Downtown ArtWalk
Thursday, Aug. 16
5-8 p.m.

Summer may be winding down, but Downtown ArtWalk is still showcasing the best and brightest that Charleston’s arts scene has to offer.

In 2012, ArtWalk is celebrating 10 years as the Capitol City’s premiere art event. This year promises to be even bigger, better and more exciting than before.

To celebrate this milestone, ArtWalk “10 Colorful Years” limited edition t-shirts will be for sale at Art Emporium and House of Luxe on Thursday.

Check out what’s in store for the Aug. 16 edition of ArtWalk.

The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation
900 Lee Street, Suite 1600

The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation will feature four artists in August: Deborah Herndon, photographer; Amy Brown, handbag designer; Faye Johnson, jewelry designer; and Jennifer Bloomfield, photographer. Herndon will feature 29 limited edition pieces of work ranging from photographs of French and Spanish architectural details and urban landscape (including “French Kiss Knocker,” finalist in the 67th Allied Artists Juried Competition)  to one of Herndon’s more recent pieces, “Orchestra Hall, Violin Blue,” a metallic photography print/raised paint tracing on cardboard overlay.

Amy Brown, a resident of Boone County, is a lifelong crafter who first learned the arts of painting, sewing, jewelry design, and needlepoint by watching her grandmother. Amy has taken those skills a step further, providing items that are trendy and fashionable for today with the attention to quality and detail that is indicative of traditionally skilled artisans. Personally constructed handbags are provided for this ArtWalk.

Faye Johnson became interested in jewelry creation in 2007 as a result of a design class at Beadlush in Charlotte, NC. Since then Johnson has studied under critically acclaimed designer and metalsmith Dan Haga as well as jewelry maker Kim St. Jean. Her work uses mixed media including clay, gemstones, and various metals.

Jennifer Bloomfield, photographer, came from a family of crafters that instilled her love of various hobbies such as music, fabric arts, home décor, cards & stationary as well as her photography. Jennifer traveled for six years but returned to her home state of West Virginia where her favorite selection of photos are taken.   

Art Emporium
823 Quarrier Street

Art Emporium will be showcasing works from the Charleston branch of the National League of American Pen Women. Founded in 1887, the organization’s members are creative women at professional levels in visual art, published literary works and music with 5,000 national members, 200 branches, and 32 participating states.

The show will feature works by Sonja Adkins, Rosalie Atkins, Kathy Boland, Carolyn Cavendish, Connie Cullum, Lou Riffle Gates, Mary Anne Hodson, Kathleen Kimble, Pat Miller, Pat Roberts, Emily Roles, Linda Charles Stone, and Betty Warner, and will be on display through Sept. 15.

White Oak Photography
807 Quarrier Street

This month for ArtWalk White Oak Photography will be showcasing a collection of photography featuring signs. Please come in and join us under the Oak for a nibble, sip, and art. There will be some new additions to the permanent collection as well.

Gallery Eleven
1033 Quarrier Street

Awyn Danielle McQueen-Milam is the featured artist for August. She wishes to pay tribute to Georgia O-Keefe who was an early influence on her art. 

Charleston Ballet
100 Capitol Street

The Charleston Ballet will be showing Deb Novak’s Emmy Award Winning film about dance photographer Steven Caras, along with a viewing of Charleston Ballet dancers preparing for upcoming performances.

Directed by Novak, a student at the Charleston Ballet, the documentary features Steven Caras’ compelling story, giving viewers an intimate look at the ballet world through the eloquent narrative and unique perspective of a dancer’s personal journey of challenges and heroic accomplishments. The film presents rare, behind-the-scenes photographs of ballet superstars such as Mikhail Baryshnikov, Suzanne Farrell and Natalia Makarova.In addition to its Emmy, the documentary has also received the grand prize at the 45th annual WorldFest Houston International Film Festival.

The Capitol Clay Arts Company will be showcasing their art in the lobby.

House of Luxe
817 Quarrier Street

Deborah Davis is a popular Charleston jewelry designer known for her fabulous, original creations. Her work features necklaces and earrings both bold and demure. Known for her use of organic stones such as turquoise, coral and various quartz stones and crystals, Deborah also utilizes man-made materials, such as acrylic, Lucite and wire to create her unique pieces. Deborah has taken a break from her jewelry shows the past year. House of Luxe is more than pleased and excited to announce the showing of her most recent collection.

Woomer, Nistendirk & Associates
231 Capitol Street

Woomer Nistendirk & Associates will be featuring the work of artists Dawn Combs and John Maurer.  Dawn Combs is an artist living in Charleston, WV.  She has work ranging from photos of monarch butterflies to paintings of Canaan Valley.

Delfine’s Jewelry
245 Capitol Street

For August’s Art Walk, Delfine’s will be showcasing our custom-design CAD cam system which allows anyone to participate in the creation of their own unique piece.