Feature Articles
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October Issue 2008

Greenville Open Studios Nov. 1-2, 2008, in Greenville, SC

Scheduled for Nov. 1-2, 2008, the seventh annual Greenville Open Studios is a perfect way not only to learn more about artistic processes and sources of creative inspiration but also to begin or enhance an art collection. Sponsored by Wachovia Bank, N.A. for the fifth consecutive year and presented by the Metropolitan Arts Council (MAC), the weekend event consists of 106 local visual artists opening their studios to the public. Greenville Open Studios has evolved into the premier event for Greenville's best and most professional visual artists.

The event began as an idea cast about during a casual conversation between a few artists several years ago; they discussed doing something to raise awareness in the greater community of the tremendous creative energy in the area. The idea is now a full-fledged annual event, and studio locations vary throughout a 15-mile radius of downtown Greenville.

In 2007, over 34,350 visits were recorded and $262,269 in art was sold during the weekend. These record-high results are proof positive of the quality of visual artists who call Greenville their home. This year, the 106 participating artists comprise the largest event in its seven-year history. The support of Greenville Open Studios from the business and philanthropic communities has been phenomenal and provides further evidence of how fortunate Greenville is to have so many business entities supporting the visual arts.

Greenville Open Studios provides free and convenient community access to the visual arts through creating opportunities for dialogue between artists and the general public. By opening artists' places of work and inviting the community-at-large to participate in the creative process, new marketing opportunities for artists are created. Greenville Open Studios not only demystifies many artistic processes but also gives you an excellent opportunity to learn and to be entertained.

There are several ways to select the studios you would like to visit - for an official catalogue, call MAC at 864/467-3132 or visit (www.greenvilleARTS.com). A Square Deal, an exhibit at the MAC Gallery, in the West End area of downtown Greenville, consisting of one 12" x 12" (x 12") work of art from each of the participating artists, provides you with a great overview of the event as well as a way to familiarize yourself with the fantastic talent in the Greenville area. The exhibit runs from Oct. 24 through Dec. 19, 2008.

Education should always be an essential component of any artistic process, and Greenville Open Studios provides a remarkable platform for students and young artists to experience first-hand the life of a professional artist. For the second year, MAC is offering a $2,000 award for art supplies to the Greenville County high school that sends the most students to Greenville Open Studios.

The famed Victorian writer Oscar Wilde once said, "Art is the most intense mode of individualism that the world has known." Greenville Open Studios provides you with 106 opportunities to experience this intense individualism. And you'll see great art as well.

For further information check our SC Institutional Gallery listings, call the Metropolitan Arts Council at 864/467-3132 or visit (www.greenvilleARTS.com).

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Carolina Arts is published monthly by Shoestring Publishing Company, a subsidiary of PSMG, Inc. Copyright© 2008 by PSMG, Inc., which published Charleston Arts from July 1987 - Dec. 1994 and South Carolina Arts from Jan. 1995 - Dec. 1996. It also publishes Carolina Arts Online, Copyright© 2008 by PSMG, Inc. All rights reserved by PSMG, Inc. or by the authors of articles. Reproduction or use without written permission is strictly prohibited. Carolina Arts is available throughout North & South Carolina.