Kiawah Island Resident Brings Art, Music, and Dance Together For One Special Night

A very special event that merges art, dance, and music together into a vibrant and exciting artistic production will soon take place on Kiawah. "Scenic Views from Kiawah” on Friday, September 16th will delve into the creation of Off the Wall & Onto the Stage, a ballet production that takes the art of famed Lowcountry and Gullah artist Jonathan Green and brings it to life through the choreography of William Starrett and the music of Marlena Smalls.

Due in part to the motivation and commitment of Garcia Williams, a Kiawah Island resident, lifelong lover of art, and member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated Charleston Chapter, the event will feature Green, Starrett, and Smalls together for one night only to offer a rare glimpse into the behind-the-scenes of this incredible production and the talents that brought it to the stage.

“One of my favorite shows is Bravo’s Inside the Actor’s Studio”, explains Garcia Williams. “I’m fascinated by how you can get inside the minds of great talents, like the ones involved in Off the Wall & Onto the Stage.” The evening of ‘Scenic Views from Kiawah’ hosted by Dr. Karen Chandler, Associate Professor, Arts Management College of Charleston, will feature selected performances from Off the Wall & Onto the Stage by the Columbia City Ballet Company and personal perspectives from Jonathan Green, William Starrett, and Marlena Smalls on the 2005-2006 original production and enhancements to the 2011 production.

The Kiawah event will precede a full performance of Off the Wall & Onto the Stage that will take place downtown Charleston in October.

“We decided to host this pre-performance event on Kiawah because there is a real desire among residents for new on-island art related events,” said Williams. “We also thought it would be a wonderful way to invite newcomers and return visitors back to this wonderful island we call home.”

Garcia’s deceased husband, Sidney, also had an appreciation and love of art and music, which led him to become affiliated with the Kiawah Island Arts Council. Through Sidney’s influence, he was able to bring new and exciting performances to Kiawah for everyone to enjoy. “I feel as if I am channeling his spirit,” said Williams, “And I want to uphold the same commitment that he had in enhancing our surroundings, and making the most of this beautiful island where we shared so many memories.”

Scenic Views of Kiawah
Friday, September 16, 2011 | 6:30 PM
East Beach Conference Center, Kiawah Island, SC
Enjoy an evening of art featuring artist Jonathan Green; Marlena Smalls & Quartet; and William Starrett, choreographer. Come and enjoy the rare opportunity to meet the artists that created the ballet production Off the Wall and Onto the Stage, while enjoying select performances by the Columbia City Ballet Company and music by Marlena Smalls  and her Trio. The event is open to the public. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased here or at the Kiawah Island Town Hall.

Off the Wall and Onto the Stage
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Gaillard Auditorium, downtown Charleston, SC
Off the Wall and Onto the Stage returns for a much-anticipated performance. To purchase tickets, visit www.Ticketmaster.com or call (800) 745-3000.