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- Michelle Kaye
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- The Price of Rice
Against the Grain: Solo Exhibition by Michelle Kaye
Drummond Studio Gallery
12 Line Street, Suite 102
Opening Reception: May 22 from 5:00-9:00pm
On View: Tuesday – Thursday
May 28 – May 30: 10:00am-2:00pm
June 5 – June 7: 10:00am-2:00pm
Against the Grain: Artist Talk with Michelle Washington
Hosted by Arun Drummond, Founder of Drummond Studio Gallery
Date: Friday, May 29 from 6:00-8:00pm
Venue: Drummond Studio Gallery,12 Line Street, Suite 102
Admission: Free; arrive early as space is limited
Against the Grain is a deeply reflective body of work that examines the brutal realities of the Lowcountry rice industry and the lives of the enslaved Africans who sustained it. Centered on the 7 to 10 year life expectancy of enslaved individuals forced into rice cultivation, Washington’s work confronts the physical and psychological toll of this labor while honoring the resilience, skill, and cultural legacy embedded within it.
Through layered compositions and evocative materiality, Washington invites viewers into a dialogue about land, labor, and memory—challenging romanticized narratives of the American South and offering space for deeper historical reckoning.
The artist talk will feature a guided conversation between Michelle Washington and Arun Drummond, whose own work explores themes of Gullah culture, ancestral memory, and the preservation of African American history in the Lowcountry. Together, they will discuss the conceptual framework behind Against the Grain, the research and process informing the exhibition, and the role of artists in shaping contemporary cultural narratives.
Attendees are encouraged to arrive early, as space is limited.
About Michelle Washington
Michelle Washington is a multidisciplinary artist whose work explores themes of history, identity, and cultural memory. Drawing from extensive research and personal reflection, her practice engages with narratives of the African diaspora, particularly in the American South. ABOUT MICHELLE KAYE
About Arun Drummond
Arun Drummond is a Charleston-based artist and the founder of Drummond Studio Gallery. His work centers on Gullah culture, ancestral lineage, and the intersection of art, culture, and community. Through his gallery, Drummond creates space for artists and audiences to engage with meaningful cultural dialogue.
Fervor”, aka Second Life Vol. 5, will feature 13 local visual artists who have utilized reclaimed art supplies by way of a White Elephant Supply Swap. Each piece they create for the show will include something they acquired from the swap! These supplies include, but are not limited to, clay, old magazines, a zen garden, yarn and wood scraps!
Guests are invited to explore what sustainability looks like in the Charleston art community.
“Fervor” will also include audio/visuals by Jack Powell and friends. Everyone should be excited to see the members of Hot Mustard perform again!
Jack Powell is an animator and composer who tells stories through found imagery and creative collaboration. His process derives from manufactured chaos from which he sifts and solves. The 2025 Gibbes Museum Visiting Artist’s multi-media solo exhibition is slated for fall of 2026. His Hot Mustard music project and Opus Thimble visual art projects can be found at opusthimble.com.
“Fervor” will be a fantastic collaborative effort of all involved. N
Date: Wednesday, June 3 from 5:00-8:00pm
Venue: Gibbes Museum of Art
Address:135 Meeting Street
Admission: Free
The Kids Craft Fair is a student‑run entrepreneurship event designed to empower young people through creativity, hands‑on learning, and real‑world business experience. The fair provides a platform for students to design products, interact with customers, and build confidence as makers and entrepreneurs.
Students have spent weeks and even months preparing their products, submitting applications, and learning real‑world business skills. Each student paid a vendor fee, and a portion of proceeds from the event will support the Charleston Animal Society, adding a meaningful community‑giving component to the fair.
This year’s visual identity was created by student illustrator Claire Sieverdes (June Moon Art), whose hand‑drawn flyer captures the playful, handcrafted spirit of the event.
Event Highlights
● Youth‑run vendor booths featuring handmade goods
● A wide variety of creative products made by local students
● Family‑friendly environment
● Free to attend and open to the public
● A chance to support young people learning real‑world skills
Date: Saturday, May 30 from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Address: 605 Rutledge Ave, Charleston
Admission: Free and open to the public
Purchases support student vendors + Charleston Animal Society
Piccolo Spoleto Artisan Showcase
Sunday, May 31 from 9:00am-3:00pm
Marion Square, 329 Meeting Street
Want to apply? Deadline to apply is May 1, 2026 MORE INFO HERE
A select group of invited local and regional artisans and makers will exhibit their handmade crafts, sculpture, and jewelry at Marion Square. Come out and browse their handiwork, while enjoying live music and the festive energy of Marion Square.
Exhibitors include:
May 28 from 5:00-8:00pm, more detail TBD
Sip & Stroll with Small Opera: Gardens and Galleries Art Walk Series transforms Charleston into a living stage. As you wander through downtown gardens and galleries, discover pop-up performances of opera favorites, musical theater, and poetry appearing in unexpected places. Sip, stroll, and let live music and poetry surprise you—blending visual and performing arts into one immersive evening. Featuring Small Opera and Charleston Poet Laureate A$iahMae, this elevated art-walk experience invites seasoned arts lovers and curious newcomers alike to encounter music, poetry, and art up close, outdoors, and in motion.
Join Small Opera for this FREE series.
Wednesday, May 27: Artwalk begins at 5:30pm at the City Gallery/Pineapple Fountain (34 Prioleau/Waterfront), The Vendue (19 Vendue Range), Robert Lange Gallery (2 Queen Street)
Wednesday, June 3: Artwalk begins at 5:30pm at Reinert Fine Art (179 King Street), American Gardens (174 King Street), The Gibbes Museum (135 Meeting Street), Alkyon/Duckworth Gallery (120 Meeting Street)