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11 to receive FY23 operating support from Chapman Cultural Center

[caption id="attachment_49964" align="aligncenter" width="950"] A 2018 installation exhibit at Spartanburg Art Museum by artist Jonathan Brilliant. Photo by Jake Francek/Social Design House.[/caption]

Chapman Cultural Center is pleased to announce we’ve awarded $539,400 in General Operating Support (GOS) Grants to 11 arts and cultural organizations for the 2022/2023 fiscal year.

Chapman Cultural CenterThe funds are the highest amount awarded since the 2019/2020 fiscal year and will be critical to supporting Spartanburg’s arts and cultural community as it continues to recover from the pandemic. Grantees use GOS funding to support annual operating expenses and general funding to support and progress the mission of their organization. In the last twenty-five years, through donations to the United Arts Fund, Chapman Cultural Center has awarded $18 million in grants to strengthen, develop, and promote the cultural vibrancy in Spartanburg County in a sustainable way, and our community’s creative ecology is stronger because of it. Chapman Cultural Center is the leading Local Arts Agency in Spartanburg County. Each year, GOS grants are awarded based on a stringent application process to arts and cultural organizations that have been established as a 501(c)3 for three years or more and work towards advancing the arts and cultural vitality of Spartanburg County. Grantees are evaluated based on merit, need, evidence of sound management and fiscal responsibility, and service within Spartanburg County. “We are thrilled to be awarding these grants as arts and cultural organizations emerge from the pandemic and strive to increase service to students and underserved citizens, and to bring together the community at the Chapman Center and at other venues throughout Spartanburg County. The arts and culture unite us and these grants represent important operating funds that sustain nonprofits in our area and enable us all to celebrate what makes our community so special and unique,” said Daniel Mayer, President and CEO of Chapman Cultural Center. General Operating Support Grants were awarded to the following organizations:

Artists Collective | Spartanburg Artists’ Guild of Spartanburg Ballet Spartanburg Hatcher Garden & Woodland Preserve Hub City Writers Project Proud Mary Theatre Company Spartanburg Art Museum Spartanburg County Historical Association Spartanburg Little Theatre and Spartanburg Youth Theatre Spartanburg Philharmonic Spartanburg Science Center 

Upon receiving the grant, Robin Ruppe, Executive Director of Hatcher Garden & Woodland Preserve said, “On behalf of Hatcher Garden Board and staff, we sincerely and most gratefully thank the Chapman Cultural Center for their very generous GOS Grant award. With this support, we can continue collaborative arts partnership activities for all ages in the community and greatly appreciate the generous financial support of Hatcher Garden!” This year, Chapman Cultural Center received additional funding through the American Rescue Plan grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to aid in the arts and cultural sectors’ recovery from the pandemic. Chapman Cultural Center received $250,000 in funding which was used to supplement and distribute GOS grants to eligible organizations. To learn more about Chapman Cultural Center’s various grants programs and processes, please visit our website.

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Call for Artists: WOVEN / Juneteenth Juried Show

The Artists’ Guild of Spartanburg, in partnership with the Chapman Cultural Center, seeks to highlight the work of outstanding BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) artists in the southeastern region through their upcoming juried exhibition, WOVEN.

Artists working in all mediums are invited to apply, with a special emphasis on folk art and craft. Woven is an exhibition that will highlight works of creatives such as quilters, weavers, musicians and visual artists from the southeast region. This exhibition and accompanying event seeks to celebrate and commemorate the visual storytelling and traditions in conversation with the African Diaspora. Through this presentation of visual storytelling and craft-based works we seek to broaden intergenerational narratives of BIPOC experiences and creative practices. Accepted works will be exhibited in conjunction with the Guild’s Summer Solstice Art Market and Juneteenth Festival, taking place on June 19, 2021. This exhibition will be held in the first-floor gallery space at the Chapman Cultural Center, which receives high foot traffic and is open to the public Mon-Sat.

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Spartanburg arts orgs to share relief award

Balmer Foundation gifts $155,000

Chapman Cultural Center is pleased and honored to announce Spartanburg’s leading cultural organizations received $155,000 in emergency funding support from the Balmer Foundation.

Through this gift, $130,000 went towards funding Chapman Cultural Center’s General Operating Support Grantees and $25,000 will be designated to cost of operating Chapman Cultural Center. The Balmer Foundation trustees presented each organization with their funds at a limited-capacity ceremony on June 2 to encourage social distancing. Chapman Cultural Center, the leading local arts agency in Spartanburg County, awards General Operating Support Grants (GOS) to cultural organizations each year that have been established as a 501(c)3 for 3 years or more, and must continue working to advance the mission of the organization. Grantees for GOS Grants are evaluated on the basis of merit, evidence of sound management and fiscal responsibility, and service to all of Spartanburg County. These awards support up to 20% of the grantees’ annual operating expenses. The Balmer Foundation Board of Trustees offered the following statement in regards to their gift:

“The current trustees of the Balmer Foundation, inspired by the historic and remarkable commitment of Hans and Lucia Balmer to proactively support the Spartanburg community, have chosen to assist key institutions in this unique time of stress and challenge. The Balmers loved animal education and the arts, as they did other key projects that are important to our lives (such as Spots of Pride). While the foundation does not encourage grant requests, it believes the Balmers would want the foundation to commit to this contribution and thereby encourage your good work.”

In the last 25 years, through generous donations to the United Arts Fund, Chapman Cultural Center has awarded over $17 million in grants to strengthen, develop, and promote the cultural vibrancy in Spartanburg County in a sustainable way. “We are very concerned about the financial stability of the arts during these uncertain times. Our General Operating Support Grant program is critically important to our grantees because it gives them a reliable funding source which allows them to plan strategically to expand programs, reach larger and more diverse audiences, and retain creative talent. We are beyond grateful for the support of generous donors such as the Balmer Foundation, who truly see the value the arts bring to a community, especially during the most difficult times,” said President and CEO of Chapman Cultural Center Jennifer Evins.
Emergency funding by The Balmer Foundation was awarded to the following organizations:
  • Artists’ Guild of Spartanburg*
  • Ballet Spartanburg*
  • Hatcher Garden
  • Hub City Writers Project*
  • Spartanburg Art Museum*
  • Spartanburg County Historical Association
  • Spartanburg Philharmonic*
  • Spartanburg Science Centre
  • Spartanburg Little Theatre and Spartanburg Youth Theatre
* arts organizations CCC’s Board Chairman Bert Barre, stated “The cultural sector has grown since we first started providing these grants in 1995 and more demands are being placed on organizations as our community grows and prospers. We evaluate the grantees in a thorough process that includes thirteen volunteer grant reviewers representing our Board and members of the Spartanburg community. They conduct site visits, review applications and listen to presentations made by each organization. Together, these organizations serve over 143,000 people each year and the grants allow these organizations to continue to grow their collective impact.”

About Chapman Cultural Center

Chapman Cultural CenterOur mission is to provide cultural leadership for Greater Spartanburg by developing, strengthening, and promoting the scope, excellence and educational role of the arts, humanities and sciences, and to further their significance in the life of our community. Visit our website to learn more.

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Artists’ Guild of Spartanburg announces new executive director

Caitlin BoiceArtists’ Guild of Spartanburg, an arts nonprofit organization supporting artists in Spartanburg County and surrounding counties since 1957, has announced the selection of Caitlin Boice as its new executive director. Boice has been working as the interim director since June 2014. The selection was made after a regional search and selection process. “We are very pleased to announce this appointment,” President Thomas Rickis reported. “Caitlin’s work ethic goes above and beyond, and her knowledge of community has benefited the Guild since she joined.  Her effort and rigor as demonstrated in various Guild events have given the Guild increased visibility, a reconnection with former members and more new sponsors.  Her knowledge with the various member organizations and staff at Chapman Cultural Center allowed her a smooth and successful transition into the position.  The board of trustees wishes her all the best and continued success.” Boice’s background includes a bachelor’s of arts degree in arts management from the College of Charleston and a minor in hospitality and tourism, with various internships at different galleries in Charleston. “I look forward to continuing to serve as the director and working with Chapman Cultural Center and our partners to help better our community,” she said. “I am very dedicated to the arts in our community and only want to see them grow stronger and stronger.” Artists’ Guild of Spartanburg is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and its mission is to cultivate, nurture, and grow the visual arts in our community by supporting local artists.

Artists’ Guild of Spartanburg seeks executive director

The Artists' Guild of Spartanburg is accepting applications for a part-time executive director. Job purpose:  The executive director’s position is at the heart of Guild activities and is paramount to the successful implementation of the organization’s mission of supporting local artists and advancing visual art in the community.  This is a highly visible position with many functions and tasks. Reports to: Four-person executive committee Duties and responsibilities: 1)      With the appropriate committee or officer conduct official correspondence of the Guild. 2)      Maintain all records and documents. 3)      With the president and treasurer, assist in revenue receipts for art sales, expense tracking, annual financial budget, year-end IRS and state filing. 4)      Promote active and broad participation by members in all areas of the Guild’s work projects. 5)      Assist the various committees in developing strategies and plans. 6)      Establish and maintain cooperative and working relationships with members of the community and partners of the Chapman Cultural Center. 7)      Manage the Guild Art Gallery in the Chapman Center and with committees organize monthly art shows and Annual Juried Show. 8)      Manage with committee all development activities, including the Guild annual fundraising plan, grant writing, grant applications, membership drives, fundraising events and mailings. 9)      Apply and write grant funding applications. Search out grant opportunities. Such funding will be through city, county, state and private organizations. Submit necessary documentation to respective entities on timely basis. 10)   Cultivate and steward donors and identify new donor resources. Maintain a diverse donor base of individuals, businesses, foundations and government. 11)   Manage marketing activities, including the Guild website, Guild newsletter, advertising, event and gallery opening announcements, mailing lists, and membership lists. 12)   Prepare Guild monthly trustee meeting agenda and report on past month activities and actions of the executive director. Qualifications:

  • Experience in art gallery management essential.
  • Excellent verbal and written communications as well as professional manner required.
  • Prior office administration experience and database record keeping required.
  • Ability to work with all members of the community both artistic and public.
Working conditions:
  • The executive director will have office facilities within the Chapman Cultural Center with a laptop computer and cell phone provided.  The Chapman Center provides a variety of resources including copying, mailing, postage, and marketing support.
  • The Artists’ Guild uses Constant Contact, DonorPerfect software and Square One and PayPal for sale of art, event tickets, and membership dues.
  • Some evening and weekend work.
  • This is a part-time job, 20 hours per week, limited time off.  Employee will be a contract employee.
  • Employee is paid bimonthly and given an IRS 1099 at year end reflection income earned.
Apply to: The Artists’ Guild of Spartanburg, 200 East St. John Street, Spartanburg, SC 29306 Mark your application/resume:  ATTENTION GUILD PRESIDENT Via: Artists' Guild of Spartanburg

Artists’ Guild of Spartanburg invites artists to submit work for 41st Annual Juried Show

Deadline: August 1 Artists' Guild of Spartanburg invites artists to submit work for the 41st Annual Juried Show held at the Spartanburg Art Museum. All artists living in North Carolina and South Carolina, ages 18 and up, are eligible. The deadline to submit work is Aug. 1, and the exhibition runs Sept. 2- Oct. 12. Six prizes totaling more than $4,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded in the following categories: $1,500 for Best in Show $500 for Excellence in 2-D Awards (2 for this category) $500 for Excellence in 3-D Awards (2 for this category) $500 for People's Choice Award The judge this year will be Scott Belville of Georgia. Belville has a distingushed career both as a painter and as a teacher. He has exhibited his works in gallery and museum venues from Atlanta to New York, Chicago, Washington D.C., and regionally across the Southeast. His art works have garnered numerous grants and awards including two National Endowment for the Arts Individual Artistic Grants, State Individual Artistic Grants from South Carolina and Georgia, and a Ford Foundation Grant. Belville's paintings are in many public and private collections, including The Georgia Museum of Art, The Walker Art Center, The Joseph  Hirshhorn Museum, The Greenville County Museum of Art, The Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia, and the Chase Manhattan Bank. At the University of Georgia, he has received research  grants from the Wilson Center, a Study in a Second Discipline Grant from the office of the Vice President of Academic Affairs, and a Lothar Tresp Outstanding Teaching Honors Professor Award. Complete guidelines and the application are available online. Accepted artists will be notified by email and posted on the Artists' Guild website by 5 p.m. on Aug. 15. About the Artists' Guild of Spartanburg The Artists' Guild of Spartanburg mission is to cultivate, nurture and grow the visual arts in our community by supporting local artists. Via: Artists' Guild of Spartanburg

Artists’ Guild of Spartanburg hosting 40th annual juried show

[gallery link="file"] Artists’ Guild of Spartanburg will host its 40th Annual Juried Show Sept. 3 - Oct. 12 in the Spartanburg Art Museum at Chapman Cultural Center. The exhibit is free to the public and will be open Monday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Sundays, 1 - 5 p.m. The opening reception and awards ceremony will be held Saturday, Sept. 28, from 6 - 9 p.m. This year’s exhibit represents 57 artists from Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina chosen through a juried process from more than 100 entries. The juror for this year’s show is Scott Betz, President of FATE (Foundations in Art: Theory and Education) and art teacher at Winston-Salem State University. Betz has exhibited across the United States as well as in several other countries. Fifteen artists will receive cash awards, including $1,500 for one Best in Show award and $100 for the People's Choice award. The public is invited to vote in person for their favorite piece. Voting takes place Sept. 3 - 27, and the People's Choice winner will be announced at the opening reception and awards ceremony along with the other winners. Click on a photo above to view a larger image and the artist's name, or view a preview of works in the exhibition. For more information, visit the Artists' Guild of Spartanburg's website, or contact Robin Els, (86) 764-9568.

“Genes and Chromosomes” exhibit explores biology

This article originally appeared in the Spartanburg Herald-Journal. Reprinted with permission. ________________ Spartanburg artist Ralph Paquin is having a little fun with the building blocks of life when he playfully manipulates the gender-determining X and Y chromosomes in his exhibit on display at the Chapman Cultural Center. “Genes and Chromosomes” is this established artist's latest fascination with and attempt at visualizing microscopic elementals studied by scientists. It is a collection of both two-dimensional and three-dimensional works, all of which vividly illustrate Paquin's interpretation of why men are men, women are women, and people are not trees. The 25-piece exhibit is in the Artists' Guild of Spartanburg Gallery, Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 1-5 p.m., through April 27. A reception will take place from 5-9 p.m April 18, during the city's monthly ArtWalk. All viewings are free. Viewers might not immediately identify Paquin's symbolic and colorful images with genes and chromosomes, but there is definitely a sense of biology at work in the double-pronged shape that represents the male Y chromosome and the voluptuous folded fortune cookie that represents the female X chromosome. These two images appear in nearly every work, sometimes large, paired or alone, at other times en masse. Genes and Slices on Orange"Genes and Slices on Orange" They bend and shape-shift, not only in computer-manipulated wall hangings but as enormous glass-like sculptures. And if you begin to wonder whether these images might be somewhat symbolic of the human anatomy's more private parts, the artist would not disagree. A transplant from Massachusetts, Paquin lives in Spartanburg and is the department chairman and professor of art at Presbyterian College in Clinton. As an artist, he has worked and exhibited in China, Austria and throughout the United States. Though noted and accomplished in technical drawing, he has evolved beyond accurately reproducing images to creating his own images that relate to the core of life's existence. “From the moment of conception, our genes predetermine much of the basic condition of our lives, our future,” he said. “While this is not new knowledge, it remains fundamental. Genetic research is well under way, and the visual language of these genes and chromosomes is prime for creative interpretation. “It's important to me that these artworks appear primordial, humorous, erotic, intelligent and familiar because each piece maintains a relationship to all of the living organisms of our incredibly amazing planet.” At times, Paquin's abstract, subliminal and very modern work is profoundly simple, with only a few elements carefully arranged. Other works show a complexity and chaotic organization of elements, driven by innate forces. Nearly all of the work has been influenced by Asian concepts of composition and space. Even though the subject matter is serious science, Paquin uses humor and a pinch of mockery to make it accessible to even the least discerning eye. For example, in the center of the gallery mounted high above the other works is “Black Oracle,” a large, glossy casted plastic sculpture made in 2012. Here the Y chromosome has morphed, creating a hollow head with a crown of transparent filaments. This image seems to watch over the rest, among them “Ambiguous Gene,” “Diva Code” and “Y Chromosome.” If you smirk at the implications of his art, Paquin feels as if he is accomplishing his artistic goal. “Genes and Chromosomes” is part of a larger body of work that Paquin has worked on for the past six years. All of the work is for sale. The 2-D compositions range from $4,500 to $6,800; the large sculptures start at $9,800 and go up to $37,500. Some tabletop sculptures sell for as little as $200. His resume spans from the early 1980s to the present and includes awards, grants, publications, exhibits, lectures and workshops that span the globe, as well as a wide range of art-related topics. Locally, his work has been judged “Best of Show” in 2010 by the Artists' Guild, “Best of Show” in 2002 in the Spartanburg Outdoor Art Exhibit, and “Best of Sculpture Award” in 2000 in the Spartanburg County Outdoor Art Exhibit. The Artists' Guild of Spartanburg has a different art exhibit in its gallery at the Chapman Cultural Center every month. It is always free to the viewing public. For more information, call 542-ARTS (2787). Steve Wong is the marketing director for The Arts Partnership of Greater Spartanburg.

Steve Wong

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