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Artisphere ’23 to hold jury review this weekend

[caption id="attachment_51585" align="aligncenter" width="949"]A green banner with colorful dots drapes over a footbridge over the Reedy River in Greenville. Provided photo by Creagh Cross[/caption]

On Saturday and Sunday, 10/29-10/30, Artisphere presented by TD Bank will host its annual jury review at the offices of Coldwell Banker Caine.

Jurors for this year’s show include:
  • Daricia Mia Demarr of Atlanta, Georgia, gallery manager of Peg Alston Fine Arts, co-founder Black Women in Visual Arts organization, and founder of the Pi Arts Project;
  • Emily Kapes of St. Petersburg, Florida, curator of art for the James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art;
  • William Kwamena-Poh of Savannah, Georgia, watercolor painter and Artisphere 2022 Award Winner;
  • Jennifer McClure of Greenville, Artisphere visual arts chair and North American business model leader for Michelin;
  • Sarah Moore of Chattanooga, Tennessee, festival director and programs coordinator of the 4 Bridges Art Festival;
  • and Jaimie Vela of Savannah Georgia, career adviser for the School of Fashion and School of Business Innovation at Savannah College of Art & Design.
946 artists applied for the 135-150 spots to the 2023 festival. With 46 states represented and two international applicants, 162 artists applied from South Carolina, the most from any state, and 119 (12%) of those artists are local to Greenville.  302 (32%) of artists had never before applied to Artisphere. Since its inception in 2005, the artists selected for Artist Row are chosen using a blind jury, and this year will implement the same process.  Jurors will see five anonymous images from each artist-four of their work and one booth shot- in one of 17 categories.  Jurors then rate the work based on specific criteria for each medium. Artists will be notified of their acceptance into the festival on Dec. 2, and the final roster for participating artists will be determined by Jan. 3 for the 19th annual Artisphere, which will take place May 12-14, 2023. For more information, please visit artisphere.org.

Jason Rapp

Artisphere marks return to normalcy

Festival runs Friday through Sunday

Artisphere presented by TD Bank announced some of its new and exciting programs for Greenville’s premier arts and cultural celebration, May 6-8, and reminded loyal patrons that many festival favorites will return in 2022.

This year’s festival will span Main Street from Court and Main to Wardlaw and Main, is free to the public, and will feature 135 visual artists working in 17 different mediums on GE Artist Row. “Every year, Artisphere brings a wonderful variety of art, artists and entertainment to downtown Greenville,” said Chris Fincher, regional vice rresident for TD Bank. “TD Bank is happy to play a part in helping Artisphere continue its great success, and we look forward to another exciting festival this year along our beautiful Main Street.” Artisphere is an operating support grantee of the South Carolina Arts Commission.

What’s New

Truist Arts and Drafts

At the intersection of E. Broad and Main streets, this exciting new exhibit features 14 different craft beers from Brewery 85, Hi Wire, Columbia Craft, Wicked Weed, Bold Rock, New Belgium, Steel Hands, Catawba Brewing, and Palmetto Brewing Company. Beer enthusiasts can choose from an assortment of styles while taking in live art making as three uber talented, regional artists transform multiple 4’x7’ blank canvases to works of art.  Multi-disciplinary  artist Ninja Picasso of Greenville will be painting Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Muralist Gus Cutty of Asheville will paint Friday and Saturday, and digital artist and muralist Cloud Cruiser of Atlanta will paint Saturday and Sunday.

Fine Arts Center Student/Teacher Exhibition

The Fine Arts Center in Greenville prepares dedicated students for 21st-century careers through rigorous, pre-professional arts training in a dynamic, inclusive, collaborative learning community. The Fine Arts Center Student/Teacher Exhibition, sponsored by Bon Secours St. Francis Health System, showcases a piece from each of the six teachers in the visual arts department, as well three to five additional student pieces from FAC students selected by each Visual Arts teacher.

Returning Festival Favorites

Spinx Kidsphere and Legacy Early College Kidsphere Music

Kidsphere on the north end of the festival (the intersection of Broad & Main streets) has been an Artisphere staple since the festival’s inception, welcoming thousands of children every year to participate in hands-on visual arts and crafts. Volunteers from ReCraft will lead the charge in this fun and interactive tent for kids of all ages, where budding young artists can create their own original artwork!  Kids will learn a variety of fine art and craft techniques while weaving their own textiles, making and decorating hats and masks, and using their imaginations to build an upcycled work of art at the Creation Station! The Straws and Connectors Zone is a must-do, where kids can contribute to a Kidsphere kid-sized sculpture.  Other activities include stations for handmade Mother’s Day cards, celebration hats, and yarn rope belts. DRUM Percussion Studio will lead interactive sessions for children to explore their musical genius with a variety of percussion instruments.  Kids will also be invited to make colorful and creative masks that they can then wear while parading with DRUM down Main Street throughout the weekend.   During these fun and lively parades, students from the T.L. Hanna art department will be showcasing their handmade wearables, created from upcycled materials.  Parades will occur Friday: 3:30PM; Saturday: 12:45PM and 5:15PM; and Sunday: 2:45PM.

Creative Opportunities

Bank of America Art Lab featuring the Art Center of Clemson

Since its introduction to festival programming in 2013, the Art Lab has quickly become a festival “must do” as it provides  DIYers an opportunity to flex their creative muscles under the instruction of local experts. Classes are free, and this year’s programming  lineup offers 22 different workshops, including wheel throwing, printmaking, needle felting, quilling, paper collage, and more.  Sign ups are live now at https://artisphere.org/exhibit/art-lab/.

David Zinn

David Zinn, illustrator and street artist, returns to Artisphere 2022 to surprise and delight patrons of all ages with his whimsical chalk creations. Using chalk and charcoal, Zinn integrates his temporary pieces into the local landscape. From Ann Arbor, MI (Zinn’s creative space) to Manhattan to Sweden, his loveable creatures have been featured in multiple cities worldwide. Zinn will also host a book signing for his new book, Chance Encounters: Temporary Chalk Art at MJudson on Thursday, May 5th from 5-7:30 p.m.

Interactive Exhibits

Returning to Artisphere 2022 are the Clemson University Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, & Mathematics (STEAM) Exhibit (featuring over a dozen interactive activities) and the Greenville Journal and Prisma Health Artists of the Upstate Juried Exhibition (spotlighting local artists). These special exhibits give  patrons a glimpse of artists at every stage of their career, from student to professional, and offer opportunities to  explore art as it intersects with modern day technology, health and life.

Wells Fargo Culinary Arts Cafe

The Greenville County School District Career Centers’ Culinary Program (Artisphere Culinary Arts Café 2017 Best in Show  Winner) returns to the festival, along with some of Greenville’s favorite restaurants, including The Burrow,  Persis Indian Grill, Society Sandwich Bar & Social Club and Barberitos.  Whether you crave tacos, samosa, or a hot chicken sandwich,  you’ll find your  happy medium at the Culinary Arts Café.

Live Music

WYFF 4 Broad Street Main Stage

This year’s music line-up hosts talented musicians from  Washington and Boston to Mancos, Colorado and Charleston and offers something for  everyone from R&B to Jazz, Indie to Americana and Funk to Rockabilly. Headlining acts include Aztec Sun, a Funk/Soul group from the Washington, DC and Ali McGuirk, a Soul/RB artist from Boston, MA. Artisphere will also present regional favorites and headliner The HIgh Divers (Charleston, SC), Jeff Thompson Trio (Asheville, NC), Brooks Dixon Band, Vilai Harrington and the Hamptones, and the Trapfire Brothers, all from Greenville, SC, among others. Check  out the full music line-up on www.artisphere.org/performing-arts.

The Furman University Performance Plaza featuring the Fred Collins Foundation Local Performing Arts Showcase

Returning this year is a full lineup of amazing performances by local performing arts groups, including Greenville Theatre, SC Children’s Theatre, and Centre Stage, as well as The Palmetto Statesmen, Vocal Matrix Chorus, and the Carolina Bronze Handbell Ensemble.  Those looking for an outdoor workout can enjoy a community yoga class Saturday morning led by Soul Yoga.  For the full schedule head to  https://artisphere.org/performing-arts-schedule/.

PNC Pop-up Street Stages

Scattered throughout the festival, these stages will entertain patrons of all ages!  With  performances by the Clemson Dholna Bollywood Dance Group, Dog Day Blue Jay,  and the Colorful Hat Circus & Variety, the pop-up street stages bring laughter, magic, and fun to the festival.  Find the full schedule here: https://artisphere.org/pop-up-stages/ “With 47 brand new artists and a whole host of exciting programs, both old and new, we are thrilled to welcome back Artisphere presented by TD Bank to its full scale,” stated Artisphere Board of Directors Chair David Beard. “This year’s combination of fine art and community engagement activities is the perfect way to celebrate Greenville’s dynamic arts and cultural community.” Find your happy medium at Artisphere, presented by TD Bank, May 6-8, 2022. For more information, visit  www.artisphere.org.  

Jason Rapp

Artisphere 2022 makes call for entries

Apply now for 17th annual festival

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Friday, October 8, 2021

Artisphere, one of the nation's top annual arts festivals, wants your applications to exhibit May 6-8, 2022.

From the announcement:

Ranked a TOP 10 Fine Art and Fine Craft festival by the Art Fair Sourcebook and #3 out of 20 finalists in USA Today’s Reader’s Choice Award for Best Art Festival, Artisphere is a signature event on Greenville’s busy cultural calendar that draws both locals and art buying tourists to Greenville, SC's dynamic downtown.

A supportive, art-loving community, beautiful setting, notable on-site artist amenities and hospitality, and over 500 volunteers make the Artisphere three-day event an enjoyable experience for exhibiting artists and the public alike.

Graphic text

Artisphere presented by TD Bank May 6-8, 2022

Jason Rapp

Artisphere, Ag + Art Tour announce spring plans

In-person opportunities continue to increase

That bright thing is back in the sky today.

One's thoughts inevitably turn to spring on days like today. The days are zipping toward March and there's a warmer weather pattern to enliven the spirit and enhance mood. With so many people yearning for some semblance of routine to return, and time drawing nearer to outdoor events being more palatable, two South Carolina (outdoor) arts festivals announced plans to come back after joining so many on an unfortunate (but understandable) one-year hiatus.

South Carolina Ag + Art Tour (weekends May 29-June 27)

This is an annual crawl across several South Carolina counties that showcases things South Carolina does well. (You probably guessed what from the event's name.) Starting the final weekend in May, and every weekend in June, explore the agriculture and artistic heritage of South Carolina through the South Carolina Ag + Art Tour.  This experience is a free, self-guided tour of designated farms in South Carolina, featuring local artisans and farmer's markets. This year you can plan to make visits in these counties: Charleston, Chester, Chesterfield, Colleton, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lancaster, Lexington, Newberry and Richland + York. The festival is organized by Clemson University Cooperative Extension.

Artisphere (May 7-9)

Hailed as one of the country's top arts festivals, Artisphere announced yesterday that it's returning to Greenville's Main Street for its usual Mother's Day Weekend run. Like so many things, it won't quite be the same—at least not yet. Masks will be mandatory, attendance will be limited and everyone will be funneled through one of three entry points. And, just for this year they say, it will be confined to the West End Historic District on South Main. Reservations for 2.5-hour time slots will be available to the general public starting March 15 for a $5 fee that will be returned upon admission as a credit to buy art. Sign up for notification and learn more about Artisphere 2021 here. (Disclaimer: the S.C. Arts Commission provides operating support to Artisphere that is tangential to this newsworthy item.) The Hub will try to keep readers updated on additional festival announcements as they occur.
Image by kie-ker from Pixabay

Jason Rapp

Tuning Up: Artisphere sponsor, Mellon museum grants

Good morning! 

"Tuning Up" is a morning post series where The Hub delivers curated, quick-hit arts stories of interest to readers. Sometimes there will be one story, sometimes there will be several. Get in tune now, and have a masterpiece of a day. And now, in no particular order...
Artisphere's title sponsor re-ups. Artisphere announced a continued three year partnership with TD Bank, who has been the presenting sponsor since the festival’s inception in 2005. The festival takes place every year the second full weekend in May, during Mother’s Day weekend. The three-day event has something for patrons of all ages, with art, music, food, interactive exhibits, and more along the popular Main Street corridor. Though 2020’s festival was virtual, Artisphere is planning for a safe return in 2021. Museum struggles continue. One-third of American museums are at risk of closure, according to a recent American Alliance of Museums study. The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation announced the second round of the Art Museum Futures Fund, distributing additional emergency COVID-19 grants totaling $3 million to provide much-needed support to small arts and cultural institutions across the U.S. Unfortunately none of the first- or second-round grantees are South Carolina institutions, but we post to remind our readers that your local museum, art or otherwise, is likely feeling the pain of the pandemic. Support them, other local arts organizations, and #SCartists in any way you can.

Jason Rapp

Artisphere, postponed since May, to go virtual

Greenville's signature festival will be held online in October

[caption id="attachment_15746" align="aligncenter" width="600"]Young dancers in a line wearing costumes to look like one large U.S. flag. An Artisphere dance performance. File photo.[/caption]

Artisphere presented by TD Bank, one of the nation’s top fine arts festivals, will be transformed into a virtual event the weekend of October 2-4.

Artisphere- The Virtual Experience will go live to the public on Friday, October 2 at 8 p.m.

Artisphere -The Virtual Experience will feature the work of over 70 juried professional artists from around the country.  Each artist will have multiple pieces for sale in an online marketplace, where patrons can seamlessly browse and shop from a varied and curated selection of art, from pottery to oils to jewelry.

“Although we can’t be together in our usual festival atmosphere this year, we are proud to continue our partnership with Artisphere to present The Virtual Experience,” said Chris Fincher, regional vice president for TD Bank. “We hope the Upstate community will join us virtually as we show our support for these talented artists from across the country and our unique, vibrant arts culture in Greenville.”

The Virtual Experience will also provide unique opportunities for engagement with artists, jurors, and gallerists through Facebook and Instagram Live. Programming also includes favorites from past Artispheres, such as metalsmith Ryan Calloway and chalk artist Nate Baranowski, live from Chicago, as well as Kidsphere activities and Artist Demos.

“Our aim is to create an engaging virtual experience for the Artisphere faithful,” stated Linda Hannon, president of the Artisphere board of directors. “Our patrons have become accustomed to a level of unparalleled artistry and programming and our innovative approach to this year’s show will not disappoint.”

Art patrons can experience Artisphere presented by TD Bank -The Virtual Experience October 2-4 by visiting Artisphere.org. Patrons are encouraged to sign up for the newsletter and follow on Instagram and Facebook to stay informed.

About Artisphere

Artisphere is a highlight of Greenville’s cultural calendar and a Top 10 Fine Arts festival in the country.  The event features a juried Visual Artist Row; Artists of the Upstate, a juried exhibition of local artists; Outdoor Stages with performances by local and national artists; hands-on Kidsphere children’s art activities; the Culinary Arts Café that highlights local restaurants; and Special Festival Art Projects that enliven the streets of Greenville with street musicians, acrobats, sidewalk artists, and more. Artisphere is attended by approximately 90,000 patrons annually and has an estimated economic impact of $6.4 million on the Greenville community.  Artisphere is a 501(c) (3) not for profit organization. For information visit www.artisphere.org.

Artisphere is presented by TD Bank and receives grant funding from the South Carolina Arts Commission, among others.

Jason Rapp

Tuning Up: Update on relief funding awards to S.C. arts orgs

Good morning!  "Tuning Up" is a morning post series where The Hub delivers curated, quick-hit arts stories of interest to readers. Sometimes there will be one story, sometimes there will be several. Get in tune now, and have a masterpiece of a day. And now, in no particular order...

Columbia

The Columbia Museum of Art announces it has been selected as a recipient of a CARES Act economic stabilization grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). The $150,000 award will support public programming associated with the upcoming major exhibition Visions from India: 21st-Century Art from the Pizzuti Collection. “I am pleased that the Columbia Museum of Art has received funding allocated through the CARES Act,” says Congressman James E. Clyburn. “The museum serves as a community center, art studio and entertainment venue. We must continue to support them as they strive to provide safe opportunities to participate in meaningful cultural experiences and connect with others.” From Oct. 17, 2020, through Jan. 10, 2021, the CMA will present Visions from India, a breathtaking sweep of 21st-century painting, sculpture, and multimedia works from India and its diaspora. The museum is eager to showcase this exhibition for diverse local and regional audiences and believes it will make an important impact on the community. The NEH is generously providing support for exhibition-related activities that require retaining humanities staff to maintain and adapt critical public programs.

Greenville

Local arts organizations have received another infusion of COVID-19 relief funds thanks to a $100,000 contribution from Hollingsworth Funds Inc. The funding, which is being distributed by the Metropolitan Arts Council, was awarded to the following groups: Artisphere, Centre Stage, Greenville Chorale, Greenville County Museum of Art, Greenville Symphony Orchestra, Greenville Theatre, Metropolitan Arts Council, Peace Center, South Carolina Children’s Theatre and Warehouse Theatre. Each of the 10 organizations will receive $10,000 within the next few days, said Alan Ethridge, executive director of the Metropolitan Arts Council.

Jason Rapp

Metropolitan Arts Council distributes relief funding in Greenville Co.

In conjunction with the Graham Foundation and the Canal Charitable Foundation, the Metropolitan Arts Council of Greenville is distributing $275,500 to 28 local arts organizations.

Metropolitan Arts Council“All of us at MAC are very pleased to be in a position to raise and provide this level of funding for these organizations that are such important assets to Greenville,” said Alan Ethridge, MAC executive director. The fund was started with a $102,000 withdrawal from the MAC Endowment for the Arts which was established in 2009 for the organization’s grants program.  “This is the first time we have withdrawn any funds from the endowment, but it was very important to do so given the projected losses of so many arts organizations,” said MAC board chairman Michael Cooper of TD Bank. “Once we realized the severity of the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the MAC board and staff went immediately to work to begin a relief fund.” “The Graham Foundation and the Canal Charitable Foundation contributed to the fund very generously,” Ethridge continued.  “Greenville is so fortunate to have such philanthropic partners who realize the importance of the arts in the vitality of our amazing city.  Throughout their histories, both entities have ensured that the arts have had a very visible presence in the community by providing very substantial funding to cultural initiatives.  It is a privilege to be working with both of them during these challenging times.” “Arts organizations have had to cancel/postpone performances, events, exhibits and fundraisers. That loss of income can be devastating. These relief funds will have a tremendous impact on our cultural community,” Artisphere Executive Director Kerry Murphy said. Holly Caprell, Greenville County Youth Orchestra executive director said, “I am so thankful for MAC’s dedication to helping small organizations like ours.  Looking ahead to our next season, there are so many unknowns.  This grant will help us bridge funding gaps and give us the freedom to plan projects that will encourage our students to grow musically.” Ethridge also said that additional relief funding may be necessary as we are not yet familiar with the distancing norms for the latter part of the year and 2021. “MAC will certainly assess the future needs of our organizational constituents and perhaps be able to provide additional relief funding. I certainly want to thank the MAC board of directors and staff, the executive committee and the endowment committee for making sure the fund came to fruition.” The 28 arts organizations receiving funding are Artisphere, Carolina Dance Collaborative, Carolina Music Museum, Centre Stage, Chicora Voices, Emrys, Foothills Philharmonic, GLOW Lyric Theatre, Greenville Center for Creative Arts, Greenville Chautauqua Society, Greenville Chorale, Greenville Concert Band, Greenville County Museum of Art, Greenville County Youth Orchestra, Greenville Jazz Collective, Greenville Symphony Orchestra, Greenville Theatre, Greer Cultural Arts Council, International Ballet, Makers Collective (Indie Craft Parade), Mauldin Cultural Center, Peace Center, SC Bach, South Carolina Children’s Theatre, Vaughn Newman Dance, The Warehouse Theatre, Wits End Poetry and Younts Center for Performing Arts.

Submitted material

Governor honors Artisphere founder, SCAC board chair

Henry Horowitz receives the Order of the Palmetto

Thursday night at the gala to open the 15th Artisphere, Gov. Henry McMaster honored its founder with the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina's highest civilian honor. Horowitz received the award for his contributions to the state of South Carolina through Artisphere and other statewide arts organizations, according to the Greenville Journal. He is currently chairman of the S.C. Arts Commission (SCAC) board of directors. "The South Carolina Arts Commission has known for a long time how much the arts in our state benefit from Henry’s dedicated leadership. He has had significant impact, both in Greenville and throughout the state. His award is well deserved, and we’re very happy for him," SCAC Executive Director Ken May said. Artisphere ran from Friday-Sunday in downtown Greenville. It is a significant point of pride for the Upstate region. The celebration of visual, performing, and culinary arts attracted visitors and artists from around the country as it does every year, making it one of the nation's top 10 arts festivals. (Small South Carolina also boasts Spoleto Festival USA and Piccolo Spoleto in Charleston and ArtFields in Lake City, all nationally-known festivals occurring each April/May). Click here to read the rest of the story.  

Artisphere continues arts festival season in S.C.

Artisphere Arts festival season has hit full-stride in South Carolina. This weekend, it's Greenville and Artisphere in the spotlight with the return of the signature Upstate event, which draws artists, art lovers, and tourists from all over the Southeast. The fun began about an hour ago and runs through Sunday:

  • ArtisphereFriday, May 11: 12-8 p.m.*
  • Saturday, May 12: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.*
  • Sunday, May 13: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
*ARTISPHERE AFTER HOURS CONCERTS: the WYFF-4 Main Stage features musical performances from 8-9:45 p.m. There are a host of exhibits, performances (dance and music), and vendors (craft, food, etc.) to take in as you wind your way through downtown Greenville. Artisphere is presented by TD Bank, and receives support from the South Carolina Arts Commission.

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