Galleries getting it right

There is a vibrant art scene here in Charleston, and every first Friday evening there is an Art Walk, where Broad Street galleries keep their doors open and we can all wander in. It was a hot July evening with pop up showers on the horizon, but I had art on the brain.

I have enjoyed these through the years, but sometimes, the vibe and the art at many galleries remains the same -- stagnant. Still, if I'm down on an Art Walk night, weaving my way around the palmettos on Broad, it's not an Art Walk for me until I visit Scoop Studios. They always get it right.

And what is "it"? The fact that art is supposed to be living, changing and exciting. There's always a fun signature cocktail, lots of people in the petite space, and *gasp* a new show! They stay true to their contemporary aethestic and bring us artists that are unique to the street. (A projected sock monkey on the opposite building a few months ago won my heart forever.)

Sock Monkey, 33"x32", Acrylic on Board, Bill Mead

Last night was another engaging show, this one a solo John Stango. B. and I discussed the fun juxtaposition of icons, images and memory, and although we weren't fans of the mickey mouse subject matter,

Mickey Mouse Flag, 22 x 33, acrylic on Canvas

we both agreed that "Bullitproof" kept our interest. It was intensely layered and spoke loud and clear.

Bullittproof, 79" x 57.5", acrylic on canvas

Scoop has a wide range of artists, price points and mediums, and since they change shows pretty frequently, have a great website that can show you what you missed. And hey, you never know -- you just might not be able to live without the Monopoly board artwork of your dreams ...

Monopoly, 18"x24", Digital Graphics on Paper, Austin Schulz