Page 8B March 3, 2009

Gallery of the Month

A vision for the arts up and down Calhoun Street

By Anne Feldman

Local artist-in-residence Amos Hummell has long

recognized the importance of arts inclusion within the

community.

“An inclusive community equals productivity,”

Hummell said. And true community inclusion means

an individual has an opportunity to experience community

participation.

Hummell Studios, located in the restored historic

Carson Cottage in Old Town Bluffton, is often the scene

of community arts happenings, including arts in education

programs with local student artists.

Hummell, well known for his original artwork as

well as his popular performance art cottage theatre, has

drawn many to Calhoun Street events. He’d like to take

this concept further, and envisions Bluffton as a regional

community campus for the arts.

The economies of art, and groups working together

are a strong premise for hosting a consortium of arts in

education (AIE) programs to benefit the community and

generate commerce throughout Old Town Bluffton.

“It’s an opportunity to get everyone involved,”

Hummell said. “Artists, people in the community and a

volunteers in education alliance can work together on a

variety of programs – workshops, classes, a lecture

series.”

The Technical College of the Lowcountry has

expressed interest, so hopefully something will develop,

he said. Although this concept is in its early stages, it’s

already beginning to take root as other artists see the

benefits of working together.

Mira Scott of Picture This Gallery endorses the community

concept, “I think in times like this hope goes a

long way. Amos is proposing a sharing concept that

makes perfect sense.”

Scott said she will link to its future web site, so

patrons can learn about volunteering and participating

with community organizations.

Changes are already under way on Calhoun Street, as

the Old Town Museum at Seven Oaks plans to open its

doors mid-April, according to developer Thomas Viljac,

founder of the private, non-profit museum.

“The museum will incorporate historical aspects of

art and history with an agricultural component,

reflecting the history of Bluffton,” Viljac said.

Robert Jones, former director of the Heyward House

Historic Center, will serve as part-time executive

director of the civil war museum, located on the

building’s lower level.

The beautifully renovated Seven Oaks, built in 1850

by Col. Middleton Stuart, will also function as an events

venue. It was one of the few structures spared by Union

Troops in 1863.

For information call 290-0507, or visit historicsevenoaks.

com.