Art adds new flavor to Charleston Grill

For Mickey Bakst, the general manager of the Charleston Grill, there has always been something more to eating out than just the taste of the food. For the entire dining experience, from the smells to the sights, Bakst says he always strives to create a memorable atmosphere.

With the ambiance that Bakst seeks to create, The Charleston Grill now has a different flare.

Covering walls of the restaurant are paintings by renowned local and national artists. Bakst worked in collaboration with the Charleston Fine Art Dealers Association and Helena Fox, the organization's co-president.

"We partnered up with Mickey and the Charleston Grille to create something that really has never been done before," Fox said. "It is a way to display all these fine artists' work in one place. I don't believe that 12 galleries have ever displayed work in one location because it takes a whole lot to put 12 galleries together. But Mickey was willing to do it. He was the one who came to us."

Bakst was the first to admit, it wasn't he who did all the work.

"It's not as simple as 'hey, lets put art on the walls.' Putting this together was a long process. It took us about four months of work." Bakst said. "We had to install all of the work and coordinate times and effort."

With the donations from CFADA member galleries and cooperation from a collaborative group, the final product is something that Fox calls fantastic.

Not only does the Charleston Grill's food appeal to taste buds, the artwork by artists such as Stephen Chesley, Manning Williams, Robert Lange, Shannon Smith are sure to please the eyes.

"At 5 p.m., we close our doors; at 5 he opens his," Fox said. "It's a wonderful way for artists to display their work. And it's another venue to show off Charleston's fine art."

Bakst noted three paintings have already sold and he expects the results to continue to grow.

"I happen to believe we as a community have the responsibility to promote the artists here. We have to do that for the growth of the art in Charleston. We need to help create a bigger vision," Bakst said.

So far, the Charleston Grill and the Charleston Fine Art Dealers Association have done exactly that.

"I walk through the restaurant every night and I look around at this tremendous art and it is just pure joy."

The special art installation will be on display with no set date of removal.

"Charleston has always been known for great food and fantastic artwork. This came out beautifully," Fox said. "I think it's a great example of what can be created in collaborative effort."