Unique Design X Collectible Art and Design Fair returned to the Trustees’ Garden May 31 through June 4 and featured a VIP Reception at the Kehoe Iron Works Building on Wednesday, May 31.
Pulling up to the iconic Kehoe building, it is serendipitous that the first person I see is the visionary behind the restoration of the Trustees’ Garden, Charles H. Morris. Looking spry on his 85th birthday, I give him a huge hug then enter the side door where we find a crowd already gathered to celebrate his daughter, Morgan Morris Sans third collectible art and design fair in Savannah.
Greeting us is his close friend and a lady that everyone loves, Gaye Reese. Holding court with her is her prince Rusty Holt, a tall dude with the same birthday as Gaye and the perfect match for my vivacious friend.
Glowing after a week in Aruba to celebrate their April 6 birthday, Gaye tells me that life at United Community Bank is still wonderful after 13 years. I can’t tell you how much I admire United’s Senior Vice President and how happy I am that Gaye found her perfect mate 5 years ago.
Knowing that Gaye and Mr. Morris will be talking for a while, I trot over to interrupt Beth Logan and her posse of powerful women.
We have Emily Doherty, Allison Hersh, Kristen Harkleroad and wait, is this the long last seen Cinda Baker?! I’m so amped that I put my notebook down to hug the world traveler and get an update on her next adventure with husband Nick.
“We are off to Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania this Friday. Nick wants to see the entire world before he dies,” shares the curly haired brunette.
Next up, we have Savannah Mayor Van Johnson and Morgan giving me a quick video to welcome us to Unique Design X for WSAV then a mini interview with Mr. Morris’ grandson Charles. Standing in at 6-ft tall at 14 years old, the Savannah Country Day student talks about his love of history, especially WWII, golf and The Masters while posing for a pic with his mom, Louisa, Aunt Matilda Morris and dad, Charles Hill.
Proud to get the elusive Charles Hill in a photo, I mosey over to ask cousins Charleston College marketing major Isabella Enkema and CNN News Producer Emily Piltzer to pose in front of a massive painting. I love talking with anyone brave enough to work in newsrooms so I chat with the avid reader about her passion for reading books from all over the world.
“As I read and learn about new topics, I personalize it. I would love to travel and work at different bureaus,” shares Emily.
After Emily makes a reference to her mom, I realize I am talking to Morgan’s daughter. SMH to myself, I ask Emily what she admires about her mom.
“I love how she immersed herself in different cultures, speaks multiple languages and how she has organized Unique Design X events all over the world — she is my inspirational star,” adds Emily.
Impressed with Emily’s maturity and chill personality, I asked her if she could point out any of the artists on site today. Leading me over to Brent Warr, we talk to the Bainbridge. native about his art style.
“I want people to think and enjoy my work. It is meant to be tactile and enjoyed and viewed as functional art,” shares the 26-year-old artist.
Admiring his sofa/settee, I ask about the building process.
“This is a 1890s piece that I rebuilt by using plastic, pulp and epoxy. After weeks of sculpting and waiting, I have given this form new life.”
Loving Brent’s view of functionality in the art world, I leave him talking with Morgan and Mr. Morris and make an attempt to catch up with Greg Parker. Cinda Baker has captured his attention so I head over to check in on my Savannah State University intern Odyssey Wade.
Arriving next is Official Guides of Savannah and convention consultant DeAnne Mitchell. A Savannah native with a passion for podcasts and travel, DeAnne is telling me how lucky she is to do what she does when I see the brilliant Ramsey Khalidi arrive.
The 72-year-old is one of this town’s most fascinating people. Practicing adaptive reuse since age 20 and founding Southern Pine Company, a sustainably-sourced materials marketplace that occupies an entire city block at 35th and Broad Street, Ramsey is the gatekeeper for creative innovative people.
I knew that there were musicians, designers and artists in residence on site along with a coffee roaster, but who knew there was a green house being developed.
“The idea is to create a lifestyle of sustainable design that attracts everyone from academics to steel workers from eight to 80-years-old,” shares the Unique Design X ‘s sponsor and participant.
Ramsey’s views fit in perfectly with Morgan’s Unique Design X vision. Described as a nomadic, female-founded commercial platform that celebrates the beauty of art, collectible design and the vibrant community of artists and galleries that bring it to life, Morgan shares, "Our vision is to combine unique perspectives with expertise in the field to provide an unforgettable experience for our audience, all the while supported by the robust art and design market.”
"Whether you are an experienced collector or simply looking to explore the world of collectible design, you can immerse yourself in a fresh vision of new living ideas and aesthetics from 20 exceptional artists and designers from 17 countries, along with their representative galleries. The five day event showcases an impressive selection of Asian and African contemporary collectible design, highlighting the diversity and creativity of these regions,” adds Morgan.
Mission accomplished! When functional art, collective design, and diverse cultures intersect harmoniously, inspiring innovation, creativity and multicultural exchanges, we all benefit from Morgan’s artistic presentation.
Thank you Morgan! You are weaving your cultural world into the fabric of Savannah and opening our eyes to new living ideas and aesthetics. As your daughter said, you are truly an inspirational star!
