Feature Articles


October Issue 1999

Southern Authors Come To Call at Charleston's Main Library

A unique art installation, honoring Southern authors, will open Oct. 17 and continue through Nov. 30 in the art gallery of the Charleston County Main Library on Calhoun Street, in Charleston, SC.

Created by Gertrude Simon, a papermaking artist and teacher, the exhibition features many noted Southern writers. It includes some of those who have used Charleston as "place", in their works, as well as other significant writers who were born here, or were actual residents of Charleston and vicinity during their careers.

A principal element of the installation consists of two wall-mounted, open page book structures, each containing twelve pages. Each individual structure measures approximately ten feet in length. Both contain text and pictures dealing with the writers and the period.

A Southern ambiance is created in the Gallery by some of Simon's paper waxworks as well as a number of other art objects made of, or covered with, handmade paper. These objects interact with each other to support the theme of Southern Authors Come to Call.

During the weeks preceding the show, residents of Charleston, patrons of the Library, and others, have an opportunity to " vote" for their favorite Southern authors and/or Southern books by means of a " ballot" offered through displays and the local media. During the show, these " ballots" will be displayed on a bulletin board in the art gallery. (See below)

In conjunction with the exhibition, the Library is planning a number of coordinated activities. Speakers and special displays, relating to Southern authors, have been arranged. In the Children's Library, Simon is planning another exhibit, Let's Make Paper.

Gertrude Simon has lived in the Lowcountry for fourteen years. She has conducted numerous workshops on papermaking and related subjects at the Gibbes Museum Studio. As an Artist in Residence in the Arts-In-Education Program of the SC Arts Commission, she has taught papermaking at many grade levels throughout the State. She has exhibited locally and nationally. Her works are in many public and private collections.

In a statement about her exhibit, Simon said, "Ever since moving to South Carolina, I have become increasingly interested in the work of Southern authors and in the lives of the authors themselves. This interest lead to the formation of a Southern Literature Book Club in my community, which I have co-chaired for several years. Our reading has ranged from Southern literature of the colonial and ante-bellum period up to the present time. I believe that recognition of Southern authors and their works, especially some of those who used the Charleston area as a venue for their stories, is well deserved. This art installation is the fruition of a desire I have had to blend my art with my interest in Southern literature."

For more info check our SC Insttutional Gallery listings or call 843/805-6801.

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