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Gibbes Museum of Art Programming Guide | Summer 2026

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MAY – SEPTEMBER 2026

Coming to Camelot, 2025, by Mary Whyte (American, b. 1953). Watercolor on paper, 36 × 24 inches. Collection of Larry and Jeanne Williams.

ONGOING EXHIBITIONS

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: EDWIN HARLESTON ON VIEW THROUGH AUGUST 16, 2026

CAROLYN AND WAYNE JONES GALLERY

RODIN: ALL THE TRUTH OF NATURE

SELECTIONS FROM THE IRIS & B. GERALD CANTOR COLLECTIONS ON VIEW THROUGH JANUARY 17, 2027

CAMPBELL ROTUNDA, MARTHA RYAN SEVERENS GALLERY, AND LAURA D. AND STEPHEN F. GATES GALLERY

NEW EXHIBITIONS

MARY WHYTE: SALT OF THE EARTH MAY 22–SEPTEMBER 27, 2026

CHRISTINA AND ROBERT BRINKMAN GALLERY AND GALLERY 9

Salt of the Earth showcases a series of paintings by acclaimed watercolorist Mary Whyte. Known for her expressive, large-scale watercolors of contemporary Americans, Whyte celebrates the nation’s 250 anniversary with twenty-six masterful works, along with site-specific drawings rendered directly on the museum walls. These works spotlight the diversity, fortitude, and spirit of the American people. With its moving considerations of all walks of life, from the San Francisco fortune cookie maker to the South Carolina oysterman, Whyte’s newest vision offers a poignant tribute to the individuals who shape America—and to their remarkable spirit, tenacity, and grit.

MEMBER PREVIEW

THURSDAY, JUNE 4

6PM Fellows

6PM General Members

IMPRESSION, MONET LOANS FROM THE GREGG TURK FOUNDATION

JUNE 5–OCTOBER 25, 2026

CAROLYN AND WAYNE JONES GALLERY

When Claude Monet passed away 100 years ago in 1926, he left behind a legacy, degree of influence, and level of fame unmatched by most any other artist in his own lifetime. Celebrated today as a pioneer of modern art history, Monet (1840–1926) remains the bestknown Impressionist painter globally. By the time of his death, he had spent the better part of fifty years redefining what art could be about, what art could look like, and what it meant to be a modern artist. This exhibition, featuring three extraordinary Monet landscapes on loan to the Gibbes from the Gregg Turk Foundation, examines both Monet and the catalytic impact of his creative project, not merely in France but also here in the United States, as seen through the lens of select works from the Museum’s permanent collection.

IMAGE: Coop, 2011, by Mary Whyte (American, b. 1953). Watercolor on paper, 28.25 × 40.75 inches. Collection of Deborah Chalsty.
Support provided by Kiawah Partners and Dr. Joseph and Meghan Scalea
IMAGE: Route près de Giverny, 1885, by Claude Monet (1840-1926). Oil on canvas. 25 3/4 x 32 in. On loan from the Gregg Turk Foundation.

FERVOR:

A SECOND LIFE SUPPLY PICCOLO SPOLETO POP-UP

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3 | 5PM

Explore what sustainability and creativity look like in Charleston! This one night only Piccolo Spoleto show, “Fervor, aka Second Life Vol. 5,” will feature thirteen local visual artists who have utilized reclaimed art supplies by way of a White Elephant Supply Swap, including, but not limited to, clay, old magazines, a Zen garden, yarn, and wood scraps. Free

LITERARY GIBBES | A BOOK CLUB DISCUSSION

SATURDAY, JUNE 6

10:30AM–12PM

Inspired by the exhibition Salt of the Earth, we will discuss An Artist’s Life by Mary Whyte.

Free | Registration Required

SATURDAY, AUGUST 1

10:30AM–12PM

Inspired by Rodin: All the Truth of Nature, we will discuss Rodin on Art and Artists by Auguste Rodin and Auguste Rodin by Rainer Maria Rilke.

MARY WHYTE ON AN ARTIST’S LIFE

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10 | 6–7PM

To celebrate her recently published memoir, An Artist’s Life, artist Mary Whyte will talk about her creative journey as an artist and author. During her fifty years as an artist and teacher, Whyte has discovered that tapping our personal well of creativity and passion is the most important lesson — much more so than how to paint an eye, clouds, or steam. In An Artist’s Life, Whyte guides art makers and art lovers past stifling obstacles and self-doubts to see the world with fresh eyes and create their most original and expressive work. Book signing to follow.

$5 Members | $10 Non-Members

IMAGE: Eden, 2023, by Mary Whyte (b. 1953). Watercolor on paper, 32 ½ x 28 ¼ inches. Collection of Jason and Heather Ward.

TAYLOR GRANT PILATES AT THE GIBBES

SATURDAYS | 10:15–11:15AM

JUNE 13, JULY 11, AUGUST 8, AND SEPTEMBER 12

$40 All tickets

ART OF JAZZ

We’re back again with Charleston Jazz to bring some cool tunes to the hot summer nights.

WEDNESDAY

JUNE 17 | 6–7PM

Jeremy Wolf, bass

WEDNESDAY JULY 15 | 6–7PM

Tyler Ross, guitar

$40 Members | $50 Non-Members | $20 Students

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 19 | 6–7PM

Quiana Parler, vocals

SLOW LOOKING + SLOW WINE: RODIN AND WINES OF FRANCE

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24 | 6–8PM

Join us for an artfully crafted evening exploring Auguste Rodin and the traditions of French winemaking in collaboration with the Charleston chapter of Slow Food Charleston. This panel discussion will consider different perspectives on consumption and why it pays to pay attention — all while enjoying French wines inspired by our current Rodin exhibition. The evening includes a guided tasting of five wines, followed by an additional seven wine sipped amidst the bronzes in the Campbell Rotunda.

$100 Members | $125 Non-Members

FACE TIME: THE PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE OF AMERICAN PORTRAITURE

WEDNESDAY, JULY 1 | 6PM

Drawing from the Gibbes’ wonderful collection of colonial portraits, we’ll dive into the artistry of early American portraitists and compare their work to that of contemporary artists working in portraiture in the South today. This panel discussion will feature artists Kandy G López, Joshua Parks, and Mary Whyte in conversation with Alex Rich, Gibbes President and CEO.

Free with required registration

GIBBES FILM IN FOCUS: EYE OF THE NEEDLE

Inspired by the exhibition, Salt of the Earth, Gibbes Film in Focus returns with a series of handpicked films that explore labor and class identity. Offering intricate — and sometimes harrowing—depictions of working-class life, these vignettes interrogate the agency of the individual within unjust social structures.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8 | 5:30PM

Parasite

Free with required registration

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12 | 6PM

Born in Flames

LIE DOWN AND LISTEN: DIVINE LOVE

FRIDAY, JULY 17 – TUESDAY, JULY 21

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 | 6PM Taxi Driver

London-based pianist and founder of Lie Down and Listen – Christina McMaster – is bringing her deeply relaxing sound healing and lying down classical concert to Charleston. Participants will be welcomed into the Campbell Rotunda for Tibetan bowl sound healing, meditation, and uplifting live classical piano music. You’ll lie down on soft mattresses, snuggled up in cushions and blankets for a restorative deep listening experience in our galleries.

$60 Members | $80 Non-Members

TEA & TOUR WITH MARY WHYTE

WEDNESDAY, JULY 29 | 2–4PM

Join artist Mary Whyte over a glass of iced tea to learn more about her work in Salt of the Earth.

$20 Members | $30 Non-Members

SUMMER CAMP FOR GROWN-UPS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5 | 5–7PM

Who said kids get to have all the fun? Join us for an evening of artmaking and summer silliness.

Free with advanced registration

SUMMER CAMP, AGES 4–16

JUNE 8–AUGUST 7

INTRODUCTION TO GILDING, AGES 10–13

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17 | 9AM–12PM

Visit our website at GIBBESMUSEUM.ORG for camp themes and pricing.

Partnering with the Society of Gilders, we’re excited to offer a morning workshop to learn the basics and history of gilding, or covering wooden frames with gold.

$35 Members | $40 Non-Members

AMERICAN POP ART: CEREAL BOX COLLAGE

MONDAY, JUNE 29 | 10AM–4PM DROP-IN, ALL

AGES 6+

As part of his Summer Southern Pop Art Tour, American pop artist Michael Albert will lead a hands-on collage workshop for creators ages six and up. Using cereal boxes and other colorful cardboard packaging, participants will create their own pop art collages and receive a free signed poster by the artist.

$5 Children | $10 Members | $15 Non-Members

DRAWN TOGETHER

This program is made possible by the generous support of Ronda Muir.

Drawn Together is a drop-in workshop series inviting families of all ages to create and learn together in a relaxed, hands-on setting. Inspired by current exhibitions, holidays, and special events, each session encourages creativity, experimentation, and shared discovery through artmaking activities.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 1

2–6PM

Drawn Together: Happy 250th Birthday, America!

SATURDAY, AUGUST 8 10AM–2PM

Drawn Together: Back to School

Drop in for all ages. Free for members and included with admission

FIBER WORKSHOP WITH KANDY G LÓPEZ

THURSDAY, JULY 2 | 1–3PM

Back by popular demand, immerse yourself in the artwork and mastery of the most recent 1858 Prize Winner Kandy G López. In this workshop, participants will focus on imagery and experimentation of materials using plastic canvas and thread. All materials included.

$50 Members | $60 Non-Members

BEAUTILITY: STRATEGIES FOR RENEWAL, AGES 12–ADULT

FRIDAY, JULY 3 | 1–4:30PM

Join local artist Cookie Washington to celebrate and learn African American textile traditions — particularly Gullah Rag Quilting and other no-sew, resourceful practices rooted in resilience, storytelling, and care for both people and place. These workshops are designed for your and adults (ages 12 to adults) to work and learn alongside each other. All materials will be provided to make a Gullah rag tote bag but participants are encouraged to bring any fabric scraps that may hold personal meaning to incorporate into their piece.

$110 Members | $125 non-Members

RUTH AND BILL BAKER GALLERY

WORKS BY JOSHUA PARKS JULY 29–SEPTEMBER 13

WORKS BY JACK POWELL SEPTEMBER 23 –NOVEMBER 8

LIGHT & FASHION: FASHION PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP WITH CREATIVE CULTURE BRAND, AGES 16–ADULT

SATURDAY, AUGUST 8 | 10:30AM–5PM

Light & Fashion is an immersive workshop led by fashion photographer and creative director Shawn Merrick exploring the essentials of fashion photography, including lighting, composition, styling, posing, and visual storytelling. Through live demonstrations, discussions, and a Q&A session featuring a guest model, participants will gain insight into the professional world of fashion photography.

$50 Members | $75 Non-Members

Thank you to our local partners: Paul Mitchell Charleston, Kei Koakutsu Designs, and High Output Charleston

SKETCHING IN THE GALLERIES

MONDAY, AUGUST 24

12–1:30PM

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28

12–1:30PM

Hone your observation and sketching skills during your lunch break! Bring your own supplies and sketch in the galleries with Gibbes staff.

Free for Members | Included with Admission

SPECIAL TOURS

CHARLESTON AND THE REVOLUTION

WEDNESDAY, JULY 1 | 1PM

Learn about the faces, places, and art of the American Revolution with this special tour led by a Charleston historian.

Free for Members | Included with Admission

TINY TOURS

Join us for a special tour designed for families with tiny art lovers! Babies, toddlers, and strollers are welcome as we explore colors, shapes, and more in the galleries.

THURSDAY JULY 9 10:30–11AM THURSDAY AUGUST 13 10:30–11AM THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 10 10:30–11AM

Free for Members | Included with Admission

CURATOR-LED TOURS

These guided tours will take place the first Wednesday of each month (June – September) at 5:30pm, in addition to the following special tours:

CURATOR-LED TOURS PRESIDENT-LED TOUR

FRIDAY JULY 17

1PM

Tour of Impression, Monet with Alex Rich, Ph.D., President and CEO.

MONDAY JUNE 29

1PM

America 250 Tour with Brenna Reilley, Associate Curator.

Free for Members | Included with Admission

DOCENT-LED TOURS

FRIDAY JULY 10

1PM

Tour of Mary Whyte: Salt of the Earth with Sara Arnold, Chief Curator.

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 19

1PM

Tour of the permanent collection with Sara Arnold, Chief curator.

Docent-led tours are offered on Wednesdays and Fridays at 1PM. All special tours are free for Members and included with admission for Non-Members.

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