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Hilton Head Island is celebrated for much more than its recreational offerings; now, it shares acclaim for its arts and cultural pursuits. The island is endowed with a strong medley of visual and performing arts, including dance, theater, music and art. Situated in the heart of Hilton Head is the Self Family Arts Center, a remarkable showcase for the visual and performing arts. It houses not only a theater but also concerts and art exhibits. It is a vital part of the community, and this year's season is better than ever. At the Walter Greer Gallery, the 2,288 square foot art gallery, almost a dozen exhibits are featured throughout each season. Unique and beautiful paintings, sculptures and photographs grace the gallery walls and floor. In addition to the Hilton Head Art League's National Juried Exhibition May 6 - June 10, there are national and local shows throughout the year including the Gullah Celebration in wintertime, which spotlights South Carolina's rich Gullah culture rooted in Africa and the plantations of the Old South, displayed in all its beauty. The Elizabeth Wallace Theater features the Arts Center's Main Stage with two-level seating for 352 patrons. The theater boasts a working stage, cyclorama, orchestra pit and trap door access for special stage effects. The Main Stage hosts comedy, drama and musicals as well as other gifted actors, singers and dancers. The Self Family Arts Center will present its most exciting year of live performances ever from pop, rock and jazz to big band, blues, country and classical, emphasizing that there's something here for every taste. Over seventeen community art groups utilize the pavilion, ranging from barbershop quartets to a full symphony orchestra. The diverse roster of cultural disciplines and events will include art shows, lectures, performances both amateur and professional, arts and crafts classes, dance instruction and more. Cultural activities have been in full swing on Hilton Head for years, even preceding the Arts Center's inception. Each season, tickets to The Hilton Head Orchestra become more difficult to acquire, with consistently sold-out performances. The orchestra's eighty musicians are gifted and cohesive, comprised of a few professional players from the Savannah Symphony in addition to talented members of our own community. Another highlight in the island's extensive arts portfolio is Dunnagan's Alley Theater, a 225-seat proscenium theater, the island's original playhouse, which today still hosts a variety of productions. Season subscriptions are available to the Hilton Head Playhouse in the Self Family Arts Center and to its innovative Second Stage at the Dunnagan's Alley Theater. For ticket or subscription information, call 842-ARTS. |
