The freaks are already starting to come out at night

Philip Hyman opens two new shows

Local artist Philip Hyman opened two new shows last Saturday. Hyman is a staple in the underground arts community, known for events like Evolution, the alternative Spoleto.

"Retro" and "Freaks Come out at Night!" were held at Vickery's downtown and The Mill respectively. Seasoned and newer artists gathered inspiration from the '50s and '60s when producing art for "Retro." The result was a smorgasbord of vintage inspired work enhanced by the kitschy décor of The Mill. Artists such as Connie O'Donald created aerosol works depicting movie stars of decades past. An old television served as the head to a figure drawn in a '50s, modernist style while Twiggy's doe like eyes stared from a stenciled work in the corner.

Jason and the Juggernauts played their characteristic "surf-a-billy" rock, creating a nice vibe for the show.

"The Freaks Come out at Night" featured works by Christina Rodino, META and others. Pieces dealt with darker, Halloween appropriate concepts. Tim Showers showed a linear face with "Terror" written across the bottom. A skull was placed over the head of KFC's Colonel Sanders and vultures became transparent with visible bones. Freakiness accomplished! Like all of Hyman's shows, "Freaks" and "Retro" are free. Both are on display through November.

Upper King Street Design District Walk

With Fall in the air, Charleston strolled to support local during last Thursday's Design Walk. Upper King pulled out all the stops for the bi-annual walk.

The gals at Charleston Power Yoga entertained walkers with yoga moves in their new studio. Jeffery Kennedy, the artist behind Darkness to Light's trademark ants, made an appearance at Butterfly Consignment. Sarah Maxwell showed her collection in an adorable house turned studio above the Silver Dollar.

Fish got into the game by throwing the after party for the show at Charleston Ballet. While everyone was fantastic, the star of the evening was Seeking Indigo. The "urban oasis" had its grand opening with Mayor Riley performing the ribbon cutting ceremony. The packed front room gave way to a carved wooden doorway around corner.

As we walked through, another room appeared, followed by another and yet another. The 6,000 square foot space felt like a hippie maze. Nonetheless, there were interesting things going on. A sitar player strummed next to a hyperbaric chamber. Pilates machines stood alongside a food counter by Sprout. Up front, a painting "created with energy" was shown.

While far out, the new complex is gorgeous. Here's to the continuing success of all local ventures.