MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

September 30, 2026

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

Why do human beings have the impulse to create art? Why does art trigger emotion in its viewers? Why can some of us appreciate the energy or serenity or even brutality in a work of art, while others see simply brush strokes on a canvas?

Consider this headline from an essay written by J. F. Martel in Aeon, an online newsletter: “How Art Invented Humanity: When early humans first painted cave walls, they began to find out who they really were: our minds emerged from our images.”

Experts in human science can endlessly debate this claim, and art critics can argue over what art is in the first place, but here’s an insight offered later in the article that helps explain why we are drawn to art. Art offers not simply the image on the canvas, such as crows flying over a wheatfield, it offers truth that takes us “outside of ourselves.” It hints at meaning and essence. It invites us to ponder the mystery of beauty. To be able to see the energy in the turbulent sky above the fields and the elegance of the blowing wheat is to engage in that painting and our world. To see meaning in a work that is less literal (i. e. abstract art, textiles, collages) builds an even deeper connection.

Philosophy aside, we art lovers simply know what we like, what stirs our emotions, and what broadens our appreciation for what the human hand and heart can produce. And that is what keeps us coming back for more. Just remember: the art is shaping your consciousness, not the other way around.

Inside this newsletter: news of the exciting programs and events the board of directors has planned for you this year. We hope you’ll join us soon.

Happy autumn,

Lindy Carter

President, Board of Directors, Gibbes Women's Council

gibbeswomenscouncil@gmail.com

CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE AT

https://www.gibbesmuseum.org/womens-council/

To enter the "member access" area, enter the password GWC135

LOOK FOR US at Gibbes Women's Council ON FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM

Many thanks to the GWC Members who helped with the move of the administrative offices from 134 Meeting Street to 135:

Lindy Carter, Megan Scalea, Cyndie Henrichs, Jodie-Beth Galos, Barbara Smith

The Gibbes Museum Staff appreciates your time and hard work very much!

40 YEARS OF PRESERVATION-MINDED ARCHITECTURE

MEET GLENN KEYES

For decades, architect Glenn Keyes has tackled projects that have preserved, restored and shaped the visual aesthetic of urban Charleston buildings. On October 14, Keyes will share with GWC members the creative process that has driven his work, which encompasses residential, institutional and commercial structures.

Numerous Keyes projects have received The Preservation Society’s Carolopolis Awards, which recognize excellence in work that protects the historic resources of Charleston and the Lowcountry. Mark the time and date on your calendar: October 14, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Planning is underway for the GWC annual Holiday Party, scheduled for Sunday, December 6 at the Gibbes Museum. GWC members are invited to bring their spouses/significant others or guests they wish to introduce to the GWC. Look for more information in the months ahead.

Kimberley Bruckmann (R) and Agnes O’Connor Goun (L), Programs Committee Chair and Vice-Chair

SAVE THE DATES

October 14, 5:30 - 7:30pm

November 18, 4 - 5:45pm

December 6, 5 - 7:00pm

Glenn Keyes: 40 Years of Preservation-Minded Architecture - Gibbes Museum

November program - content TBA

Holiday Party - Downtown address TBA

Meet the Women Behind the Gibbes Women's Council

There's more to the Women's Council than what you see at our events - and we'd love to share more of it with you!

In October, we're launching "Meet the Women Behind the Gibbes Women's Council," a new social media series featuring the women who make our Council such a special community.

Through short, candid conversations, you'll get to know our members, hear what surprised them about joining the Council, discover their favorite works at the Gibbes and learn more about the impact the Women's Council and the Gibbes are making throughout Charleston.

Follow along and stay connected:

Instagram: @gibbes_womens_council

Facebook: Gibbes Women's Council Facebook Group

When you see something you love, like it, comment and share it. It's one of easiest ways to help more women discover who we are, what we do and why it matters.

Stephanie Mackara, Communications Vice-Chair

AOD: SPENDING 2026 PROCEEDS, PLANNING 2027 EVENT

In August, GWC members were asked to select the museum projects and programs that would receive money raised by Art of Design 2026. Proceeds of approximately $100,000 were divided among the following: Fighting for Freedom and Rockwell and the American South, two forthcoming exhibitions, and Art Access, a program that provides free admission to students and classes who attend Title I schools and other underserved areas. The program also includes increased access to the Gibbes Museum through professional development opportunities, reimbursed bus transportation and in-school enrichment programs.

Planning for Art of Design 2027 has been ongoing throughout the summer. We are delighted to announce that Elyce Arons, CEO and co-founder (with the late Kate Spade) of Frances Valentine will speak at the luncheon on March 18, 2027. AOD sponsors will have the privilege of meeting Ms. Arons at a private gathering in downtown Charleston on March 17. Arons is also the author of We Might Just Make it After All.

As this is the GWC’s single biggest fundraiser, we encourage ALL members to become sponsors. Pricing is expected to be generally in line with 2026. If you are interested in joining our committee, please contact either Cheri at cheribentley@icloud.com or Robyn at robynstern27@gmail.com.

Robyn Stern (L) and Cheri Bentley (R), AOD Committee Chair and Vice-Chair

GWC WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS AT SEPTEMBER RECEPTION

On September 9, members who joined GWC in the past year were welcomed at a reception and orientation at the Gibbes Museum. GWC board members spoke briefly about their respective roles and encouraged new members to get involved by volunteering for one or more of the standing committees. Sara Arnold, Gibbes Museum curator, invited attending members to tour the current exhibitions with her. Lucy Schemel, Membership Chair, reported that current GWC membership stands at 227 as of September 1.

Lucy Schemel (R) and Carolyn Fraser (L), Membership Chair and Vice Chair

INTRODUCING OUR NEWEST MEMBERS

Alex Duran - Charleston

Originally from Augusta, GA, Alex has called Charleston home since 2012. She says that a passion for the arts is practically in her DNA—her father owned an art gallery and frame shop for many years, and her mother served as the Executive Director of the Greater Augusta Arts Council for over 25 years. Alex is the owner of Durant Consulting, Inc., specializing in event sponsorship communication and management.

Dawn Franz - Daniel Island

Dawn and her husband relocated from Memphis almost two years ago. She is excited to be a member of the Women's Council and to meet some outstanding women! Dawn was actively involved in the Columbus Museum of Art in Ohio for more than 10 years and looks forward to supporting the Gibbes Museum of Art and strengthening her bond with the beautiful city of Charleston.

Ann Fenwick - Mt. Pleasant Although Ann grew up all over the U.S. and Europe in a military family, she boarded at Ashley Hall during her junior year, where Kate Jackson of Charlie’s Angels was one of her classmates. After raising two daughters as a single mom and a successful career in financial planning, she retired in 2018 and moved to I’on in May 2026. Ann enjoys golf, travel, gardening, painting with pastels and meeting new friends.

Julie Bell Lindsay - Charleston

Julie moved to Charleston from Washington D.C., where she was CEO of a trade association. A lawyer by training, Julie is not ready to retire but she wants the next phase of her life to be both meaningful and enjoyable. What excites her about the GWC is hearing the stories of its members and seeing the possibilities that lie ahead.

Ashley Stevens - Johns Island A Greenville, SC native, Ashley moved to Charleston in 2020 to attend the College of Charleston, where she graduated with honors in political science and earned a Juris Doctor from the Charleston School of Law. She was sworn into the South Carolina Bar in May, 2026 and is a practicing attorney at Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd. In her free time, Ashley likes traveling, boating, wine tasting, reading, equestrian sports, tennis and lagree. She has demonstrated her passion for the arts by visiting many of the renowned museums and galleries in the world.