Flower power and nature-themed works

Maura's Three for the Week in Charleston, March 11 - 17

Culture is busting out all over in Charleston’s first hints of spring (and, yes, that ubiquitous dusting of yellow, too). Take in nature’s elements in a Charleston Symphony chamber music concert and a flower-powered Gibbes exhibition. Gain rare access to glorious gardens at the Charleston Festival. Bolster budding artists honoring Shakespeare alfresco. It’s high time to spring into action.

Smell the flowers at The Charleston Festival

Throughout Charleston from March 14 through April 14

Formerly known as The Festival of Houses & Gardens, the newly anointed Charleston Festival continues the tradition of Historic Charleston Foundation to highlight houses, history and culture through its annual spring festival. The monthlong event once again opens gates and doors with tours and events offering exclusive access. The festival this year also features a site-specific exhibition of original works of art by world-renowned artist Jill Hooper, and a robust opening weekend celebration, Charleston by Design.

For more information, visit thecharlestonfestivalsc.org.

Get to the Gibbes for Rory McEwen: A New Perspective on Nature

Gibbes Museum of Art, 135 Meeting St., downtown Charleston, through April 28

Image: Tulip ‘Helen Josephine’, 1975, by Rory McEwen. Courtesy of the Estate of Rory McEwen

The work of venerated Scottish artist Rory McEwen now bursts from the walls of the Gibbes in an exhibition revealing the artist’s deep immersion into light and color through his painting of plants.  McEwen’s work is shown in this exhibition alongside the works of master botanical artists from centuries past. Pro-tip: The exhibition is the programmatic focal point of the museum’s annual Art Charleston extravaganza, which this year takes place April 24-28.

For more information, visit gibbesmuseum.org.

Take in the elements at a Charleston Symphony chamber concert

Charleston Library Society, 164 King St., downtown Charleston, March 14 and 15, 7:30 p.m.

Charleston Symphony presents an intimate evening of chamber music featuring String Quintet No. 2 in G major, also known as the Prater Quintet by Johannes Brahms; Eight Pieces, Op. 39 by Reinhold Gliere; and String Quartet No. 5, Four Elements, a 2021 work by Charleston native Thomas Cabaniss, which you can listen to here. Pro tip: Be sure to visit the 2024 Charleston Symphony Orchestra League Designer Showcase, which this year features the John Rudolph Switzer House.

For more information, visit charlestonsymphony.org.

BONUS: Ashley Hall’s open-air Shakespeare

Ashley Hall School, 172 Rutledge Ave., downtown Charleston, March 15 and 16, 5:30 p.m.

Here’s a chance to support a new generation of dramatic artists as they hone their craft with none other than the Bard, by way of King Lear in an outdoor production. Ashley Hall ushers in spring with the return of a beloved school tradition, performing Shakespeare at the Bear Cave, a landmark of the School’s historic campus (that did, in fact, serve as stomping grounds for a bear in days gone by).

Tickets can be purchased here.