Looking For a Few Good Artists

In an effort to increase distribution and presence within the West Ashley area, West Of — West Ashley’s Community Newspaper has recently purchased more than 30 refurbished metal, outdoor newspaper vending machines. These boxes will be replacing the old, ugly, green plastic displays at current locations throughout West Ashley and will also allow West Of to be available in more, convenient locations throughout the 29407 and 29414 zip codes. But it has also sparked the “Outside The Box” local outdoor art project and contest, involving dozens of local artists.
A couple weeks ago when the newspaper boxes arrived at the back of West Of’s Savannah Highway office, neighboring business owner Geoff Richardson of Lava Salon and local street artist Patch Whiskey were in Alycia Alley discussing Patch’s new mural along the fence behind the Avondale shops. Richardson, who is the director of chART (Charleston’s Outdoor Initiative & Gallery), saw the giant U-Haul full of newspaper boxes and immediately an idea came to mind of a new way to expand chART beyond the brick walls of Avondale and even further into the community. What Richardson saw was not 36 newspaper boxes that will help West Of deliver news to the West Ashley community, but rather 36 blank canvases.
Along with chART, West Of will use these boxes as way to get more public art into the West Ashley community. We are looking for 25-30 local artists to participate in this initiative, which will culminate with an art show and contest. The winning artists will receive a $500 cash prize. There will also be a prize for the runner-up, and a prize for the “Most West Ashley” box.
Applications will be accepted from now until JULY 25. If you would like to be considered for this project please send your personal contact information, a short artist statement, and examples of your work  either to westofartbox@gmail.com or West Of, 811 Savannah Hwy. Suite #2 Charleston, SC 29407.