Connecting the Community
to the Art of Jim Booth
For Jim, the true mark of a painting’s success was when someone would tell him how a detail in the work resonated with them. If a painting could create an emotional response, he had fulfilled his purpose as an artist. He also believed that art continues to communicate long after the artist has left this earth. Jim’s art not only continues to speak to those who experience it, but it can also continue to speak through shared experiences. We hope you will share your connections to Jim’s art and be a part of Jim’s legacy. Email Tracey with your stories and if you’d like it to be shared with others on this page.
Ideas To Share: This can be anything! Do you have a story about meeting Jim in the gallery, at an art show, or at a charity event? Did he share anything about his paintings with you? Describe your connections with his work. What are your favorite paintings and why? What do you find special about Jim and his works? What do you feel sets his work apart from others?
“Most people living in Charleston who have been here for a while are familiar with the paintings of Jim Booth. What they probably don’t know is that much of the artist’s work was done for a purpose far greater than just making a living. Through Jim Booth’s generosity to others, as well as his efforts to capture in paint the disappearing vistas of the Lowcountry, a slice of our collective history has been preserved. For this alone, we have much to be grateful for.” Mary Whyte, artist
“Jim Booth was an artist that resonated with so many in the Lowcountry. While he only participated in SEWE in its early years, we celebrate those artists that have slowly and collectively helped mold Charleston into an arts destination. Surely Jim inspired many artists who share their work today. He should be remembered for his contributions to conservation organizations and nonprofits as much as for his expansive body of work.” Jimmy Huggins, former president of the Southeastern Wildlife Expo (SEWE)
“I think that because he heard the beat of a different drum, he became genuine, sincere, and approachable. He was part of who we all were in Charleston — just being ourselves.” Kenny Johnson, friend
“He had a distinctive laugh. He could meet a stranger at his studio and entertain anyone with his stories of Vietnam, Folly Beach, and other segues to the Lowcountry, especially as it concerned his artwork. I recall when the lighthouse was being auctioned off to cover a debt owed by the then-private owner. The minimum bid of $100,000 was not met, so Jim got involved and offered to do 400 prints at $200 each to cover as much as $80,000. With Robert New and Johnny Ohlandt, we got in touch with the lawyer and paid the minimum ask of $75,000. Based on the Jim Booth sales model, the bank advanced the $75,000. The strength of Jim Booth’s artistic reputation bought the Morris Island Lighthouse!” Al Hitchcock, friend and fellow Save the Light, Inc. board member
“To say that Jim played an important role in coalescing the effort to preserve the Morris Island Lighthouse is an understatement. It is more accurate to say that without his dedication and personal commitment, it is quite likely that our beloved lighthouse would have been lost by now. It is not an exaggeration to say that without Jim Booth, there would likely be no Morris Island Lighthouse to be enjoyed by the thousands and thousands of people who cherish this most beloved reminder of Charleston’s maritime past. That’s just the truth of the matter.” Richard Beck, schoolmate, friend, and fellow founding board member and past Chairman of Save the Light, Inc.
Collector Connections
“Your pictures brought amazing scenery and historical ocean views. I love how you use Charleston as your Muse. My Dad bought my mom a new picture every Christmas.” Jamie C.
“I had the pleasure of meeting Jim early in my history and photography journey when I asked to visit his property, Parker’s Ferry, near Willtown. He graciously showed me around the place and explained the history behind everything, even took my friend and me into his studio where he was painting the diamonds of the new Cooper River Bridge before it was completed. Jim really brought so much of South Carolina into so many people’s homes with his beautiful artwork.” Brandon C.
“His artwork is iconic of the Lowcountry and South Carolina. One of my favorite artists, he is absolutely the best.” Brett S.
“His art is and always will be such a priceless treasure in all of S.C.” Ellen H.
“What a nice man he was and such a talented artist who captured and shared so much of our beautiful Lowcountry in his fantastic work. My shrimp boat print of Daddy’s Girl has hung proudly on my wall for over 40 years, so I know that his career was quite long and for that we can all be grateful.” Norma A.
“Brilliant artist who offered so much of himself to the Lowcountry and all who knew him.” Gloria P.
“Jim Booth prints are icons of Lowcountry life. Such a gifted artist that captured the true essence of this wonderful place. His legacy will live on.” Pamela M.
“There will never be another who gave James Island and Charleston such beauty for us all to enjoy and treasure.” Susan M.