Join the Halsey Institute Family to honor the contributions and talents of two Elizabeth O’Neill Verner Award winners, Corrie McCallum (1914-2009) and our namesake, William Halsey (1915-1999). We will introduce a new generation of Charlestonians to this couple’s pioneering spirit through a series of brief presentations illustrating their progressive artmaking against the backdrop of traditional Charleston. After the discussions, join us for a reception with sweet treats from Wattle & Daub–a festive celebration of Corrie and William!

Mayor John Tecklenburg declared March 14 as William Halsey and Corrie McCallum Day in Charleston. Click here to view the proclamation!

Check out the video for the event:

A Halsey & McCallum Celebration from Halsey Institute on Vimeo.

This event is open to all College of Charleston students and Halsey Institute members. Memberships begin at $40 for individuals, $20 for K-12 educators, and $17.70 for CofC students. Click here to join!

RSVP here! 

Presenters include:

Mark Sloan, director and chief curator of the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art
Brian Rutenberg, former student of William Halsey and renowned painter
Caroline Wright, William Halsey scholar
Pam Wall, curator of exhibitions at the Gibbes Museum of Art
Louise Halsey, artist and youngest daughter of Corrie McCallum and William Halsey

Corrie McCallum and William Halsey in Cairo, Egypt, 1979.

In addition to her vast body of work, Corrie McCallum made significant contributions to the Charleston art community as an educator. She was the first artist to teach printmaking at the College of Charleston. Under her guidance, the Gibbes Museum of Art conducted the first comprehensive art appreciation program for Charleston County public school students. She held education positions at several institutions, including the Telfair Museum of Art in Savannah and the Gibbes Museum of Art, College of Charleston, and Newberry College in South Carolina. Throughout her life, she remained an outspoken advocate for the visual arts.

William Halsey dedicated his life to art and art education in South Carolina. A 1939 graduate of the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, he garnered professional success in Charleston, Savannah, New York, and Mexico. He established the College of Charleston’s studio art program in 1964 and served as assistant professor and artist-in-residence for nearly two decades. His leadership and artistic vision inspired the faculty at the College of Charleston to name the College’s art gallery in his honor upon his retirement. 

Today, the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art promulgates its namesake’s vision by introducing the work of emerging, mid-career, and oddly overlooked artists. The life and work of William Halsey and Corrie McCallum continue to inspire young artists, and their legacy remains precious to their three children, Paige Halsey Slade, David Ashley Halsey, and Louise McCallum Halsey.

Sweet treats provided by Wattle & Daub