An Evening at the Museum

Being an unofficial fashion maven, I’ll admit that getting ready to attend a meeting is lots of fun. So, on this occasion, on went my new favorite high-waisted chocolate brown palazzo pants and dotted silk blouse, plus leopard print pointed-toed slippers. Mixed patterns are all the rage, you know. Feeling I was quite spiffy, I zipped my way downtown, into a parking space and up to the The Gibbes Museum.

I climbed the steps of this elegant edifice on Meeting Street (the street where by day, there are the most stately carriages drawn by majestic horses, making tours of historic Charleston). Following the sounds of conversation straight into a room full of women, I announced to the front table: Hi, I’m Jane Spelce! My name was checked off the list as I began perusing the room. There were many, many clusters of ladies all engaged in animated conversations. Why, I’ll shimmy right up to a group and introduce myself, I thought.

No, don’t do that, Jane. They’re in the depths of intensely great stories. I shouldn’t insert myself. That could cause a complete loss of train of thought (as has happened to me on multiple occasions, don’t you know it). So, over to the buffet table I went and filled my plate with hummus and fresh veggies. Then off to the wine table for a glass of red. Just an inch, I told the bartender.

Turning around with my hands full of plate and goblet, a few large plaques on the walls caught my eye. Interesting. I’d check them out before finding a seat. The Gibbes Women’s Council’s Winter Membership Meeting would begin in ten minutes.

The History of the Gibbes Museum of Art is told progressively on large wall pieces around the periphery of the room. I’m not going to tell you what’s written on those plaques. That way, when you join the Council and attend the next meeting you can do the same – get a quick overview. I’ll see you at the wall, reading with rapt interest, and will go to meet you. Please note, however, that if you’re not into history,  you can skip this step. Momentarily, you’ll see why.

After my reading exercise, I went to introduce myself to a member of the board, a warm, genuine woman who engages you fully when she speaks  — a delightful attribute. She had read my blog and was very complimentary, (of course, I loved hearing that) and we plan to meet in the weeks to come to discuss the Council’s support of the Gibbes, what that entails, and ways I can contribute.

To see what’s going on at The Gibbes, check it out through the links below. You won’t believe the activities going on in this place. From a variety of exhibits to classes and lectures, to The Museum Store, Lenhardt Garden and The Daily, a cafe offering a menu of beverages, lunch, and snacks, it’s the perfect place to spend your time.

http://www.gibbesmuseum.org/visit/ and this: http://www.gibbesmuseum.org/exhibitions/

Back to the evening and my thoughts as I looked around: I’d just fend for myself ‘til time to be seated for the meeting; I can meet folks later. No sooner had I finished that thought when I made eye contact with someone coming towards me. We met. Bryn, as it turns out, is a newcomer, too. A professionally trained chef, I learned. Can you just imagine the contributions of talent she will make to this worthy cause?

Within moments, a woman approached us with a smile and a beautiful head of white hair. As a member of the board, she shared info about the Council and the upcoming fundraiser to be held on April 12th, the “Art of Design”.

See here: https://gibbesartofdesign.wordpress.com

This event, featuring Eva Chen, Instagram’s Director of Fashion Partnership, is catching the eye of this community and beyond. I plan to purchase my ticket right away and see how I can help with the preparations.

Rather quickly, I had met a number of very intriguing women, all of whom have an interest in art – a keen enough interest that it propelled them forward to join a group of like-minded women. You know what happens when like-minded women get together — All heck breaks loose, with hard work, creativity flowing, and ingenious methods implemented, in this case, to support the advancement of art in the Charleston area.

After announcements, author and speaker Grahame Long, Chief Curator of the Charleston Museum was introduced. He captivated us with stories from his book “Stolen Charleston: The Spoils of War,” telling of the pillage and plunder of Charleston’s churches, businesses and private homes during both the American Revolution and the Civil War. I was especially interested in what he told us regarding treasure buried and later retrieved on Dills Bluff, located on James Island, where the Battle of Secessionville was fought just a few steps from my home.

I’m ready to read another of his books, “Dueling in Charleston: Violence Refined in the Holy City” and his next book coming out this spring: “Lost Charleston”.

As I reflected on this meeting, I was pleased to have met many of the women I had viewed from afar when I first arrived and I came ‘round fully to the fact that this is a very engaging and all-inclusive group on a mission. They together are focused as one, to support this multi-faceted jewel of an art museum located in the heart of Charleston. I’m so glad I decided to join them in this endeavor.

For info on how to join the Council, click here:

http://www.gibbesmuseum.org/become-a-member/#womens-council.

For info regarding Society 1858, the young professionals group which supports the Gibbes with social and educational programs, click here:

http://www.gibbesmuseum.org/become-a-member/#society-1858

Love,

Jane