Make a Bowl for Charity – Converse College in Spartanburg, SC, Donates Space for Hub City Empty Bowls Event – July 13, 2019

Hub City Empty Bowls in Spartanburg, SC, will sponsor two free and public pottery bowl-making sessions at Converse College on Saturday, July 13, 2019, at 10am-noon and 1-3pm. The bowls made during these creative and grassroots events will be used later to raise money to feed needy Spartanburg citizens through TOTAL Ministries, a faith-based agency that aids people in financial straits.

No talent or skill is needed to participate, only a creative community spirit and the desire to help those in need. All materials — clay, instruction, space — are provided at no cost. Participants will hand-shape clay bowls that will be left at Converse College to be finished by experienced potters through the lead sponsoring agency Carolina Clay Artists. In the fall, the finished bowls will be used at the much-anticipated Soup Day, a community event that lets people select the bowls of their choice for $20 donations and then eat soup provided by local restaurants, hear live music, and enjoy the fellowship.

Several hundreds of colorful bowls of various styles and shapes are available on Soup Day. About two dozen restaurants provide the soup. And for the past few years, more than $30,000 has been raised each year.

“We are thrilled that Converse College has welcomed Hub City Empty Bowls on its campus for this event,” Chairman Bruce Bowyer said. “We are grateful for Converse’s generous community spirit in letting us use its studio space. This year, we also held bowl-making sessions at Wofford College and West Main Artists Co-op. Their contributions and involvement are vital to our success in making bowls that are turned into funds to help those in need. Thank you Converse College, Wofford College, and West Main Artists Co-op for giving your resources and for caring about people who don’t have enough to eat.”

Hub City Empty Bowls, a non-profit agency, is now in its eleventh year of helping people who are “food insecure,” which is usually defined as not being sure you’ll have the resources for your next meal. Empty Bowls is an international and grassroots effort by clay potters to help feed the needy. There is no headquarters or central administration. Each community designs its fundraising program around the concept of using clay bowls made by citizens to raise money to feed the needy. The exact ways and means are different for each community.

For more information about Hub City Empty Bowls, please visit online the Facebook page and the website at (HubCityEmptyBowls.com).

Gateway Arts Center in Westminster, SC, Call for Artists to Enter the “2019 Juried Show” – Deadline Aug. 23, 2019

The Gateway Arts Center, a 501 c 3 organization, in Westminster, SC, is calling for entries for its “2019 Juried Show”, which will take place from Aug. 30 through Oct. 11, 2019. A reception will be held on Aug. 30, from 6-8:30pm.

There are no media restrictions.

Drop Off Range: Aug. 13-15, from 10am-5pm; Aug. 16-17, from 10am-3pm; and Aug. 20-23, from 10am-5pm. Digital submissions due by Aug. 23, 2019.

The Gateway Arts Center is located at 213 E. Windsor Street in Westminster SC 29693, on Hwy. 76/123- across from Walgreen’s/1st Baptist.

The juror will be Michael Brodeur, Assoc Prof. @ Furman University. Awards include: 1st place – $1,500; 2nd place – $750; 3rd place – $325; and Merits Awards for: Painting, Photography, Fiber, Drawing, 3D Other, & 2D Other.

Please Read Complete Entry Requirements & Forms On-line at (gatewayartscenter.net).

Entry Fee: $35.00 for 2 works

For further info call 864-613-2211 during the day or e-mail to (gatewayartscenter213@gmail.com). The Center will be closed until July 20, 2019.

Greenville Center for Creative Arts in Greenville, SC, Calls for Applications for the Brandon Fellowship – Deadline July 12, 2019

Are you an emerging artist looking to connect, grow, and launch your career?

Then the Brandon Fellowship might just be what you’re looking for! The Brandon Fellowship is a 12-month program, from September to August, that aims to develop three emerging artists between the age of 21-30 by providing a supportive environment, mentorship, and art education. The Brandon Fellowship helps launch young artists, foster a sense of community, and promote diversity at GCCA.

Benefits of The Brandon Fellowship:

University style studios
Stipend for art supplies
Dedicated mentors, assigned based on interest and medium
Access to one 6-week class per Art School Session
Support and mentorship from neighboring studio artists at GCCA
Visibility as an artist at various events
Work exhibited in the Annual Showcase: Brandon Fellowship Show, August – September 2020

Criteria for Eligibility:

Resident of Greenville County
Between 21 – 30 years old
Citizen or a lawful permanent resident of the US
Self-motivated, community-minded, and eager to participate in group activities
Fellows are selected from culturally diverse communities
Prior professional art training or post-secondary education is not required
Selection will be made without regard to marital status, sexual orientation, religion, or disability

Apply for the 2019-2020 Brandon Fellowship at (https://www.artcentergreenville.org/brandonfellowship?utm_source=GCCA+Email+List&utm_campaign=80281831ac-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_05_20_01_18_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_48d3372785-80281831ac-166557057).

The application period is open now and closes July 12, 2019. Learn more and apply online, or visit us in person!

The new class of Brandon Fellows will be announced at First Friday on August 2, 2019, during our Annual Showcase.

Brandon Fellowship Mentors

GCCA is seeking mentors for the Brandon Fellowship program. GCCA selects three mentors each year to support the three Fellows in residence. Mentors typically are well-established artists with teaching experience and will participate in the program on a volunteer basis. Mentors are matched with Fellows based on compatibility in personality and artistic interests.

Mentor Responsibilities:

A face-to-face meeting on a monthly basis (or more frequently if agreed by both parties)
Accessibility by phone or e-mail for guidance
Organizing one or two enrichment activities during the year, such as a museum trip, class visit, attendance at a lecture or conference, etc.
Participate in the Brandon Fellows ARTalk in June
Advise the Fellows in the preparation of their final exhibition in August-September

The 2019-20 Fellows will be selected at the end of July and potential mentors will be contacted in early August. The Fellowship period runs from September 1st to August 31st. If you would like to be considered as a Brandon Fellows mentor for 2019-2020 or in subsequent years, please contact Marlowe Schuck, Operations Manager by e-mail at (Marlowe@artcentergreenville.org) with a short bio and statement of interest.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Marlowe by e-mail at (marlowe@artcentergreenville.org), or call 864/735-3948, Ext. 3, or e-mail Danielle Fontaine at (daniellefontaine44@gmail.com).

Please help us spread the word by telling your friends, family, and neighbors about the program, or share information about the Brandon Fellowship on social media.

West Main Artists Co-op in Spartanburg, SC, Calls for Entries for “WMAC 2019 A Juried Exhibition” – Deadline Aug. 3, 2019

West Main Artists Co-op in Spartanburg, SC, is putting out a call to all artists, 18 years or older, residing in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee to apply for acceptance into “WMAC 2019 A Juried Exhibition”.

This is the first regional, juried exhibition presented by the Co-op with the intention of it becoming an annual event to showcase the amazing diversity of work within this southern region. The exhibition will take place within our 2000-square-foot gallery space, The Venue@West Main.

Entries will be accepted July 7 – August 3, 2019.

Jurors are: Ann DerGara, a painter and printmaker from Brevard, NC, and Mike Vatalaro, Professor Emeritus of Art / Ceramics from Clemson University in Clemson, SC.

Click here to download a prospectus at (https://www.westmainartists.org/WMAC2019-portrait20190123.pdf).

Greenville Center for the Creative Arts in Greenville, SC, is Calling for Artists to Teach Classes for Fall 2019 – Deadline June 20, 2019

Greenville Center for the Creative Arts (GCCA) in Greenville, SC, is currently seeking proposals from teaching artists for the FALL 2019 class sessions (Fall Session I: September 9 – October 26 / Fall Session II: October 28 – December 14)

We are looking for artists doing interesting work who are also excellent teachers. GCCA instructors include both working artists and professional educators who possess a willingness to communicate technique and process, strong technical skills, good interpersonal skills, and the ability to teach classes that are open to a range of skill levels, from intermediate to advanced.

Proposals can range from six-week classes to one-day, two-day and three-day workshops. In addition to general proposals, we are particularly interested in artists willing to teach specialized classes for teens (examples: concept art, animal anatomy, etc.).

Contact our Curator of Programs, Liz Rundorff Smith by e-mail at (liz@artcentergreenville.org) with questions.

All proposals must be submitted by Thursday, June 20, 2019.

Submit a proposal at this link (https://www.artcentergreenville.org/instructorproposals/?utm_source=GCCA+Email+List&utm_campaign=114106e4f1-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2017_02_23&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_48d3372785-114106e4f1-166554437).

New Greer Center for the Arts in Greer, SC, Calls for Arts Instructors, Student Artists, and Artists in Residence – Deadline July 19, 2019

The new Greer Center for the Arts is opening in September 2019! In preparation for the opening, the City of Greer, SC, is currently in search of Arts Instructors, Student Artists, and Artists in Residence.

ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE:
The City of Greer is currently accepting applications from Upstate artists to lease six studio spaces in its new arts center. Studio spaces range from 95 to 160 square-feet, are climate controlled and offer 24-hour key card access. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rotating on-site exhibit area, access to a breakroom-kitchen and a co-op of artists to work with. Monthly rent ranges from $75 to $145, depending on studio size. Leases are on a 6-month basis. Applications due July 19, 2019. Move in date is August 1, 2019.
Greer-Application for Artist in Residence -2019

STUDENT ARTISTS:
The City of Greer is currently accepting applications from Upstate student artists for an artist in residency opportunity. Up to four student artists will share a 184 square foot, climate controlled studio space with 24-hour key-card access, free of rent. Instead of paying monthly rent, student artists will be expected to keep the two classrooms clean, load/unload/fire the kiln, take out the trash, and perform other simple tasks to maintain the arts center. Students will also be expected to work in their studio for at least six hours per week. Just like the artists in residence, student artists may enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rotating on-site exhibit area, access to a breakroom-kitchen and a co-op of artists to work with. Student artist studio agreements are on a month-to-month basis. Applications due July 19, 2019. Move in date is August 1, 2019.
Greer-Application for Student Artist in Residence – 2019

CALL FOR ARTS INSTRUCTORS:
The City of Greer is currently accepting Arts Instructor applications/class proposals for the new Greer Center for the Arts. Examples of the types of classes that we would like to provide to the Greer community: Ceramics, yoga, dance, piano, voice, drawing, poetry, acting, etc. Applications are due July 19, 2019. Classes will begin September 3, 2019.
Greer-Arts Instructor Application C4A

For more information, visit (GreerCulturalArts.com) or (Facebook.com/GreerCulturalArts). If you have any questions, please e-mail to (artscouncil@cityofgreer.org).

Hub City Empty Bowls To Host Second Bowl-Making Day of 2019 in Spartanburg, SC – June 8, 2019

Hub City Empty Bowls will sponsor a bowl-making event at West Main Artists Co-op in Spartanburg, SC, on Saturday, June 8, 2019, from 1 until 4pm. Everyone is invited to make pottery bowls, which will be used to raise funds to feed needy people of Spartanburg. There is no cost to participate, and all instruction and supplies are provided by volunteers from Carolina Clay Artists, the organization in charge of this annual not-for-profit community project. “Every year, I am amazed at how this never gets old,” Hub City Empty Bowl chairman and Carolina Clay Artists board member Bruce Bowyer said. “There is something very special about the Empty Bowls project that brings people together to do good work in our community. All it takes is people coming together to shape clay and then coming together to eat soup.”

The first bowl-making event of 2019 was held in January at Wofford College. The third bowl-making event of the year will be at Converse College on Saturday, July 13, 2019. To participate, you don’t need special skills or talents, just a creative spirit, willing hands, and the desire to help people in the community. The bowls made by citizens will be left at West Main Artists Co-op to be glazed and fired by volunteer potters.

All the bowls made throughout the year are gathered together for Soup Day, an event where the public can get the bowls of their choice for a donation of $20 each. Some people get several bowls to be used as gifts or table settings. There are hundreds of bowls in different colors and shapes, made by people with many different levels of experience. During Soup Day, patrons enjoy a wide selection of donated soups, live music, and a silent auction. All proceeds from the event are donated to TOTAL Ministries, an organization that raises money to feed local citizens who are food insecure.

“There are approximately 37,000 Spartanburg County residents who are food insecure,” TOTAL Ministries’ Executive Director Traci Kennedy said. “People who are food insecure have to make a choice of paying to avoid utility disconnection or putting food on the table. Before partnering with Hub City Empty Bowls, our pantry would be empty during the summer months when donations are low. Now, although it is not always full, there is always food to help those in need.”

Hub City Empty Bowls is one of Spartanburg County’s most respected and successful grassroots fundraisers, now in its eleventh year. Its purpose is to use the making of pottery bowls as a means to raise money that will help feed local citizens who don’t have enough to eat. Each year, Hub City Empty Bowls raises tens of thousands of dollars that are given to a local charity that is aligned with this purpose.

For more information, visit (HubCityEmptyBowls.com) or its Facebook page.

Artisphere 2019 in Greenville, SC, Announces Winning Participants

The 15th Anniversary Artisphere festival presented by TD Bank in Greenville, SC, featured 135 artists from across the country selected from 952 submissions from 28 states. 36 of the artists were new to the festival this year.

On Friday, May 10, 2019, artist exhibitors were judged by festival jurors Devyn Vasquez (Penland School of Crafts Core Fellow), Sybil Godwin (Owner and Director – Shain Gallery Charlotte, NC) and Ashley Jones (Local Artist, Photographer). 10 cash awards including; Best in Show ($5,000), 1st Place 2D Mixed Media ($2,500), 2nd Place 2D Mixed Media ($1,000), 1st Place 3D Mixed Media ($2,500), 2nd Place 3D Mixed Media ($1,000), four Awards of Excellence ($500 each). The Mayor’s Choice Award ($500), selected by Haynworth-Sinkler Boyd was also distributed.

This year’s Best in Show winner was Richard Wilson (Drawing) of Greenville, NC. 2D 1st place went to Kiah Bellows (Mixed Media 2D) of Greenville, SC, and 2nd place was awarded to Joey Bradley (Painting Oil/Acrylic, Mixed Media 2D) of Greenville, SC. The 3D 1st place award went to Amber Marshall (Glass) of Spruce Pine, NC, and 2nd place went to Nicario Jimenez (Mixed Media 3D) of Naples, FL. Four Awards of Excellence were also distributed to Tara Locklear (Jewelry Semi-Precious) of Raleigh, NC, Chris Jeffries (Glass) of Laguna Beach, CA, Bounkhonkg Signavong (Fiber) of Secaucus, NJ, and Gregg Rasmusson (Ceramics) of St. Louis, MO. Mayor Knox White presented the 2018 Mayor’s Choice Award to Glory Day Loflin (Painting Oil/Acrylic) of Greenville, SC.

In addition to awards distributed on Artist Row, Artisphere distributed an additional $3,000 in awards to winners of the “Artists of the Upstate Juried Exhibition” as well as the Culinary Arts Café.

Peter Kaniaris of Anderson University juried the “Artists of the Upstate Juried Exhibition” sponsored by Prisma Health, “Greenville Journal”, and funded in part by Metropolitan Arts Council in March. “Artists of the Upstate” is designated for local artists within a 35-mile radius of Greenville. Kaniaris returned to the festival to select the Best in Show ($1,000), 2nd place ($750), 3rd place ($500), and an Award of Excellence ($250) winners.

This year’s “Artists of the Upstate” Best in Show was Hamed Mahmoodi. 2nd place was awarded to Kent Ambler, 3rd place to Kelly King, and Award of Excellence to Elizabeth Kenney.

Out of town media guests were invited to judge the Culinary Arts Café on their trip to Greenville. They tested dishes personally selected by all five participating restaurants- Larkin’s on the River, Cantina 76, Duke Sandwich Company, Crepe Du Jour, and The Trappe Door. Duke Sandwich Company was chosen as the Best in Show and awarded $500.

“Congratulations to the talented local and national 2019 award winners,” said David Lominack, South Carolina Market President, TD Bank. “TD Bank is proud to support the arts community across the Upstate and beyond through Artisphere.”

For more information visit (www.artisphere.org).

Spartanburg (SC) Fringe Festival Seeks Artwork for ‘Out of the Box’ Exhibit – Deadline May 15, 2019

Spartanburg Fringe Festival is calling all artists to submit artwork to its “Out of the Box” exhibit that will run for the month of June 2019 at West Main Artists Co-op in Spartanburg, SC.

“Spartanburg Fringe Festival has taken off amazingly well,” Festival Founder and Director Sandy Staggs said. “We have booked some truly wonderful shows, and now we want to include visual arts as well. The monthlong exhibit ‘Out of the Box,’ is open to any established artist who wants to apply and submit work that is not mainstream. We are looking for the unusual, the odd, the highly creative, the strange — any paintings, sculptures, or other visual creations that might be considered on the fringe of creativity.”

The deadline to apply is Wednesday, May 15, 2019.

Decisions on acceptance will be made by Wednesday, May 22, 2019. All art and related materials must be delivered to West Main Artists Co-op (578 West Main St., Spartanburg, SC) by individual appointment during the week of May 20-24. The exhibit will open Saturday, June 1, and will close Saturday, June 29.

Even though the Festival is opening the door to creativity as wide as possible, its management reserves the right to reject submissions that are hateful, in bad taste, truly offensive and without merit, or otherwise unacceptable by even the most liberal evaluation.

Before submitting work for inclusion in “Out of the Box,” please visit the Festival’s website at (SpartanburgFringeFestival.com) or a more complete understanding. To apply and submit work for the exhibit, contact Staggs via e-mail at (Festival@SpartanburgFringeFestival.com) or Steve Wong at (Just4Wong@Gmail.com). You may also call 864/316-6559. In the e-mail, please include basic information about yourself as an artist and a photograph of the art you wish to submit.

Sarah Mandell of Greenville, SC, Shares Works from Artist-In-Residence at Edisto Beach State Park

Sarah Mandell is a fiber artist in Greenville, SC, who was honored to have been chosen as Artist-In-Residence at Edisto Beach State Park this spring. She stayed in the state park from April 19-26, 2019, creating art onsite inspired by the coastal scenery, and sharing her experience along the way. Mandell’s entire purpose is to capture the beauty of the lowcountry landscape in her medium of choice (needle felted wool fiber) and highlight this unique part of the state during my stay.

Mandell offered the following statement about her residency, “My 2D landscape ‘paintings’ are created entirely with dyed wool fiber. I use a notched felting needle to layer and matte down the sheep’s wool into a flat surface, which eventually creates a textile image that’s soft to the touch. The time-consuming process is a lot like painting – I do under colors first, then build up texture & dimension, and eventually finish with fine details – but this all done with strands of soft fiber and a specialized needle rather than paint and paintbrush.”

“My ongoing series ‘Fibers of the South’ explores South Carolina landscapes ranging from the irregular patterns of the Lowcountry, the textures of the midlands, and the dramatic shapes of the Upcountry. I’ve been truly inspired by this beautiful state ever since moving here in 2010.”

“My current body of work will be featured in my first long-term group exhibition at Greenville Center for Creative Arts from June 7 through July 24,” adds Mandell. “I was awarded a grant by Metropolitan Arts Council to help fund the supplies needed to create 100 needle felted landscapes in 100 days. I’m currently on day #39 of this series, and I expect to have quite a large number of pieces following my residency at Edisto Beach State Park in late April.”

“Although I have a fine art background and graduated from Maryland Institute College of Art, I’m self taught when it comes to needle felting. I began working in 3D first, and only recently changed focus to 2D work. I enjoy this magical medium so much that I teach workshops at GCCA on the weekends several times a year.”

For further information visit (http://www.onceagainsam.com/fiber-art/wool-paintings/).