Representatives from Charleston Art Tours announced recently that the company has begun to book art tours for visitors and residents of the Charleston, S.C. area. Charleston Art Tours is a tour company offering something very unlike most tours. Founded in 2009 by Charleston area artists Martha Sharp andKaren Hagan, the tours provide a behind-the-scenes tour of Charleston’s flourishing visual arts community. Working artists guide intimate groups of up to eight guests through some of Charleston’s best galleries and shows at the time period of a guest’s tour. The artist guides share the background information on the artists, including their influences, connections within the community and other details a casual observer would probably miss. Depending on the day, guests might also take a peek into a working artist’s studio or meet an artist.

In addition to the tours, the company offers a variety of customizable options, from painting demonstrations, painting instruction in the office studio or at the guests’ hotel, to group offerings that offer wine tastings and a festive atmosphere that celebrates the city’s cultural riches. “Charleston is a one of the best art destinations on the East Coast, and we really are a hidden jewel for many visitors and even residents who might not know the wealth of amazing art centered in this city,” says Sharp, owner of Charleston Art Tours. “That’s where we come in.” Cost for a two-hour Fine Art Gallery Tour is $49 per person, and oil painting instruction starts at $150 per person for a half-day lesson. Tour and class size is limited to assure that guests have a personal interaction with the art and the artist, and everything is geared toward the interests and skill levels of the guests.

“We really strive to customize the tour to the individual interests and tastes of our guests,” says Sharp. “That can be as simple as showing our guests galleries who specialize in watercolors or oils as extensive as providing a summer craft beer tasting as the finale of a group tour. We really do want each tour to be a memorable experience for each person.” Tours are offered and 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and reservations are required. Those interested can reserve a spot by e-mail, calling the office, or through a Zerve link on the Charleston Art Tours website. Through Zerve, guests can see available dates and book immediately.

"Charleston is unique in that it is a city full of thriving artists, and through our tours, we have an opportunity to provide visitors and locals alike a glimpse into an exciting, living, and ever evolving Charleston art scene," says Hagan. All tours begin at the tour office, located upstairs at 53 Broad Street, the Clark Mills Studio building, in the French Quarter historic district.
For more information, visit www.charlestonarttours.com or call (843) 860-3327.