BY EMILY WILSON
 

It started with a trip to Barcelona, a city that embraces street art. “It could look old and grungy, but people didn’t notice it because of the incredible artwork,” recalls Lava Salon co-owner and chART (Charleston Art) Outdoor Initiative founder Geoff Richardson. Four years, 40 artists and more than 50 works of art later, Richardson has a full-on street art gallery in the alley behind his Avondale hair salon.

     “I like to think I planted a seed of inspiration,” Richardson says. The narrow alley, lined by painted buildings, quickly became a backdrop for music videos and photo shoots. Pieces range from abstract designs bursting with color to a monochromatic portrait of Charles Darwin.

     The initiative has not gone unnoticed. Its most recent claim to fame was being named “Best Back Alley Art” in the City Paper’s 16th annual Best of Charleston awards. It has also spread to Park Circle in North Charleston. Last year, artists created 10 murals in Park Circle, along with the nine new pieces added to Avondale’s back alley.

     Richardson’s motto over the past few years has been, “If you have paint and want to paint, I’ll find you a wall.” The first two artists to jump on board were Patch Whiskey and Ishmael, both of whom have since become well known in the world of street art. In late March of this year, Patch Whiskey’s artwork on a Park Circle wall was featured in The New York Times travel section. Today, aspiring street artists flock to the blank canvas that is 1 Alycia Alley.

     Now, with three chART walks—shindigs that feature everything from break dancers to henna tattoo artists—and several projects outside Avondale under his belt, Richardson is making moves to pass the torch. “It’s always been my plan to build [the gallery], and then have a nonprofit come in and run it,” he says.

     This summer inevitably promises to bring big changes for the initiative and its founder. The group’s Facebook page recently announced its participation in the Avondale Arts Festival this June, along with the cryptic “wicked news to come!”