The eighth installment of Artcelium brings creative community together in nature
by Lorne Chambers | Editor
In the plant world, mycelium is a network of underground fungal threads that work like a root structure, branching out and connecting many of the living things in nature together. Local musician Aggie Flores is trying to create a similar symbiotic relationship among Charleston’s creative community. She helped found the multifaceted art event Artcelium Fest, which gets its name from a combination of art and mycelium. Initially created as a monthly event, Artcelium is now held quarterly, which makes for a bigger more engaging event. The eighth Artcelium Fest will be held starting at 9 p.m. on Sunday, July 10 at the Woodland’s Nature Preserve in West Ashley. Tickets for admission are $10 and festival goers are encouraged to camp (discounted additional fee) as there will be events going on well into the night.
Artcelium Fest is a convergence of artists, musicians, dancers, and art enthusiasts who gather to celebrate by creating together in nature. According to Flores, each participant has the freedom to choose how they would like to add to the experience of Artcelium Fest.
“We’re inviting people to come and offer something, whatever it is that they want to do whether that is selling their work or hosting a workshop and sharing their knowledge or whatever,” says Flores. It costs $10 to get into the event and is free to participate. “The only other thing we ask is that if you are selling something that you also offer something in return that contributes to the festival. So if you’re selling your jewelry, maybe also give us a workshop to show us how you do it.”
Artcelium Fests also feature live art demonstrations, often festival goers can participate in the creation of the art. In addition to visual art, there will be several live music offerings, including Flore’s own band Lynx del Sur, which also features Andres Liviola and Emma Dooley of the band Girl Pluto. David Koster Band from Philadelphia will play as well as sets from DJ Sparkle and DJ Moldybrain with Noah Jones of Little Bird and Psychodelics. In the spirit of sharing and creating, Flores says there will also be an open mic portion to the night as well as a campfire jam session for those who are camping. Regardless if you end up staying the night or just spend a few hours, you will have access to the entire Woodland’s Nature Reserve. Flores says come early and walk around, bring your bike, stand-up paddleboard, or kayak.
According to Flores, getting out in nature is part of the Artcelium experience. A native of Argentina, Flores says when she arrived in the United States that everyone had amazing creative spaces — art studios, music studios, etc. But she wants to bring that creative energy outside the studio and into nature. “Our goal is to inspire others to pursue their passions by observing all stages of creation, from nature’s trees to human’s art,” she says.
In addition to art and nature, there will be several food trucks, including The Darling Oyster Bar Southern Classics, RikiQuito Venezuelan food, and Fruit Snow Shaved Ice.
The eighth installment of Artcelium Fest will be held Sunday, July 10 at the Woodland’s Nature Reserve, located at 4279 Ashley River Road. For more information, visit www.newparadigmproductions.org/artceliumfest.
