Artist Kyle Stuckey, alongside Principle Gallery, has been working on a project to bring the community together using the art of portraiture. This October 5th show at Principle Gallery will represent 50 portraits of people who live in the Charleston area and call it their home, and it has two main goals: to showcase those who make a positive impact on Charleston in all their unique ways and to encourage an art culture that brings us all together.

The 50 chosen participants come from all different kinds of backgrounds, careers, and walks of life. They include artists, medical professionals, public servants, educators, community leaders, media, business owners, our mayor, those in the food and beverage industry, and more. They are young, old, rich, and poor. Each person is a unique and important puzzle piece that collectively creates our great community, and through art we can reflect that beautifully.

Stuckey explains: “I want to create a show highlighting the beautiful diversity that makes a vibrant community and showcasing the people that work to make this city the best it can be. I also believe that art in all forms is one of the most important aspects of life. Like most people, I grew up thinking that only two types of people did art: the wealthy who could spend lots of money or the strange starving artist who created the art. But now I realize everyone should (and can!) have art in their lives – whether as a buyer, an appreciator, a model, or an artist.”

Stuckey has painted a 14×11 portrait of every participant – each priced at $2,000. A short write-up of what each Charlestonian does and who they are as a person will accompany each painting.

Since this show is all about community, 25% of all paintings sold will be given to Teacher’s Supply Closet, which provides school supplies for our under-resourced schools.

50 Portraits of Charleston will be, of course, open to the public.