PechaKucha 44

PechaKucha, Japanese for “chit chat,” is a presentation style in which 20 slides are shown for 20 seconds each (6 minutes and 40 seconds in total) keeping presentation concise, fast-paced, and powerful. Charleston Music Hall is proud to be the official venue and producer of PechaKucha Charleston. The Music Hall, with help from our collaborators Charleston Arts Festival and artist liaison Terry Fox, hopes to focus on developing a strong, interesting, and diverse presenter line up from an array of different artistic, creative, and entrepreneurial disciplines and encourage collaboration, communication, and support in Charleston’s creative community.

Emcee: LaFaye
DJ: Professor Ping

Panel:
Alex Searles, artist and graphic designer

Kip Bulwinkle, owner and photographer at Karson Photography

Carrie Wooden, collage artist and “Under the Radar” honoree

Jalen Williams, photographer and “Under the Radar” honoree

Mike Brown, vocal artist, song writer, and producer

Marcela Rabens, producer of Universal Latin News Charleston

Tim McManus, principal of Hed Hi Media

R.W. Smith, cast member for Finding Freedom: The Journey of Robert Smalls and PURE Theatre core ensemble member

Alexandria Searles’s Afrocentric style is rooted in her Caribbean and African-American heritage. From her youth, she was inspired to create artwork that fully represented the excellence and beauty of Blackness. Her work is defined by her portraiture and her colorful, expressive abstract pieces. Her mediums are digital, acrylic paint, and oil paint. In 2015, she chose the moniker, Morowa Mosai, meaning Queen Mosaic to represent her work. Morowa, a Ghanaian name, became the title underneath her artwork, which inspired and touched many. “The purpose of art is for people to see it…and feel.” – MOROWA MOSAI

Alexandria has worked with several Non-profit Organizations in the Charleston area. She has completed 3 murals in the city, hosted several events, and completed illustrations for published works. Her work has been shown at Spoleto Festival and exhibited in local galleries. Alexandria has also been featured at several speaking engagements geared toward youth and women. She is currently in residency at Elevate at Brighton Park through American landmark apartments.

Carson (Kip) Bulwinkle is a photographer, specializing in commercial and editorial photography. A native to Charleston, Carson grew up in the lowcountry working in his family’s businesses learning the ropes of property management, construction, and real estate.

He is happiest outdoors–hiking, fishing, hunting, and gardening. He’s a grower & lover of good food, an observer and studier of life, and an avid storyteller. Carson started his photography career while studying biology and photography at the College of Charleston, and in 2004 opened Karson Photography. His photography studio currently resides at Redux Contemporary Art Center.

Carson’s art management background consists of opening a art gallery/artist co-op in Park Circle, co-founding the North Charleston Artist Guild, serving as a board member for South of Broadway Theatre Company, functioning as the Director of Photography for Art Mag, and is currently the resident photographer and an educator at Redux Contemporary Art Center.

He lives in Park Circle with his wife, Elizabeth, their three children (Carson, Liam, and Lucy), their rambunctious yellow Labrador puppy (Beatrice), a few rabbits… and a flock of chickens.

In 2020, I began creating analog collages to help deal with the stress of the Covid-19 pandemic. I’ve always been an avid art lover, there are so many talented local artists here in Charleston, but I’d never tried creating art. My love for everything vintage was a jumping off point for the art of collage, I already had dozens of books and magazines to choose from without having to go searching for materials elsewhere. I have no formal art training, my first pieces were given to friends as gifts, until my family encouraged me to submit a collage for Redux Contemporary Arts Center’s 2020 annual art auction. I was accepted, giving me the courage to start applying for weekend art markets when the lockdown was lifted. Having a weird sense of humor is evident in all of my collages, the smiles and out right laughter of the art lovers who view my work is the best compliment I can get.

Born in Huntington, WV Moved to Pawley’s Island as a senior in high school, then on to England for a couple of years to take classes at the University of Nottingham. I came home to Charleston in 2000, a hub for art and artists, as well as dozens of cultural events per year. You can’t beat living near the ocean, and I’ll never take it for granted. I live and work (home studio) on James Island with my wife, 3 children, and 2 very spoiled dogs.

Born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina. Jalen Williams is a conceptual photographer/video artist with a BFA in Studio Art from Coker University, which culminated in a solo exhibition in the Cecelia Coker Bell Gallery. He has worked as an art teacher, and studio photographer, and has been featured in juried art exhibitions throughout South Carolina including the MOJA and Piccolo Spoleto festivals respectively. He recently was selected as one of Charleston’s 10 “Under The Radar” Emerging Artists culminating in an exhibition sponsored by Charleston Arts Festival, Redux Contemporary Gallery, and Charleston Magazine

Williams is pursuing his MFA in the Photography + Media & Society program at The Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, Maryland.

Mike Brown is an artist, producer, song writer, business owner and leader in the music industry. A Charleston native, Brown was named the 2020 Soul/R&B Artist of the Year by Charleston City Paper. He proudly attended the University of South Carolina majoring in African American studies with a minor in Music Industry Studies. He now owns his own production company, MB Productions, and released his most recent solo album in 2023 entitled “HER”. By age 25 he has released 6 projects in a span of 5 years, 7 music videos and has written 10+ award winning songs for artists of all genres. Michael’s goals are to be a pillar of the community by expanding the resources in music and business. He believes that the city of Charleston is the most talented city on earth in every aspect of entertainment. the Executive Director of Charleston Literary Festival. She is a graduate from Trinity College Dublin, where she earned a BA in Literature, and Freie Universität Berlin, where she received an MA in the same field. Sarah’s interests include modern Irish Drama, literature in exile, and the writings of Samuel Beckett. Before her move from Berlin to Charleston in October 2021, she was the Global Director of Brand at Blinkist, a company at the intersection of audiobook publishing and tech.

R.W. Smith is an actor/writer/director who has been working in Charleston for 20 years. Earning his MFA in Acting from Louisiana State University, he has worked in New Orleans, Boulder, Chicago and Charleston. He joined Pure Theatre in their second season and twenty years later has been a proud member of the ensemble ever since. At Pure Theatre, he has performed in over 40 performances including: True West, Hangmen, Ben Butler, American Buffalo, The Beauty Queen of Leenane, and will be performing in the Southeast premiere of The Lehman Triology this January.

He has written several plays including Lowcountry Boil, winner of Charleston City Papers best play and co-wrote/co-created The Complete History of Charleston for Morons at Theatre 99. His other credits in town include ten years of improv work with Theatre 99, a recurring role on Army Wives and several independent films.

He just completed a performance in October of Finding Freedom, The Journey of Robert Smalls, a world premiere at the Gaillard Center. In this new play based on the life of Robert Smalls, he played 6 different characters and the ensemble performed for over 6000 South Carolina students and a sold out run for the general public.

LaFaye, a national influencer, made her mark in Charleston with an unforgettable arrival in 2020. Despite the challenges of a global pandemic, she embarked on a mission to not just entertain but to transform her new city. With a stage presence that’s both infectious and commanding and vocal abilities that mesmerize, LaFaye quickly became a trendsetter in Charleston’s arts and entertainment scene. Her portfolio of productions and performances, including standout shows like “The Tina Tribute” and “Queens of Hip Hop Soul,” as well as her captivating performances with her Rock-Soul band, LaFaye & The Fellas, have solidified her status as a dynamic force.

LaFaye’s influence extends far beyond the stage, as her captivating journey has garnered widespread press coverage throughout the Coastal and Southeastern Region, featured in esteemed publications such as the Post & Courier, Charleston Magazine, The Charleston City Paper, Holy City Sinner, Savannah Jams, and Voyage ATL, to name a few. She defies the expectations of a newcomer, consistently exceeding them with her remarkable talents and dedication.

Beyond her artistic endeavors, LaFaye’s commitment to her community shines brightly. In February, she launched “Auntie’s House” at The Charleston Music Hall, recognizing the critical need for guidance and structure for children within the school system. Her mission is clear—to empower and educate youth and the broader community through the transformative power of music and the arts. LaFaye is not limited to a single role; she wears many hats, each emblematic of her multifaceted talents and passion. She serves as the Entertainment Director for The Black Food Truck Festival, owns Fine Line Custom Brims, a hat and clothing customizing company, and leads the charge at Prodigious Designs as the lead event planner and designer. Her reach extends nationwide, offering Creative Directing services for shows, events, and productions, making her an influential figure both on and off the stage. LaFaye is not just an entertainer; she’s a visionary, a community builder, and a creative powerhouse, leaving an indelible mark on Charleston and the broader artistic landscape.

a skilled singer as well as classically trained violist. Her work history includes jazz festivals, weddings and corporate affairs as a solo, duo, or part of her own ensemble. She considers music ‘food’ for her soul and believes that others will be nourished as well when she performs. Alva sings jazz, blues and folk songs from around the world. Included in her repertoire are songs in Spanish, Portuguese, Italian and the South African ‘Click’ language.

Professor Ping, aka Josh Silverman, has been a DJ in Charleston since 2003, blending old school, breakbeat, rare groove, and electronic tracks in a continuous mix of genres and generations, and he hosts karaoke and bar game nights at venues throughout the city. Josh also founded Charleston Event Pros, his family-run business for weddings, corporate event production, and high energy community programming. He has been the house DJ for PechaKucha since the early days. For more information and to listen in, visit www.professorping.com or @professorping on Instagram.

PechaKucha, Japanese for “chit chat,” is a presentation style in which 20 slides are shown for 20 seconds each (6 minutes and 40 seconds in total) keeping presentation concise, fast-paced, and powerful. Charleston Music Hall is proud to be the official venue and producer of PechaKucha Charleston. The Music Hall, with help from our collaborators Charleston Arts Festival and artist liaison Terry Fox, hopes to focus on developing a strong, interesting, and diverse presenter line up from an array of different artistic, creative, and entrepreneurial disciplines and encourage collaboration, communication, and support in Charleston’s creative community.