Almost overnight, one of Charleston’s newest art galleries put down roots on historic Church Street.  Indigo Fine Art Gallery opened its doors at 102 Church St. on September 3, in the same building as the Dog & Horse, Fine Art & Portraiture Gallery (just a few doors South of Broad St.).  The owners of Indigo are well-established artists Helen K. Beacham (who maintains a studio and gallery in Summerville as well), Paula Lonneman and Judith Perry, who all have a combined 68 years of professional art experience to their credit.  Their faith in Charleston’s art scene spurred them on to open their own gallery, in less than 2 months’ time from conception to reality.
The backgrounds of these 3 artist/owners couldn’t be more varied.  Helen Beacham was born in Montreal, Canada, a city that’s 21 years older than Charleston.  She moved from there to Memphis, TN and then to Charleston in 2006.  Paula Lonneman was born in Wyoming but moved with her family to other places including Guam before landing in Charleston in 2007.  Judith Perry was born in Washington State, moved to the East Coast, the Midwest and then Hawaii before settling near Charleston, SC.  The three met at Waterfront Art Gallery about 2-3 years ago, where they all successfully displayed and sold their art.  Their style has been described as “elegant Lowcountry” but you’ve got to throw into the mix their passion for exploring new media and techniques which brings a flirtatious contemporary flair to the repertoire they offer.  Indigo will also feature rotating national guest artists, along with unique Fine Crafts (such as blown glass) by artisans that have never shown before in the Charleston area.
Moving into the same building as the Dog & Horse Gallery should immediately complement both galleries.  Says Jaynie Spector, owner of Dog & Horse: “It’s a pleasure to have another gallery in Charleston!  We support artists, the arts and anyone dedicated to the business of art.”  The gallery is ready to receive visitors as of September 3, with a grand opening to be held Friday, October 1 (5-8pm) during Charleston’s fall Art Walk.  
For further information or a list of updated events, please visit www.IndigoFineArtGallery.com or call 843-805-9696.  102 Church St., Charleston, SC  29401 (just South of Broad St.)