Spoleto and Piccolo Spoleto Festivals have arrived in downtown Charleston, SC! Southend Brewery & Smokehouse is thrilled to showcase the work of local contemporary expressionist, Helen Duckworth, throughout the festival season.  Ms. Duckworth’s “Stories of the Heart” collection will be on display on the third floor of the brewery through June 10, 2012.

Guests will have an opportunity to  meet Ms. Duckworth during a special reception on Saturday, June 2, 2012 between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Open to the public, the event is sponsored by Bits of Lace and will include complimentary hors d’oeuvres, Southend’s signature beers and wine. We welcome everyone to come meet this talented artist and enjoy what is sure to be a lovely evening.

“Stories of the Heart” features over twenty oil paintings gathered to represent an intimate expression of love.  Each original work captures deep emotion and soft touch whether it be between lovers or friends.

 

“My Dearest Love” by Helen Duckworth, 60×36, oil

Set against the backdrop of historic Charleston with gorgeous views of the harbor, Southend’s Wagener Room is the perfect venue for Ms. Duckworth’s collection.  Along the staircase leading to the third floor, guests will be treated to the artist’s vignettes displayed with her original poetry.

A familiar face to the Spoleto Festival, Ms. Duckworth has participated twelve times in the annual arts event.  Area residents may have also met the artist during her poetry readings at the famous Dock Street Theatre.  Best described as contemporary expressionism, Ms. Duckworth’s paintings reflect the artist’s full range of emotions expressed through color and form.  Ms. Duckworth said, “I don’t use a formula when I paint.  It is intuitive.  I have a feeling of what I want to express and it evolves itself into shapes…like a puzzle that comes from me.”  In the paintings of lovers, the artist shows the feeling through the way the arms are exaggerated and how the hands sometimes barely touch their beloved.  In other paintings, the bodies appear to dissolve into each other.

 

 

“In the Moonlight” by Helen Duckworth, 60 x 36, oil

 

For more information on Helen Duckworth and to view her complete gallery of works, please visit http://www.helenduckworth.com/.  For more information on the special artist reception on June 2nd, please contact Jana Hodge, Event Coordinator for Southend Brewery & Smokehouse, at or email

We welcome both Charleston residents and visitors alike to come view this beautiful, romantic and vibrant collection. We look forward to seeing you during the Spoleto and Piccolo Spoleto season!