Carolyn, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you in your creative career?

I graduated from the College of Charleston with a degree in Art History. I loved the classes I took and for a few years I thought I wanted to go back to school and pursue a masters in art history. But before I could do that, I fell in love with cooking. With being in the kitchen and with feeding/nurturing people with what I prepared. I had done a lot of cooking for friends and family during college years and it just felt natural to do it professionally. I learned organizational skills as well as how to set up a project for success. The ability to see from start to finish and be able to put a plan of action in place has served me well with all of the hats I have worn over the years.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My mother was particularly interested in making sure her daughter was taught all about the arts– music, theater, dance, and of course, visual arts. She took me to as many performances and exhibits as she thought I could take in as a young person. My home was filled with beautiful things that spoke of my parents love of the natural world as well as their support of the arts. And one of my older brothers is an artist–he has been a painter as long as I have known him! It was through these elements that I became interested in pursuing a career in the arts, even though it was somewhat sidetracked by my own creative pursuits in the kitchen. My brother, West Fraser—the artist, and I had a gallery for a few years in the late 90’s just before I went to Johnson and Wales to pursue my culinary dreams. So when about 18 years later I returned to Charleston after living in North Florida for 14 years, it just seemed natural for me to go back to helping him in the studio which eventually led to my working in Helena’s gallery and seamlessly flowed into my being the gallery director for Helena Fox Fine Art.

I am passionate about my artists–we represent about 14–and I am excited when I can find just the right painting for a client. Sharing these artists with our community is a privilege that I am thankful for most every day. I like nothing more than to send along an image to a potential buyer and for them to love it as much, if not more, than I do. And when they share with me where the painting ended up in their homes, I get a little thrill!

Charleston, S.C. has a large community of creatives and I have enjoyed getting to know a lot of them. There is nothing I enjoy more than sharing a product made by one of my friends or someone in our sphere. Over the last five years working at Helena Fox Fine Art, Broad Street has seen a renaissance of sorts. From Meeting to East Bay Street many of the real estate and law offices have moved making room for more galleries and boutiques. One day this past winter I was walking down Broad and realized that I had not really been in any of the new shops and I thought to myself, I bet I am not the only one downtown that isn’t aware of all the fabulous things going on down here. So…through this The Exchange District was born. I approached as many shops and galleries as would have me and asked if they would like to join us for some events and eventually some collective bargaining and maybe advertising. I was welcomed with enthusiasm and we held our first event Valentine’s weekend. Since then we have teamed up with another small business, Walk and Talk Charleston, to do history/gallery strolls giving people an intimidation free way to check out the glorious galleries as well as get to know the proprietors of the boutiques in the area. I hope this partnership will continue to grow and flourish helping lift up all of the businesses in the area.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

The best way to support the creative community is by purchasing their wares. I know this sounds obvious, but it really isn’t. We have become so quick to order online with free shipping, that we sometimes forget there is a shop owned by real people, who contribute in many ways to the community we live in, that might have a great option for whatever you just bought online. Give your favorite shops a follow on Instagram. Share their stories. Like their posts. Tell your friends about what you found–even if you didn’t purchase it yourself, someone you know may think ‘oh wow! That is exactly what I needed for so and so’s birthday!’ Lift up the businesses you enjoy and keep in mind when you have a bad experience that your first step, before Yelping about it, should be to contact the business and share your experience. If something bad happens, we want to know, and as GI Joe said, knowing is half the battle.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Conversations with clients and customers is the most rewarding part of my job. Being able to share my artists stories. Finding just the right present for moms birthday. I feel the most pride and joy in my work when I can brighten up someones day!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://helenafoxfineart.com/
• Instagram: @helenafoxfineartcharleston @frombeckyskitchensc
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helenafoxfineartchs