Celebrate holiday joy at these upcoming arts events in Hilton Head, Bluffton and Beaufort
As a Greater Lowcountry breeze sweeps through the streets of Hilton Head, Bluffton and Beaufort, there is a notable change in the air. The holiday season is fully responsible! It approaches you with an unimaginable yet undeniable expectancy of exultation. Whatever it might mean to you personally, the obvious and inviting shops and store windows or simply the sensations or the parking lot of joy and gladness which absolutely pops up around every corner.
In a triumph of understatement, I say simply it is the jubilation the holidays bring, brilliantly approaching you, your family and friends. What an amazing gift!
PERFORMING ARTS
ARTS CENTER OF COASTAL CAROLINA
Irving Berlin’s “Holiday Inn”
Irving Berlin’s “Holiday Inn” tells the story of Jim, who leaves the bright lights of show business behind to settle down on his farmhouse in Connecticut, but life just isn’t the same without a bit of song and dance. Jim’s luck takes a spectacular turn when he meets Linda, a spirited schoolteacher with talent to spare. Together they turn the farmhouse into a fabulous inn with dazzling performances to celebrate each holiday, from Thanksgiving to the Fourth of July.
Based on the classic film, this joyous musical features thrilling dance numbers, laugh-out-loud comedy and a parade of hit Irving Berlin songs, including “Easter Parade,” “Steppin’ Out With My Baby,” “Cheek to Cheek,” and of course, “White Christmas.” It’s the perfect heartwarming holiday show for the whole family!
Where: Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head
When: Through Dec. 24
Info: artshhi.com or 843-842-2787
LEAN ENSEMBLE
“Outside Mullingar”
Anthony and Rosemary are two introverted misfits straddling 40. Anthony has spent his entire life on a cattle farm in rural Ireland, a state of affairs that, due to his painful shyness, suits him well. Rosemary lives right next door, determined to have him, watching the years slip away. With Anthony’s father threatening to disinherit him and a land feud simmering between their families, Rosemary has every reason to fear romantic catastrophe. But then, in this very Irish story with a surprising depth of poetic passion, these yearning, eccentric souls fight their way toward some kind of happiness.
Where: 3000 Main St., Hilton Head
When: Through Dec. 17; talkbacks with members of the cast and special guests following performances at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8 and Dec. 15 and 2 p.m. Dec. 10 and Dec. 17.
Info: leanensemble.org
VISUAL ARTS
COASTAL DISCOVERY MUSEUM
“Intricate Oceans: Coral in Contemporary Art”
Featuring work from seven contemporary artists who are deeply concerned with the health of the coral reefs, the exhibition will explore the environmental pressures facing our oceans.
Where: Main Gallery, 70 Honey Horn Drive, Hilton Head
When: Curator’s tour, various dates through March 24; gallery hours 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday
Info: coastaldiscovery.org or 843-689-6767
LA PETITE GALLERIE
Featuring works in oil, acrylic, watercolor and mixed media by Rose Cofield, Sue Grilli, Murray Sease, Lauren Arsenault, Bill Winn and sculpture by Wally Palmer.
Where: Adjacent to The Store, 56 Calhoun St., Bluffton
When: Through the month
Info: lapetitegallerie.com or 843-757-6586
SOBA – SOCIETY OF BLUFFTON ARTISTS
30th annual judged show call for entries
SOBA invites Lowcountry artists to submit their works of art. The 30th annual judged show will take place March 4-31 and will be judged by renowned artist Greg Barnes. Winners will be awarded first-, second-, and third-place cash awards in oil, acrylic, watercolor, photography, drawing (includes paste, pencil, ink), collage and 3-D (includes pottery, wood, stained glass, sculpture).
When: Registration deadline is Feb. 23; registered art drop-off is 9 to 11 a.m. March 4
Where: 6 Church St., Bluffton
Info: sobagallery.com or 843-757-6586
RED PIANO GALLERY
Drop by the gallery and enjoy the incredible Holiday experience and the special collection from Betty Anglin Smith. Red Paino Gallery is now proudly representing the work of West Fraser.
Where: 40 Calhoun St., Ste. 201, Bluffton
When: through the month
Info: redpianoartgallery.com 843-842-4433
MUSICAL
LOWCOUNTRY COMMUNITY CONCERT
“Herald the Holidays”
The free program includes “Fanfare for the Festival of Lights,” “Herald the Holidays,” “Sleigh Ride,” “O Magnum Mysterium,” “Greensleeves,” “Christmas and Sousa Forever,” and other selections.
Where: Center for the Arts Building at USCB’s Beaufort Campus, 805 Carteret St.
When: 7 p.m. Dec. 12
Info: ollilccb.com or 267-884-6805
HILTON HEAD CHORAL SOCIETY
“Light and Lighter”
This holiday concert will begin with an inspiring illumination of musical excellence. Whether you are hanging Christmas lights or have Menorah candles burning brightly at your home, the repertoire will surely get you in the holiday spirit. The evening also includes some lighter, fun and familiar holiday songs sure to bring some warm nostalgia to the season! Rushingbrook Children’s Choir from Greenville will be accompanying the HHCS for this celebration of the season.
Where: First Presbyterian Church, 540 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head
When: 7 p.m. Dec. 15
Info: hiltonheadchoralsociety.org or 843-341-3818
CULTURAL EVENTS
ART LEAGUE OF HILTON HEAD
Holiday Gallery of Gifts
Handmade gift items, jewelry and artwork by local artists for sale.
Where: Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday through Dec. 30
Info: artleaguehhi.org or 843-681-5060
CHRISTMAS EVE UNDER THE STARS
A service for the community by The New Bluffton Worship and First Zion Missionary Baptist Church. The service will include a message, carols and lighting of candles.
Where: Bluffton Oyster Factory Park, 63 Wharf St., Bluffton
When: 6:30 p.m. Dec. 24; free refreshments start at 6 p.m.
PAT CONROY LITERARY CENTER
Poetry workshop led by Jacquelyn Markham
Who should attend this workshop? Those who love language and long to express their experiences in words. Any level can take away some tips for the process of hearing and expressing what Levertov calls our “constellations of experience.” Tickets are $45 per person.
Where: 601 Bladen St., Beaufort
When: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12
Info:
patconroyliterarycenter.org or 843-379-7025
Robert Maynor headlines open mic night
The South Carolina Novel Series winner Robert Maynor will be joined by local writers with short readings of 3-5 minutes from their poetry and prose. Free.
Where: Sandies, 711 Bladen St., Beaufort
When: 6 p.m. Dec. 14
Info: patconroyliterarycenter.org or 843-379-7025
To reach Nancy K. Wellard, email coastalartnews@gmail.com.
