South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) is partnering with the Gibbes Museum of Art to extend the impact of “Revelations: The Art of Leo Twiggs,” a retrospective exhibition that traces more than six decades of work by the nationally acclaimed South Carolina artist. The collaboration integrates SCETV’s original documentary, Arriving: Leo Twiggs and His Art, into the museum experience, offering audiences a deeper, more personal understanding of Twiggs’ life, creative process and enduring influence on American art.
On view at the Gibbes Museum of Art from Jan. 30 through May 3, “Revelations: The Art of Leo Twiggs” features more than 40 works created between 1961 and 2020 and marks the first major retrospective of Twiggs’ work in his home state. The exhibition also commemorates the 50th anniversary of Twiggs’ historic 1976 solo exhibition at Gibbes, originally presented during the nation’s bicentennial year. The integration of SCETV’s documentary expands the exhibition experience, allowing visitors to encounter Twiggs’ batik works, created through a multi-layered wax-resist dyeing process, and color alongside the artist’s personal voice and reflections.
Arriving: Leo Twiggs and His Art provides an intimate portrait of Twiggs as both artist and educator, weaving together interviews, archival materials and footage of his creative process. Featured within the exhibition context, the documentary enriches the museum experience by revealing the personal history, academic achievements and cultural significance that underpin the works on display, many of which are emblematic of Twiggs’ technique and his recurring themes of history, identity and hope. Arriving: Leo Twiggs and His Art is currently available for viewing on SCETV.org and in the PBS app.
The collaboration also underscores the shared mission of SCETV and the Gibbes to foster dialogue, education and connection through the arts. The exhibition is accompanied by a full-color catalogue and a robust slate of public programs, inviting visitors to further explore the themes and historical resonance found throughout Twiggs’ work. On March 18 at 6 p.m., SCETV and the Gibbes will host an event to honor Twiggs and the exhibition, featuring a reception and screening of the documentary, followed by a discussion between Twiggs and SCETV filmmakers William Richardson and Xiao Yu. Ticket holders will receive free entry to the Gibbes museum and the exhibition for the event. Tickets to the event can be purchased online.
A native of St. Stephen, South Carolina, Leo Twiggs is widely recognized for his pioneering contributions to art and education. His distinguished career includes more than 75 solo exhibitions, international recognition and numerous honors, including the Order of the Palmetto and induction into the South Carolina Hall of Fame. Today, he continues to create art in his Orangeburg studio and serves as Distinguished Artist in Residence at Claflin University.
QUOTES
“This partnership with the Gibbes Museum of Art reflects SCETV’s commitment to preserving and sharing South Carolina’s cultural legacy through powerful storytelling. By pairing this remarkable exhibition with Arriving: Leo Twiggs and His Art, we are creating new opportunities for audiences to engage with Dr. Twiggs’ work in a meaningful, accessible and enduring way.” –SCETV President and CEO Adrienne Fairwell
“We are thrilled to collaborate with SCETV on celebrating the amazing life, work, and career of Dr. Twiggs. This extraordinary show offers the perfect opportunity to integrate SCETV’s documentary on the artist into the exhibition experience and give visitors a more holistic and more intimate understanding of the art on display in our galleries. We are delighted to call SCETV our partners and to welcome the filmmakers and Dr. Twiggs himself to the museum to engage with the film and a live audience.“ –Gibbes Museum of Art President and CEO H. Alexander Rich, Ph.D
“This Emmy Award nominated documentary is a highlight of my career, this partnership is the comprehensive statement about my life and work. I am deeply grateful.“ –Artist and educator Dr. Leo Twiggs
"For me, this documentary was about honoring Dr. Twiggs’ journey and allowing audiences to see the person behind the art. Having the film incorporated into the Gibbes exhibition creates a powerful bridge between the artwork and the lived experiences, history and values that shaped it.” –Arriving: Leo Twiggs and His Art Producer, Director and Editor Xiao Yu
FAST FACTS
- SCETV is partnering with the Gibbes Museum of Art to integrate SCETV’s original documentary, Arriving: Leo Twiggs and His Art, into the retrospective exhibition titled “Revelations: The Art of Leo Twiggs.”
- On view at the Gibbes Museum of Art from Jan. 30 through May 3, “Revelations: The Art of Leo Twiggs” features more than 40 works created between 1961 and 2020 and marks the first major retrospective of Twiggs’ work in his home state.
- Arriving: Leo Twiggs and His Art provides an intimate portrait of Twiggs as both artist and educator, weaving together interviews, archival materials and footage of his creative process.
- Arriving: Leo Twiggs and His Art is produced by South Carolina ETV and is available for viewing on SCETV.org and the PBS app.
- SCETV and the Gibbes will host an event to honor Twiggs and the exhibition on March 18 at 6 p.m.
- The event will feature a reception and screening of the documentary, followed by a discussion between Twiggs and SCETV filmmakers William Richardson and Xiao Yu.
About South Carolina ETV and Public Radio
South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) is the state's public educational broadcasting network. SCETV amplifies South Carolina voices, provides educational experiences and strengthens communities, while working toward creating a stronger, more connected and informed South Carolina. In addition to airing local programs, such as The Know Show, Making It Grow, and This Week in South Carolina, SCETV also presents multiple programs to regional and national audiences, including Books By The River, After Action, Reconnecting Roots, Reel South, Downing of a Flag and Southern Songwriters with Patrick Davis.
About the Gibbes Museum of Art
The Gibbes Museum of Art, a beacon in the American South for arts and culture since 1858 when the Museum’s art collection was founded as the Carolina Art Association, is heralded as one of the earliest and most longstanding arts institutions in the United States. The Museum’s collection spans 350 years, and features some of the country’s most celebrated artists ‒ including contemporary, modern and historical works. With world-class rotating exhibitions and a dynamic visiting artist residency program, the Gibbes is a southern museum with a global perspective. The Museum’s mission is to enhance lives through art by engaging people of every background and experience with art and artists of enduring quality, providing opportunities to learn and discover, to enjoy and be inspired by the creative process. Visitor information is available at gibbesmuseum.org/visit.
Media Contact
Landon Masters
media@scetv.org
(803) 737-3337
