Ismael's "Veil" is acrylic and screenprinting on wood panel
When Stacy Pearsall took on ownership of the Charleston Center for Photography this year, she knew it was more than just another job. The two-time National Press Photographers Association Military Photographer of the Year Award-winner saw a need in the community for youth programs, outreach classes, and art therapy for disabled veterans.
“My reason for taking it over wasn’t to make hoards of money,” says Pearsall. “Any profit is turned back into the community. We have free exhibits for young photographers. Whatever the Center doesn’t cover is paid from my own pocket.”
Pearsall’s concern for the community meant that local photographers and businesses rallied around her in September when she announced that the CCforP was struggling financially. Without additional contributions from its customers, the seven-year-old Center would be forced to close.
The day he heard the news, Sean Ferneau started speaking to Pearsall about what could be done. “She’s trying to do something new,” Ferneau, the gallery director of Aster Hall on King Street, says. “She’s trying to appeal to a broad base of artists without many resources, making her time and equipment readily available to them.”
Recognizing a kindred spirit, Ferneau began to plan a benefit show at his gallery.