For the unsatisfied arts seeker.

// hello //

Opening up a little?

At my house, declarations were made in preparation for the world opening up again, including:

See all the shows. Wear what we want. No more trash. Unless we want trash. Have all the fun. Do big things. Or do nothing. Only the best things.

I'm sure you can relate.

This newsletter will help you find those best things.

Welcome to Notes by The Chord, a thoughtful weekly roundup of some of the best things visual and performing arts are offering in SC and the surrounding South. You'll also find important news on the state of the arts, resources for creatives, and notes from the wider world.

Thank you for checking this out. The goal is to dig deeper than what you'll find in more general newsletters.

We'll be evolving quickly as all you arts lovers and makers give your feedback, so please subscribe for at least a month or two and watch how we grow.

Cheers -Jennifer

// sights //

Adam Du Shole at Āto Social Club

Adam Du Shole has considered himself an illustrator for years, but current 3D works in wood represent a turning point. (Side note, Modal, where the gallery is located, just won an international award from Hostel World.) Now showing. Greenville.

Ali & Smoke: The Carolina Playlist

Ali & Smoke dropped the 11th volume of their favorite Carolina albums this week. A healthy dose of S.C. hiphop and other eclectic delights.

Wheel Session #82 - Jazz - Tish Oney feat. the Sean Higgins Trio

Oney tours worldwide as a symphony pops and big band soloist, jazz vocalist, voice pedagogue, and musicologist. Make plans for this small batch jazz session May 28. Greenville.

"Monumental Works" at Atlanta Botanical Garden

Chord O.G. Donna Dodson made her way down South to create a 20-foot community collaboration at the Atlanta Botanical Garden community. Beautiful birds. Through Oct. 31. Gainsville, GA.

New music from Alexa Woodward

Six tracks of mellow folk & Americana. Her whole discography is currently on sale at a sweet discount. Check out 2014's "Might Nigh," equal parts folk, Americana, and magic. It's a personal favorite.

// news //

Get your tickets: Artistphere

Artisphere, one of the country's top art festivals, is usually a shoulder-to-shoulder affair during the busiest times. This year your $5 ticket buys a smaller, socially distant stroll—and you can use it toward purchases. May 7-9. Greenville.

COVID-19 survey reveals ‘frightening situation’ for creativity, culture

A recent survey of South Carolina nonprofit organizations revealed more than half serving in the creative and cultural sector lacked the funding to continue operations—and still face potential closure.

THE best Beeple interview you'll find

You know Beeple is from Charleston, right? That guy who's digital art file sold for $64 million at a Christie's auction in March? He's lived in Charleston for a while, but he's not really a "Charleston" artist. His frame of reference and platform are most definitely global, or maybe pixel. (See three of his "everyday" sketches above.)

Just dropped Wednesday, this podcast is such a juicy conversation between Beeple a.k.a. Mike Winkleman, and the Jordan Wolfson, a mainstream contemporary artist who nonetheless pushes boundaries constantly. They debate. They agree. They say sooo much about art world clashes today.

Lots of f-bombs here, FYI.

S.C. could have a real film industry but...

The S.C. Film Commission says studios reached out to film 44 television and motion pictures, but walked away 44 times because the state lacked incentive money and infrastructure.

// opportunities //

Residency for composers and visual artists

The Virginia Center for the Creative Arts (VCCA) provides time and space for national and international writers, visual artists, and composers of talent and promise to bring forth their finest works, because the arts are vital, diversity is a strength, and creativity is essential. Deadline May 15.

Apply for an artist residency - McColl Center

In Charlotte, McColl Center for Art + Innovation is a nationally acclaimed artist residency and contemporary art space committed to putting artists first with 360 degrees of support, including artist studios, modern equipment and tools, and exhibition spaces. Deadline May 15.

Southeast Center for Photography call for entry

Color in all its forms. Jurors have no preference subject, or style but would like to be able to see the photographer's mind at work, his or her use of visual composition and original thinking. Closes June 6.

// first friday //

Barnett Gallery

Joel Barnett's paintings will make you think, wonder even. Odd animal appearances, conspicuous flower arrangements, bright colored swaths of flowing fabric: they all seem to mean something more.

When I asked Joel about the symbolism in his large scale paintings, he replied via email, "No."

So, the image above of a guy dropping a gorgon head on a table (a favorite among gallery visitors) is about... a guy dropping a gorgon head on a table. Fair enough. It'll still leave you spinning your own stories once you see it. That, in addition to appreciable technical skill, is enough reason to check out these works online or in person.

Other artist works at the Barnett Gallery this First Friday (Greer, SC) include: Cynthia Pollard ceramics | Oz Pottery by Jeff Goodman | Jeff N Byrd pastels and drawings |Guy Martin Roberge paintings | Liz Rose collages |Hilary Frye paintings Carla Henriquez fibers

May 6 2021