GOOD NEWS: SCRA deploys $100 million since 2006

SCRA has made more than $100 million available in funding and infrastructure to help develop the state’s knowledge economy since 2006, according to an Aug. 10 press release touting the accomplishment.

“We are delighted to have reached this significant milestone as we continue to be the lead catalyst for developing our state’s technology-based economy,” said SCRA CEO Bill Mahoney. “SCRA offers unique opportunities for innovation in South Carolina through research commercialization, high-tech start-up support, available lab and office space and direct investments in technology-based companies. We are pleased that these investments are making a substantial impact throughout the state”.

Nearly $49 million of the investments are from SCRA applied research and development (R&D) and R&D Facilities Sectors, with other approximately $51 million from SCRA Technology Ventures’ Emerging Technologies, SC Launch and Stage 2 Programs.

SCRA is a self-sustaining non-profit applied R&D company that grows the technology-based economy in South Carolina by commercializing intellectual property and supporting and making investments in early-stage companies. Multiple economic impact studies show our cumulative output into South Carolina’s economy to be over $18.1 billion since 1983, creating approximately 15,000 technology-related jobs with annual wages averaging between $55,000 and $79,000.

In other good news:

North Charleston art exhibition: Works by local abstract artist Matthew Dietz and portrait artist Melody Croft of Athens, Ga., will be on display at the North Charleston City Gallery, 5001 Coliseum Drive, from Sept. 3 to Sept. 26.

The concurrent exhibition, offered by the City of North Charleston’s Cultural Arts Department, includes a free public reception with the artists at the gallery from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Dietz will present Process, Pattern, and Transition, a collection of abstract paintings in acrylic created through techniques deeply rooted in his studio practice that convey visual experiences, as well as completely non-objective ideas. “My collections of shapes and space will continue to change as I pursue the next hidden gem. It is the discovery of that gem that completes the art work and keeps me interested in making images,” Dietz said.

In The Space Between Us, Croft will display 12 thought-provoking portraits in oil on canvas with paper that examine the status quo and social norms of modern life. Her “untraditional, realistic narratives” invite viewers to observe and consider the psychological, sociological, or emotional complexities of races, gender, age, and culture. Many of her pieces are inspired by people’s appearance or personality. Croft incorporates letters from newspapers or magazines to include poetry excerpts on her work in order to stir up emotions.

Crowdfunding bookmobile campaign. New pop-up book shop Itinerant Literate launched a crowdfunding:campaign on Aug. 8 to raise $65,000 to raise money to create a full-service mobile bookstore.

“The majority of the funding is needed for the books themselves, which is something we’re proud of: keeping most of the overhead for the books,” said founder Julia Turner. She and a partner say raising money for Itinerate Literate will allow them to carry a broader spectrum of titles to reflect the varied interest of the community. “Over the past few months, we’ve discovered customers who are excited about the idea and value the adaptability of mobile retail.”

Itinerant Literate’s Indiegogo campaign ends on October 7. After that, they will start looking for a used Airstream trailer, which they hope to turn into a mobile Itinerate Literate bookshop by the end of the year.

• Learn more and find the fundraising campaign: http://www.itinerantliteratebooks.com/