A Multi-media collaboration: Piccolo Spoleto Opening Exhibition

conNECKtedTOO

An Art and Culture in/with Community

Project for Economic Development

By the Charleston Rhizome Collective

JEMAGWGA – Jean Marie Mauclet and Gwylene Gallimard (G&M)

May 25-June 10: YOU BET ‘N ME ‘N ME ‘N YOU

Exhibition of 20 locally owned stores & conversation with the TINY Business (wo)man every day at lunch

As part of the opening ceremony for the Piccolo Spoleto arts fair this year, Charleston Rhizome Collective (managed by G&M, former local business people turned arts managers and community activists) presented a view of twenty locally owned businesses in crisis. Their exhibit portrays these businesses in a free-form representation “in a giant game of Mikado”. They are literally hung in air representing the feelings of these places/people as being caught up the whirlwind of change. It is a perfect portrayal of the uncertainty these places face as Charleston rebuilds the city quickly in the face of climate change and an uncertain future. It does seem now that the essence of these places in uniting the community is being transformed if not altogether obliterated. Charleston is transitioning from a small town of locally owned businesses to a much more corporate monolithic cityscape. It seems it is turning inward, building walls and large buildings. These local places represent the value of not just smaller, more flexible, helpful, and manageable businesses but also the value of community ties and relationship building. They have been about this business for a long time here: It is part of the small town atmosphere that underlies Charleston. But where do we go now?

The installation is also a cultural event as various conversations with these business owners are being promoted throughout this week (May 25 through June 10). What to do? How to hang on to what is most important here? It is bringing people after this period of reflection as to where they are now that this exhibition might affect constructive dialog and change – if not in form, then in spirit. The dictum of the West Edge Construction Company, nominally portrayed on its corner, that it will “build anything, anywhere” might actually be tempered by a discussion with what makes for place. Not buildings, but people. Culture over buildings. Can we succeed where others have failed? Must we conform to a new corporate reality and built environment? Or might community values and conversations prevail? Will the strength of these massive buildings stand up to Mother Nature or will the quiet care and steadfastness of small business owners find a way to accommodate change, adapt and prevail? It is after all not in the building of it, it is in its care. This is what gives time and meaning to a city and what convinces people of its long standing history, its efficacy for preservation – the layers of time in its building and its people, the love and attention that nurtures long standing and flexible growth.

I hope people manage to partake of the conversations. I know that G&M will be recording their thoughts and pull something meaningful out this chaos of place. They are about the business of fashioning a kind of preservation thought that tries to balance people and their networks over buildings and their materiality. We look forward to the ongoing conversation and hope to be a part of the solution.

James Ward

SC Landscape Architect