Emerging Artists
Support for career satisfaction and sustainability
“Emerging artists” are defined as those who are at an early stage in their career development (specifically, artists who are starting their careers and have been active for one to five years).
Further, the term “emerging” refers to professional accomplishments and recognition, not to stylistic evolution.
- An emerging artist is expected to have a limited performing, publishing, or exhibition record.
- Emerging artists may demonstrate potential in their practice through risk-taking and pushing their work in dynamic ways.
The South Carolina Arts Commission recognized the needs of artists who fit into this category—of any age.
Thus was born a grant and accompanying program designed to assist emerging artists in South Carolina through project grant funding of as much as $1,800 as well as free mentorship and professional support during the grant period.
This page is a showcase of the current grantees and work samples resulting from their involvement in the program.
Applying
Applications for FY25 awards are now open! Here’s a testimonial from a previous grantee.
Visit the guidelines to apply
FY24 Round 2 Grantees
When soliciting artist statements, the South Carolina Arts Commission provides artists complete latitude for those statements they craft to take any form. Publication of said statements does not—and should not be understood to—indicate endorsement by the state of South Carolina, SCAC, or agents thereof.
Representative works are furnished by the artists. All rights reserved.
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Charleston | Visual art
Biography
Olivia Bonilla is a pop art sculptor known for her not so edible confectionary representations of nostalgia. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in painting with a minor in traditional sculpture from Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts.
She began her career as an exhibiting artist in 2019 and since has been exhibited nationally at Bill Lowe Gallery and dk Gallery in Atlanta, Anna Sweet Gallery in Key West, and Fabrik Projects in Los Angeles. Bonilla has collaborated with designers like Vestium NY, Furbish Studios, and The Jealous Curator.
Bonilla has been featured in both TV productions and print, including VOGUE Portugal Pink Issue May 2021 and, most recently, SUBOART international art magazine November 2023. Works have been seen in both HBO series “Righteous Gemstones,” and Magnolia Network’s “Keeping up with the Benkos.”
Bonilla is currently represented by Art and Light Gallery in Greenville, Miller Gallery in Charleston, and Cerulean Gallery in Dallas. Currently, works are on view at Charleston’s art hotel The Vendue. A recent highlight, Bonilla had her first solo exhibition titled “Grass is Greener” in June 2023, showcasing a collection of 57 pieces.
Photo credit: Taylor L Czerwinski
Artist statement
It is an honor to be selected for the South Carolina emerging artist grant. I look forward to the assisted funding to enable the continuation of working large scale as a sculptor. This piece will be an extension of my current direction, I am very grateful for the opportunity.
Social media
Representative works
Click images to enlarge.
Olivia Bonilla solo exhibition
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- The Never Ending (Berry Lavender Cold Stone)
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- Yas Queen and David II
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- Skull Island
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Duncan | Visual Art
Biography
Catherine Conrad is an emerging abstract and conceptual artist based in Spartanburg County.
In 1988, she graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in painting from Savannah College of Art and Design before adventuring up to Alaska with her husband. After diagnoses of autoimmune diseases, she moved back to South Carolina. Although affected by chronic illness, she started the next stage of her life as a homemaker and a mother.
Having only recently resumed her art career during COVID-19, she uses her art to explore the concepts of journeys, illness, nature, and faith. She is a member of the National Association for Women Artists (NAWA), NAWA’s South Carolina chapter, and the Artists’ Guild of Spartanburg.
Catherine has had solo shows at the Black Creek Arts Council and Spartanburg County Community College. Her works have been featured in shows at the Piccolo Spoleto Juried Art Show, Southworks National Juried Art Exhibition, the Rocky Mount National Juried Art Show, the Macon Arts Gallery, the Transylvania County Community Arts Council, and the Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art, among others.
Artist statement
The word “emerging” is defined by the Encyclopedia Britannica as “newly created or noticed; and growing in strength or popularity.” I am honored to be selected as an Emerging Artist because I hope to create new types of works. I am also enthusiastic to be strengthened in my artistic practice by my local art community.
This grant gives me the opportunity to explore a new aspect of my artistic practice. I will take the 2-D paintings that I have created over the past couple of years and make them come to life in new ways through a three-dimensional experience.
I hope that my installation work supported through this grant, Forest of Resurrected Trees, will inspire the viewers of my art with hope and possibility. In my art, I explore the profound testament of nature, which has a unique way of rejuvenating itself season after season; year after year.
Website
Social media
Representative works
Click images to enlarge.
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Orangeburg | Music Performance
BiographyConnie L. Johnson is a multi-talented artist who combines spoken word, singing, and songwriting to convey a message of hope and truth through her personal life experiences. She draws inspiration from her own life journey, struggles, triumphs, and observations, and then channels those experiences into her work. Connie uses the power of language and melody to convey meaningful stories, display emotions, and illuminate insights in her quest to explore the human condition.
Artist statement
I am truly grateful for this opportunity to create the music that lives in my heart without the stress of finance. It’s really a dream come true and a prayer answered.
Website
Social media
- Facebook @IAmConnie40
- Instagram @IAmConnie40
- TikTok @IAmConnie40
The use of TikTok is prohibited on state-owned devices, therefore we cannot provide a link.
Representative works
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Darlington | Visual art
Biography
Lucius Nelson is a visual artist hailing from Charleston. He began his art practice as a kid attending studio art lessons by day and drawing his own comic books by night. His pursuit of visual art was developed at the University of South Carolina and then furthered upon at the College of Charleston where he earned a bachelor’s in studio art.
A decade of day jobs later, Lucius is stepping into his professional art career with a focus of using oil paint to explore the miracles of texture and color as a conduit of joy and a way to foster creativity at a local level.
Artist statement
I’m tickled to be chosen as an Emerging Artist grantee. In the months to come, I look forward to the fun and challenge of developing my art amongst the mentorship of professionals and inspiration of my peers.
Website
Social media
Representative works
Click images to enlarge.
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- Hampton 2
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- Tiana
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- Floatyman
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Taylors | Visual art
BiographyBrad Silk is a portrait and figure artist based in Taylors. They completed a year as artist in residence at Tennessee Tech, Appalachian Center for Craft where they began exploring ceramic builds. Silk has exhibited in museums and galleries such as Attleboro Museum (Massachusetts), Field Projects (New York City), Gallery110 (Seattle), and is the recipient of the Chico Arts Pastel 2022 Award, Susquehanna University 12th Annual Figurative Drawing and Painting Exhibition 2021 Prize, and Artisphere’s Artists of the Upstate 2021 Award. Whether through art and exhibition or workshops, Silk advocates for the growth and fostering of their Queer Communities. They brought this advocacy to the community outreach role of the NYC-based wellness collective, Queer Anga, where they organized the 2019 pride event Joy Before the Rage, 2020 online pride events, and led a Guided Drawing Lesson for NY Harbor Veterans’ Pride in 2021.
Artist statement
I am excited to be an Emerging Arts grantee as it provides opportunity to explore innovative avenues in my practice, funding dedicated time and space to craft new ceramic works at Hollowed Earth Pottery. Utilizing the grant to source supplies locally and secure a studio membership, my goal is to grow my art community in Greenville.
Social media
Representative works
Click images to enlarge.
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- Narcissus and His Reflection
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- Joshua
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- Andy
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Greenville | Visual art, multidisciplinary
BiographyJoseph Smolin is a painter and multimedia artist. He has shown work at Artistry Gallery and Modal and has an exhibition forthcoming at the Metropolitan Arts Council. His duo show with Virginia Russo, Invisible Planet, was created for the main gallery at the Greenville Center for Creative Arts. He co-founded and contributes to the nonprofit art magazine Rattlesnake. When he’s not painting, Smolin takes pride in building community as a curator, live painter, and teacher. He currently lives and works in Greenville.
Artist statement
I’m honored to be receiving the Emerging Artist grant. I’m excited to use the opportunity to create an art exhibition that can enrich my community, and further develop my creative process.
Website
Social media
Representative works
Click images to enlarge.
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- The Cowboy’s Trophies
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- Walkers on the Horizon
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- Born in Love
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Columbia | Visual art
BiographyMy name is Olga Yukhno, an artist originally from Russia. My formal education is in psychology and linguistics. However, I have spent the past decade dedicated to my passion for art. I have had the honor of training and studying under some of the most prominent artists in the United States and Europe, focusing on learning primarily ceramics and metalworking. I have participated in various exhibitions across the United States as well as Russia, including eight solo exhibitions, and received numerous awards in juried shows. My work and my thoughts on art have been featured in several radio and TV interviews as well as multiple articles.
I focus on creating artwork that has a message to be conveyed or a story to be told. My background and outlook on life lead me to create art that has something to say about social and societal concerns. My education and strong beliefs push me to make work that speaks of the inner working of the human psyche and helps us understand ourselves and each other. I enjoy incorporating mixed media elements and exploring unique techniques and methods to create beauty and tell stories. My new work is pivoting in the direction of public art which is a tremendously exciting path for me allowing to bring art to shared and usually unexpected spaces.
Artist statement
This is an incredible opportunity for me to push my art in the new direction I’m thrilled about! I’m very grateful to have been selected and supported in this journey, and look forward to the opportunities of professional and artistic growth.
Social media
Representative works
Click images to enlarge.
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- In Bloom
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- The Rainbow Boat, Sail Into Chapin (Side B)
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- Spirit of the Lake
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Fox Carolina welcomes Silk + Smolin
SCAC announces latest emerging artist grantees
FY24 Round 1 Grantees
When soliciting artist statements, the South Carolina Arts Commission (SCAC) provides artists complete latitude for those statements they craft to take any form. Publication of said statements does not—and should not be understood to—indicate endorsement by the state of South Carolina, SCAC, or agents thereof.
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York | MultidisciplinaryBio
Rush Johnston (they/them) is a multimedia choreographer, performer, poet, filmmaker, and movement researcher from York. Rush creates at the intersection of visual and performing art, often exploring modes of artistic expression beyond the binary. Their work plays with perception and identity, often encompassing themes of political turmoil, queerness, indigeneity, and mental health.
Artist statement
I’m thrilled to be a 2023 Emerging Artist grantee and to create my dance film Splice. I look forward to the mentorship and community that comes with this grant, and I can’t wait to see where it leads.
Website
Social media
- Facebook @rush.johnston
- Instagram @rushj_dance
Representative work
Click images to enlarge.
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Columbia | PaintingBio
South Carolina native Wilma R. King endeavors to combine her experiences of living in 11 states (including Alaska) with her educational background into a visual storytelling collaboration through her painting. Her pursuit and passion goes beyond a daily practice of technique and development. She believes that universality— seeking common ground—is what makes art purposeful.
King taught public relations, communication studies, advertising design, publication design, and photography for more than 30 years in universities in Kentucky, Tennessee, New York, Virginia, Texas, and South Carolina and taught study abroad courses in Italy several years. She was an associate professor of public relations at both Western Kentucky University and Rochester Institute of Technology and served on faculty at Benedict College, where she wrote the curriculum for and taught the first courses in the college’s defunct commercial art program; O’More College of Design; Texas Southern University; and The Art Institute of Houston.
King has a master’s in journalism from Texas Southern University in advertising/public relations and organizational communication and a bachelor’s in studio art from the University of South Carolina with a journalism minor. She has numerous from several prestigious European universities.
Artist statement
I have a deluge of emotions—delighted, grateful, very honored, and yet very humbled that the S.C. Arts Commission understands, supports, and lends freedom as well as a perfect challenge to my vision through this Emerging Artist grant.
Social media
- Facebook @TableCompanions
- Facebook @wilma.r.king
- Instagram @wilma.r.king
Representative works
Click images to enlarge.
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- Between the Margins
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- What Is Freely Given
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- Spilled Milk
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Simpsonville | PhotographyBio
As a child I received my first Nikon F camera, passed down from my father, encouraging me to pause and to find beauty in the everyday. My hope is that viewers will receive moments of quiet reflection, seeing beauty in themselves and in others and that the viewer will recognize that ‘sometimes it takes a wrong turn to get you to the right place.’ As an adult, my purpose is creating meaningful experiences for self and others that lead to igniting joy.
Artist statement
I am humbled to receive the Emerging Artist grant that will allow me the opportunity to intentionally focus on my art, surround myself with supportive mentors, and expand my creative network. My hope is that this experience will solidify art as a balanced part of my life, allowing me to be authentically me, and the opportunity to share and inspire the community through my photography.
Website
Representative works
Click images to enlarge.
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North Charleston | Poetry/ProseBio
Maria S. Picone/수, a queer Korean American adoptee, holds an MFA from Goddard College. She won the Louisa Solano Memorial Emerging Poet Prize from Salamander and Cream City Review’s 2020 Summer Poetry Prize. She has two forthcoming chapbooks, Propulsion (fiction, Conium Press) and Adoptee Song (poetry, Muddy Ford Press). She is Chestnut Review’s managing editor, for which she won a distinguished fellowship for leaders in the arts from Hambidge.
Artist statement
I’m honored to receive a grant to publish a hybrid multimedia chapbook, Korean Girl Ghost, combining traditional brush painting and mixed media artwork with poetry and flash centered on my discovery of my birth country, South Korea, as a young adult. My project includes an equity-based component—not only will I be sharing my process via free workshops and readings, but I’ll be researching writers and programs in need to distribute free copies of the chap.
Website
Social media
Representative works
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Orangeburg | PaintingBio
Austin Reynolds is a resident of Orangeburg and a graduate of Claflin University. In his work, he recounts the moments he wishes to turn back time. Time is unforgiving, yet his greatest treasure. The images, immobilized in the frame, stop the dial of the clock for remembrance. What do objects, bodies, and fauna lock away in a picture plane mean in the grand scheme of life? Time is how impermanence and connotation derive. His goal is to find symbols from his life that reflect the human emotion within every being. The purpose, humanness, and ambition are transient, yet it is immoderate.
Artist statement
Being selected to join this year’s group of grantees is [an] honor [for which] words are hard to find, nonetheless, I am grateful. This opportunity will help push forward my work, and I look forward to mentorship that will grow my artistry/career beyond what I’d ever imagine!
Website
Social media
- Instagram @aaustinreynolds
Representative works
Click images to enlarge.
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- Untitled
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- PenlandII
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- Morpheus
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Saint Helena Island | Vocal PerformanceBio
Countertenor Zabriel Rivers, known for his wide range and “commanding stage presence” (Broadway World), has been heralded as “a rising star” (Island Tribune) and is developing an international performing career. On May 26, 2023, he debuted as the counter-tenor soloist in the Pergolesi Stabat Mater at Carnegie Hall with Mid-America Productions.
Zabriel was the first-place winner of the European International Music Competition. He also won the Metropolitan Opera Laffont District Competition and received a career development grant from the Vann Vocal Institute. Zabriel was a Young Artist at the Opera Viva in Vienna, Italy. A native of Saint Helena Island, he earned his master’s degree in music from the New England Conservatory of Music and his bachelor’s degree in vocal performance from Alabama State University.
Website
Social media
- Instagram @zabrielrivers
Representative works
I’m here to help!
If you are seeking more program information, please contact Artist Development Director Tanisha N. Brown (803.734.8043 | tbrown@arts.sc.gov).