And The Reader’s Choice is…

Over the last couple months, West Of, in conjunction with chART — Charleston’s Outdoor Art Initiative, held a contest where 31 different local artists painted refurbished metal newspaper boxes. The contest culminated with an art walk in the Avondale Business District on Friday, Sept. 5. Four esteemed judges rated their favorite boxes, with the public serving as the fifth “judge.” Around 300 people from the local community came out to the art walk and were able to vote on their favorite box(es) by placing quarters in the coin slot of their favorite one(s).  More than $665 in quarters were raised as a result, with the money going to chART.
In the end local artist Matt Wilson won the grand prize of $500, with Patch Whiskey grabbing the $100 runner up prize. Deanne Bower’s “Chicken Coop” box was named “Most West Ashley” as it is embellished with “found” material picked up in and around the Avondale area.
However, there was one more prize to give and that was for the “Reader’s Choice” Award. On Sept. 10 West Of published it’s first-ever “Arts Issue” with all 31 boxes and artists profiled. West Of readers were then directed to vote on Facebook by “liking” their favorite box(es). In the end, more than 1,500 votes were cast and the “Reader’s Choice” Award went to local artist Kellie Bates. She will receive a West Ashley prize pack, that includes items from local stores and gift certificates from local restaurants.
Over the next several weeks the boxes will be distributed throughout West Ashley as West Of continues to grow it’s circulation in the 29407 and 29414 zip codes. If you are a business or property owner and would like to host a West Of chART Box, please contact publisher Lorne Chambers at 843-766-WEST (9378) or publisher@westof.net.