Be Driven by the Arts
| Search This Site |
Why Arts Matter
Arts in Education
Artist Roster
Local Arts Agencies
Participation Initiative
Dates & Events
Grants
Deadlines
Arts & the Economy
Long Range Plan
Work by SC Artists
For Artists
For Organizations
For Vacationers/ Visitors
Services & Programs
News Room
E-publications
SCAC Logos
SC Arts Commission Press Releases
"African-American Voice" Exhibition Opens Jan. 16 in Belton
Dec. 16, 2009
Media Contacts:
Milly Hough
(803) 734-8698
(803) 734-8620
COLUMBIA, S.C. – With works by African-American artists who are among the state's best-known and widely celebrated practitioners, "The African-American Voice” exhibition kicks off with a 7 p.m. reception Jan. 16 at the Belton Center for the Arts.
Coordinated by Harriett Green, visual arts director at the South Carolina Arts Commission, the exhibition includes 32 pieces of artwork in all media from the State Art Collection. The pieces are by 21 African-American artists who range from self-taught, outsider artists like Sam Doyle, Leroy Marshall and Dan Robert Miller, to academically trained artists with established careers such as Leo Twiggs, Arthur Rose and Tarleton Blackwell.
"A number of these artists are legendary as arts educators as well as artists. Their influences and contributions extend beyond image and object making," said Green, who sees the show as an opportunity for area residents to learn more about the contribution of African-American artists in South Carolina.
The Belton Center for the Arts is hosting the exhibition in celebration with the Anderson International Festival. "The 'African-American Voice' traveling exhibition is a great addition to the activities we have planned for Anderson County," said Betsy Chapman, executive director of the Belton Center for the Arts.
"The African American Voice" continues through Friday, Feb. 26 and is free to the public. The Belton Center for the Arts is located at 306 City Square. Hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.; and Saturday , 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. (when an exhibition is hanging).
About the State Art Collection:
The State Art Collection is considered the most comprehensive public collection of works by contemporary South Carolina artists. Established in 1967 as one of the first programs of the South Carolina Arts Commission, the State Art Collection has grown to include 448 works in a variety of media and styles by 277 South Carolina contemporary artists. Small exhibitions featuring work from the collection are organized on a regular basis for rural and isolated areas inside and outside of the state. Works from the State Art Collection are available for loan to art museums, state agencies, and public and private organizations for the purpose of public exhibition or public display. The collection is supported in part by the South Carolina Arts Foundation and Kahn Development Company.
About SCAC:
The South Carolina Arts Commission is the state agency charged with creating a thriving arts environment that benefits all South Carolinians, regardless of their location or circumstances. Created by the South Carolina General Assembly in 1967, the Arts Commission works to increase public participation in the arts by providing services, grants and leadership initiatives in three areas: arts education, community arts development and artist development. Headquartered in Columbia, S.C., the Arts Commission is funded by the state of South Carolina, by the federal government through the National Endowment for the Arts and other sources. For more information, visit www.SouthCarolinaArts.com or call (803) 734-8696.
###