Until recently, visitors and art collectors could only find Chase Allen’s hand-forged, aquatic iron sculptures on Daufuskie Island.
That entailed something along the lines of a drive, a boat ride and then a trip down a secluded dirt road to find The Iron Fish Gallery, all which cost Allen’s customers approximately $100 before even making a purchase. While the travel is quite beautiful and the surroundings very serene, this is no longer the only option – The First Are Coming to downtown Beaufort – and they’ll be here December 5.
A self-taught blacksmith/metal artist, Allen’s transparent sincerity about his love of Lowcountry life and art is more than admirable – it’s inspirational. At the ripe old age of 24, this artisan, after a brief stint in the business world, traded his jacket and tie for a welder’s mask, blow torch and anvil, and of course, “the good life.” Now 32, he takes pride in every piece, stamping, signing and cleverly wrapping them in market paper for “guaranteed freshness.” 
Since his start, he’s been featured in multiple regional and national publications such as Southern Living, Coastal Living, Charleston, Charleston Home and The South Magazine, and has earned some loyal customers worldwide.
Allen’s Beaufort gallery will hold its grand opening Friday, December 5, at 1001 Charles St. The gallery will be open all day, with a special ribbon cutting ceremony and a meet and greet with Allen from 4:30 – 6 p.m. – just before Beaufort’s A Night on the Town festivities begin.
Allen’s Daufuskie gallery is located at 168 Benjies Point Rd. By chance you can’t make it to either location, visit him at your convenience at www.ironfishart.com. {mosimage}
