Hub City Empty Bowls in Spartanburg, SC, Kicks Off Its 12th Year in 2020 on Martin Luther King Jr. Day – Jan. 20, 2020

The Hub City Empty Bowls will present its first two bowl-making sessions of 2020 on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, Jan. 20, 2020, at Wofford College, in Spartanburg, SC, from 10am-noon and 1-3pm.

Bowl-making sessions are public events where anyone from professional potters to beginners can make hand-shaped pottery bowls. Volunteers will provide you with materials and assist you when necessary. The bowls are then glazed and fired by members of Carolina Clay Artists and other volunteers.

“Most people find these bowl-making events to be fun and creative,” said HCEB chairperson, Bruce Bowyer. “This is perfect for people who have never done pottery but want to try, or for experienced potters to give back to the community. It is also a great place to come with your family. We love seeing everyone having fun while they make bowls.”
Every year, HCEB partners with a charity to donate their proceeds to. For the past few years, they have partnered with TOTAL Ministries, a nonprofit that donates food to locals in need.

In the fall, Hub City Empty Bowls hosts Soup Day, a public event that allows patrons to donate $20 and receive a previously-made bowl. In addition, patrons get to enjoy soup donated to the event by local restaurants.

“We are now going into our 12th year of Hub City Empty Bowls,” said Bowyer. “Time and again, Empty Bowls has proven to be one of Spartanburg’s most popular fundraisers. Last year, we donated more than $25,000 to TOTAL Ministries, and it was all done by members of the community who made simple pottery bowls.”

For more information and to find out about upcoming events, visit (hubcityemptybowls.com) or check out their Facebook page, Hub City Empty Bowls.

Hub City Empty Bowls is one of Spartanburg County’s most respected and successful grassroots fundraisers organized by Carolina Clay Artists. 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.

Greenville Center for Creative Arts in Greenville, SC, Calls for Participation in Makers Market – Deadline Jan. 10, 2020

The Greenville Center for Creative Arts in Greenville, SC, is calling for participation in the 2020 Makers Market, to be held on Sat., Feb. 15, 2020, from 10am-3pm in the Gray Loft at GCCA.

Application deadline: January 10th, 2020 by 5pm.

All makers, crafters, and artists with a GCCA membership are welcome to submit an application to the 2020 GCCA Makers Market!

If you’re an artist or a maker in or near Greenville, SC, the Makers Market is a great opportunity to sell your work, gain exposure, and meet other artists! Become a member, if you aren’t already, and apply now to save your spot. Only 30 spaces available so be sure to check out the application and guidelines to apply by January 10th.

Application & REQUIREMENTS

Click below for Makers Market details including eligibility, rules, requirements, and important dates. Please review the guidelines before submitting your application.

Submit an application by 5pm on January 10th, 2020. You may either download and mail your application or apply online. For additional help, contact Coordinator Julie Hamer by e-mail at (julie@artcentergreenville.org) or call 864/735-3948.

To apply visit (https://podio.com/webforms/23666853/1705152).

Stamie Cline From Anderson, SC, is the 2019 Upstate Heritage Quilt Trail Quilter of the Year

The Upstate Heritage Quilt Trail (UHQT) honored Stamie Cline, from Anderson, SC, as the 2019 Quilter of the Year. The Quilter of the Year award was initiated in 2010 to recognize a quilter who has provided community service and leadership through their quilting. She was present her award on Nov. 2, 2019, at a reception provided by the Prickly Fingers Quilt Guild and the UHQT, held at the Anderson County Library and attended by family and community members.

Stamie Cline

Stamie is small in stature with a voice and passion for life that belies her physical self. She started sewing at the age of 12 making her own clothes and learning to embroider. During the Bicentennial in 1976, she began quilting. As a young adult, maybe 25 – 26 years old, she went to the local library in Dyer, Indiana, and searched through all 141 books of patterns, ideas, and sewing directions. Her plan was to display handmade items – clothing and quilts -in the glass case at the library featuring these books.

Stamie comes from a long and distinguished family of seamstresses. Her Aunt Nell taught her to sew and both grandmothers sewed. Her mother’s Aunt Jeanine made custom suits for men. Stamie still has the Slant-a-Matic Singer machine she learned how to sew on as a girl. Her Aunt Floss also inspired her because she did alterations on wedding gowns. Stamie said, “I can still see her at night in a pool of light bent over her machine.”

While living in Indiana, Stamie joined a group of women and learned to hand quilt. When she was 28, she moved to Simpsonville, SC, and two years later to the Anderson area. Now, as a retiree, she devotes her time to philanthropy sewing efforts. Stamie is the philanthropy coordinator for both of Anderson’s quilt guilds, Electric City and Prickly Fingers.

She also is active in the Production Team of the Upstate Heritage Quilt Trail and assists in painting the blocks and teaching others how to master the craft every Friday. She had been teaching a friend, Laura Shiffler to sew – simple blocks and nine patches for PAWS- cats and dogs. Laura says, “Stamie was an introvert when we first met- shy and quiet. Now she is self-confident and when she talks- you know it is her heart coming out.”

Stamie spends much of her time making quilts for children, Quilts of Valor, the Cancer Association and sometimes family or custom orders. After Stamie’s mother passed, she chose to donate the use of that home for teaching quilting, promoting philanthropy efforts, utilizing a midarm quilting machine, and storing the guilds’ library and donated fabrics. Stamie is also part of Quilts of Valor for Veterans and thought, “Wouldn’t it be great to have classes there.” The house, dubbed the Sew Inn, is open to anyone who wants to learn sewing and machine quilting on the 3rd Wednesday of the month.

In 2009, Stamie lost her job at Bosch and recounts, “I believed my dream of the Sew Inn was unattainable. But I remembered what Pastor Berry said and stepped out in faith – and look where we are now!” When asked what encouraged Stamie to be involved in philanthropy sewing she said, “Pastor Berry used to say, ‘Pursue your passion – God gives everyone a gift- find your gift, your passion, and pursue it.’” Stamie continued saying, “When you pursue your passion, you will find your purpose. These children who receive our quilts and other gifts will never know who we are. But as adults, they will remember someone did something for them who didn’t have to – and I hope that makes a difference.”

At one point, Stamie owned her own craft shop and was dedicated in teaching many students and encouraging their creativity. Her work – much of it unique and her own design – has been displayed in several venues, including the Anderson County Museum, the Anderson County Library, and the Anderson Quilt Show.

Across the nation, many quilters see that the art of quilting is enjoying a resurgence. Stamie states it is because “People have a need for self-expression that remains after we are gone – something that says I was here – a legacy of love and time.”

For further info call 864/723-6603 or visit (www.uhqt.org).

Greenville Center for Creative Arts in Greenville, SC, Calls for Exhibit Proposals – Deadline Jan. 10, 2020

Greenville Center for Creative Arts (GCCA) invites established and emerging artists (ages 18+) to submit proposals for consideration in either solo or group exhibitions for the 2021/2022 exhibition calendar. Our Main Gallery provides approximately 2,000 square feet of exhibition space and features the work of local, regional, national, and international artists from all disciplines in 6 shows per year. All mediums will be considered for an exhibition.

The Deadline for Exhibition Proposals for the 2021/2022 Calendar is Friday, January 10, 2020. Exhibition proposals submitted after the January 10 deadline will not be reviewed until January 2021.

Exhibition proposals will be reviewed and scored by the GCCA Exhibition Committee using the following criteria:

Work reflects consistency of quality

Work reflects clear objectives and a strong overall concept or theme

Work represents GCCA’s mission to enrich the cultural fabric of the community through visual arts promotion, education, and inspiration

Only original artwork created and executed by the applicant will be considered for exhibition

Submission Requirements:

Artist Statement and Exhibition Description

Artist Bio

CV or Resume

6 – 8 images of artwork

A non-refundable $30 application fee submitted electronically with the application form

Please note: GCCA will not accept exhibition proposals submitted via e-mail or snail mail. To submit an exhibition proposal please complete the application form that follows.

Additional information and instructions are available on our website at (www.artcentergreenville.org). Contact Gallery Manager Ben Tarcson by e-mail at (ben@artcentergreenville.org) if you have any questions.

Sumbit here at (https://www.artcentergreenville.org/exhibitionproposal?utm_source=GCCA+Email+List&utm_campaign=c451372444-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_05_20_01_18_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_48d3372785-c451372444-166555533).

West Main Artists Co-op in Spartanburg, SC, Announce the Winners of its First Regional Juried Show

The first-place winner in West Main Artists Co-op’s first four-state juried art exhibit, “WMAC 2019” is Cindy Shute of Lockhart, SC, for her oil-on-linen painting “Peacemaker: Hrair Balian”. She receives a cash prize of $2,500 that was given in memory of Frank P. Cyrill, Jr.

Work by Cindy Shute

Second prize of $1,000 was taken by Gordon Dohm of Greenville, SC, for his photograph “Fungi Fantasy”.

Work by Gordon Dohm

And, third-place of $500 was won by Tracey M. Timmons of Spartanburg, SC, for “Manacle of Justice”, a bracelet made of vitreous enamel, copper, silver, brass, and photography.

Work by Tracey M. Timmons

The seven merit awards of $100 and $250 went to Mark Flowers of Alexander, NC; Lee Sipe of Columbia, SC; Sabrina Barilone of Macon, GA; Tom Dimond of Seneca, SC; Christina Dixon of Roebuck, SC; David Stuart of North Augusta, SC; and Martha Worth of Hilton Head, SC.

“WMAC 2019” opened on Saturday, Sept. 14, and closed on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019. It was open to all adult visual artists in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee. Two-hundred-forty-one (241) artists from the four states applied, and 66 were admitted into the show based on the judgement of jurors Ann DerGara and Mike Vatalaro.

The winners were announced on Saturday, Sept. 21, during a reception and awards ceremony. Seventy-four (74) works of art in this exhibit were on display at the Co-op, which is open Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm. There is no charge to see the exhibitions.

“We could not be happier with our first juried show,” Chair, Beth Regula said. “This is something we had wanted to do for several years, and it took more than a year of planning, but it was worth it. Having a show of this magnitude and with these cash prizes establishes West Main Artists Co-op as an art agency that is leading Spartanburg in its quest to be an art Mecca in South Carolina and throughout the South. It says we have the creativity, the knowhow, the professionalism, the resources, and the desire to take the Co-op to the next level. Next year will be even better!”

“I’m so excited to be a part of WMAC’s world,” Shute said. “This first exhibition was as professionally conducted as I have ever seen. When I was told I was Best in Show, at the time, honestly, I was shocked. It’s not that I didn’t think my painting is good. As a professional artists mature, we know our good work from our less successful efforts — I think that’s a key part of being a professional. So I wasn’t surprised to have been included in the show.

“When I arrived that evening and saw the body of work I was thrilled. Virtually every piece in the exhibition is good — very good. A couple of pieces took my breath away. So, I felt particularly honored to be included. With ‘Peacemaker’, I had pushed myself into a new space with portraiture. In my early work I tended to avoid background, contextual elements, thinking at the time that the subject should convey their story a priori — that the essence of the sitter should be codified in the presentation of their likeness, and if successful, the minimalist approach would say everything that needed to be said. So this new approach for me, including symbolic elements to tell the story, was a big leap.

“I honestly feel validated,” she continued. “I wasn’t sure if the piece worked. So now I’m really charged up about this new direction, and ready to take on more portrait-stories. And I’m so very grateful to WMAC for giving me a big hug along the way!”

The Co-op is a membership-based nonprofit arts agency with more than 50 members, who are visual artists and performing artists. It is housed in a former Baptist church near downtown Spartanburg on West Main Street. Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Co-op houses 31 artists studios, two stages, three galleries, a printery, a ceramics studio, and the largest collection of for-sale locally made art in Spartanburg. Each month, the Co-op normally installs three exhibits by its members and guest artists.

In their jurors’ statements, Ann DerGara said: “ I am amazed at the quality of work that was entered. I think that opening the show to additional states has made this become an important show for the region and Spartanburg. The arts are growing rapidly in the region and this show will make Spartanburg known as art venue as well as Asheville and Greenville. As the Arts grow so does the economy. WMAC produced this show and jury with professionalism and expertise.”

Mike Vatalaro said: “The very nature of a juried exhibition celebrates a broad range of medium and imagery. I enjoyed the task of identifying works that well represented the mediums chosen, techniques accomplished and the subjects investigated. The exhibition reveals a broad selection of work which I believe demonstrate an individual vision within both conventional and experimental genres. I was very impressed by the quality and richness demonstrated in all of the mediums displayed. I hope you will find each work invites close examination and has something unique to offer.”

A list of all accepted work can be found online at (www.WestMainArtists.org).

“This is a vast and diverse show,” Regula said. “I invite the public to come see it and to take in the talent and creativity that surrounds us here in the South. A large show such as this one, expands our appreciation for the art that is readily available to us. It makes a statement that West Main Artists Co-op are striving and succeeding at making Spartanburg THE art community in South Carolina and beyond.”

Oconee County Parks, Recreation & Tourism Announces an Artist-In-Residence Program in Upstate, SC

The Artist-In-Residence program provides artists with an opportunity to experience the natural and cultural resources at one of our three County Parks in order to create a unique piece of art for the park. Oconee PRT will provide a campsite for up to 7 nights during a non-holiday week.
Artists must provide their own tent, camper or RV for the stay.

In exchange for the stay, the artist will deliver an original piece of art representative and inspired of their stay to the Park within 90 days of the completion of their residency.
The artwork will be displayed at a location to be determined by the PRT Director to highlight the program.

The Artist-In-Residence program allows for one artist per year at each park and is open to all artist and art mediums.
In addition to this form, Artist should submit a one-page statement explaining their goals for the residency, desired dates for the residency, as well as, samples of previous work.

PRT staff will evaluate the submissions and make selections based on availability and desired artwork.

Submissions for the 2019-20 fiscal season will be accepted beginning September 1st and will remain open until filled.

All applications should be sent to:
Oconee PRT
Artist in Residence Program
1099 South Cove Road
Seneca, SC 29672

It is the desire of Oconee PRT to make this an annual program. For more information, call 864/888-1488 or e-mail to (pshirley@oconeesc.com).

Latest Additions to the Upstate Heritage Quilt Trail in Pickens County, SC

#253 Noon Day Lilies
Sponsors: Kent & Dean Dockins Dykes
Quilter: unknown
Location: Easley Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center

This beautiful quilt was created between 1840 and 1850. The quilt was passed down through the Clayton M. Dockins family. It belonged to Annie Dean Boatwright Dockins, who was a native of Pickens County, SC. Its maker was most likely a relative of Mrs. Dockins. Annie was the daughter of Benjamin Holder, a well-known circuit rider minister who established many rural churches in the area. She married Clayton M. Dockins, Sr., a native of Rabun County, GA who was a career US Army master Sargent Major. He was one of Teddy Roosevelt’s Rough Riders and was also a decorated veteran of WWI. After retiring from the army, Clayton returned to Easley and became the paymaster for the mills in Pelzer, Easley and Pickens.

The Easley Chamber of Commerce was established in 1935 and is the voice of business that promotes an ideal business environment, which encourages growth and community development with a concern for the people by continuously improving the quality of life in the greater Easley area.

As the Visitors Center, they provide tourism and newcomer information about Easley, as well as the surrounding areas of Pickens County and Upstate South Carolina. Whether you are a visitor, resident or Chamber business member, you are encouraged to utilize their website to explore what the Easley area and our Chamber have to offer.

#255 Journey
Sponsor: Josh Burgess
Quilter: Lynn Brill, creator of quilt; Autumn Compass
Location: 117 McWhorter Road Easley, SC

Josh Burgess and his daughter Madison, moved to Easley in June of 2014 from Newton, NC. They bought an abandoned farm, complete with house and barn, that sits on 12 acres, and proceeded to remodel. The farmhouse was completed first, and then they took on the remodel of the old barn. Knowing that the remodel would revolve around a barn quilt, they began their journey to find the perfect barn quilt design.

Lynn Brill of Anderson had just recently commissioned a square based on her quilt, “Autumn Compass,” and kindly agreed for Josh to borrow the pattern. Lynn has been quilting since the 1970s, when she found a pattern for a sampler quilt in “McCall’s” magazine and just couldn’t resist trying her hand at quilting!

#256 Ashley’s Journey
Sponsors: Alan and Ellie Elzerman
Quilter: Ellie Elzerman
Location: Elzerman home at 128 Morgan Drive, Central, SC

“Once upon a time, there was a little girl named Ashley who loved purple, so much so, she even named her cat Purple. Conceptually, I envisioned this contemporary quilt to represent Ashley’s educational journey, a journey illustrating perseverance leading to success. Ashley’s educational path was rarely a straight line. She pieced together many experiences to move through our education system. At each stage of the journey, including college, graduate school, veterinary school, and finally residency, she searched varied paths with her goal in mind. This quilt is made to honor her journey.”

For further information visit (www.uhqt.org).

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.