Four artists named S.C. Arts Commission Fellows

Jim Arendt, Robert Lyon, Jeff Sumerel, Robbie Robertson

The South Carolina Arts Commission Board has awarded Individual Artist Fellowships to four South Carolina artists in the categories of visual arts, craft, media production and media screenwriting. Each artist receives $5,000.

This year’s fellows:

“It is rewarding to honor the work of successful artists, who are central to the creative industries in our state. Their accomplishments inspire other creative individuals and entrepreneurs, and they serve as positive examples of our state’s culture and thriving arts community,” said S.C. Arts Commission Executive Director Ken May.

The S.C. Arts Commission board approves fellowships based on recommendations made by out-of-state review panelists, who select fellows based solely on a review of anonymous work samples. Visual arts and craft panelists were Michael Sweney, program manager for Art in Public Places at Washington State Arts Commission; Diem Chau, a visual artist from Seattle; and Deborah Paine, curator and collections manager, City of Seattle’s Office of Arts and Culture. Media production panelist was Josh Gibson, filmmaker and lecturing fellow for Duke University’s Arts of the Moving Image program. Media screenwriting panelist was Marni Zelnick of Los Angeles, an independent film writer, director and producer.

Individual artists working in prose, poetry, acting and playwriting may apply for the 2014-2015 fellowship awards. The deadline to apply is Nov. 1, 2013.

For more information about S.C. Arts Commission programs and services, visit www.SouthCarolinaArts.com or call (803) 734-8696.