Lowcountry Local First, an organization dedicated to promoting and preserving the local economy through the promotion of local businesses, goods and services, is launching the 10% Shift Campaign. This is a grass roots effort designed to promote locally owned, independent businesses in the current economic recession. The campaign will run be ongoing, as part of the organization’s “Buy Local” effort.

Pecha Kucha, Japanese for the sound of conversation, is a mix of show-and-tell, open-mike night and happy hour that has become a forum for ideas on design, architecture and other forms of creativity. The third installment in Charleston will take place Wednesday, June 3 at 7:30 p.m. at the Civic Design Center (85 Calhoun St.). Speakers include: Iverson Brownell of Iverson Catering, architect Jane Frederick,  Josh Martin of Coastal Conservation League, Julia Jaskwhich of Buen Aché Afro-Latino dance company, skatepark enthusiast Ryan Cockrell and artist Kevin Hoth.

Admission is $5 and can be purchased here. Location to be announced today.

Check out a video about Pecha Kucha and Pecha Kucha in Charleston.

This week is the launch for the highly anticipated website devoted to the Charleston arts culture CharlestonCulture.com. It’s a gorgeous site in all ways, but it will also serve as a central meeting place for all things art. ALL types of art—literary, performing, visual, film, culinary, you name it! Be sure to check out the new site, put together by the hard-working and dedicated artists from the Charleston Arts Coalition… 800 members strong!

Also, word is  Olivia Pool, publisher of Art Magazine is launching an event planning, marketing organization dedicated to artists–The Art Pimp.  Can’t wait to hear more!

To learn more about arts in Charleston, contact the Charleston Arts Coalition for various ways to join in on the fun and become involved in the local arts movement.

With all the Earth day events going on not only on April 22, but all week, it’s inspiring to see the region’s commitment to our environment! The Charleston Young Professionals group held a “Get on the Bus” tour, followed by a Green Expo at 10 Storehouse Row on The Navy Yard at Noisette.

You think bus, you think “that’s not green”…well this is no ordinary bus… it’s the LEEP (Lowcountry Environmental Education Programs) Biodiesel bus! It’s an old school bus (with cool paintings inside and out done by local children), but runs on biodiesel. So innovative! The tour went to various locations throughout Noisette (Mixson, Horizon Village, Oak Terrace Preserve, Riverfront Park) and really opened everyone’s eyes to all the AMAZING things going on in our region! If you haven’t done so, give yourself a tour, or call up the guys at Noisette because they’d love to tell you about it!

The Expo then had 20ish local companies/groups showcasing their best green attributes. There was everything imaginable… Office Depot with their recyclable Post-its, local farmers had veggies for sale (and delish sausage!) Lowcountry Local First, bath and body products, and pottery artists. Local artwork was showcased all over too!

Thanks to the organizers of this event! It was a great success and reminder of what we should all do throughout the year!

The 4th edition of Kulture Klash is upon us this Saturday and once again is going to be a huge success and bring out some of the greatest and most unique talent this area has to over! Post & Courier’s article has a great rundown of all the events going on, and specifically highlights the Earth Day weekend combo which I think is pretty great. Not only are the founders putting on an amazing event, but they’re keeping true to their green roots and putting forth a commitment to remain eco-friendly throughout the night—starting with the re-used venue –the former Lowcountry Food Bank on Cosgrove Ave.

Here’s more:

–Mellow Mushroom will be using the least amount of paper products by serving hand-held pizza slices requiring no utensils and creating less waste.

–In the beverage gardens, beer and wine will be served in compostable/biodegradable corn cups. Souvenir cups also are being offered so people can take them home instead of throwing them out.

–Party guests will be encouraged to recycle their Red Bull cans and SmartWater bottles on site.

–The LEEP Biodiesel bus will be shuttling people hourly to and from Charleston Museum downtown to the event to reduce the carbon footprint and fuel consumption as well as get everyone home safely.

–The putt-putt course was made out of at least 50 percent biodegradable materials.

–And the founders said they recycled as much as they could in using this new space.

Come out and join the fun Saturday night!

Well, PKN 2 was absolutely amazing! There really is no better word to describe it than inspiring. There was a great crowd at the American Theater and next door neighbor, Fish Restaurant, was packed with people wishing they were inside, but getting to see it all live via simulcast! Our apologies for the heads in the way of the camera…

Charleston Inspired was thrilled and honored to be the sponsor, and could not be more energized by all the amazing vibes going on with the creative industries in Charleston!

PKN has already recieved lots of love from Charleston City Paper, The Digitel, and the Charleston Metro Chamber.

Way to go guys on another successful event. We are definitely onto something…can’t wait for PKN³!

Turns out we’re not the only ones who love Poe’s Tavern on Sullivan’s Island! In light of Edgar Allen Poe’s 200^th birthday, the Boston Globe featured an article all about the history of Edgar Allen Poe, specifically, his ties to the Lowcountry. Born in Boston in 1809, Poe lived at Fort Moultrie on Sullivan’s Island for about a year. A shrine to the writer, Poe’s Tavern encompasses all that is “Poe”.

From the menu items, to the décor and waitstaff t-shirts, the restaurant radiates the writer’s presence. The article also mentions “Poe-themed” street signs, and the island’s local library’s fascination with Poe. Makes me hungry and ready for summertime!

Click here for the full article.

Pecha Kucha 1 was such a hit, we’re going for round two! Wednesday February 25th. Location is a secret until a few days before.

The lineup is outstanding, featuring some of the Charleston area’s top talent. From photographers to fashion and furniture designers, this one promises to be bigger and better!…if that’s even possible. Visit the website for more info on the speaker lineup and to purchase tickets…a mere $5 .

Don’t miss out…it really is going to be amazing! Oh, and Charleston Inspired is a sponsor!

PKN 2: The Sequel!

Charleston is growing. There’s no doubt about that. Whether it’s to the east, west, or north, the topic of managing Charleston’s growth is ongoing and furiously debated.

Our counties and municipalities have all taken different approaches in dealing with growth. Some more inspired than others. Here’s a quick summary.

• Mount Pleasant
  Building permit caps have managed growth pretty well (and kept home prices high) for the last few years, but they still must deal with the growth issues to the north-east down Highway 17N
• Downtown Charleston
  How do we provide affordable housing, continue our focus on historic preservation, and improve urban areas long neglected?
• North Charleston
  The Noisette project is visionary, but is currently ensnared in a legal battle with Summerville over the Watson Hill project.
• Dorchester County
  Growth gone wild the last few years, but recently their constituents are demanding a better plan for growth as schools and roads become increasingly congested.

Growth to the Edisto and the East
The biggest question mark is the area to the east of Charleston, currently owned by MeadWestVaco. This huge tract of land represent an enormous opportunity – both for development – and for preservation.

Recently, MeadWestVaco’s CEO visited Charleston as a prelude to an announcement regarding their plans for this land.

Conservationists and developers alike held their breath.

Would they just sell the land and let the city deal with the consequences (like Watson Hill) – or would they focus on creating a sustainable plan that incorporates inevitable growth and the need for conservation at the same time?

An Inspired Plan
Yesterday’s announcement was clear: WeadWestVaco is committed to a comprehensive strategy that will balance the demands of growth with a clear focus on conservation.

Here’s a quick summary of their plans:

1. Incorporate community feedback over the next 8 months
2. Involve a nationally renowned developer
3. The land will not be sold until the plan is developed
4. Urban sprawl will be avoided at all costs
5. The company’s newly formed business group – MeadWestVaco Land Management – will oversee the initiative

Make sure to visit EastEdisto.com and voice your opinion. It’s important we are all involved in this planning process that will shape the future of Charleston for years to come.

Very inspired, MeadWestVaco.