Sculptors Conference Brings a Little Bling to College of Charleston

^{Above: “Triecious Flowers Wilt and Bloom Just Like the Rest of Us,” by Gracelee Lawrence, is hanging outside the Simons Center during the conference. (Glass beads, stainless steel beads, stainless steel cable, hardware, 2022)}

The Tri State Sculptors Association‘s 46th annual fall conference is being held at the College of Charleston’s newly renovated Simons Center for the Arts, Oct. 17-20, 2024.

This year’s theme, Breaking the Mold, resonates deeply with the journey the School of the Arts has been on during its recent three-year renovation.

“Just as a sculptor may achieve perfection in casting multiples and then destroy the mold to preserve the uniqueness of their creation, this newly renovated space symbolizes our own journey towards achieving something exceptional,” says Jarod Charzewski, associate professor of sculpture at the College and conference organizer. “It is with great excitement that we host the 46th annual Tri State Sculptors Association Fall Conference in this remarkable setting.”

With Gracelee Lawrence as the keynote speaker and CofC professor of studio art Herb Parker as the featured artist, the conference presents a variety of presentations, installations and exhibits – including a student gallery showcasing 2D and 3D works from the tri-state area – in various locations throughout the Simons Center and Cato Center.

Distinguished artists from Brooklyn, Philadelphia, Virginia, the Carolinas and beyond have installations on campus, including a beaded curtain outside the Simons Center: “Triecious Flowers Wilt and Bloom Just Like the Rest of Us,” by Lawrence, a New York–based sculptor who merges 3D scanning, virtual reality sculpting and fully digital asset creation to produce 3D-printed forms.

“It is designed to work with light,” says Charzewski. “It just sparkles. Beautiful, beautiful.”

Lawrence is the School of the Arts’ 2024 Quattlebaum Artist-in-Residence, and her keynote lecture on Friday is free and open to the public.

The conference presents multiple opportunities to engage with artists, participate in critiques and experience the vibrant art community at the College and around Charleston.

There will be hands-on workshops covering various sculpture techniques, including metalworking, stone carving and mixed media; sessions on creating large-scale installations, featuring live demonstrations and interactive components; group critiques where students and new members can receive feedback from long-time members and experienced artists; presentations by invited artists; and special sessions designed for students to develop their skills and engage with professional artists.

For example, on Thursday, Oct. 17, metal sculptor Sean Berube spoke to students about his piece in the Hill Gallery, “Devotion,” which is remarkably made of hand-forged steel and stone.

“It looks absolutely real – even down to the texture of the shark’s skin,” says Charzewski. “It is incredible. You’re not going to believe it.”

In addition to Charzewski and Parker, several School of the Arts staff and faculty members have been involved in making the conference a success.

More information is available here.