Thanksgiving History

Here's a great little tidbit relevent to the Thanksgiving Holiday. I found this in The New York Times, the article, an expose on civil war era graphic artist, Winslow Homer, featuring his work, Thanksgiving Day, 1860, The Two Great Classes of Society from Harper's Weekly.

Click Here to View Thanksgiving Day, 1860.

Obviously, there's a lot going on here, but it's important to remember that in 1860 a war among the states was brewing and Thanksgiving was simply a regional holiday, celebrated mostly by Northern states and mandated by each state independently. Mr. Homer's artwork captures a snapshot of a moment in time, yet some may wonder how much has really changed, afterall. What I found intriguing is the short mention of the South (as usual) in a rebellious snubbing of the Thanksgiving Holiday back in 1860.

In 1860, South Carolina – perhaps in a show of secessionist defiance – carved its turkeys a week earlier than the rest of the country. (In 1863, Lincoln would issue a nationwide Thanksgiving proclamation, as would all his successors from that day to the present: yet another instance in which the war elevated a newly powerful Union over states’ rights.)

Happy Halloween from Haunted Charleston

Personally, I am convinced that Charleston is one of the most haunted cities in all of the Americas. From the revenge of Blackbeard himself to war victims, criminals and bereaved Victorians, Charleston is awash in much more than just residual energetic imprints. Believe it or not, hardly anyone whom has spent any great deal of time here, cannot deny that on the occasional late-night stroll, and that in the silent midnight hours, there are certainly things that go "bump in the night" in the Holy City. Some of our ghosts still cause turmoil, some watch out over us, and some...well, they just cannot part from this lovely city regardless of how much time passes before them.

So, to celebrate the spirit of Halloween, and the many things unseen that continue to walk to streets of an old, old city we present this special series of videos which feature a few of Charleston's more famous departed inhabitants.

Special Props to Edward Macy. Hope you are well, my friend.

Bluesphere: portion of earth art expo in Marion Square

If you've walked into Marion Square any time within the last two weeks, you may have noticed a new, strange, stick-like structure near the corner of Calhoun and King Streets. Similar to skinny Lincoln Logs, the spindly structure weaves itself into a canopy over the west corner pathway of the square. It popped up, seemingly overnight, and resembles a giant Jenga game. You'd almost not notice this piece of artwork since it blends so well with the scenery. But then evening falls, and the blue lights designed into the wooden slats shimmer a bit more brightly, easily catching the eyes of passers-by. Most people inquisically paused asking, "what is it," as I stood there considering the structure and its representation.

Sustainability. That's the point of each of the Bluesphere exhibits recently erected in various locations around the City of Charleston. The City Paper says of it - "From sculptors to photographers to graphic artists, Bluesphere includes seven exhibits around the peninsula that will make viewers think more deeply about environmental issues."

As is usual for Charleston, our artistic movements merge cultures from around the world. An American photographer documenting consumption American style in his still frames is mirrored by the work of Brazilian photographer, Pedro Lobo, actively documenting the recycling of necessity blossoming from the depths of extreme poverty in Rio de Janeiro's shantytowns.

Then, from the 2-D photographic showings swell the 3-D world where one can literally walk into the art, much like the new exhibit at Marion Square. Once inside the Marion Square structure, lit blue panels explain the project and provide more information about Bluesphere. This partiuclar exhibit was planned and built by the Clemson Architecture Center in Charleston’s Studio V. Bluesphere is supported by the College of Charleston's Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art.
From the Halsey Institute's website, more on the project

bluesphere: Earth Art Expo was initiated by the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art and made possible by collaborations between many of Charleston's art and education organizations. We seek to bring sustainability education to the residents of Charleston, SC through a mixture of visual art exhibitions, lectures, films and activities focusing on the environment, conservation and how views of our world's resources are presented and expressed through art.

Alright, last but not least, The Post & Courier has provided an excellent video highlighting all of the exhibits to be found around town. The Earth Expo exhibits will be on display until December.