The Alliance Now Accepting Applications for the Multi-disciplinary Event

Charleston, SC — The Charleston Regional Alliance for the Arts invites local arts organizations to register and participate at “OPEN,” a multi-disciplinary event open to the public, featuring the abundance of artistic and cultural offerings in the tri-county area. The event will take place on September 11, 2010, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Memminger Auditorium in downtown Charleston, SC.

As an annual preview of the arts, local arts organizations or collectives will be given the opportunity to captivate, intrigue and cultivate new audiences at “OPEN.” This arts expo includes a cultural marketplace of interactive arts booths, performance stages, multi-media presentations, a family fun arts corner and an open-air courtyard of vendors, street performers and more.

To qualify, arts organizations or collectives that consist of five or more artisans should be involved in one or more of the following art forms: music, dance, visual arts, theatre and/or literary arts. Deadline for registration is July 27, 2010, and the registration fee is $50. Interested parties should contact Jessica Solomon Bluestein at 843.577.5288 or by email at Alliance4Arts@gmail.com.

About the Charleston Regional Alliance for the Arts:

The Charleston Regional Alliance for the Arts is dedicated to the shared realization of a dynamic and thriving arts community by serving arts organizations in the region of Charleston, SC with resources and better business practices. Acting as a catalyst and facilitator for Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester counties, the Alliance envisions an engaged community that is fully expressive, creative and inspired by the arts.

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American College of the Building Arts Accepting Applications for New Students

Fall Semester Enrollment Deadline on August 13, 2010

CHARLESTON, S.C.— The American College of the Building Arts (ACBA) (www.buildingartscollege.us) is still accepting applications for new students for the Fall 2010 semester. Potential students can apply through August 13, 2010. The College is the very first in the United States to offer a four-year program teaching trades through liberal arts education.

Tuition for full-time degree seeking students is $9,936. Acceptance criteria include a completed application, high school/college transcripts, application fee of $50, essay (300-500 words), portfolio that shows the artistic abilities of the applicant, SAT 1050/ACT 22 (if no college experience) and a personal interview with an admissions officer.

With an innovative education model and under the direction of ACBA’s highly experienced faculty, students are trained in the traditional building arts – architectural stone, carpentry, forged architectural ironwork, plaster working, preservation masonry and timber framing. A similarity with Les Compagnons du Devoir, a 600 –year-old French training school for artisans, is not accidental as this world renowned school for master artisans was an inspiration for ACBA.

“We created our curriculum to teach students skills that practically vanished from our modern world. After graduation, they will use these skills to preserve our America’s historic heritage,” says John Paul Huguley, the college’s founder.

The college is located at the old Charleston City Jail in the heart of the historic downtown Charleston. Its placement in one of the oldest buildings in Charleston and one of the most beautiful historic cities in the United States allows the college’s students to learn trades and the importance of preservation. Yet, it also prepares them for a career in modern world.

“Many of our students select our college because they are passionate about historic preservation and are also looking for a different college experience,” continues Huguley. Students spend 18 hours per week in workshops and 12/15 in a class room. This unique education prepares them for the competitive world of the construction industry. Many however fall in-love with the art of historic preservation during their internship (in the US or abroad). For more information visit our website at www.buildingartscollege.us.

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About ACBA:

The American College of the Building Arts educates and trains artisans in the traditional building arts to foster exceptional craftsmanship and encourage the preservation, enrichment, and understanding of the world’s architectural heritage through a liberal arts education.

Media Contacts:

Vladia Jurcova-Spencer, Stylee PR & Marketing, vladia@styleepr.com, 843.345.3275

Ingrid Abramovitch will give a lecture at the American College of the Building Arts during the Open House (10 am to 2 pm) on Saturday, April 17 at 1 p.m. at the Old Charleston Jail Campus. Her lecture will focus on the craftsmanship that goes into building and restoring old homes and the skills of the artisans who restore them; different approaches to restoration, giving examples from period to modern homes, and tips on when to buy, how to evaluate homes before you buy, how to work with contractors and when to hire architects. Abramovitch will show slides of Low Country renovations (Charleston and Savannah) and a glimpse into what people are doing in other parts of the country. The lecture is free.

A former magazine editor at House & Garden and Martha Stewart Living, Abramovitch is a journalist who writes about design and architecture. She has contributed to such publications as the New York Times, Elle Decor, Cookie, the Wall Street Journal, and Departures.

To learn more about the Open House, visit http://www.buildingartscollege.us/

South Carolina is number three in the nation for reported incidents of domestic violence. The local club is devoted to raising awareness of domestic violence and contributes to preventing domestic abuse by creating educational programs and round tables locally and funding international programs created to advance the status of women worldwide.

Zonta’s mission is to stop violence, and to improve lives of women through a variety of international service projects. In 2008-2010, Zonta International will fund service programs in Rwanda (Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV), in Guatemala and El Salvador (Safe Cities for Women), in Liberia (Reduction of Obstetric Fistula). The club meets once a month at The Harbour Club in downtown Charleston. Zonta membership is by invitation.

Founded in 1919, Zonta International is a global organization of executives and professionals working together to advance the status of women worldwide through service and advocacy. Nearly 33,000 members belong to 1,234 Zonta Clubs in 67 countries. Amelia Earhart became a member of Zonta in 1928. The Zonta International Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation to which contributions are tax-deductible. The Foundation invests and manages funds donated to it to further the objects of Zonta International, and provides funds for the international service projects. Visit www.zonta.org for more information.

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A former magazine editor at House & Garden and Martha Stewart Living, Abramovitch is a journalist who writes about design and architecture. She has contributed to such publications as the New York Times, Elle Decor, Cookie, the Wall Street Journal, and Departures. The book includes the stories, told in words and photographs, of 21 antique homes in ten cities. The houses range from a Greek Revival townhouse in Charleston to a double-wide brownstone in Troy, NY.

Ingrid Abramovitch will give a lecture at the American College of the Building Arts on Saturday, April 17 at 1 p.m. at the Old Charleston Jail Campus, located at 21 Magazine Street in downtown Charleston, SC.  Her lecture will focus on the craftsmanship that goes into building and restoring old homes and the skills of the artisans who restore them; different approaches to restoration, giving examples from period to modern homes, and tips on when to buy, how to evaluate homes before you buy, how to work with contractors and when to hire architects. Abramovitch will show slides of Low Country renovations (Charleston and Savannah) and a glimpse into what people are doing in other parts of the country. The lecture is free.

Tickets for the Book Signing are $10 per person and can be purchased by calling ACBA at 843-577-5245.  You may also purchase tickets at the door. To learn more about the College, visit www.buildingartscollege.us.

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About ACBA:

The American College of the Building Arts educates and trains artisans in the traditional building arts to foster exceptional craftsmanship and encourage the preservation, enrichment, and understanding of the world’s architectural heritage through a liberal arts education.

A smashing hit since its establishment in 2005, the Palette and Palate Stroll presents the best of Charleston in one amazing evening. Attendees make stops at CFADA member galleries to mingle with local and visiting artists, enjoy the memorable pairings of breathtaking art created by nationally and internationally renowned artists and fine cuisine prepared by the elite local chefs. Participating restaurants include 82 Queen, BLU, Charleston Grill, Circa 1886, Cypress, FIG, Halls Chophouse, High Cotton, McCrady’s, Shine and Social.

“Since 2005, the event has attracted more than 3,000 people from across the nation. CFADA created this event to introduce our diverse art market to a new generation of local art collectors as well as art collectors from all over the United States,” says Helena Fox, co-president of CFADA. “We also wanted to reach out to our community and give local restaurants unique art venues to present their works of culinary art.”

“Our local chefs pride themselves on using local products and bringing farm to table. Our goal was to offer a special opportunity to present the bounty of local summer produce and products in the peak of the growing season and pair it with new works of art,” says Johnson Hagood, co-president of CFADA.

The event is presented as part of the Charleston Fine Art Dealers’ Association’s Studio Series, benefiting its visual arts scholarship fund. Money from the scholarship fund has been awarded to organizations such as Redux, the Gibbes Museum of Art and the College of Charleston School of the Arts. Cost is $45 per person and tickets are limited. Reservations are required. Tickets can be purchased by calling 843-819-8006 or on-line at www.cfada.com.

In conjunction with the event, Fulton Lane Inn is offering a special art package for two people (July 16-18, 2010). The package is $589.00 plus tax and includes daily continental breakfast, wireless internet access, afternoon wine and cheese reception, evening sherry & brandy, dinner for two at Circa 1886 Restaurant (Forbes 4 star, AAA Four Diamond restaurant located in sister property, Wentworth Mansion) with rickshaw rides to and from restaurant; tickets for two to Charleston’s most celebrated summer event, the Charleston Fine Art Dealers’ Association’s Fifth Annual Palette and Palate Stroll. To book the Palette and Palate hotel package, please visit www.fultonlaneinn.com or call 800-720-2688.

Founded in 1999, the Charleston Fine Art Dealers’ Association consists of the city’s prominent galleries working together to promote Charleston as a fine art destination for passionate art enthusiasts, avid collectors and talented artists. Since 2004, CFADA has donated more than $150,000 to local public high schools and scholarships for future artists.

CFADA Member Galleries:

Ann Long Fine Art·Carolina Galleries·Charleston Renaissance Gallery· Corrigan Gallery·Ella Walton Richardson Fine Art ·Helena Fox Fine Art·Horton Hayes Fine Art·Martin Gallery·Robert Lange Studios·Smith-Killian Fine Art· The Sylvan Gallery·Wells Gallery

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Media Contacts:

Vladia Jurcova-Spencer

Stylee PR & Marketing

vladia@styleepr.com

843.345.3275

Each of the following schools will receive art supplies—Academic Magnet High School, Burke High School, Charleston County School of the Arts, Garrett Academy of Technology, James Island Charter High School, North Charleston High School, R.B. Stall High School, Septima P. Clark Academy, St. John High School, Wando High School and West Ashley High School.

“This is the only organization in Charleston I know of that helps out the art programs in the schools. With the generous donations provided by CFADA, we are able to provide all students, especially those who may be disadvantaged, with high-quality materials for creating art.  Students are truly benefiting from having a creative outlet through our art classes,” praises Cheryl Clair, art teacher at Wando High School in Mount Pleasant, SC. According to the National Arts Education Initiative, arts education strengthens students problem solving and critical thinking skills, which will help them in school and their professional careers. Students involved in the arts perform better in reading, social studies and math compared to their peers.

The donation is possible thanks to the generosity of CFADA artists whose creations from the Painting in the Park where auctioned off at the Charleston Art Auction on Saturday, November 7, 2009.

Founded in 1999, the Charleston Fine Art Dealers’ Association is the source of fine art in the South and consists of the city’s prominent galleries. The association promotes Charleston as a fine art destination for avid collectors and passionate art enthusiasts and supports the artists of the future. Since 2004, CFADA has donated more than $140,000 to local high schools, the Gibbes Museum of Art, Redux Art Center and the Studio Art Department at the College of Charleston. For more information on CFADA, please visit www.cfada.com.

CFADA Member Galleries:

Ann Long Fine Art·Carolina Galleries·Charleston Renaissance Gallery· Corrigan Gallery·John Carroll Doyle Art Gallery·Ella Walton Richardson Fine Art ·Helena Fox Fine Art·Horton Hayes Fine Art·Martin Gallery·Robert Lange Studios·Smith-Killian Fine Art· The Sylvan Gallery·Wells Gallery

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Media Contact:

Vladia Jurcova-Spencer

Stylee PR & Marketing

vladia@styleepr.com

843-345-3275

For the first time, the Rendezvous is taking place in North Myrtle Beach, SC. The Grand Strand Resorts at Barefoot Resort will accommodate meeting space, lodging and marina slips on site in one location. The Rendezvous offers a good mix of Looping levels, ensuring the proper passing of knowledge. The event features seminars and side sessions to satisfy every Looper-learning level – from first timers to veterans – including a special session with information about the new Harbor Host program.

The Rendezvous & Reunion is open to AGLCA members, and month-to-month memberships are available. The cost for attendance at the Rendezvous is $299 per person and includes all events, seminars, side sessions and group meals.  Cancellations received by April 10, 2010 will be refunded less a processing fee of $50. There will be no refunds issued for cancellations received on or after April 10^th. Attendance is limited, and registration is required. Hotel accommodations and slip reservations must be booked separately by calling the resort.

AGLCA is an organization of boaters who have cruised or dream of cruising any or all of North America’s eastern waterways, known as the Great Loop. The association is committed to sharing navigational and cruising information that will enhance the enjoyment and safety of those cruising these waterways. AGLCA membership is a great gift, starting at $59.00 per year to U.S. addresses. Various levels of sponsorship are also available. Please visit www.GreatLoop.org, for more information or to register.

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Media Contact:

Vladia Jurcova-Spencer

Stylee PR & Marketing

843-345-3275

vladia@styleepr.com

“We have such a tremendously supportive community for causes like the Pajama Program. It’s exciting to see all the encouragement from local business owners, families and individuals. I’m positive that we can make a big difference and really show this national organization what Beaufort is all about,” says Dean Cowart. Dean Cowart and Kira Bailey of Vista Marketing Group are the Beaufort drive organizers.

“According to physicians supporting the program, new pajamas are a necessary part of promoting good health in children and preventing infections and disease, as well as providing psychological benefits,” says Cowart who is intent on spreading the word.

To add another level of excitement, Cowart has implemented some creative marketing strategy and asked for businesses to participate in ‘The Great Pajama Race’. All participating locations will receive a ‘Nurture Bin’ where they can then seek out their own imaginative ways to get their customers and employees to donate. The Nurture Bins will stay at these locations until December 12, where contribution totals and an overall winner will be announced.

Additionally, there will be an event to showcase the top business contributors, as well as various sponsorship levels for businesses to also join in the cause. Every participating business will be listed on the main website and promoted on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter.

The Pajama Program is a 501(c)(3) charity and provides new pajamas and new books to children in need, many of whom are waiting and hoping to be adopted. Many of these youngsters have been abused or abandoned and in many cases, have never enjoyed the simple comfort of having a loving mother or father tuck them in at bedtime. Since 2001, the Pajama Program has donated 407,202 new pajamas and 184,298 new books.

Donations can be made by dropping off new pajamas, new books, or by submitting checks made out to the ‘Pajama Program’ to P.O. Box 213, Beaufort SC 29901. Visit www.beaufortpajamas.com for current “Nurture Bin” locations or call (843) 548-0342 for more information.

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