Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art at the College of Charleston

The Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art is celebrating its newest exhibition La Vaughn Belle: When the Land Meets the Body, on display August 25th to December 9th, with an array of events that are open to the public.  Here’s a look at the schedule: Artist Talk- August 26th, 2 pm  Art-lovers are invited to take a deep dive into the work behind When the Land Meets the Body with renowned artist La Vaughn Belle. Free and open to the public, guests can join in on the conversation at the Halsey Institute – 161 Calhoun Street, Charleston, SC 29401.   WGS Intersections- Sept. 28th, 4 pm  Open to the public for free and organized by the Women’s and Gender Studies Program (WGS) at the College of Charleston, this panel discussion will examine the themes explored in La Vaughn Belle’s When the Land Meets the Body. WGS Intersections will be led by Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture Executive Director Tamara Butler, African American Studies Associate Professor Mari Crabtree and Biology Senior Instructor Deb Bidwell at the Halsey Institute. WGS Intersections is part of a weeklong interdisciplinary series Land, Body, History presented by WGS from September 25-29.  Poetry Reading- Oct. 5th, 6:00-7:30 pm  Join the Halsey for light bites and refreshments in the galleries for an evening of poetry from Marlanda Dekine and A$iahMae. Marlanda Dekine, author of Thresh & Hold and i am from a punch & a kiss, has received numerous fellowships and awards from Gender Benders, SC Arts Commission, Castle of our Skins, Tin House, Palm Beach Poetry Festival and more. Dekine’s poems can be found in anthologies, composed music and in literary publications such as POETRY, Oxford American and Orion Magazine. A multi-hyphenated artist whose background spans across film, curation, production, performance and language arts, A$iahMae currently serves as the co-creator for the writing platform For The Scribes and Charleston, SC’s Second Poet Laureate. As a Watering Hole Fellow, A$iahMae’s work has been featured in The Gibbes Museum of Art, Charleston Food & Wine Festival, The Post and Courier and more. Halsey After Hours- Oct. 25th, 5-7 pm The Halsey invites members and not-yet members alike to enjoy happy hour at the Halsey After Hours event. Attendees can drink in the views of the current exhibition La Vaughn Belle: When the Land Meets the Body, meet Halsey staff and advisory board members and walk away with a memorable photo featuring the famous moon from the Halsey’s Moon Party. Free to members; not-yet members will be asked to make a $10 donation at the door.   Carolina Gold Cultural History Tour – Nov. 4th, 10:00-11:30 am  Go off-site with the Halsey at Caw Caw Interpretive Center and explore the histories behind the land depicted in La Vaughn Belle: When the Land Meets the Body. A portion of new video work made by Belle for the exhibition was filmed at Caw Caw. During the 75-minute program, participants will learn more about the former rice fields and the cultivation process for rice using reproduction artifacts, examine the roles and influences of enslaved Africans and African Americans, and discuss the events associated with the Stono Slave Rebellion. Email [email protected] to reserve your spot. Family Day!- Nov. 12th, 10 am-2 pm Free and open to the public, families are welcome to join the Halsey staff for guided tours, art activities that explore the exhibition, healthy snacks and more for a fun-filled, family-friendly celebration of La Vaughn Belle: When the Land Meets the Body.  Roadside Blooms Wreath Making Workshop- Dec. 2nd, 5:30-7:30 pm  Roadside Blooms, a local magical plant, flower and rock shop that specializes in wedding and event florals, workshops, planter services and everyday deliveries, will be visiting the Halsey galleries for a wreath making workshop using American-grown local flora. Crafters will also receive a free guided tour of the La Vaughn Belle: When the Land Meets the Body exhibition. Tickets are $25 with supplies included; guests can email [email protected] to sign up.