Friday Organ Concert Series: Kevin Edens of Furman University will conclude this year’s series of free Friday organ concerts at noon on Friday, May 9 at the Parish Church of St. Helena, 505 Church St., Beaufort. Edens serves as organist and choral accompanist for the chancel, youth, and children’s choirs at Lee Road United Methodist Church in Taylors, SC. Visit www.sthelenas1712.org.
Spring Lowcountry Chorale Concert: The Spring Lowcountry Chorale Concert will be performed at St. John’s Lutheran Church on Lady’s Island on Friday, May 16 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, May 17 at 3 p.m. The theme is “From Sea to Shining Sea”. The chorale will provide a musical potpourri for all tastes with rousing anthems such as “America the Beautiful”, soul searching spirituals represented by “We Gather at the River”, a little Western, some blues and jazz and a very contemporary surprise. For tickets, call 843-522-9948 or 843-368-6544 or visit www.lowcountrychorale.com.
“Highlights of the Lowcountry” exhibit: Beaufort Art Association presents a new exhibit of works by acclaimed watermedia artist Polly Swenson at the BAA Gallery, 913 Bay Street from May 12 through June 21. This new exhibit is called “Highlights of the Lowcountry.” An opening reception will be held on Friday, May 16 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend for refreshments and to meet the artist. For more, visit www.BeaufortArtAssociation.com.
Featured artist Steve Weeks at USCB Center of the Arts: Steve Weeks is the featured artist at The University of South Carolina’s Center for the Arts in Beaufort. An oil painter, Steve’s exhibit includes over 40 paintings that range from the Lowcountry to Equine, Maine, and all the way to Italy. The exhibit opening will be held Friday, May 8, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Painting has been a constant throughout Steve’s life. After graduating from University of Pennsylvania, he studied at Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art and University of the Arts. He lived in the art museum district and joined ME Gallery in Philadelphia. For the past eight years, Steve has lived in Beaufort where he enjoys abundant subject matter and soft coastal light. He paints in his open-to-the-public second floor studio at Atelier on Bay, 203 West Street, Beaufort, in the restored Lipsitz Building. Steve’s work will be exhibited through May at the USCB Center for the Arts, 801 Carteret St. For more information, call 843-521-4145 or visit www.centerforthearts.com. A preview of Steve’s work can be viewed at www.weeksart.com.
Gullah Celebration: In keeping with history and tradition, the Corner Community on St. Helena Island is gearing up to celebrate Memorial Day weekend with an array of activities to recognize a holiday the people of St. Helena Island have always celebrated as part of their American heritage. The Red Piano Too Art Gallery is hosting a special art exhibit on May 24, featuring the work of well-known Lowcountry artist Diane Britton Dunham. The theme of this show is “The Gullah Creole Caribbean Connection.” Gullah Creole is the term coined by Dunham because it best describes her artwork blending elements of her colorful Louisiana Creole roots with the rich historical Gullah culture of the Sea Islands. She will discuss the Gullah Creole Caribbean art connection and related history during the exhibit. Noted Beaufort musician and Dunham’s husband, Phil Griffin, will provide music for the Gullah side of the event from noon until 2 p.m., playing classic Southern Blues and traditional Gullah music. A collection of Gullah-themed needlework hangings by Bridget Murray will also be exhibited. These pieces emphasize the detail Murray incorporates in her work. The Red Piano Too Art Gallery will also present the East of the River Steel band from Washington, D.C. This band is made up of young people ages 6 to 19, in a program that enhances lives, builds confidence and fosters resiliency as it also develops a love and appreciation of the arts. The band will present a special concert from 2 to 3 p.m. This is a must see performance, according to longtime Caribbean resident Elayne Scott. An additional exhibit of Lauren DeLoach’s Lowcountry paintings celebrating regional natural beauty will be presented at Bella Vita and Octopuses, which are across the street and next door to the Red Piano Too Art Gallery. All activities are free and open to the public. For more information, contact the Red Piano Too Art Gallery, located at 870 Sea Island Parkway, St. Helena Island, S.C., 29920, by calling 843-838-2241.
