About Us
Purpose
Arts, etc. is a charitable 501(c)(3) organization of Kiawah and Cassique women. Our purpose is to raise funds, through donations and events, to support the arts in our greater community and to provide educational and social opportunities for our membership. Distribution of funds will be at the discretion of the organization.
History
Arts, etc. is an organization of Kiawah and Cassique women committed to supporting the arts in the greater Charleston area. Founded in 2001 as Gibbes, etc., an auxiliary group of the Gibbes Museum, it raised more than $1,200,000 for the Museum in Gibbes memberships and through proceeds from the Kiawah Art & House Tour. Donations supported a wide variety of Museum exhibits as well as visual arts education programs for students.
Reorganized as Arts, etc. in 2014, the group became independent and expanded its support to include visual, performing and literary arts. It has since donated $238,250 from the proceeds of the acclaimed Art & House Tour to area organizations who bring the arts to the young people of Johns and Wadmalaw Islands.
The organization hosts expert speakers and arranges gallery tours to expand members’ perspectives and insights into the arts. Through these events the women of Arts, etc. enhance their knowledge of the arts and strengthen relationships with local arts organizations. Arts, etc. is deservedly proud of its reputation as a dynamic force in the arts community.
Volunteer Opportunities
There are many opportunities to volunteer on various committees each year so that the Art & House Tour is successful. Following are a few specific volunteer positions that need to be filled for the day of the tour:
Docent
One who is assigned to a specific area of a tour house on the day of the tour. Information is provided by the House Captain about items in that area such as art, fixtures, collections or other things of interest so that the Docent is prepared to answer questions and provide information to tour-goers. Docents are expected to be in their areas from noon to 5:00 p.m. on tour day. Accommodation may be made if two docents wish to split the shift and it is pre-approved by the House Captain. Many docents are needed for a successful tour.
House Sitter
One who sits in a tour house from 10:00 am. – noon on the day of the tour, while docents, parking attendants and other volunteers are going through the house. House Sitters are responsible for giving Docents and other volunteers access to the tour house during this time and watching the house until the House Captain arrives.
Parking Attendant
One who organizes and directs parking at a tour house. Many parking attendants are needed for a successful tour.
Membership
Becoming a member of Arts, etc. is an excellent way to support the arts in the Charleston area and increase your insight into various dimensions of artistic expression. While best known for the annual Kiawah Art & House Tour, the group also holds events throughout the year providing educational and social opportunities.
Membership is open to all women who are full or part time residents of Kiawah Island or Cassique. Members are expected to:
- Contribute to the success of the organization by purchasing a ticket to the Art & House Tour or through a donation or sponsorship, and
- Volunteer for the Art & House Tour or serve on other committees.
Membership is $40 per year and runs from October 1 through September 30. Please contact the membership chair ([email protected]) if you have any questions about joining.
Contact Us
Ginny Brush
President
[email protected]
Kathleen Wright
Vice President
[email protected]
Wilma deZanger
Secretary
[email protected]
Connie Gentzler
Treasurer
[email protected]
Anne Cotton
Events Chair
[email protected]
Maureen Dabruzzi
Membership Chair
[email protected]
Jodi Rush
Nominating Chair
[email protected]