March Artist of the Month
March 20 - 23

Julie McAllister

Charleston, SC

Purchase Tickets

about Julie McAllister

Julie McAllister is a Charleston-based custom cake illusionist and artist who artistically transforms the centerpiece of any celebration—cake—into an astonishing life-like representation, elevating the traditional dessert into an awe-inspiring work of art. With a focus on subjects iconic to the South, she works to ensure that her designs exceed expectations, then uses her meticulous eye for detail and artful hand to create extravagant designs that deceive and delight the eye. McAllister’s work has captured the attention of celebrities and nationally known Southern brands. Her clients include Reese Witherspoon’s Draper James, Garden & Gun, and King Bean Coffee. McAllister has also created multiple in-depth, ultra-realistic cake sculpting tutorials for American Cake Decorating Magazine. Her work has been featured in HGTV Magazine, Entertain & Celebrate, Southern Lady, and SKIRT. You can watch her flex her cake skills on the Food Network and Discovery+, and she was also honored as one of the Create TV Cooking Challenge winners.

Wednesday March 20, 2024 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Living the “Sweet” Life Welcome Reception

FLOW Gallery + Workshop | Complimentary but registration is required.

We are thrilled to start the 2024 Artist in Residence program with custom cake illusionist and artist Julie McAllister! Join us at FLOW Gallery + Workshop to greet Julie, enjoy some light refreshments, and indulge the senses as she demonstrates how to create ultra-realistic flowers from sugar. We hope you will join us for this “sweet treat!”

This workshop is sold out!

Thursday March 21, 2024 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Chocolate Oyster Shells Workshop

FLOW Gallery + Workshop | $115 (plus tax + processing fees)

Oysters are a staple of Lowcountry life, and we invite you to enjoy them like never before at this two-hour hands-on workshop! Artist Julie McAllister will teach workshop participants how to utilize real oysters harvested from Palmetto Bluff to create molds for ultra-realistic chocolate oyster shells. Julie will show how to cast the shells using modeling chocolate and various coloring and texturing techniques to bring this edible art to life. No prior baking or cake/dessert decorating experience is needed.

This workshop is sold out!

Friday March 22, 2024 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Lowcountry Boil Cake Toppers

FLOW Gallery + Workshop | $95 (plus tax + processing fees)

Lowcountry boils are a favorite tradition across the coastal south and a great way to connect with neighbors, meet new friends, and enjoy great local fare. In this creative workshop, artist Julie McAllister will teach participants how to use modeling chocolate and fondant with various coloring and texturing techniques to create several show-stopping Lowcountry boil-themed cake toppers. No prior baking or cake decorating experience is needed to learn how to make this unforgettable “talk-of-the-party” addition to your cakes!

Saturday March 23, 2024 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Buttercream Flowers of the Lowcountry

FLOW Gallery + Workshop | $95 (plus tax + processing fees)

Join us at FLOW Gallery + Workshop as we bring the stunning beauty of the Lowcountry to your kitchen table! Charleston-based cake artist Julie McAllister will teach participants how to create floral designs out of buttercream that can accent any cake, cupcake, or cookie, taking inspiration from gorgeous local Lowcountry flowers like magnolias and hydrangeas. Perfect for budding bakers and artists of all ages, this workshop is an irresistible combination of art and desserts that requires no prior baking or cake decorating skills. We hope you will join us for a lovely Lowcountry morning of art, mimosas, and cupcakes!

This workshop is sold out!

DISCOVER YOUR ARTIST WITHIN

Find out more about The Arts Initiative’s events and programs.

LIVE
Community Villages
Experience
Palmetto Bluff Club
On The Water
The Arts Initiative
Events
Conserve
About Us