Living in downtown Charleston, SC provides endless opportunities to explore and discover something new during daily walks and often offers the chance to stop at the many art galleries along the way. Not only can you take in the beautiful art but in many galleries, you have a chance to meet the artist. Getting to know them and their work over time is oftentimes the best part of the experience.
I recently discovered an artist showing at the RLS Gallery (Robert Lange Studio) on Queen Street. I so loved these particular paintings that every few days I would stop in the gallery to view the work of Fred Jamar. The bold colors and whimsical trees, reminding me of balloon shapes, certainly grabbed my attention.
Speaking with the young lady in the gallery I discovered that Fred’s private art studio was right down the street. He painted daily and had additional paintings on display there. I walked to the studio, located on Vendue Range in the French Quarter and, although Fred was not in, I found a small room filled with bright colorful paintings. Standing in Fred’s studio I was overwhelmed with all of the beautiful paintings. Each being unique and different.
For weeks every few days I stopped by Fred’s studio with hopes to meet him. Although I did not find Fred, every visit I would discover a new painting with a small hand-lettered sign stating “work in progress. ” Each time, I was overwhelmed with all the paintings and how wonderful each piece was. Most depict the sights and streets seen everyday around downtown historic Charleston. Tucked among these was an occasional glimpse into what appeared to be happy memories of Belgium.
Until one day I walked in and there was Fred, painting. A small framed, white-haired gentleman with a snow white beard. We talked and, with a distinct French accent, he explained about his life in Belgium and how, as a young man, he spent years at sea. He talked of how he has no formal art training and that his father discouraged his painting as he felt that he needed to have a “real job. ” Then he shared the story of the first painting for which he was actually paid, his career in New York City working in Finance and the journey that led him to Charleston.
Fred was working on a painting at the time that I just fell in love with. It was of a lovely little alley, tucked among some of Charleston’s historic downtown streets. I told him that I walk my dog, Sophia around Charleston and often down that very alley. He said he could add that to the painting. And that is exactly what he did.
Note: Living in historic downtown Charleston you never know what you will discover! Here’s a look at some of the other benefits that come with living in the heart of the Holy City …
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