Artist Crawl Deemed A Success

NEARLY TWO-HUNDRED LOCALS PARTICIPATE IN THE FIRST ANNUAL ARTIST CRAWL HOSTED BY BLACK CREEK ARTS COUNCIL

by Jessica Barnes

Hartsville, SC –After three months of meticulous planning and preparation, the Black Creek Arts Council of Hartsville hosted its first annual Artist Crawl on September 21, 2008. From 2 o’clock in the afternoon to 6 o’clock in the evening, an estimated 200 guests from the surrounding community visited the homes and studios of over 50 artists.

Artist Crawl participants began their adventure at the Arts Center where they were able to pick up a few light refreshments and a map showing their destinations on and off College Avenue. Participants were able to view a myriad of distinctive pieces featured inside the homes and studios of the artists, as well at some local businesses (such as Mantissa Row and the Hartsville Memorial Library). Some of the featured artwork at the Crawl consisted of stained-glassed window pieces, quilts, jewelry, paintings, and even wooden sculptures.

Bruce Douglas’, the executive director of Black Creek Arts Council, inspiration for the Artist Crawl were the many talented artists who resided in the Hartsville area. Douglas believed that hosting the event would expose local artist to the entire community and vice versa. Along with the Council’s board president, Judy Haenni, as well as the collaborative efforts of many committee members, they were able to create an event that was mutually beneficial for both Hartsville artists and residents.

The success of the first annual Artist Crawl: On and Off College Avenue, has inspired Douglas and the team at the Black Creek Arts Center to make the Artist Crawl an annual event. “We had great turnout of artists as well as participants for this extraordinary event and we definitely aim to increase those numbers so that the Crawl will be even more successful in the future. We even hope to expand the Crawl to other areas in Darlington County and possibly other counties as well,” Bruce Douglas states.

Located in a state of the art 10,000 square foot facility at 116 West College Avenue in 2003, the Black Creek Arts Council’s mission is to promote and foster the Arts in Darlington County. The Council also offers guidance and assistance in arts administration resources, information, funding, education, and program coordination for the arts and cultural heritage in Darlington County.