ASCCT Sale in Cheraw Showcases Regional Artists

On October 17th and 18th, the Artisans of the South Carolina Cotton Trail had their first Wholesale and Retail Sale. The events were held in the Conference Room at the Cheraw Police Department.

Eight of the group’s members sold works of art ranging from fused glass to oil paintings. Beth Wicker, Laurie Brown, Mike Gann, Carolyn Govan, Barbara Mellen, Gloria Turner, Vicky McLain, and Heather Jordan were the artists that sold works at the events that were held in conjunction with the South Carolina Jazz Festival.

Based on this year’s success, The Artisans of the South Carolina Cotton Trail plan to return to Cheraw next year. “We were very pleased with the sales this year. Cheraw was a great host city and the Jazz Festival is a great event to be associated with. We will begin plans for a return at next year’s festival immediately,” said Beth Wicker.

More information about the Artisans of the South Carolina Cotton Trail can be found at www.sccottontrail.org/artisans.html.

The mission of the Artisans of the South Carolina Cotton Trail is to bring together artists, artisans, and retailers of their work for the benefits of marketing, tourism, education, and shared resources.

The Artisans of the South Carolina Cotton Trail promotes the tradition of fine visual arts and fine crafts. It serves the professional artists, craftspeople and retailers of the South Carolina Cotton Trail area, and work representing the area.

ASCCT is run by and for its members; volunteers do most of the work. A board of directors is elected from the membership. Dedicated to excellence in craftsmanship, it promotes the career development of its members through marketing, by operating wholesale/retail shows, maintaining a website, and by publishing a newsletter and an annual brochure which will be placed at interstate welcome centers, local hotels, chambers of commerce, arts groups, etc.

Shows are known for their consistent high-quality standards. This is achieved by a comprehensive jury system for professional membership. The guild also serves as a liaison between its membership and other cultural and educational organizations within the state.

The formation of the Artisans of the South Carolina Cotton Trail was made possible by a grant from the South Carolina Arts Commission and its Cultural Visions Grant Program.