May 22, 2026

Dear fellow members of the Gibbes Women’s Council (GWC):

As we mark the end of this programmatic year, I look back with pleasure on the events we have enjoyed together. I am grateful for the many volunteers who have made these possible. From the artistic mastery of Leo Twiggs to the natural beauty of Brookgreen Gardens, these experiences have expanded our knowledge and rewarded our senses.

Once again, the Art of Design team exceeded its fund-raising goal. Be sure to respond to the email you will receive asking your vote on allocating those funds in support of the Gibbes. More information about AOD from Chair Robyn Stern and Vice Chair Cheri Bentley below. Thanks to Ilene Rispler, hostess for our May 13 end-of-year membership meeting, and to the Programs Committee, which organized the day and provided the food and flowers. 

Renovations to the new building at 141 Meeting Street are on track for completion in spring 2027. The second floor will significantly expand the Gibbes’ exhibition space, while the first floor will house an education center. Classrooms will be outfitted with the latest technology for audio/visual presentations. Current renovations at the museum that will create staff offices are projected to be completed in late summer/early fall 2026.

Thanks to the diligent work of the Governance Committee, we welcome 10 returning and three new GWC board members. The 2026-2027 board slate is listed at the end of this newsletter.

See you in September!

Lindy Carter

President, Board of Directors, Gibbes Women's Council

gibbeswomenscouncil@gmail.com

The weather could not have been more perfect for GWC members to celebrate the year with our annual picnic. Member Ilene Rispler generously opened her beautiful home to more than 60 guests. The views of the water were both dramatic and soothing. That, combined with the excellent buffet and lively conversations, made for a great afternoon.

GWC President Lindy Carter gave a brief recap of the year, followed by Governance Chair Betty Anne Wilson who presented next year’s board of directors. President & CEO – and GWC member—Alex Rich also spoke, sharing his vision for the expanded museum and some of the great partnerships he is pursuing. Now we are all excited for next year! 

Cara Schaafsma and Deirdre McMurtry, Programs Committee Chair and Vice-Chair

Another successful year for Art of Design! Approximately 100 guests joined us at the beautiful Aiken-Rhett house for the Sponsor Party on April 21; 330 members and guests attended the luncheon on April 22. AOD gross revenues of approximately $167,000 topped our $120,00 goal, thanks to the extraordinary efforts of our AOD team, Gibbes staff and additional volunteers. At this point, the net revenue is just short of $100,000 with a few invoices outstanding.

Planning is already underway for next year’s AOD, chaired by Cheri Bentley; Robyn will be Vice Chair. If you are interested in joining our committee, please contact either Cheri at cheribentley@icloud.com or Robyn at robynstern27@gmail.com.

Robyn Stern and Cheri Bentley, AOD Committee Chair and Vice-Chair