Creative Conversations

Join the Conversation

Register for the Creative Conversations sessions you plan to attend with the corresponding links. You will be sent a Zoom Meeting link at a later date.

• Nov. 4 • Engaging Rural Communities

  Speaker

  with Eric Grace
  Executive Director, Lancaster County Council of the Arts

  A Lancaster County native growing up in the small, then-rural community of Indian Land, Eric brings a lifelong passion for the arts to his role, drawing on a background in creative strategy, education and music ministry to shape a more vibrant and inclusive future for the arts in Lancaster County. He attended Mercer University in Macon, Georgia for undergraduate work, and received his master’s degree from the University of South Carolina.  He also holds a nonprofit professional certification from the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance. Eric has spent time in the advertising and public relations industry, healthcare, education, and the nonprofit sector.

  As executive director of the Lancaster County Council of the Arts, Eric leads the organization’s mission to enrich the quality of life in Lancaster County through arts, culture, education, and community engagement. Under his leadership, LCCA has expanded arts access across the county through public art initiatives, arts integration in schools through a Kennedy Center partnership, and forming partnerships with other community nonprofits and corporations that connect creativity to economic vitality and community pride.

• Jan. 13 • Arts + Military and Veterans

  • Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026
  • Noon-1 p.m. ET
  • Register for Jan. 13

  Speakers

  Robert LeHeup
  Executive Director, Bullets and Bandaids

  Bio coming soon!

  Gabby Jones, MT-BC
  Neurologic Music Therapist

  Bio coming soon!

• Feb. 10 • Working with Artists

  • Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026
  • Noon-1 p.m. ET
  • Register for Feb. 10

  Speakers

  Buff Ross
  Interim Executive Director, Redux Studios

  Bio coming soon!

• March 17 • Cultural Tourism and Festivals

  • Tuesday, March 17, 2026
  • Noon-1 p.m. ET
  • Register for March 17

  Speakers

  Harvee White
  Public Art Coordinator, South Carolina Arts Commission

  Harvee White is an arts advocate and public historian from the Atlanta metro area (by way of Bossier City, Louisiana). She holds a bachelor’s degree in art history from Georgia State University, and a public history master’s degree and museum studies certificate from the University of West Georgia. She has worked in program management/community engagement roles at various museums in the Southeast and was named as one of South Arts’ National Arts Leaders of Color fellows (class of 2023/2024). Currently, you can find her living, working, and snacking on gummy worms in Columbia. 

  Abby Anderson
  Executive Director, Congaree Vista Guild

  Abby Anderson is the executive director of the Congaree Vista Guild and has been in that role for more than six years. In addition to managing the business, Abby does marketing for the Vista district, plans two large signature events and works directly with businesses and the city on improvements to the district. Abby came to the Vista from the Columbia Fireflies baseball team, where she was vice president of marketing & public relations. She assisted in the creation of the Columbia Fireflies brand and was instrumental in introducing the brand to the community. 

  Abby is a member of the Junior League of Columbia and spends her free time with her husband and two children.

• April 21 • Current Topics and Trends!

  • Tuesday, April 21, 2026
  • Noon-1 p.m. ET

  We are intentionally leaving some flexibility in the schedule to allow for discussion around a hot topic or trend that maybe wasn’t even on anyone’s radar during the planning stage. Registration, topic(s), and speaker(s) to come!

• May 19 • Arts + Health/Healing

  • Tuesday, May 19, 2026
  • Noon-1 p.m. ET
  • Register for May 19

  Speakers

  Katie Hinson Sullivan
  Director of MUSC Arts in Healing

  Katie Hinson Sullivan, MPS, LCAT, ATCS, ATR-BC is an art therapist who has worked in diverse settings including schools, outpatient clinics, hospitals and various nonprofits, supporting children and adults impacted by trauma. Before returning to Charleston, she spent three years at Rikers Island, using art as a tool for healing with incarcerated individuals. She is now the founder and director of MUSC Arts in Healing which serves patients, families, and community members across inpatient and outpatient settings, as well as through school and community partnerships. Katie is passionate about growing access to the arts in health and advancing the field of art therapy through education, research, and policy advocacy.

  Dale Savidge
  Registered Drama Therapist

  Bio coming soon!