SC Arts Commission 40th Anniversary
Forty Lists Project
An outstanding South Carolina arts administrator or staff member
The names of these hard-working folks were submitted by appreciative fans. Don't see your favorite? E-mail Milly Hough to add your suggestion to the list.
Click on the person's name to read some of the comments submitted with the entries. (Not all entries included comments.)
Administrators and staff members by county
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| Aiken | Kristin Brown |
| Anderson | Johnny Nutt |
| Kimberly Spears | |
Beaufort |
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| J. W. Rone | |
| Calhoun | Debbie Roland |
| Charleston | Carol Antman |
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Marty Besancon |
| Karen Chandler | |
| Carmen Kovens | |
| Michael Seth Curico | |
| Ellen Dressler Moryl | |
| Julia Forster | |
| Elease Goodwin | |
| Michael Haga | |
| Greg Jenkins | |
| Carmen Kovens | |
| Angela Mack | |
| Nandini McCauley | |
| Valerie Morris | |
| Kenton Morrison | |
| Jan Newcomb | |
| Nigel Redden | |
| Scott Shanklin-Peterson | |
| Mark Sloan | |
| Todd Smith | |
| Marjory Wentworth | |
| Susan Williams | |
| Colleton | Bonnie Hargrove |
| Darlington | Terri Pignone |
| Dorchester | Larry Barnfield |
| Charlotte Carroll | |
Florence |
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| Laura Greenway | |
| Georgetown | Randy Gerber |
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Robin Salmon |
| Greenville | Donald Beckie |
| Debbie Bell | |
| Alan Ethridge | |
| Dr. Roy Fluhrer | |
| Sharon Kazee | |
| Lela McKnight | |
| Megan Riegel | |
| Liz Rundorff | |
| Martha Severens | |
| Kim Sholly | |
| Dr. Virginia Uldrick | |
Greenwood |
Anne Craig |
| Beverly Psomas | |
| Horry | Patricia Goodwin |
Lancaster |
Sam Courtney |
| Marlboro | Karen Lewis |
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Ivy McLaurin |
| Newberry | Belinda Pruett |
| Lilja Lysaght | |
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Deborah Smith |
| Orangeburg | Beth Thomas |
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Pickens |
Allen Coleman |
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"Mickey" Harder |
| Richland | Nancy P. Brooks |
| Karen Brosius | |
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Stacey Calvert |
| Michael Fey | |
| Sheila Gallagher | |
| Sara June Goldstein | |
| Harriett Green | |
| Larry Hembree | |
| Scot Hockman | |
| Janette Turner Hospital | |
| Rhonda Hunsinger | |
| James H. Johnson | |
| Paul Matheny | |
| Ken May | |
| Victoria McCurry | |
| Lindsey Moore | |
| Nancy Pope | |
| Rusty Sox | |
| Charlene Spearen | |
| William Starett | |
| Susie Surkamer | |
| Mary Teague | |
| Jim and Kay Thigpen | |
| Kay Thigpen | |
| Jeaneen Tucker | |
| Toni Turbeville | |
| Paula Watkins | |
| John Whitehead | |
| Andy Witt | |
| Spartanburg | Ava Hughes |
| George Loudon | |
| Laura Pinkley | |
| Everett Powers | |
| Betsy Teeter | |
Sumter |
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| Caroline Mack | |
| York | Marie Cheek |
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Ray Doughty |
| Christine Fisher | |
| Debra Heintz | |
| Mary Lynn Norton | |
| Libby Patenaude | |
| Betty Plumb | |
| Tom Stanley |
"Johnny has the innate ability to make you comfortable creating art."
"She has been the driving force behind the creation of the the new Anderson Center for the Arts and an arts program without peer in the state of S.C."
"Kathleen P. Bateson is president and CEO of the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina and has guided the organization for nearly 10 years, increasing core programming and growth in community outreach and education efforts to make the arts accessible to everyone. Ms. Bateson received the Mayor’s office 2007 Citizens Honor Award for professional and community service, was selected as a Palmetto Person in June 2007 and sits on the Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island board. She is a statewide participant in Leadership South Carolina 2008 and a six-year Chamber of Commerce board director, having served two terms on the executive committee as well as two terms as chairman of the Board of Regents Leadership program. She is also on the steering committee of the Visitor and Convention Bureau. Ms. Bateson is founding president of Management for the Arts, a firm specializing in organizational restructure, institutional planning, strategic positioning and new business ventures. In related activities, Ms. Bateson has served as a cultural representative on international delegations to South Africa, China and Japan, and she was affiliated with TheatreMossoviet and the Hong Kong Ballet."
"Gretchen Keefner is the principal of Hilton Head Island School for the Creative Arts, which is a Title One School of Choice. The school started with 284 students and in 2 1/2 years has grown to 650 students. She works tirelessly to promote an arts integrated curriculum, build community relations, and increase student achievement."
"J.W. Rone became executive director of the Arts Council of Beaufort County in August 2006. Since that time, the ACBC has increased its presence and services across the county. In the last 1 1/2 years, the ACBC successfully completed the "Beaufort's Big Swim: Mermaid" public art project; moved into a new location which offers space for artists to conduct workshops, performances and exhibits at an accessible rate; launched a new and emerging artist program entitled "Get Your Art Out There;" created active partnerships with municipalities and other organizations to present free performances to the community; produced the first annual "Chalk on the Walk" European-Style Street Art Festival, which awarded over $3,000 in prizes and scholarships to sidewalk painters and included an educational outreach program; is working with partners to conduct an arts economic impact study; recovered from a large deficit in FY 06 by finishing FY 07 slightly in the black; and is now a Kennedy Center Partner in Education in conjunction with the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina and the Beaufort County School District. Amazing accomplishments, especially considering that the ACBC executive director's position is currently part-time."
"Dr. Chandler's work with the Charleston Jazz Initiative has done much to bring attention to Charleston's rich musical history."
"Carmen Kovens was one of the key people during the early years of the Spoleto Festival in Charleston. She had style, wit, and intelligence to burn."
"As director of the Office of Cultural Arts for the City of Charleston, Ellen has tirelessly promoted all the arts around the city, from schools to the Symphony and creating Piccolo Spoleto to bring the arts to the community."
"Ellen virtually started the Piccolo Spoleto 30 years ago. This alone warrants her inclusiojn on this prestigious list! But beyond that, as the founder with Mayor Riley of the Office of Cultural Affairs, she has imaginatively and brilliantly overseen the establishment of other icons for the City: the Moja Festival and the City Gallery to name just two."
"Ellen Dressler Moryl is the person whose name comes to mind when one thinks of the Piccolo Spoleto Festival!"
"Coordinator of MOJA African American and Carribean Arts Festival."
"He is very effective in a quiet way at his job with a positive, pleasant and steady personality."
"Greg Jenkins came to the Gibbes Museum of Art in 1983. He first served as a studio volunteer and then instructor. In 1984 he became a studio assistant and in 1986 was named preparator. Greg became the facilities and operations manager in 2005. He keeps the 102-year-old building running and knows every inch of the museum. His work ethic is second to none, and he always has a smile on his face."
"Ms. Kovens' work at Spoleto Festival USA was important to its survival during many years of struggle and difficulty."
"Angela Mack is currently the deputy director for Curatorial Affairs at the Gibbes Museum of Art. She joined the Gibbes in 1981 and has served as assistant curator, associate curator, curator and chief curator. The Gibbes is a highly respected institution because Angela has been a constant - she is the heart of the museum."
"Outstanding curator for The Gibbes Museum and independent scholar in her own right."
"Ms. McCauley designs excellent printed materials for the College of Charleston's School of the Arts."
"Valerie has done such a fantastic job in working with the Charleston community and making the College's School of Arts a part of the larger S.C. arts community."
"As dean of the School of the Arts at the College of Charleston, Valerie Morris teaches and serves on a variety of local and national arts organization boards, along with attending most cultural events in the Charleston area. She is the consumate art supporter and works tirelessly doing so."
"Liason to Gibbes Museum affliate organizations. She will have an amazingly successful career path, now and in the future."
"Scott inspired the S.C. Arts Alliance's "Scottie" Award. She is a top arts administrator and educator."
"For what he teaches us all about contemporary art."
"The "Force of Nature" show (a huge group show of Japanese artists' work in multiple venues throughout the state) was breathtaking! The Halsey in Charleston, under his guidance, provides the most socially and culturally stimulating shows in the Southeast!"
"He has endless enthusiasm and passion, bringing inspiring contemporary art to Charleston."
"Marjory Wentworth, our S.C. poet laureate, gives of her time and energy tirelessly in the support of the literary arts."
"Bonnie's hardwork and boundless enthusiasm have created an arts organization in Colleton County that has provided remarkable arts opportunities for a rural county."
"His programs and schools of the arts are living proof."
"Mrs. Greenway is the Florence School District One music coordinator. She is constantly doing everything in her power to help students, teachers, and administrators do the best they can to add the joy of music into every aspect of school environment.
Mrs. Greenway constantly demonstrates her belief that music is essential for an optimum educational experience and knows music can and will impact students’ personal and professional lives. It is amazing that Mrs. Greenway can coordinate summer programs for FSD1 students, be at ABC summer institutes, write grants, teach music, help others write grants, coordinate regional concerts, bring in outstanding professionals for workshops and so much more. Mrs. Greenway should be recognized for her outstanding contributions to the arts in the Pee Dee and across the state of S.C."
"Recently retired president of the S.C. Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities."
"Through Debbie's influence and leadership, the South Carolina Children's Theatre has grown into one of the largest and most respected arts organizations in the Upstate."
"Alan has been a strong advicate and hard worker for the arts in Greenville County. His work at the Metropolitan Arts Council is unsurpassed."
"Roy has created an energetic encompassing atmosphere at The Fine Arts Center, the magnet high school for the arts in Greenville. He works diligently to support the arts within the community as well as nationwide, giving arts in S.C. a higher and very professional profile. He is responsive to student, faculty, and community needs. He is also the only director of a school who knows each of the students and what each of them is studying. Thank you for this opportunity."
'Mrs. McKnight, as the guidance director for the S.C. Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities, is burning the midnight oil to ensure that high school students who are gifted and talented in the arts submit their college applications in a timely manner, and if they are eligible to receive scholarships and awards, that all the steps required for that process are done correctly and on time. This takes much work after hours, etc. She does her job above and beyond the call. I am proud to work with her."
"I have worked with Liz Rundorff at the Metropolitan Arts Council in Greenville twice in the past couple of years (I was hired as Artisiphere judge and this year as exhibition juror) and she is terrific! Very professional and well organized, helpful, informative and fun...who could ask for anything more?"
"A fantastic curator and educator who cares about art on all levels and is super supportive of regional artists."
"Amazing!"
"Dr. Uldrick has made enormous contributions to the arts in this state. The Governor's School is an international example of a fine arts institution, and Dr. Uldrick founded this institution! She continues to support the arts wherever she travels now, even though she is no longer president of the school."
"Under Beverly's capable leadership, the Greenwood-Lander Performing Arts has become a premier program for Greenwood County. The outreach program has made available quality performing arts for literally thousands of students in Greenwood and surrounding counties."
"Has been an outstanding executive eirector as well as an outreach visionary."
"Beverly is executive eirector of the Greenwood-Lander Performing Arts organization and has done a remarkable job of building an outreach program for the school children of Greenwood and surrounding counties."
"Belinda Pruett has worked tirelessly to enhance arts education not only in her school but the entire district. In addition, Mrs. Pruett has worked with both arts teachers and general education teachers to infuse academic standards into her music program."
"Outstanding general manager of the Newberry Opera House."
"Allen Coleman singlehandedly convinced Pickens to enlarge the museum by 10,000 sq. feet, and he provides fantastic shows and programs. He is amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!! He is the director of the Pickens Museum."
"Stacey Calvert has revolutionized the dance program at USC. She has brought world-class students as well as faculty members here to teach, learn and perform, raising the bar on ballet in S.C. and making USC the pre-eminent higher educational institution for the study of ballet in the state."
"Michael Fey has been director of exhibits at the S.C. State Museum since before the opening of the museum. He is responsible for all exhibits at the museum, including those in the Lipscomb Art Gallery there, an enormous job that he does very, very well."
"As a teaching artist in writing/theatre/storytelling, I have been lucky enough to have Sara June as my "double coordinator" (since she also serves Richland and Lexington counties) ever since I've been on the roster. For that, I am eternally grateful. She is always so helpful, kind and understanding, and calling her is pure pleasure. She is creative, talented and delightful to know, everything an arts administrator should be, and I am forever in her debt for all the help I have received."
"He is the most dedicated, energetic mover and shaker in the arts that I know."
"Janette started both Caught in the Creative Act and the Fall Festival of Authors. She is active in bringing world-class writers to S.C.. She has vision and connections and works constantly to make the writing program at USC top notch, in addition to providing the general public wonderful literary programming."
"Rhonda Hunsinger is the executive director of the S.C. Philharmonic, and works tirelessly to ensure that this vital arts organization thrives in an increasingly competitive and demanding environment. Rhonda is a talented, experienced and energetic arts admininstrator, without whom the arts community and the community as a whole would be greatly diminished. She is an inspiration to the volunteers who work with and for her, and her leadership has kep the Philharmonic at the highest possible level."
"Untiring leadership of the Patrons/Friends of the Arts at Ebenezer, Inc. series since 1991."
"As curator of the State Museum, Matheny, a painter himself, works to bring the arts to all South Carolinians. His knowledge of S.C. artists is impressive. As an artist working to bring other artists' works to our attention, Matheny should be recognized for his efforts in administrating the arts in S.C."
"Organized the LINC conference, which helped S.C. artists get to know each other and the issues. Is a smart, compassionate and understanding leader."
"Victoria does the job of two people. Not only is she a dedicated arts coordinator, but she is also an assistant human resources manager. One look around her office indicates how hard she works. Through excellent organization skills and a dedication to her job, she is able to make an impact on the arts community. The product of her hard work is the first thing people see when they enter the Arts Commission -- she is in charge of staffing the front desk. In addition to her regular job duties Victoria heads up the United Way fundraising projects for the Arts Commission and she plays a huge role in the success of the Verner Awards. You can count on many people to offer a helping hand when in need, but few will do so with such a big smile on their face."
"Lindsey is an inspirational, dedicated, and tireless leader in the arts. Last year she recruited the American Institute of Architects and the Clemson School of Architecture to support the S.C. Mayors for Community Design projects, where I got to work with her and see her in action. Gracious and supporting while also a leader, Lindsey immediately won the trust of the townspeople and respect of the teams working with her. She is an important emerging force in the S.C. arts community and is deserving of this recognition.
"As the executive director of the S.C. Design Arts Partnership, Lindsey has demonstrated tremendous leadership over the past year. Her energy and commitment to promoting the arts in S.C. is truly inspiring. Her innovation and willingness to collaborate with other organizations have made her an effective leader, as illustrated by her instrumental role in the design and implementation of the ULI S.C. Center for Sustainable Leadership."
"As the director of the S.C. Design Arts Partnership, Lindsey has worked tirelessly for the past three years to improve existing programs (the Mayor's Institute) and create new programs (Blueprint for S.C., Design Week) with new partners that dramatically increased the reach and profile of the Design Arts Partnership. She is reaching communities across the state with the message that design arts can impact communities in positive ways to improve not only their appearance, but also the community's cohesiveness and sense of pride and place."
"Lindsey has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to the applied arts. Her work with the Design Arts Partnership (DAP) has advanced public awareness of the value of architecture, planning, and landscape architecture. Her leadership and initiatives in training decision makers at all levels will have an enduring and significant impact on the physical development of our state. She has worked tirelessly and with unwavering optimism about the mission of the DAP."
"I have never worked with someone who not only is knowledgable about her job, but has such passion and enthusiasm as well. She is very well organized and is able to put stakeholders who may have never worked together before, into one room and come out with a cohesive, well planned and remarkably well executed project. She is very deserving of the award. We would happily work with her again and again."
'Lindsey Moore is inspiring not only to a multitude of small towns and citizens across South Carolina, but also to me. I had the honor of working with her on the 2006-2007 Mayors' Institute as part of the AIA150 program. Lindsey not only introduced us to the Mayors' Institute Program as the perfect partner for our 150th anniversary year project, she also wrote all the grants for necessary funds from AIA National and maintained the financial updates and reporting required throughout the process for each AIA Section. Along with her everyday workload and Mayors' Institute responsibilities, she found the time to attend and help facilitate the six design charrettes located throughout the state. She also organized and planned the S.C. Community Design Summit, which focused on how design, planning, and preservation can be used by communities throughout the state to deal with social, economic and environmental challenges.... And as for 'burning the midnight oil and candle at both ends', I'm sure she has gone through a lot of oil and candles by now. As a design professional, she inspires me to go above and beyond what is expected with regards to the accessibility of design and the arts to the general public. She certainly deserves recognition as an integral figure in the 40 years of the arts in S.C."
"Nancy serves as the Fine Arts Coodinator for Richland School District One and is a tireless arts advocate. She eloquently and passionately delivers the message of the importance of arts education to anyone who needs to hear it, including school administrators and legislators."
"Rusty understands the importance of constituent service and always follows through with a response. He's a problem solver who combines common sense with level-headed judgement to help members of the public, his fellow administrators and the arts community he serves. He understands the "big picture" of public awareness and arts participation. Plus, he's just a talented, humble, all-around pleasant person to work with."
"Charlene has been Kwame Dawes' right-hand woman since the inception of the S.C. Poetry Initiative. In addition to her work as Trinity Cathedral Poet-in-Residence, other teaching duties, and serving as Kwame's assistant, she acts as an irreplaceable liaison between the Poetry Initiative and the Columbia Museum of Art. I'm sure you can tell that I could write more in praise of Charlene!
"As executive artistic director and primary choreographer for Columbia City Ballet for over 20 years, William Starrett has created or staged more than 50 works--including 10 original, full-length ballets, 10 classical full-length ballets and 12 original narrated one-act ballets for children. Implementing Columbia City Ballet's Educational Outreach Program in 1989, he has introduced ballet to more than 400,000 children in the Southeast. In 2002, Mr. Starrett was honored by S.C.'s governor and the Arts Commission with the Elizabeth O'Neill Verner Award for achievement in the arts."
"Mary Teague set up the work-study program at the Arts Commission, which provides jobs, but more importantly, mentors to dozens of college students. The work-study program is a way for students to gain job experience, develop their interests in the arts, network and learn the inner-workings of a state agency. Students leave the work-study program with real life job experience as well as friends in the arts community. As the HR director Mary keeps the Commission running smoothly, making sure positions are filled with the most qualified candidates. She is also responsible for informing employees of everything from benefits and retirement information to training seminars. Her door is always open to employees who want to ask questions regarding human resources or otherwise. Her knowledge and experience in the human resources field and willingness to help colleagues makes her an outstanding staff member."
"Mary Teague , throughout her career as an HR Director at the S.C. Arts Commission, has initiated several innovative programs to attract young workers and mentor them for careers in arts administration. In addition Mary has been a great PR person for the arts bringing attention not only to the Arts Commission programs, but to other artistic offerings in the state. She promotes the arts with enthusiasm and encourages all she knows to attend artistic events, buy artwork and support the arts financially."
"Kay is managing director--the business half of the operation--at Trustus Theatre, and in that capacity has provided for the theatre's longevity and the well being of all who work for it. Plus, she's a sweetheart."
"Jeaneen Tucker is the principal of Round Top Elementary School in Richland School District Two. She has supported the arts philosophically and financially since opening RTE in 2003. She is a major team member on The ABC Arts Committee and helped write the ABC Arts Strategic Plan. Now, she is working towards adding a certified dance teacher to our arts program and drama classes. Ms. Tucker always supports the arts' teachers and any new ideas to improve programs. She is a driving force behind the ABC Project at RTE! Thank you, Ms. Tucker."
"Toni continues to be an outstanding supporter of the arts. From her work supporting, booking, managing and promoting local bands, to her work as manager of the Columbia Marionette Theatre, to her efforts to drive attendance for the S.C. Philharmonic, to her devotion to the Columbia Museum of Art... she has always supported and believed in the arts community. During her time at the Philharmonic, eleven concerts sold out the Koger Center (a 2100 seat venue), and set a new record for the 42-year-old non-profit. In addition, in September 2005, she was listed as one of Columbia’s cultural pioneers by the Free Times, “Turbeville has championed the introduction of Philharmonic programs geared toward a younger audience, such as last season's Philharmonic Rocks series, which paired the symphony with contemporary bands Seven Nations (Celtic rock), and at Turbeville's prompting, the Beatles tribute band The Return.” She founded the SC Philharmonic Painted Violins fundraiser, now in its third year, and has participated as an artist. While at the Columbia Marionette Theatre, she developed a monthly e-mail newsletter (The Puppet News), which had over 1500 subscribers; developed Marionette Mondays, a home school program with an average attendance of 200+ per performance; developed The Mad Science Masquerade, an annual fundraising event with an average attendance of 300+; successfully procured more than $200,000 in grants and donations. Attendance increased more than thirty percent and the Theatre was featured in a number of articles in The State, The Free Times and national puppetry magazines, recognized for its diverse programming and commitment to the community. She was the southeast regional director of The Puppeteers of America and president of The Puppetry Guild of the Carolinas. Also, her personal artwork has been featured at local galleries, fundraisers for groups such as the AIDS Benefit Foundation and the Columbia Museum of Art Contemporaries Artist of the Year competition and more."
"Not only does Paula spend an enormous number of hours working as the financial manager and assistant director for the Humanities Council of S.C., she helps plan and administer various other programs alongside her co-workers, and then additionally directs the 80-author, 6,000-visitor, S.C. Book Festival with professionalism, grace and a smile for all. She makes each person working with her glad to be a part of whatever she does!"
"He unselfishly helps artists directly and gives freely of his time to support artists and arts organizations."
"Laura has devoted her career to providing creative opportunities to at-risk youth. She is the founding director of the Colors Program at SAM (Spartanburg Art Museum) and she cares deeply for these students."
"Mr. Powers' work with the Arts Partnership of Greater Spartanburg did much to strengthen the arts in that part of the state. His work with organizations such as Americans for the Arts has brought national recognition to both him and S.C."
"Ray is the President of the S.C. Arts Alliance Board."
'Betty has a heart for the arts. She has been the executive director of the S.C. Arts Alliance for a number of years, works diligently on arts legislation at the state and national level, has been the recipient of local, state and national awards in the arts, serves tirelessly to make sure the arts have the financial and vocal support needed in the state legislature, personally supports the work of local artists, sings in a local choir, attends arts and cultural events of local agencies and exercises exceptional organizational and leadership skills in arts management. She has served on boards and committees of local arts organizations, is a present voice for the arts at community and local governmental tables, and exhibits tireless energy and joy in her work. I can think of no other arts administrator who so deserves recognition and kudos."
"Betty Plumb is the person one associates with advocacy in S.C. She works tirelessly on behalf of the arts and arts education, doing all that she can to make S.C. a better place for all of its citizens. Across the nation her peers recognize and honor her for her passion and her accomplishments. We are fortunate to have Betty Plumb in S.C."