Cold snap forces arts venues to adapt programming
Bitter cold forces Charleston arts venues to delay outdoor installations and move programming indoors, from Marion Square sculpture unveiling to Dock Street Theatre.
The thermometer outside the Gibbes Museum of Art read 28 degrees at opening time Tuesday, forcing staff to delay the installation of a new outdoor sculpture until temperatures climb above freezing later this week.
The bitter cold gripping Charleston has pushed several cultural institutions to modify their programming, with venues from the French Quarter to West Ashley adjusting schedules and moving events indoors.
“We had planned to unveil the new piece in Marion Square today, but the bronze needs to acclimate gradually,” said curator Sarah Mitchell. “Metal contracts in extreme cold, and we don’t want to risk damage to the work.”
The Dock Street Theatre canceled its Tuesday evening performance of “The Tempest” after heating issues in the historic building made conditions unsafe for both performers and audiences. The show will resume Thursday when temperatures are expected to return to the 50s.
Several galleries along King Street reported lower foot traffic as art walk enthusiasts stayed home, though Redux Contemporary Art Center saw an uptick in visitors seeking warmth between stops.
“People are lingering longer with each piece,” said gallery manager David Chen. “There’s something about the cold that makes you want to really absorb the warmth of indoor spaces.”
The Charleston Symphony Orchestra moved its outdoor rehearsal for this weekend’s Waterfront Park concert into the Gaillard Center, while the Halsey Institute postponed the opening reception for its latest exhibition until Friday.
Mid-week rain is forecast to arrive Wednesday, potentially creating additional challenges for venues planning outdoor installations and performances. The National Weather Service predicts temperatures will climb into the 40s by Thursday, with a return to typical February weather by the weekend.
Several artists have found inspiration in the unusual weather. Photographer Maria Santos spent Tuesday morning capturing frost formations on the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, calling the conditions “a rare gift for documenting Charleston in a different light.”