A Summer of Souvenirs

Last year, Fabulon Art Center & Gallery’s opening on Wappoo Road marked a change for West Ashley’s art scene, one that had been sluggish over the last several years. But Susan Irish’s gallery and art education center has provided a spark that seems to be spreading throughout West Ashley.
It was this time last year when Fabulon hosted it’s first official gallery show with Souvenirs of Summer, a salute to the changing of the seasons featuring works from new and emerging artists. This year, as summer winds down yet again, Irish is hosting Souvenirs of Summer II, a show that will embrace and capture the many symbols of summer’s end — vacation, memories, and the change of seasons.
“Last year was fun and magical seeing a dream come true,” says the former teacher. “I now have a whole host of new friends and artists that I have made since the gallery opened. I want to share that same magic vibe with them, too.”
Souvenirs of Summer II opens with a reception from 5-8:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 26 with live music, refreshments, art activities, and the chance to meet the artists. With the Souvenirs of Summer II, Fabulon will introduce new visiting artists along with the gallery’s new permanent artist, Vickie Hickman. This will be her first gallery show.
“All the Fabulon artists have been prolific this summer. Two have traveled over seas. These super talent people still amaze me with their growth. (Hickman) is on to something and I can’t wait to see what she brings to SoS III,” says Irish. “Our social media specialist is a former student of mine and she has a stellar little portrait. And I’m showing some acrylic pieces about how I overcame my fear of flying.”
The show is also a celebration of the gallery’s one-year anniversary. “It is an opportunity to reflect on the growth as well as hope for what the future holds for Fabulon, the arts community, and my West Ashley home community,” says Irish, who also helped form the West Ashley Arts Initiative. “We hope to bring more arts related events to West Ashley. I am delighted to be involved with Charleston Arts Festival, MOJA, and a pop up show at the Farmer’s Market. Fabulon is being recognized. I want us to be a go-to place. So if someone has an arts related idea and needs a venue, think Fabulon.”
Souvenirs of Summer II opens with a reception on Friday, Aug. 26, 5-8:30 p.m. at Fabulon, located at 1017 Wappoo Road. For more information, call 566-3383, or visit www.fabulonart.com.