Historic Beaufort Foundation executive director opens home to art lovers & preservationists
Historic foundation executive director opens home to art lovers & preservationists
Lovers of art and old houses will have an opportunity to enjoy both on this coming Thursday, November 5, when the Arts Council of Beaufort County sponsors the first of its 2009-2010 Presidents Circle Series at the home of collector Evan Thompson, executive director of Historic Beaufort Foundation (HBF). Located at 814 Charles Street, the ca. 1875 Richard Washington House is in Beaufort’s National Historic Landmark District.
Twice gutted by fire in 1989, the Washington House appeared hopeless for survival, but HBF with its revolving fund stepped forward and rescued it. It continues to be a key architectural resource on Charles Street which was the home of an emerging African-American middle class 1890-1930.
“I am interested in design and I dislike things that are new. So I like items that are unusual, relatively simple, and from a diverse range of origins and time periods,” Evan said, as an introduction to his collection. He acquired his far ranging items from Beaufort’s many amazing sources–from the Red Door and thrift shops to galleries in Beaufort and Hilton Head. “If I see something that strikes me, I take it home.”
The President’s Circle is an opportunity to see art collections in Lowcountry homes. Thursday’s event also offers HBF members and friends an occasion to support one of HBF’s partner organizations and to see a house that HBF saved and restored.
Only 20 tickets are available at $20 each including refreshments and benefiting the Arts Council of Beaufort County. Advance ticket purchases only, call 943-379-2787.
From its office in ARTworks in Beaufort Town Center, the Arts Council of Beaufort County promotes and nurtures the arts 365 days a year, and works as an independent, non-profit service organization that is not a function of, or funded by, the Beaufort County government.
Related posts:
- Historic Beaufort Foundation features fall festival of houses and gardens October 22-24
- Historic Beaufort Foundation brings Pat Conroy’s The Great Santini back to Beaufort, free movie showing Thursday
- Historic foundation needs photographer for Fall Festival of Houses & Gardens
- Historic Beaufort Foundation membership reaches all-time high
- Upscale City Loft Hotel opens in historic downtown Beaufort
