In 2013, we welcomed our very first artist in residence: Long Bin Chen, a Taiwanese contemporary sculptor whose work transforms discarded books into breathtaking forms. At the time, he was creating pieces for his Culture Warrior series, which would later be exhibited at the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art here in Charleston.
Long Bin set the tone for what an artist residency could be. He wasn’t just here to make art; he immersed himself in the space, allowing us and our community to glimpse the discipline, humor, and humanity behind the work. He worked tirelessly, treating books as his raw material, carving them into intricate sculptures that spoke volumes about culture, identity, and history.
One of our fondest memories of Long Bin was his unusual work schedule. Because of the time difference between Charleston and Taiwan, he often found himself wide awake at midnight. Instead of trying to fight it, he would quietly roam the gallery in the dark hours, sketchbook in hand, making drawings while the city outside slept. We’d arrive in the morning to find pages of new sketches scattered across the table—a silent record of his nocturnal explorations. It became one of those small, personal details that made us feel like we really knew him, not just as an artist, but as a person.
Looking back, it’s hard to imagine a better way to start our residency program. Long Bin set the bar high, bringing an energy, generosity, and creative spirit that has lingered here ever since. In the years following his stay, we’ve had the honor of hosting over 100 artists—painters, sculptors, authors, and even musicians. Each has left their own mark, but there’s something special about remembering where it all began.
Ten years later, we’re still grateful for those late-night sketches and the quiet hum of creativity Long Bin Chen brought into our space. To see a full list of who has lived in the gallery and find out how to apply click HERE.
