're done. Hopefully, they come to an ELA event and they can meet new people and be inspired. It's like going back in time to the values of yesterday and trying to instill them today."

The gallery's efforts are designed to reinforce an already thriving local arts scene and likely will create an even louder dialogue in the growing, diverse, extended ELA family.

"Art should be valued just as much as money is valued. And it actually has substance. It brings people closer. It's almost a tool to understand how other people are thinking," said Elder.

"You know, there's a reason why the Romans appreciated art and took the time to build their columns, and their coliseums."

Upcoming events

Movies on the Green: Every other Tuesday night at 103 Spring St. gallery. Check the Web site and Facebook for the list of movies to be played.

Thriller Party: Oct. 30 at 103 Spring St. gallery. A Michael Jackson celebration, featuring "The Making of Thriller" on the big screen, a live performance by The Golden Pyramids, body and canvas painting as well as food available for purchase by Street Foods. Cash bar. $10 at the door.

The Dark Arts Ball: Oct. 31 at 2143 Heriot St. Gallery. Eye Level Art's Halloween Gala benefiting the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Trident Area. Featuring local Charleston artists Max Miller, Julio Cotto, Bennett Goodman, Sarah Haynes and LaBanna Bly. Also a burlesque performance by The Red Hot Rebelettes and music by DJ CMNDR and Stella By Starlight. Open bar for guests 21 years and older. $40 in advance for the general public, $35 in advance for students and artists and $50 at the door.

The Debutante Art Show: Nov. 13 at 103 Spring St. gallery. The coming out show for a selection of Charleston's best emerging talent.

Things: Nov. 21 at 103 Spring St. gallery. A collection of objects both functional and non-functional.

Pop Up Shop: Coming in November.

For more information on these events, visit www.eyelevelart.com.

Addresses

Visit www.eyelevelart.com or call 425-3576.

2143 Heriot Street, Suite F

Charleston, SC 29403

103 Spring St.

Charleston, SC 29403