MAYBE IT’S THE EVER-CHANGING palette of colors as seasons pass. Or the timeless, constant flow of the ancient river carving its way through the town. Whatever the source of artistic inspiration, one thing is certain: Charleston appreciates, celebrates and nurtures its vibrant arts community. “Mirror Helix” sculpture New City Art Trail Public art is increasing exponential-ly around town with works finding their way into local businesses, restaurants and hotels – and it’s all part of a new initiative called the “Art From the Hip Trail.” There’s no admission fee, it’s all public and it’s ready for you to discover. One of the newest unexpected public art galleries is the recently expanded and updated Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center . The “ Deep Roots, Long Reach ” kinetic sculp-ture is the latest installation, an aluminum and stainless steel “tree” standing 20-feet tall with “branches” that move as the wind blows. Right inside is “ Mirror Helix ,” a mesmer-izing 4,000-pound glass and steel spiral that is a showstopper with 512 separate glass panels reflecting differ-ent prisms of light. Staying at one of our downtown hotels? You won’t have to travel far for a dose of local art. The warm, texture-rich paintings of Paula Clendenin are the perfect backdrop for sipping a handcrafted cocktail or grabbing an evening snack at the Courtyard by Marriott . At Holiday Inn Express , you can get a feel for the deep connection Mountain State artists have to their home by taking in the “Explore West Virginia” series of hand-pressed prints created by sisters Base Camp Printing Co. Emily and Betsy Sokolosky of Base Camp Printing Co . Here, you’ll also find the art of Appalachian photogra-pher Roger May, whose work may be familiar to readers of the New York Times and National Geographic . While Ian Bode’s colorful acrylic canvases don the walls of the Charleston Town Center Marriott , his faceless keyhole shaped figure “The Passenger” can also be seen all over town in various forms, including freestanding colorful bike racks. Voted best art gallery in the state by readers of WV Living magazine, Art Emporium has an ever-changing in-stallation featuring works by new and established artists. › #CWV 29
Charleston Area Inspiration Guide Charleston Area Inspiration Guide 2019: Page 29
