Introducing The Arts Initiative at Palmetto Bluff

Explore the Artistic Culture of the Lowcountry

Art is the expression of creativity. It is a way of capturing the spirit of a culture, a particular location, or even a feeling. Whether it be through music, painting, or photography, the expression of art can tell a story, illustrate a setting, and bring people together.

At Palmetto Bluff, artistic expression is central to our values. Musicians, painters, crafters, and artisans have enriched our community over the years, and we aim to continue this tradition with the launch of The Arts Initiative.

Continue reading to learn more about The Arts Initiative at Palmetto Bluff.

The Mission of The Arts Initiative

With The Arts Initiative, we strive to inspire and enrich lives through all forms of art. It is our goal to create a dialogue between the arts, the community, and the beauty of the Bluff itself.

The Arts Initiative at Palmetto Bluff is built upon three foundational pillars — inspiration, invitation, and installation. Through these pillars, we hope to introduce our residents to local artists, facilitate community engagement, and build a collection of rotating exhibitions within Palmetto Bluff.

The Artist in Residence Program

Palmetto Bluff’s Artist in Residence program celebrates southern artists while inspiring creativity in our residents and guests. The Bluff will host several notable artists, craftsmen, and creators each year who will provide education and workshops for the community regarding their unique specialty. The Artist in Residence will be hosted at the Artist Loft overlooking the May River, where they can admire the breathtaking scenery and find inspiration in the beauty of nature.

As part of our Artist in Residence program, we have curated the following lineup of inspiring artists to kick off our 2022 season.

April | Shannon Whitworth

Hailing from Brevard, North Carolina, Shannon Whitworth is an accomplished musician and painter. Throughout the early 2000s, Whitworth was a member of the bluegrass band The Biscuit Burners before moving on to a solo career of her own. In addition to music, Whitworth has a passion for visual art. Her paintings showcase abstract landscapes that depict the mountains of North Carolina as well as the Lowcountry of South Carolina. Whitworth’s unique paintings of nature, wildlife, and musicians have been featured in galleries and private collections around the country.

During her time at The Bluff, Whitworth will guide guests through her creative process and introduce them to mixed media drawing and painting. She will also demonstrate how to tell a story using art inspired by Lowcountry landscapes. Guests will have the opportunity to listen to the singer-songwriter’s music and admire a collection of her paintings.

May | Blown Studios

Based in Savannah, Georgia, Blown Studios is a gallery that focuses on artistic, educational, and functional glass blowing. Founded by glass artist Brandon Price, the studio is the Southeast region’s premier source for glass art, demonstrations, and instruction. Price’s work is inspired by traditional Venetian forms with the use of modern color palettes and has been featured at Jacksonville University, the Toledo Museum of Art, and Disney’s Magic Kingdom. Since moving to the Lowcountry, his work has expanded into sculpting sea life inspired by the Atlantic coastal regions.

During his residency, guests can look forward to live demonstrations of the art of glassblowing where Price will create a special installation of art for the community. Price will also be teaching workshops where guests will have the opportunity to melt, sculpt, and form their own one-of-a-kind piece of glass art.

June | J. Stark

A leather goods brand located in downtown Charleston, J. Stark creates timeless, sturdy bags and luggage that will last a lifetime. Founded by Erik and Jess Holmberg, the brand’s designs are timeless and minimalist, and all of its goods are created in their local factory.

While at The Bluff, Jess and Erik Holmberg will host a dip-dyeing leather workshop where attendees will have the opportunity to personalize coasters and key chains by adding designs, colors, or even their initials. The co-owners will also offer a hand-stitched wallet workshop where guests will learn how to stitch their own card wallet and personalize their creation with leather stamps.

FLOW Gallery + Workshop

A physical showcase of our Artist in Residence program, FLOW Gallery + Workshop is a curated collection of local artists presented in a gallery setting in the heart of Wilson Village. Here, residents can admire and participate in a rotating series of exhibitions, workshops, and events featuring established and emerging artisans.

Join Us in Launching The Arts Initiative at FLOW Fest

To kick off the inaugural season of The Arts Initiative at Palmetto Bluff, we invite you and your family to join us on Sunday, May 1st, for a grand celebration on the banks of the May River. During this event, you will be able to immerse yourself in art of all kinds while listening to live music by Natty Grass and Town Mountain. There will also be tasty fare from a variety of local food trucks available for purchase. A percentage of ticket, art, food, and beverage sales will benefit the Society of Bluffton Artists, who will be hosting activities for children on the lawn.

Learn More About Life at The Bluff

Situated in Bluffton, South Carolina, the Palmetto Bluff community is a creative hub of art, natural beauty, and wellness. Here, residents enjoy the finer things in life among picturesque Lowcountry scenery.

If you’re ready to experience all The Bluff has to offer, we invite you to reach out to us by clicking the button below.