James Island Arts

James Island Pride, a committee of the Town of James Island, is pleased to announce its third annual Silent Art Auction and Artists' Reception to celebrate the wealth of cultural achievement in our community. The event is free and open to the public, and will take place at Town Hall on February 27, 2016, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m..

Proceeds will benefit James Island art classrooms, and fund prizes in a juried fine art competition for James Island high- and middle school students. The entries, chosen by our art teachers, will be on public display at Town Hall and nearby.

More than two dozen nationally and internationally known artists, debut artists, and art collectors step up each year. While most live and/or work on James Island, Johns Island, or Folly Beach, others trace their ancestry back to Grimball Plantation and are members of a vibrant Charleston fiber artists' community. Several contributors are highly regarded teachers. Works in a wide variety of media will be auctioned, with starting bids set by the artists, and the winning bid split between the artist and the fund.

Entertainment will be provided by James Island student musicians, and there will be a reading of James Island poets. Refreshments will be provided by local grocers. Last year's attendance was was double the first, and bidders included both first-time and seasoned collectors.

Over $2000 was raised to defray supply art supply costs that our seven Island art teachers normally bear out-of-pocket. The funds have been used for bus rental for a field trip to downtown museums, canvas, and the framing required for entries for the First District Congressional Art Competition.

JIArts is a committee of James Island Pride, whose mission is to create a positive image for James Island through various beautification projects, also seeks to build cultural awareness in and of our community. This public auction, a celebration of our highly accomplished artists and performers, increases awareness of our artists, encourages our youngsters and their parents to take artistic talent seriously, and provides a cultural venue to our classical musicians. Councilman Garrett Milliken and his team are committed to raising awareness of James Island's vibrant artistry and creating community around it, building relationships with sponsors, artists, and collectors. Anyone interested in getting involved as a sponsor, artist, member of the press, or volunteer, please message us!