eternal_vigilantes2College of Charleston’s Avery Research Center for African-American History and Culture will present “Eternal Vigilantes: The Art of Karole Turner Campbell” starting on January 17 and running through March 31, 2013. The exhibit, which is free and open to the public, will be held in the McKinley Washington and Cox Auditoriums of the Avery Research Center.

According to artist Karole Turner Campbell, “history is the sum of our existence and the events that occur are shaped by how we respond, our actions and reactions.  Freedom is one of our ultimate goals. Once we have attained it, how do we maintain it?”

Through “Eternal Vigilance” was the response offered by 19th century abolitionist, orator and newspaper publisher Frederick Douglass.  It was with Douglass in mind that she prepared this body of work.

The show, which consists of 45 pieces – sculptures / bas relief pieces, drawings and paintings – pays homage to the phenomena of being vigilante, of preserving and being agents of change.

The exhibition opening and reception is January 17 at 6:00 p.m. at the Avery Research Center located at 125 Bull Street.

For additional information, contact Curtis J. Franks at 843.953.7610.

About the Artist
Karole Turner Campbell , KTC, as she is known, used her 34 years with the New York City Department of Education in an ever expanding quest to find and implement the most effective and compelling ways to transform peoples’ lives, as an educator, curriculum and instruction specialist, supervisor and administrator.

In 2003, she retired as the founding principal of Frederick Douglass Academy II. Along with her educational pursuits, Karole maintained a dual career as a performing and visual artist.

She is extremely proud of her relationship with the Lincoln Center Directors Lab (an invitation only group of international, professional directors who participate in intensive two to three week residencies at the Theatre).

Since moving to Charleston in 2006 she has become immersed in the arts community in the Low country, exhibiting in one woman shows, group shows and galleries. She has curated two invitational group shows, “I – 8 –Tee: An Exhibit of Visions and Words on Haiti” that raised money for Haitian relief and, “I, Too”, a visual essay on the Langston Hughes poem of the same title. Currently, her work can be seen at the Charleston Artist Guild Gallery, and the Green Herring Gallery in Beaufort. This past November she was part of the BAMN’N group show “Contemporary Cross Currents” exhibit at the North Charleston City Gallery .In 2011 she entered into a new aspect of her career as the juror for the national juried art exhibition celebrating the twentieth anniversary of the film “Daughters of the Dust.”