Founded by Robert Hicklin, Jr. in 1972, the Charleston Renaissance Gallery is the only one in the nation specializing in fine art of the American South. The gallery has maintained a distinctive reputation for its offerings of 19th and 20th century masterworks, including works on oil, paper, sculptures, the art of the Charleston Renaissance Movement and select works from the estate of Elizabeth O’Neil Verner, one of the most influential artists of the time.
For more than 30 years, the Charleston Renaissance Gallery has handled works by the most prestigious Southern artists, as well as those American artists who explored Southern subject matter. The gallery counts private collectors from across the country and around the world, as well as premier national institutions among its clients. In addition to regular exhibitions and educational symposiums, it has published several scholarly catalogues and three major art volumes. The gallery is also home to a library of more than 4000 books and archives on Southern art history.
A strong supporter of the Charleston Fine Art Dealers’ Association since its foundation, Maverick Southern Kitchens’ High Cotton will partner for the fourth year with the gallery for the Palette and Palate Stroll evening. The restaurant’s heart pine floors, wide-bladed ceiling fans and walls of hand-made brick have been the signatures of Lowcountry high-life since antebellum times. The menu is hearty and southern, featuring regional favorites, steaks, game and fresh seafood – all prepared with the famous Maverick artistry.
Raised in a large Italian family whose passion for cooking was always a focus and source of pride, High Cotton’s Executive Chef, Anthony Gray’s choice of a career in the culinary industry was a natural one. While training in Charleston at Johnson & Wales University, he began working in local Charleston restaurants and was hired as a line cook at Slightly North of Broad in 1998. Chef Gray steadily proved himself and was promoted to several positions within the Maverick Southern Kitchens family, and upon the opening of High Cotton in November of 1999, Chef Gray was promoted to sous chef, a position he held until November of 2006 when he became High Cotton’s Executive Chef.
Gray’s passion for meats can be noted with his hand-made sausages and charcuteries, and his excellence in creating sauces and marinades that enhance the flavors of the meats he works with. Chef Gray is a proud supporter of local farmers and vendors.
