Find arts experiences, wearable art and more at the South Carolina Arts Gala!
Tickets are $75 and available at the door
This year’s South Carolina Arts Gala, taking place May 11 at 7:15 p.m. at 701 Whaley in Columbia, will feature a bluegrass and gospel concert, the Lee Central High School drumline and a dance party by the Root Doctors. In between the music, an art sale will feature unique works by South Carolina artists and arts experiences showcasing cultural and culinary arts.
One of the arts experiences available for purchase takes place May 14 during Artisphere, Greenville’s signature cultural event. A Goat, a Waterfall & Artisphere – Yeah THAT Greenville will accommodate 24 guests for an art-filled day trip that ends with dinner and wine pairings at The Lazy Goat restaurant. Another arts experience is a popular encore from last year’s sale – Desi Delights at the Taj Palace will feature Indian cuisine, a henna artist, a dhoul drummer and spirits.
In addition to glass, pottery, paintings, and sculpture, the sale includes wearable art by Beth Melton, a fiber artist from Rock Hill, and jewelry in a range of styles by four artists. Returning favorite Cindy Saad of Columbia will be joined by Jane Pope of Spartanburg, Danny and Sherry Hansen of Batesburg-Leesville, and Jo Ann Graham of St. Helena Island. Pope’s work has been featured in numerous national publications, including Vogue and Southern Living, and the Hansens design and craft pieces for the History Channel’s popular drama, Vikings. Graham’s jewelry has been featured regionally in galleries and festivals in Charleston, St. Helena, Savannah and Atlanta.
Prior to the gala, a concert will honor recipients of the Elizabeth O’Neill Verner Governor’s Awards for the Arts and the Jean Laney Harris Folk Heritage Awards and feature a poetry reading by Verner Award recipient Nikky Finney. The concert takes place at 6:15 p.m. in the Granby Room at 701 Whaley. (Note venue change — the concert was previously scheduled for Southside Baptist Church.)
The South Carolina Arts Gala is presented by the South Carolina Arts Foundation. Gala proceeds benefit schools and communities around the state through the South Carolina Arts Commission’s arts education and arts development programs. Last year, the S.C. Arts Foundation contributed more than $55,000 to programs such as artist fellowships, arts education and artist training.
Tickets are $75 and available at the door! Find out more here.