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Hello, Park Circle! My name is Sarah Ann Bolden, and I am the founder of Lymeapalooza, Community Manager for The Global Art Fair 2025, and contributor for the Park Circle Quarterly Magazine. Some of you know me already, but for those who don’t, let me introduce myself! Who is Sarah Ann? Park Circle Resident and enthusiast since March 2020 Lowcountry Orphan Relief Neighborhood Captain Former Secretary of Palmetto Gardens Neighborhood Bridges of Hope advocate and supporter Charleston Pride Board Advocate Amor Healing Kitchen reserve volunteer Charleston Native, raised in West Ashley, Graduate of Ashley Hall, Class of ’02 3rd Generation Clemson University Alumni, Class of ’06 Nova Southeastern University alumnus with a 4.0 Master’s in Curriculum and Education Design Early Childhood Educator in public and private schools in both Charleston and Columbia, SC, for 17 years, three of which were at top five private schools in South Carolina Chronic Neurological Lyme Disease CONQUEROR! Founder of Lymeapalooza, a music fest/fundraiser/awareness event for Lyme Disease Community advocate Networker Friend What I am about: Authentic people, genuine conversation and connection, music, art, books, swimming, event planning and hosting, serving the community, education, mental health (specifically trauma and men’s mental health), invisible/chronic illness awareness, fishing, alternative healing, Topgolf, and supporting LOCAL! Now that you have a glimpse of who I am, we can get to the good stuff. My WHY. WHY am I writing this article about Park Circle? In my opinion, WHY is the most important and least asked question. I am honored to be asked to tell you my WHY! Moving Back to Charleston, South Carolina  I moved back to Charleston from Columbia (2015-2019) after my mom was diagnosed with terminal colon cancer. I found my dream home on Churchill Road after searching for months. I bought it sight unseen and closed in October 2019. I had major renovations to do that took months, so I wasn’t able to move in until March 2020—the weekend the world shut down, the weekend before we went into lockdown because of the COVID-19 pandemic, to be exact. I was advised by my realtor to join Park Circle Chatter. That weekend, I made my first post and met my first friend in Park Circle, Marshall Goldstein, owner of Wilson Mows Best. He worked for over a week on my disheveled yard, and we quickly became friends. This was the beginning of an ongoing theme from my posts on the chatter. Strangers soon became neighbors. Neighbors became friends, and friends became family. I had never lived in a community like it. It was magical to see how everyone showed up for each other, supporting local, and celebrating each other’s wins. I was HOME! Sarah Bolden & Joe Gallagher Jr. at The 2025 Global Art Fair Only The Beginning  This is only the beginning of my journey of connecting with more Park Circle friends, and I am so grateful to the Park Circle Quarterly Magazine  for giving me a platform to share my thoughts. My heart is rooted in genuine connections, authentic conversations, and building a community where neighbors can become family. The Park Circle Quarterly Magazine continues to be a hub for celebrating our people, our stories, and our local culture through thoughtful editorials and wonderful events. If you’re planning an event and want to extend its reach, you can list it in the magazine to gain more coverage and connect with the wider community. To stay updated on all things Park Circle—and to be part of the magic we’re creating together—subscribe at www.thepcqm.com .

From oyster shells to monumental installations, Jubalo’s Dirty Dozen series turns everyday cultural elements into transformative works that honor heritage, identity, and artistic mastery. Okeeba Jubalo My Clarity featuring Keya Neal For more than thirty years, Okeeba Jubalo has shaped the cultural landscape in Atlanta and beyond, and over the last four years has turned his focus to North Charleston, South Carolina. The founder of NobleSol Art Group , Jubalo has built a legacy that blends rigorous artistic practice with deep engagement in the Black arts community. His upcoming exhibition, Salt: The Dirty Dozen, opening March 14, 2026, marks both a culmination of his decades-long work and a new chapter in his journey as an internationally recognized artist. The exhibition, titled with a nod to the concept of “salt of the earth,” highlights the people and cultural movements that have supported, challenged, and shaped Jubalo over the years. “Salt is what makes everything taste right,” he explained, reflecting on the dual meaning of the show’s title. “It’s about those who make things move and continue to make them move, and it’s also about the resistance I’ve faced in my career—the barriers, the intentional blocking over thirty years.” The title also reflects the signature structure of Jubalo’s work, in which he traditionally creates twelve pieces per exhibition. “I think of it like cooking,” he said. “Anytime you start a dish, you begin with a high level of salt. It’s the foundation for everything else.” Salt: The Dirty Dozen  extends that principle metaphorically, focusing on resilience, creativity, and the intricate cultural threads of his community, while celebrating the people and influences that have shaped him as an artist and curator. Jubalo’s work often transforms objects and experiences that might otherwise be overlooked. In one of his signature pieces, Beenya Gold, he uses oyster shells—a delicacy in his Charleston community—to elevate everyday cultural symbols into blue-chip art. “Oysters are celebratory,” he said, “and they’re expensive. You don’t eat them every day. This collection includes shells from a family gathering, along with several gifted by my friend   Mitchell Crosby . Taking things we normally discard and making them into fine art speaks to the luxury and richness of our culture.” The exhibition also represents a deliberate inclusivity. For the first time, Jubalo is including works by Atlanta-based artists alongside his own. “We’ve been able to acquire different eyes,” he said. “It’s important to include them in this celebration and movement because I want their work to be seen. We represent them, and I believe in their work. Sharing the stage strengthens the cultural dialogue we’re creating.” Dr. Ed Garnes performing at The Global Art Fair 2025 Okeeba Jubalo & Dr. Ed Garnes Why We All Need Therapy ft. Dr. Ed Garnes | Conversate with Killer Mike ep. 8 Supporters and collaborators of Jubalo’s work emphasize the impact of his exhibitions. Dr. Ed Garnes, founder of From Afros to Shelltoes & Sweet Tea Ethics , describes Jubalo’s art as “a kaleidoscope melding the tragedy and triumph of the Black experience.” On his approach, Garnes adds, “As an artist, Okeeba is not a prisoner to style, and whether abstract, collage, or figurative art, truth reigns. As a curator, his focus is on giving artists—redefining contemporary art—space to breathe and eat off their art.” Looking ahead to SALT , Garnes says, “Okeeba is selfless, but with SALT , I am excited he has chosen to show the world why his work matters. His exhibitions are healing, challenging, and always an emotional experience. This is the remedy to all of your misgivings about archaic notions of art.” Chef Alexis Mungin , who will contribute culinary artistry to the exhibition experience, describes her excitement for the show: “This will be my first time experiencing Okeeba Jubalo’s solo work in an exhibition setting, and what excites me most is the opportunity to engage with his process—how materials are chosen and used, and how his current lived experiences show up in the work. I’m especially looking forward to hearing the stories behind the pieces and seeing how SALT  reflects both growth and intention. I anticipate an exhibition that feels honest, layered, and rooted in reflection.” She continues, “Sharing food alongside his art feels like an extension of the experience—bringing people together and allowing them to engage more fully with the work.” Johnny Clarkson & Okeeba Jubalo (Founders of The Lowcountry Cigars) Image by Katrina S. Crawford Photography Johnny Clarkson, Executive Digital Director at NobleSol Art Group and a longtime collaborator, reflects on Jubalo’s past Atlanta exhibitions, including the 2017 Dirty Dozen Jim Crow Fantasies : “When you’ve had the privilege of witnessing greatness from behind the velvet rope, choosing a single highlight feels impossible—like trying to define LeBron James’ career by one jump shot. The production was layered with purpose: art, performance, and unapologetic Black visual empowerment. During the dinner sequence, a long communal table brought together influential community leaders and media figures, with Okeeba and Kat Brown at its head. It felt like a modern-day Last Supper—symbolic, intimate, and powerful.” Clarkson describes Jubalo’s approach as “unwavering integrity, disciplined ethics, and a deliberate vision that leverages art to build and sustain community.” On SALT , he adds, “I’m most excited to witness the audience’s realization that his work surpasses every expectation they brought into the room. This is an experience you owe yourself if you consider yourself a collector, a contributor, or a true lover of the arts.” Salt: The Dirty Dozen   is both a personal and communal statement. Visitors will encounter Jubalo’s artistic transparency, which he describes as emotionally honest and unflinching. “I want people to remember their humanity,” he explained. “To experience grace, to allow themselves to feel. This show is about giving space for healing, for reflection, for joy.” The exhibition is deeply rooted in North Charleston, drawing on the city’s unique energy, history, and geography. Jubalo emphasizes the significance of place, describing the city as its own country, with a culture that permeates the work. Jubalo’s approach to his craft is meticulous and intentional. Over the last four years, he has developed smaller versions of pieces in preparation for this solo exhibition, ensuring that his ideas and vision are cohesive and fully realized. The show will feature pieces ranging from intimate vignettes to large-scale works, some reaching eight to ten feet in size, signaling his entry into the museum market and the international art stage. The impact of Jubalo’s work extends beyond aesthetics. It’s about community, mentorship, and legacy. “I’ve learned that it’s not just about me,” he said. “It’s about creating a platform where others can shine. We bring people back home through the arts, and we create a space where emerging artists can be seen and celebrated.” By connecting his exhibition to local history, culture, and the experiences of those who have shaped the community, Jubalo positions Salt: The Dirty Dozen  as more than a display of art—it is a statement on heritage, resilience, and the transformative power of culture. Visitors to the exhibition can expect an immersive experience. Jubalo wants audiences to feel transparency, honesty, and a deep connection to the stories embedded in each piece. “If visitors leave remembering one thing,” he said, “I want them to know that we are enough. We have what we need to uplift our community and to continue building a legacy that reflects our creativity, resilience, and shared humanity.” Okeeba Jubalo at the 2025 Global Art Fair As Salt: The Dirty Dozen  launches, Jubalo is already thinking ahead. The exhibition serves as the national and international kickoff of his work, with the potential to influence the broader art world while remaining rooted in the South Carolina communities that have nurtured him. “This is our Harlem Renaissance,” he said. “We may not always see it in real time, but we’re in the midst of it, and history will recognize it.” With Salt: The Dirty Dozen , Okeeba Jubalo offers both a personal narrative and a collective one. It is a reflection of a lifetime of artistic practice, community engagement, and cultural storytelling. It is, ultimately, an invitation: to witness, to feel, and to participate in the ongoing movement of art, culture, and heritage that he has cultivated with care, courage, and unwavering vision. RSVP for Salt: The Dirty Dozen : https://www.okeebajubalogallery.com

For two brisk autumn days, Park Circle was alive with the hum of conversation and the rustle of possibility. The 2025 Global Art Fair , powered by NobleSol Art Group  under the leadership of Okeeba Jubalo, turned the quiet rhythm of North Charleston into a vibrant dialogue about art, heritage, and community. From the street, the Park Circle Community Building appeared modest, almost unassuming. Step inside, and the light shifted—spilling across canvases, sculptures, and faces that seemed to carry the weight and memory of generations. Hampton Keith Bishop’s balloon décor from HK Balloons lent an unexpected whimsy, punctuating the room with color and movement. There was a quiet electricity in the air, a sense that something was unfolding: a reclamation of identity, a reimagining of North Charleston’s cultural landscape, and a subtle insistence on what it could and should become. Okeeba Jubalo (TGAF Founder & Executive Creative Director) A Hometown Vision with Global Reach Okeeba Jubalo speaks with the cadence of someone deeply rooted in the soil he’s enriching. Born in Charleston and raised in North Charleston, he spent nearly three decades in Atlanta building a career that blends art, entrepreneurship, and cultural storytelling. Now, through the Global Art Fair, he’s bringing that experience back home. The fair, now in its second year, is both a showcase and a statement. Jubalo’s intent is not to import culture but to reveal the creative pulse that has always been here, waiting, often overlooked, beneath the surface of industrial corridors and suburban sprawl. As he explains, “The foundational expertise and pioneering work developed across major cultural centers, including Atlanta, have brought us to this critical juncture. This phase goes beyond individual performance, an operational capability we have already mastered.” Jubalo continued, “Our vision is to establish strategic alliances with high-performing artists and cultural leaders and secure the patronage needed to fund a robust cultural platform. This initiative will decisively position North Charleston as a distinct cultural epicenter, moving beyond the shadow of downtown Charleston. The time for this advancement is now, and we are strategically poised to move forward.” The weekend’s theme,  Welcome to the New North Charleston , felt both celebratory and declarative. Inside Park Circle’s transformed space, art hung like testimony: abstract portraits, bold textile pieces, intricate line work, and the quiet stillness of painted Lowcountry landscapes. The air was filled with conversation, and beneath it, the hum of change. TGAF (Friday Cocktail Reception) A Weekend of Art, Culture, and Purpose The opening night was sold out before the doors even opened. Guests arrived dressed for celebration, greeted by the familiar warmth of Southern hospitality—handshakes, hugs, and a soundtrack by DJ Balo (Okeeba Jubalo) that promised something memorable. Opening with a powerful spoken word performance by Christine D. Johnson, Georgia Nubia, and Hafeeza Yates, the evening was curated to stir the soul and celebrate the depth of creative expression. The fine art exhibition showcased the work of Patricia Coleman-Cobb, Alvin Glen, Renee H. Fleuranges-Valdes, Georgia Nubia, Margaret Warfield, Vando Davis, and Thom Bess, among others. Their pieces reflected the Fair’s dual spirit of rootedness and reinvention. Among the featured artists, Damon Mescudi brought a powerful perspective shaped by decades of creative evolution. His reflections captured both the vision of the Global Art Fair and the impact of its leadership. Damon Mescudi “After more than 40 years as an artist, I’ve seen my share of murky landscapes. Working with Okeeba and his team in Atlanta brought clarity. In Atlanta, Okeeba cut through the noise,” said Mescudi. “As an artist himself, he understands the collector–creator dynamic and the demographics that help artists thrive in North Charleston’s fertile art scene.” Music drifted through the evening courtesy of Zandrina Dunning and Stephen Washington, performing as The ZD Experience. Their set, part of TGAF’s Soul in the Circle Concert Series, wove jazz, soul, and R&B into the very fabric of the night, threading the room with rhythm, memory, and feeling. “The Global Art Fair was more than an event—it was a celebration of culture, connection, and creative excellence,” Dunning said later. “Every note we played was rooted in love and intention, mirroring the spirit of Okeeba Jubalo and NobleSol Art Group’s vision to unify community through art and open conversation.” Zandrina Dunning Stephen Washington The aroma from Chef Alexis Mungin’s kitchen mingled with the music. Her menu, a blend of Lowcountry flavors refined with elegance, spoke in its own language of tradition and transformation. “It wasn’t just an event—it was an experience that captured the spirit of creativity, culture, and community,” she said. “Every element was thoughtfully curated, and it all came together as a true celebration of excellence.” Okeeba Jubalo & Chef Alexis Mungin Community at the Core If Friday night was a statement of artistry, Saturday was a reminder of purpose. Community Day, free and open to the public, was a lively testament to accessibility—the idea that fine art and local culture don’t belong behind velvet ropes. Julia Rugg, CEO of Wings for Kids , reflected on the experience: “What a privilege for Wings for Kids to come together with other nonprofit leaders and our North Charleston community to open lines of communication, to align how we serve families and kids, and to build ourselves as a collective!” Culture Conversations V3 Nonprofit Leaders Panel “Okeeba Jubalo and his NobleSol Art Group are sparking energy, creativity, and community so North Charleston residents and businesses can rethink how futures are shaped,” continued Rugg. “It’s a fresh lens, rooted in deep passion for an arts renaissance that is about so much more than art.” The TGAF Vendors Fair lined the grounds with small businesses, artisans, and creative entrepreneurs. Among them were Edelena Smith Butler of Unforgettable Events, Aisha and Tiffany Green Darby of A’Neera Darby Designs, Tarsha Anderson-Laboard of Bawse Thangz Consulting, Sarina Freincle of A Beautiful Distraction, Georgia Nubia, and Lady Zen of Stix, Stones & Roots Clothier. Nearby, the Classic Car Show, featuring The Men of Vision Car Club, shimmered like a living exhibit of history and craftsmanship. Children tugged at their parents’ sleeves, pointing to candy-colored cars polished to perfection. The event carried the warmth of a neighborhood gathering, yet everything was curated with precision—every element intentional, every detail impactful. Inside, the conversation shifted from art to action. Culture Conversations: The Nonprofit Leader Panel, moderated by Okeeba Jubalo and Victoria Rae Boyton Moore, co-host of TINY is POWERFUL, brought together voices shaping the civic fabric of the region. The panel featured Susan Ash of Liza’s Lifeline, Julia Rugg of Wings for Kids, Ja’nister Herring, Ericka Plater of GroundWell Collective, and Maggie Yewens of Blood Cancer United. Their discussion circled a central idea: community work and creative work are not separate, but parallel forces capable of reshaping the social landscape. The Launch of Lowcountry Cigars On Saturday afternoon, amid the hum of conversation, another kind of unveiling took place—the official launch of Lowcountry Cigars , a venture co-founded by Jubalo and Johnny Clarkson, NobleSol Art Group’s Executive Digital Director. Part ritual, part business debut, it represented a continuation of Jubalo’s mission to reclaim and celebrate Southern artistry. Each cigar told a story of craftsmanship, lineage, and pride. Speaking on the vision behind the brand, Jubalo explained, “Lowcountry Cigars is founded on the core principles of cultural ownership and creating an exclusive platform for community connection. This brand represents the culmination of a decades-long partnership between Johnny and me, strategically leveraging our expertise to elevate the premium cigar experience. While Charleston remains a highly sought-after destination, we curate our brand experience for a discerning clientele who genuinely appreciate and embody the authentic Lowcountry culture. This venture is a genuine celebration and preservation of our distinct regional heritage.” The launch had already been chronicled in Park Circle Quarterly Magazine under the headline Lightning and Thunder: The Launch of Lowcountry Cigars , but witnessing it in North Charleston carried its own resonance. It was about community and the quiet comfort of shared moments. Leadership and Collaboration Behind the scenes, the event reflected the precision of a well-tuned orchestra. Kat Brown, Finance Officer; Johnny Clarkson, Executive Digital Director; Nailah Herbert, Executive Assistant and Lead Editorial Writer; and Sarah Bolden, Community Manager, each played a distinct role in executing the vision. Johnny Clarkson TGAF & NSAG Executive Digital Director They were supported by a network of ambassadors that stretched from local artisans to national thought leaders. Among them were Dr. Ariana Curtis and Jason Warner, Director of Business Programs for Cybersecurity and AI Incident Response Strategy at Microsoft. Their involvement underscored a truth about NobleSol Art Group’s reach: it connects local communities with global networks. Artists and Voices That Inspire Featured artist Renee H. Fleuranges-Valdes described her experience as both joyful and transformative. “The Global Art Fair felt like the beginning of something new—where fine art, spoken word, music, and culture came together to connect community and celebrate who we are,” she said. Renee H. Fleuranges-Valdes TGAF Featured artist & vendor Artist Margaret Warfield added that the Fair “provided a glimpse into the imaginations of the artists whose works adorned the elegant facility, while the songs and spoken words of our history and community instilled hope and inspiration.” Margaret Warfield embracing fellow TGAF featurted artist Patrica Coleman-Cobb And for Chef Alexis Mungin, who curated the culinary experience, the connection between food and art felt natural. “Both have the ability to evoke emotion, spark conversation, and connect people across generations,” she said. “Food tells the story of where we come from, while art helps us imagine where we can go.” The Bigger Picture: Revitalization Through Art For Dr. Edward Garnes , an Atlanta-based TGAF ambassador and founder of From Afros to Shelltoes and Sweet Tea Ethics, the Global Art Fair’s impact reaches far beyond the weekend. “In its second year, The Global Art Fair has emerged as a premier gathering, transforming not just North Charleston but the arts industry as a whole,” Garnes said. “Okeeba is a leader whose heart is with the people and whose vision focuses on freedom and financial stability, enabling artists to sustain themselves through their cultural work.” Okeeba Jubalo & Dr. Ed Garnes (Atlanta-based TGAF ambassador) This is the quiet revolution taking place in North Charleston. Through NobleSol Art Group’s work, art has become both a mirror and a roadmap—a way of reminding the city of its creative lineage while charting a path forward. For Jubalo, revitalization is not about gentrification or grandstanding, but about empowerment, ownership, and cultural preservation. What’s Ahead for North Charleston As the final notes faded and the last pieces of art were packed away, Park Circle returned to its calm rhythm. But something lingered in the air, a sense that the city’s creative heart was beating stronger, steadier, and louder. “The Global Art Fair was nothing short of extraordinary,” said Chef Mungin. “It reminded us that culture is for everyone, and The Global Art Fair made that possible.” For Okeeba Jubalo, this is only the beginning. The fair is one expression of a much larger vision, to cultivate an ecosystem where art is not a luxury but a necessity, where North Charleston’s creative legacy can flourish in full view of the world. The city may once have been overlooked, but with the work of Jubalo and NobleSol Art Group, it is now looking ahead with purpose, with pride, and with promise. Learn more about Okeeba Jubalo and how the NobleSol Art Group team is shaping the North Charleston community at www.OkeebaTheMayor.com  and www.ThePCQM.com .