Tyla Fergusson-Platt sits down to talk with Angela Mack, President of the Gibbes Museum of Art, to talk about this years exciting line-up for Art Charleston.

Charleston, in South Carolina, has long had a strong connection with the arts and music. From the evolution of early jazz to the invention of the 1920’s ‘Charleston dance’, it has always been a melting pot for culture and the arts. The Art Charleston Festival is a unique event, within the city, that champions art from the american south. The Gibbes Museum of Art is hosting proceedings, with the theme this year being the interconnection between art and fashion design.

‘We never lose sight that art is the reason’ 

Angela Mack, CEO and President of the Gibbes Museum of Art, has had an extensive career in the arts, which began at university.

“My academic work was in the field of art history which led me to work for the Museums Devision at the National Endowment for the Humanities in Washington, D.C. Before moving to Charleston where I joined the Gibbes staff in 1981 as an assistant curator.”

A number of promotions eventually led her to the position of President of the museum, a post she has held since 2008. For Angela the festival is a chance to champion local artists.

“Art Charleston offers the opportunity to spotlight our region’s visual arts accomplishments and its capacity to elevate, cultivate and enhance the lives of our residents and visitors.”

The festival champions local artists and all the proceeds from the event are reimbursed into the local community. Pay a visit to this years celebration and discover more about Charlestons visual arts accomplishments and artists in the wider american south.

Whats on at this years Art Charleston Festival?

This years focus is on the intersection between art and fashion design. Internationally acclaimed fashion houses are set to showcase their garments including Alexander McQueen, Gucci and Comme des Garcons. In a special twist these pieces of clothing with be paired with Gibbes Museum works of art, creating an interesting juxtaposition.

“Works by Hokusai, Gilbert Stuart, Barclay Hendricks, Romare Beardon, Jasper Jones and Joan Mitchell are paired with garments by Alexander McQueen, Dapper Dan, Gucci and others.”

Festival Highlights:

April 23rd-27th 2025  – Contemporary Fashion Design and the Gibbes collection – Exhibition

Statement Pieces features designer treasures from the Barrett Barrera Projects acclaimed fashion collection, alongside works of art from the Museum’s permanent collection. Exquisitely designed garments are curated with select artworks spanning 250 years, from the 1770s to the 2020s.

“The Gibbes Museum of Art is thrilled to celebrate the many ways art and fashion are forever intertwined in our culture,” says Angela Mack, the President and CEO of the Gibbes Museum. “The dialogues between each artwork and garment create a striking visual courtship between the two art forms,” adds Mack.

April 23rd 2025 (11am)  – Key Note Speaker – Nell Diamond, Founder & CEO of Hill House Home

This year, the Gibbes Women’s Council is honoured to present Nell Diamond, Founder & CEO of Hill House Home. Celebrated for its cult-favourite Nap Dress®, Hill House is a fashion and lifestyle brand with a hyper-loyal customer base nationwide – especially at Nell’s new Charleston store, the largest of all Hill House Home locations.

She has appeared on The Today Show, CNN, CBS News, and in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Fortune, New York Magazine, and Vogue.

April 23rd 2025 (6pm)  – Panel Discussion – YouTube Stars – Luke Meagher, Recho Omondi and Maia Wyman

These New York-based, nationally celebrated creators are redefining what it means to critique
fashion and culture. The prominent You Tubers will be invited to Art Charleston for what promises to be a lively
conversation about all things fashion. Their panel discussion will dissect the rapidly changing world of fashion and culture criticism in the new media era.

April 24th 2025 (7pm)  – Gibbes Street Party – Superstar Chef Michael Toscano

This year, the popular street party returns bigger and better than ever, as Charleston’s world renowned top chefs take centre stage for a culinary soiree under the stars, led by the celebrated New York superstar Chef Michael
Toscano who has enjoyed both a culinary presence and a home in Charleston for several years.

“Art Charleston shines the national spotlight on this destination, and we are proud to be part of its growing prominence,” says Michael Toscano. “Our family fell in love with Charleston’s arts and culture scene after our first visit.”

Angela Mack’s Picks of the Festival

There is much to see at this years Art Charleston, and although Angela will be visiting every show available, she has whittled down a few that she is most excited about.

“This year we have a stellar line up of programs and events. Therefore, it is difficult to choose what I’m most excited about. The Art of Design luncheon and interview with Nell Diamond will be extraordinary, as will the Street Party culinary extravaganza with our stellar local chefs, the Sew Surreal fashion show, our panel discussions and the Artisan Fair. I plan to attend everything!”

Above all, she hopes that the impact of the festival will have positive repercussions long after it draws to a close. It holds great importance to not just the attendees, but also the wider communities of the south.

“I am hopeful that through this year’s focus on fashion and the visual arts our audiences will recognise and embrace how art is part of our daily lives.”

How to purchase tickets

Tickets are selling out fast but there is still some availability for some of the shows on offer.

“While several events are sold out, tickets can be purchased through our website at the Art
Charleston events page https://www.gibbesmuseum.org/art-charleston/ .”