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Yeah, that jazz festival

Greenville announces downtown jazz festival


Count them in? The inaugural Greenville Jazz Fest will play its first notes June 3 from 4-10 p.m., and it's got big aspirations.

"If we do it right this will be as big as Fall for Greenville and Artisphere,” said Ken Gibson of city council. National acts are planned on two Main Street stages, including Rebirth Brass Band and Jonathan Scales Fourchestra, along with a bevy of local groups who will celebrate community, culture, and jazz. Oh, and the event is free. The stages, food trucks, and beverage locations will line Main Street from Broad Street to Falls Park Drive. The festival will stretch outside its official time and location boundaries to include performances in local music venues throughout the weekend. Additional shows are scheduled for Horizon Records, Chicora Alley, Blues Boulevard and Rainer’s Café and Bar. The city and partner The Greenville Jazz Collective plan JazzEd Sessions leading up to the festival at the Juanita Butler, Nicholtown and West Greenville community centers. Though the 2023 event is yet to happen, organizers are already anticipating moving to a two-day format with even more performances and venues in 2024. But let's keep the focus on 2023 for now: learn more about the first event at greenvillejazz.com.

Jason Rapp

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

Want to exhibit at GCCA in 2024/2025?

Call issued for Main Gallery proposals

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Friday, January 27, 2023

GCCA is currently seeking proposals to fill its exhibition schedule for the 2024/2025 calendar year.

GCCA's Main Gallery exhibitions strive to educate and inspire by promoting diverse ideas while encouraging innovative, contemporary approaches to visual arts. The Main Gallery provides approximately 2,000 square feet of exhibition space and has featured the work of local, regional, national, and all disciplines of the visual arts. Our movable gallery wall system allows for dynamic designs and fresh experiences for every exhibition. Each exhibition is on display for approximately two months. Please note that GCCA will not accept exhibition proposals submitted via email or traditional mail. All submissions must be completed via the online application form linked here. There is also a non-refundable $30 application fee to be submitted electronically with the application form (the fee aids with the operations of GCCA and its galleries). The application fee and proposal submission do not guarantee acceptance for an exhibition in GCCA’s Main Gallery. An exhibition agreement and additional information will be provided if the proposal is accepted. Contact Gallery Manager Ben Tarcson at ben@artcentergreenville.org if you have any questions.

Submitted material

Help Sigal Music Museum reach its next level of growth

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Position open until filled


The Sigal Music Museum is looking for a full-time director of development to help take the organization to its next level of growth.

Working closely with the staff and reporting to the executive director of the Sigal Music Museum, the director of development is tasked with developing and implementing strategies to attract new donors, retain current donors and increase giving levels among current supporters, with special focus on donors making gifts of $1,000- $10,000+. S/he will work with museum team and board to identify, cultivate and solicit gifts while also growing the museum’s membership program with a complementary goal of engaging members and donors through a variety of programs.

Responsibilities

  • Works with the board, and its committees to create annual and long-term goals and associated strategies for museum fundraising and revenue-generating efforts. Over the initial two-year period, the director of development will be asked to establish short and long-term fundraising goals and to identify revenue streams that complement the museum’s mission and vision.
  • Develops a menu of giving opportunities and oversees development of high impact marketing materials to support development activities. Conceives and implements strategies to identify and cultivate individual and corporate donors at $1,000 and higher for annual support and major gifts.
  • Builds and manages a portfolio of current individual supporters and prospective donors. Identifies opportunities for contact and tracks “moves management” among individuals in portfolio. Employs face-to-face visits, strategic event planning and other communications media. Establishes metrics that help guide activities and measure effectiveness.
  • With museum staff and board, researches, identifies, cultivates, and solicits major gifts of $10,000 and higher from individuals and corporations. Writes tailored proposals as needed for specific solicitations.
  • Participates as appropriate in board and committee meetings and provides support to board and committee members for individual giving and other fundraising activities, including special events. Collaborates with board and its committees to implement volunteer-driven fundraising efforts.
  • Identifies opportunities for improved membership strategy and creates and executes the plan accordingly. Conceives and implements strategies for general membership growth ($50-$999) and increased revenue through annual appeals. Develops greater synergy between general membership and leadership giving.
  • With museum staff, identifies key demographic or special interest constituent segments to engage in the museum’s work.
  • Identifies grant opportunities from private foundations and manages the grant-writing and submission process.
  • Presents monthly fundraising report to board of directors, and prepares annual report of development activities at the end of each fiscal year.
  • Responsible for coordinating and overseeing community outreach and grant-writing activities and will serve as the management staff member responsible for reporting on these matters to the executive director and executive committee.
  • Creates content for constituent/member/donor communications including materials such as membership brochure, renewal letters, acknowledgements, newsletters, appeals, and invitations.
  • Compiles donor recognition and stewardship plan.
  • Conceives, implements and attends donor cultivation and appreciation events tied to museum’s mission, exhibitions and programs.
  • Makes presentations to community groups as part of cultivation and membership strategies.
  • Uses Past Perfect or other similar database to track notes and all interactions with prospects, members and donors.
  • Works with staff to ensure the museum utilizes best practices related to properly capturing donor information (biographical, geographical and other information as appropriate).

Qualifications (preferred)

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
  • 5-7 years of experience working in a goal-driven fundraising environment.
  • Demonstrated ability to build strong, authentic relationships and work collaboratively with colleagues, board, volunteers and donors.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to take initiative, solve problems creatively and contribute to a positive work environment.
  • Experience in conceiving of and creating a variety of donor and member-oriented communications materials, including direct mail, email campaigns, newsletters, invitations and digital content.
  • Experience in planning and implementing donor-centric (or stewardship?) events and fundraising events.
  • Ability to juggle multiple objectives/projects simultaneously, with strong organizational skills, attention to detail and impeccable follow-up.
  • Knowledge of development software.
  • Knowledge in areas of financial controls, gift acceptance, accounting and information systems/database management.
  • Absolute respect for the confidentiality of donor information and an adherence to the highest standards of ethical conduct.

Apply

Contact Executive Director David Sims  

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GCYO is looking for a part time executive director

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Friday, September 30, 2022


Greenville County Youth Orchestra (GCYO), the afterschool orchestra program of Greenville County Schools, is currently taking applications for their part time executive director position.

Expected start date will be mid-January. If interested, please send resume and cover letter to info@gcyo.net no later than Friday, September 30. Compensation information was not provided to The Hub. -Ed.

Position description

General • Provide own office space, computer and printer. Current ED works from a home office. Also provide storage for misc. supplies, documents, etc. • Effective oral and written communication skills • Ability to manage a wide variety of activities and multi-task. • Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends. • Experienced with working with a Board of Directors or service on a non-profit Board. • Strong people skills and ability to work with all ages. • Public speaking ability and ability to interact with potential funders. • Ability to work independently to achieve goals. • Technical proficiency with Microsoft Office, fund accounting, database software and social media sources. • Ability to work with confidential information. • Understanding of public school structures and knowledge of orchestral music and music education is a plug. Board and committee work • Maintain communication with Board members • Generate agenda each month • Ensure assistant generates minutes in a timely fashion • Attend Board meetings • Arrange for meeting location of Board meetings • Work with committee chairs as needed • Continue to work on and implement Long Range Plan Social media and marketing • Facebook and Instagram posts • Newsletter (every three months) • Take pictures at rehearsals and short video clips • Maintain and update website • Set up events for concerts, etc. on Facebook Concert Production • Determine concert schedule for the next year with input from conductors every spring. • Book concert venues (Peace Center, Wade Hampton, etc.) • Volunteer Coordinator • Create annual program booklet and contract with printer every summer/fall. • By two weeks, prior to concert, create (with help of assistant) program inserts for each concert. Info includes orchestra rosters, concert program, soloist information if needed, and updated donor list • Set up ticket sales through Eventbrite for non PCPA concerts • Peace Center (PCPA):

1. Set tentative dates for the next season every spring. 2. Generate PCPA ticket set up and web site information for each concert each fall. 3. Request any needed comp tickets for donors, staff, special guests a week before the concert. 4. Generate detailed concert information for GCYO production manager and PCPA production personnel a month prior to concert. 5. At the beginning of year, hire GCYO production managers, recording/live stream specialist, ringers if needed for YAO 6. Arrange for transportation of percussion and other equipment between the Fine Arts Center and venue by GCS warehouse personnel

Fundraising/Development

Grant writing • Annual SC Arts Commission grant • Biannual Metropolitan Arts Commission project grants • Other grants as available/needed Donor management: Bloomerang data base • Enter cash or check donations • Monitor online donations • Send acknowledgment letters/thank you’s and year end statements • Create donor lists for programs and website • Coordinate with Board member on hand-written thank you notes • Maintain contact with larger donors, offering comp tickets to concerts and events • Work with Board member(s) on fundraising events and efforts

Orchestra/Student/Parent Work

• Fine Arts Center (FAC): Ensure that someone is present with GCYO at FAC on Mondays from 4:15 pm – 9:30 pm. This should be an FAC employee. Currently, the admin assistant is there from 4:15 pm – 7:00 pm to take attendance, and allow building access after the security guard leaves at 6:30 pm. The Executive Director is there until all students and staff are out of the building – usually around 9:30 pm. • Auditions

1. Schedule general audition dates in late spring, early fall, and January (Prelude) (consult with staff on dates) 2. Update website with audition info 3. Set up audition application process in AcceptD. 4. Set up audition schedule for younger orchestras in AcceptD 5. Send out audition communications to applicants as needed including audition results. 6. Import new students’ information into Charms Database

• CHARMS: student database

1. Oversee administrative assistant who ensures all students have accurate information in our student database, bills and records payments of student fees 2. Set up and maintain student calendar 3. Annual closing of accounts and setup for new year

• Communications

1. Use Charms to send out General communications with students and parents about concerts, rehearsal schedules, changes, special events, auditions, etc. 2. Maintain Remind txt message system for last minute updates, cancellations, etc.. 3. Handle individual emails about student issues, questions, etc. 4. Receive and handle any communications sent through our website info@gcyo.net email as well as voice messages sent to our GCSD phone# 864-335-3040e 5. Set up “classes” in REMIND for text messaging

• Weekly Rehearsals

1. Assist staff with sectionals and seating auditions at the FAC (this can be done by assistant) 2. Visit other rehearsal sites on a regular basis. 3. Communicate with administrative staff at FAC, Wade Hampton High School (WHHS), and League Academy about room access and equipment use.

• Recruiting

1. Create recruiting plan 2. Flyers for events and sending to schools 3. Attend, when able, ASTA and SCMEA events with recruiting materials 4. Work with videographer on recruiting videos

• Rehearsal Volunteers Find and manage parent volunteers for door duty at WHHS and League Academy locations. • Scholarship Program

1. Review and prepare scholarship applications (in backend of GCYO.net website) for committee review 2. At the committee’s direction, have admin assistant notify recipients of the award. 3. Have admin assistant create credit in charms for participation fee assistance 4. Have admin assistant gather teacher names/address for private lessons scholarships 5. Generate checks

• Personnel

• Work with education director and lead strings teacher to “hire” school district personnel for conducting and coaching positions. • Hire additional coaches using GCYO Association budget to fill spots not paid for by district. This will usually be cello and bass coaches for Phil and YAO. • Work with GSO education director David Kiser in utilizing GSO musicians for some of the coaching spots. They have budgeted funds to provide those to us free of charge. • Work with GSO education director in planning Shoulder to Shoulder concert • Maintain communication with all conductors. Concert Volunteers: • Determine chaperone needs for each concert. • Set up volunteer signups in CHARMS and send emails requesting parent sign ups. • Train volunteers at dress rehearsals.

Financial/Accounting QuickBooks or Bookkeeping Service (tbd) The Board is considering hiring a bookkeeping service to handle these tasks so the ED would not be required to. The ED would conduct oversight of bookkeeping services and continue to have primary responsibility to ensure accuracy of financial account and reporting. ED would communicate and collaborate with the Board Treasurer on all financial matters. ED would also arrange for all necessary not-for-profit filings with the IRS (Form 990) as well as with the State of SC (Annual Financial Report). • Payables: pay 1099 Contract Employees, service and supplies invoices, scholarship and financial aid payments • Receipts: deposit all receipts to appropriate bank accounts including donations, student fees, concert revenues, etc. • Manage bank accounts: checking, money market, endowment, PayPal plus petty cash. • Manage general ledger: review monthly, enter journal entries as needed • Create annual budget in collaboration with the Treasurer. • Generate monthly financial reports and review them with treasurer prior to submission to the board • Generate 1099s • Contract with CPA to do annual 990

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GCCA names recipients of Brandon Fellowship

Three Greenville-based #SCartists were revealed as Greenville Center for Creative Arts' incoming class of the Brandon Fellowship at its Annual Showcase on Aug. 5.

The fellowship is a 12-month program that aims to develop three emerging artists between the ages of 21 to 30 who represent the diversity of the Greenville visual arts community. Now in its eighth year, the program provides free studio space, a stipend for supplies, a supportive environment, mentorship, and art education, including professional development resources, to help these artists thrive in the next step of their education, career, or business. “We've had such strong candidates apply for the Brandon Fellowship this year, representing the breadth of talents and perspectives of young Greenville artists,” says Kevin Kao, the chair of the Brandon Fellowship selection committee. “We're so excited to present our new fellows and cannot wait to see the impact that they will have with GCCA as well as the greater Greenville community.”

The 2022/2023 Brandon Fellows

[caption id="attachment_50755" align="alignright" width="250"] (l-r) Orlando Corona, RaAmen Stallings, and Faith Hudgens. Click image to enlarge. GCCA photo by Antonio Modesto.[/caption] Orlando Corona is a Greenville-based oil painter and printmaker, born in Mexico. His artwork is based on his Mexican culture and as a first generation immigrant in the U.S. While only having 3 years of experience, he has been in several galleries since the age of 17, and has studied under several local artists. His favorite artists include Diego Rivera, a Mexican muralist; Posada, a printmaker; and Pablo Picasso. Orlando strives to create impactful art that can be shared with others. Art is his creative way of communicating his thoughts and speaking to the world. A self-taught painter and mixed-media artist, Faith Hudgens grew up in Greenville and has worked professionally as a highly regarded tattoo artist since establishing her practice in 2017. Her paintings are vibrant, emotional, and layered with spirituality. She has participated in exhibitions at Greenville Technical College and the Commerce Club. Faith is an uplifter in her community and volunteers regularly with Miracle Hill Ministries hosting art classes for young girls in foster care. Faith has also hosted PRIDE events with Upstate Pride SC and donates art to organizations that support women and the LGBTQ+ community. Faith’s overarching goal is to cultivate positive change through her art and specifically, to use art as a platform to propel Greenville forward in unity, cultural diversity, and minority inclusion. RaAmen (Rah-Mēn) Stallings Is an aspiring creative who is passionate about all forms of art. He is a graduate of both Greenville Senior High Academy and Greenville Technical College where he received an associate’s in Business Administration. Although he has worked professionally as a photographer since launching his business in 2020, RaAmen is now focused on developing his skills as a painter. He is committed to expanding his artistic practice and believes strongly in the power of art as a way to inspire and facilitate community and conversation. This year’s Brandon Fellowship selection committee included chair Kevin Kao, sculptor and Assistant Professor of Art at Furman University; Danielle Fontaine, encaustic artist and Brandon Fellowship Founder; Rhonda Rawlings, a GCCA board member and community director for Mill Village Ministries; Nick Burns, painter and mixed-media artist and alumnus of the Brandon Fellows class of 2020; Patricia DeLeon, painter and mixed-media artist; and Kara Bale, operations manager for GCCA who oversees the Fellowship program. “I couldn’t be more excited about our new fellows,” says Kara Bale, who oversees the program at GCCA. “It was a very challenging selection process as we had so many talented and deserving applicants, but I feel the committee did an excellent job and selected three individuals who strongly reflect GCCA’s mission to enrich the cultural fabric of our community. Each has already used their art to grow community and further important conversations so it will be amazing to see what they accomplish within the supportive structure of the fellowship.” Previous Brandon Fellows alumni have gone on to become full-time working artists, designers, participants in Artisphere and other festivals, graduate students, artists-in-residence, instructors, community muralists, published artists, grant recipients, and award winners.
An exhibition featuring the work of the 2021/2022 Brandon Fellows, Kim Le, Sienna Patterson, and Terrell Washington is on display through Sept. 28 in GCCA’s Main Gallery. Kim Le’s work comes from the ugly, wounded and abject parts of a young girl’s psyche, reappropriating the common language of cuteness that little girls use to cope with their pain to connect to the furious and wretched spirit of young girls and women everywhere who’ve been beaten down by the world around them. Through expressive imagery and journal entries, Sienna Patterson explores the concept of the fool's journey through the lens of her personal experiences. Depiction the trials of self and the price that we pay to develop the ego to surpass the ego and to transcend the ego. Terrell Washington’s “Genesis: Omens and Decisions of Existence,” features Abrahamic beliefs and highlights the realness of prayer, our blessings and curses, human nature, while putting people of melanin at the center of it all. This exhibition can be viewed during GCCA’s open hours Tuesday-Friday from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. To learn more about the Brandon Fellowship, visit https://artcentergreenville.org/brandon-fellowship/.

About GCCA

Greenville Center for Creative Arts is a non-profit organization that aims to enrich the cultural fabric of the community through visual arts promotion, education, and inspiration. For more information, visit www.artcentergreenville.org, call 864-735-3948, or check out GCCA on Facebook (Greenville Center for Creative Arts) & Instagram (@artcentergvl).

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

Hispanic Alliance welcomes arts and education director

The Greenville-based Hispanic Alliance announced Gina Bridges as its arts and education director.

Bridges has experience in developing community-based programs, building community relationships and networks, developing strong partnerships within the school district, and creating culturally appropriate education and marketing materials to promote programs. She is an avid art enthusiast and has developed art programs within local schools that provide opportunities for youth to learn about and experience art. She has a dual Bachelor of Arts degree in international studies and Spanish from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania and has completed graduate coursework and workshops in African American history and urban sociology at Penn State University.
The Hispanic Alliance fosters collaboration and connectivity among people, resources, and cultures to build thriving communities. Learn more at https://www.hispanicalliancesc.com/.

Jason Rapp

Glow Lyric Theatre seeks technical director

Glow Lyric Theatre is looking to fill the position of technical director for our 2022 season.

The season runs June 11-August 3, 2022 at the Kroc Center in Downtown Greenville and includes:
  • Elton John’s Aida,
  • Classic Broadway: Songs of the Golden Age,
  • and Frances Pollock’s new opera Stinney: An American Execution
Description: Glow produces two musicals and one opera during an intense and fast-paced 7 week production period. The shows run in rotating rep for the summer. The TD will be responsible for supervising and participating in the build of the rep season, supervising all build aspects, supervising daily/nightly set changeovers (sometimes two per day), budgeting the shows, communicating with designers, creating build drawings/schematics, and overseeing/managing the work hours and duties of the ATD/master carpenter, carpenter, and carpenter intern. The TD is a leadership role that makes sure the scenic elements are on-time and on-budget. This position reports to the production manager and executive director. Duties: Engineer, construct, build and install and strike all scenic elements for the summer season, set up carpentry shops for beginning of season, communicating with production manager regarding any general shop and supplies needs, restore carpentry shops at the end of the season, including updating the stock item inventory paperwork, determine and meet scenic deadlines according to the production schedule set by the production manager, manage and supervise all load-in and strike dates, ensuring that anything borrowed or purchased returns to proper facilities at end of season, attend all technical rehearsals, dress rehearsals, previews and production meetings for notes, communicate regularly with designers, production manager and executive director regarding budget tracking, design integrity, and notes, manage the budget and account for all scenic expenditures, including collection of receipts and invoices, attend four pre-season production meetings (beginning in March, may do so remotely), prepare necessary drawings/vectorworks, work with production manager and artistic director to supervise and assign running crew for each production, order, purchase, schedule delivery, or pick up necessary building materials, including equipment as needed, order necessary trucks and dumpsters for load ins, strike and transportation of set. Requirements: Share with Glow a respect for our values of access, advocacy, diversity, prudence, professionalism and collaboration, Self-motivated, have a positive attitude, love musicals, work safely and efficiently and exhibit professional, respectful behavior at all times. Some experience working in repertory/summer stock, Skilled in CAD or Vectorworks, 1 year of technical direction experience (can include summer stock/educational credits), mastery of wood and metal scenic construction and fabrication techniques and scenic engineering, ability to motivate, manage and coordinate staff members of varying skill levels. Ability to recognize, augment and/or fill in the gaps in the crew’s skill set. Ability to lift 50 lbs., climb ladders, and work in high places, Able to drive a 25’ box truck is a plus, ideal candidate would have a valid driver’s license and vehicle, their own computer to create drawings and manage paperwork, and their own set of basic tools. Compensation: $625/week with housing and travel included Please email jenna@glowlyric.com if interested.

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New leader announced for Greenville visual arts hub

GCCA makes decision after national search

An extensive national search led Greenville Center for Creative Arts to its next CEO, Jess Burgess.

Burgess (right) comes to GCCA from Dogtown Dance Theatre in Richmond, Virginia where she has served as executive director since 2015. Her résumé includes 15 years of experience in nonprofit administration and the performing arts. She will work closely with GCCA’s stakeholders to chart a strategic path forward for continued success. According to the organization's news release, Burgess combines a passion for engaging programming, strong fundraising abilities, and creativity, all of which are essential to being the leader of a thriving arts organization. “I am thrilled to make Greenville, South Carolina my new home and help shape the arts community for years to come. Greenville Center for Creative Arts is in an outstanding place to make a lasting impact on the lives of artists and those who love art, and I am excited to help GCCA excel in the future,” Burgess said. In the announcement, GCCA Board Chair Yvonne Julian said, “... GCCA will have an enthusiastic, energetic, and experienced leader who will maintain the momentum we’ve achieved in our pursuit of sustainability and expanded reach in the Greenville community and beyond.” The center's current CEO, Kim Fabian, announced her retirement last fall. Burgess received a bachelor's in dance and communications from James Madison University, and a professional certificate in fund development from the University of Richmond Institute for Philanthropy. Burgess serves on the board of directors of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Central Virginia chapter as well as that of the James Madison University College of Visual and Performing Arts. The public is invited to meet Burgess at GCCA’s 7th birthday celebration to be held at the May 6 First Friday event, which coincides with the opening of a new art exhibition.

About GCCA

Greenville Center for Creative Arts is a non-profit organization that aims to enrich the cultural fabric of the community through visual arts promotion, education, and inspiration. For more information, visit www.artcentergreenville.org, call 864.735.3948, or check out GCCA on Facebook (Greenville Center for Creative Arts) and Instagram (@artcentergvl).

Jason Rapp