Black Creek Arts News

BCAC News Moves

2011-01-15T07:24:00.001-08:00

You can now find out the latest news about Black Creek Arts Council at our new website:

Thank you for supporting the Arts.

Local Artist, Patz Fowle, is Nationally Recogonized

2010-12-17T08:42:00.000-08:00

Over the years, Patz Fowle has mad a lasting impact on our community. She has dedicated her time and talent to not only Black Creek Arts Council but also the Darlington County Schools as an Artist in Residence. In addition, she has provided workshops in the community while working as a mentor to other artists and students.

Patz Fowle is an award-winning, ceramic artist. She specializes in creating hand built anthropomorphic ceramic sculpture and her work has been recgonized for its distinctive, thought-provoking, witty style.

Fowle's work has been acknowledged by the American Ceramic Society. Her sculptures and technique have been featured in a multitude of ceramic books, reference books on living contemporary sculptors, antionally distributed art text books, and has also been featured in a PBS documentary.

In addition to her many acknowledgments and awards, Fowle can now add the American Museum of Ceramic Art in California to her list. Fowle's work "Rhino Ride" has been added to the collection of art featuring contemporaty American studio pottery made between 1950-2000.

The AMOCA's Collection Coordinator, Nichole Frazer, states "our collection has amassed excellent examples of ceramic art to support the museum's mission: To educate by presenting, collecting and preserving significant ceramic achievements of the world's cultures from ancient times to the present and through aesthetic and technical study to develop a deeper understanding of cultural values and traditions."

The AMOCA is located in Pomona, California. Fowle's work, "Rhino Ride", now a part of the American Ceramic Society Permanent Collection in the Museum. For more information on the AMOCA please visit their website at www.ceramicmuseum.org.

To learn more about Patz Fowle please visit her website at www.patzfowle.com

The mission of Black Creek Arts Council is to promote and foster the Arts in Darlington County. BCAC's offices are housed in a state of the art 10,000 square foot facility at 116 West College Avenue in Hartsville, SC. BCAC offers a variety of programs including art classes of all styles, after-school activities, pre-school aged programs, private music lesson, and various types of gallery exhibits. BCAC also offeres assistance with arts management, funding, education, and program coordination to the arts and cultural organizations in Darlingon County.

Gift Certificates

2010-12-08T07:35:00.001-08:00

Black Creek Arts Council is now offering Gift Certificates. Is someone you know interested in taking art classes or would like to purchase art? Black Creek's Gift Certificates can make the perfect present. If you are interested in purchasing a gift certificate please call 843.332.6234 or stop by Black Creek at 116 West College Avenue.

BCAC Launches Website

2010-11-17T08:06:00.001-08:00

BCAC Launches Website to Assist Region's Artists with Business Skills & Sales

USDA Funds regional Project Through Black Creek Arts Council of Darlington County

Over the last year, Black Creek Arts Council has spearheaded a regional project to enhance the business skills of artists and develop a mechanism for centralized promotion of handmade products. On November 22nd, Black Creek Arts Council will officially launch peedeeart.com. This dynamic website will allow the region's artists and artisans to ahve an online avenue for sales, as well as serve as a resource for the development of business skills.

The project was funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and built off of research originating from a Cultural Visions Grant from the South Carolina Arts Commission.

"USDA's guidance in implementing our ideas was crucial," said Bruce Douglas of Black Creek Arts Council (BCAC). "I was also very fortunate to work with three great companies during the course of the project."

Hartsville-based Fingerprint Design Studio, Cottle & Associates of Irmo, and Ellison Media of Columbia teamed with Douglas and BCAC to carry out the project.

Peedeeart.com provides the artisans with the opportunity to sell their work online. The site also serves three regional groups: The Artisans of the South Carolina Cotton Trail, The Artisans of the South Carolina Tobacco Trail, and the Pee Dee Summit. The website is also the home for The Business of Art, a curriculum compiled to assist artists in skill development in the areas of marketing, pricing, customer service, e-commerce and legal issues.

Douglas also noted that the completion and launch of the website is merely the end of the phase of the overall master plan for peedeeart.com. "From here, we'll push to have a greater impact in traditional tourism channels, with the website serving as a marketing tool. We'll also constantly update the Business of Art to keep the changes in best practice standards and contemporary research."

Douglas also pointed out that this is not a Field of Dreams porject, where you build it and they will come. "Now we've got to promote the site to convert our efforts to sales and skill-develpoment," he said.

"Leadership throughout the region is crucial for sustainability for this project. Fortunately, we have those leaders," Douglas said. He looks to Barbara Streeter (Pop's Glass in Conway), Beth Wicker (Three Cats & a Dog Studio in Cheraw), and Jordan Heydt (Black Creek Arts Council of Darlington County) to be the region's leaders in developing, promoting, and maintaining this project for artists and artisans in the Pee Dee.

Peedeeart.com and its business training components were maid possible by the Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program offered by the United States Department of Argiculture.

The mission of Black Creek Arts Council is to promote adn foster the Arts in Darlington County. BCAC's offices are housed in a state of the arts 10,000 square foot facility at 116 West College Avenue in Hartsville. BCAC offers a variety of programs including art classes of all styles, after school activites, pre-school aged programs, private music lessons, and various types of gallery exhibits. BCAC also offers assistance with arts management, funding, education, and program coordination to the arts and cultural organizations in Darlington County,

Artist Studio For Rent

2010-10-27T08:31:00.000-07:00

Are you an artist looking for a great studio to rent? Black Creek Arts Council has the perfect place for you. Our open art studio is one of four artist studios that is located on the second floor of the Arts Center. The studio includes amenities such as wireless internet, electrical outlets, cabinet space, a sink, as well as two large windows with plenty of natural light. The studio rents for $125 a month. As a renter, you will have access to your studio 24/7. To view photos of the studio, please visit Black Creek Arts Council's facebook page by clicking here.
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If you are interested in renting the studio, please call the Arts Council at 843.332.6234

BCAC Awarded Subgrant Funding

2010-07-24T18:58:00.000-07:00

Black Creek Arts Council Receives Subgrant Funding from the South Carolina Arts Commission

BCAC One of Nine Organizations Awarded by State Commission

Black Creek Arts Council of Darlington County was one of nine arts councils across the state to receive Subgrant Funding from the South Carolina Arts Commission. “We are fortunate, not just to receive these funds, but to have a thriving arts community to distribute them to,” said BCAC Executive Director Bruce Douglas.

Over the last year, BCAC has funded projects by: the Hartsville Civic Chorale, the Hartsville-Coker Concert Association, the Friends of the Darlington County Library, Hartsville Downtown Development Association, Darlington Chamber of Commerce, the Friends of Hartsville Memorial Library and local artists Mike & Patz Fowle.

“Each year, we look to fund projects and programs that reach the most people in the most effective and powerful ways,” says BCAC’s new President, Carolyn Atkinson. BCAC’s next deadline for applications for funding is August 15^th. For more information, visit www.blackcreekarts.org.

In addition to BCAC, only one other Pee Dee organization (Florence Regional Arts Alliance) received subgrant funding. Others receiving funding are: Arts Council of Beaufort County, Arts Council of Rock Hill & York County, Arts Partnership of Greater Spartanburg, Barnwell Arts Council, Cultural Affairs Department of the City of Charleston, Cultural Council of Richland & Lexington Counties, and the Metropolitan Arts Council in Greenville.

The mission of Black Creek Arts Council is to promote and foster the Arts in Darlington County. BCAC’s offices are housed in a state of the art 10,000 square foot facility at 116 West College Avenue in Hartsville. BCAC offers a variety of programs including art classes of all styles, after-school activities, pre-school aged programs, private music lessons, and various types of gallery exhibits. BCAC also offers assistance with arts management, funding, education, and program coordination to arts and cultural organizations in Darlington County.

The Carolinas III Pick Up

2010-07-22T12:33:00.001-07:00

If you entered or purchased a photo(s) for The Carolinas III Photography Contest and Exhibit you can pick them up here at Black Creek on Monday, August 2 from 10-5.

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Thank you for another great show!

If you have any questions please call Jordan Heydt at 843.332.6234

The Carolinas III: Opens July 8th at the Arts Center & Library

2010-07-04T07:38:00.000-07:00

What: Opening Reception and Gallery Crawl for The Carolinas III
Where: The Black Creek Arts Center and Hartsville Memorial Library
When: July 8th from 5-7pm

Admission is free.

Click here for details.

The Black Creek Arts Center

BCAC Home

Don't Just Go Green, Give Green

2010-03-20T06:08:00.000-07:00

Black Creek Arts Council is aiming to raise $10,000 between St. Patrick's Day (March 17th) and Earth Day (April 22nd). The money raised will support the Council's Arts Education Programming for young people.

Click here to Donate Now

For more information about The Green Campaign, click here.

Black Creek Arts Council is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. All donations are tax-deductible. The mission of BCAC is to promote and foster the Arts in Darlington County.

Job Opening at BCAC

2010-03-18T09:54:00.001-07:00

Black Creek Arts Council is currently hiring for the position of Director of Marketing and Communication and Facility Manager. Click below for details:

BCAC Opening Announcement

Don't Just Go Green, Give Green

2010-03-16T06:20:00.000-07:00

Between St. Patrick's Day (March 17th) and Earth Day (April 22nd), Black Creek Arts Council will be undertaking The Green Campaign, an effort to raise $10,000 to support its arts education programming for young people and its Arts-In-Education Program with the Darlington County School District.

Please consider making a charitable donation to The Green Campaign:

Donate Online by Clicking Here

Black Creek Arts Council is an organization that is worthy of your donation. Take a look at BCAC's recent programming and event accomplishments:

2009: Exhibits Review

2009: Events Review

Early 2010: January to March

2010: Still to Come

The Black Creek Arts Center

Contact: Bruce Douglas, Executive Director @ 843.332.6234

State Arts Commission to Visit Hartsville for Strategic Planning Meeting

2010-03-02T15:06:00.000-08:00

On Monday, March 22nd, the South Carolina Arts Commission will be holding a Canvas of the People meeting at the Black Creek Arts Center in Hartsville. The meeting will take place from 6:45 to 8:00. Everyone is invited and admission is free.

For more information about Canvas of the People, click here.

Black Creek, Blue Jeans & BBQ Set for April 30th & May 1st

2010-01-30T14:31:00.000-08:00

Black Creek Arts Council is calling all cook teams to Hartsville on April 30th & May 1st for Black Creek, Blue Jeans, & BBQ. Click the link below to go to the official site of the Pee Dee's Premier BBQ Festival.

Black Creek, Blue Jeans & BBQ

Upcoming Social Media Workshop

2009-09-07T02:39:00.000-07:00

BCAC to Offer Workshop to Assist Artists & Non-Profits with Social Media Marketing

Black Creek Arts Council is pleased to offer individual consultations on social media marketing strategies to artists and arts-based non-profit organizations. Consultations will take place on September 22nd at the Darlington Library. The consultations will be led by social networking expert Charles Ellison.

Individual consulting will allow for the establishment of a social networking strategy for those currently not involved with social sites such as Facebook and Twitter. It will also allow for the enhancement of established social media marketing strategies for those current engaged with an online community. Each individual or organization’s web presence will be analyzed by Ellison prior to the consultation to ensure maximum benefit. If necessary, strategies for web development will also be discussed.

Individual artists and arts-based non-profits should call Bruce Douglas at the Black Creek Arts Center to schedule an appointment, 843.332.6234. Consultations will take approximately 45 minutes and will be held throughout the day. Interested private businesses and government agencies should call to be placed on a list for consultation if the appointment times are not filled.

This workshop is free and is being paid for by Black Creek Arts Council through a grant from the South Carolina Arts Commission.

The mission of Black Creek Arts Council is to promote and foster the Arts in Darlington County. BCAC’s offices are housed in a state of the art 10,000 square foot facility at 116 West College Avenue in Hartsville. BCAC offers a variety of programs including art classes of all styles, after-school activities, pre-school aged programs, private music lessons, and various types of gallery exhibits. BCAC also offers assistance with arts management, funding, education, and program coordination to arts and cultural organizations in Darlington County.

The Carolinas II

2009-06-02T11:32:00.000-07:00

Black Creek Arts Council and the Friends of the Hartsville Library's second annual photography contest and exhibit is right around the corner. For more information, click on the link below:

The Carolinas II Information

2008 Best of Show, The Charleston Bridge by Mary Margaret Porter

BCAC Looking to Start Community Band

2009-06-02T11:27:00.000-07:00

If you played an instrument in your high school or college band and still have that instrument, do you ever wonder what it would like to play in a band again?

Well, wonder no more.

Black Creek Arts Council is seeking a few good musicians (or "rusty" ones) who have the desire to play in a community band.

So dig your instruments out of the attic, dust if off, and start practicing.

The first meeting for the community band will be held on June 15th at 5:30 at the Black Creek Arts Center on College Avenue in Hartsville.

For more information about this project, contact Bruce Douglas at 843.332.6234 or Judy Haenni at 843.383.4654.

Black Creek, Blue Jeans, & BBQ: May 1st & 2nd

2009-03-29T08:48:00.000-07:00

What: Black Creek, Blue Jeans, & BBQ
When: May 1st & 2nd
Where: Cargill Way in Downtown Hartsville

Friday Night - 7pm
Anything Butt Contest - appetizers, entrees and desserts using any ingredient but pork

Friday Night - 8:30pm
I Love My Blue Jeans Contest - strut your stuff in front of our celebrity judges

Nikki & DaBlooze will be on stage all evening.

Friday Night Tickets - $15

Saturday - 11am
All you can eat BBQ for $10

A Match Made In Heaven: BBQ in Hartsville, SC

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. This age-old phrase that conjures up wedding bells also applies to an upcoming event in Hartsville: Black Creek, Blue Jeans, and Barbeque will be held on May 1st & 2nd on Cargill Way.

Something old: Barbeque is a southern tradition. Vinegar-based vs. mustard-based is nearly the Yankees vs. Red Sox of the South. Variety will abound at this festival. Rumor has it, there will be a cherry-based barbeque.

Something new: Hartsville’s Good Living Marketplace is one of the best additions (if not the best) to our community in the last year. Black Creek Arts Council is pleased to be sharing Cargill Way with the Marketplace on Saturday.

Something borrowed: Nicki & DaBlooze will be covering your beach, blues, classic rock, and country favorites onstage Friday Night. You may even hear a little Motown and Golden Oldies.

Something blue: Come out and enjoy yourself in your favorite blue jeans. On Friday night, there will even be an I Love My Blue Jeans Contest.

Cargill Way will be the place to be on Friday, May 1st and Saturday, May 2nd. Don't miss it.

For more information call Bruce Douglas at 843.332.6234.

The Carolinas II: Community Photography Contest & Exhibit

2009-03-12T09:36:00.000-07:00

Black Creek Arts Council and the Friends of Hartsville Memorial Library will be hosting their second annual community photography contest and exhibit in July. The Carolinas II will debut at the Hartsville Library and the Black Creek Arts Center with an opening reception and gallery crawl on July 9th from 5 - 8pm.

2008 Winner:

The Charleston Bridge by Mary Margaret Porter

To enter the contest, simply bring your photo(s) to the Arts Center between June 22nd and July 2nd. Three entries per person are allowed and the prices are: $15 for the first entry, $25 for two, and $30 for three. A discount of $5 will be given to Friends of the Hartsville Memorial Library and Members of Black Creek Arts Council.

All photographs will be considered in the Best of Show Category and will be entered in one of the following categories: Images of Darlington County, Photographers 18 & Under, Small Photos (dimensions smaller than 11 x 14), and Large Photos (dimensions 11 x 14 and larger). One winner and two honorable mentions will be given per category. One People's Choice Award will be voted on by visitors at each display location.

The above photo, taken at Kalmia Gardens, is an example of an image of Darlington County.

(image by Mary Margaret Porter)

The Images of Darlington County Category is new for the 2009 Contest. The category is intended to get entries of images that represent important landmarks, buildings, places, etc that make Darlington County special. The contest is open to anyone who lives, works, or creates in Darlington County. All photos must be taken in North or South Carolina.

For more information, contact Bruce Douglas at the Arts Center, 843.332.6234.

Another recognizable Darlington County image: A look across Prestwood Lake at Sonoco.

(image by Johnny Payne)

Works by Twenty-Four Artists on Display at Black Creek

2009-02-09T06:56:00.000-08:00

The Arts Center has Variety of Local Works on Display

The Dead Sea by Herb Roos

While the Every Child Is An Artist Exhibit has works by five local artists on display, the Black Creek Arts Center is currently exhibiting works by nineteen other artists.

These artists range from past gallery exhibitors (Deborah Boyet, Pollie Bristow) to a nationally acclaimed artist (Ilona Smithkin) and on to a current Coker student (Henna Koponen). The works range from photography (Suzanne Muldrow) to pottery (Barbara Watson, Sammy Clark) and on to copper enameling (Rolfe Godshalk).

In addition to those mentioned above, work by the following artists is on display at the Arts Center: Catherine Anderson (painting), Laurie Brown (glass), Mike Gann (glass), Susan Harvey (sand-casted leaves), Ina Ingram (painting), Candice Ivy (drawing), Angie Ketchum (sculpture), Norm Miner (pottery), Howard Moore, Jr. (wood carving), Herb Roos (sculpture), and Holly Young (earthenware).

In total, twenty-four artists, all with local ties, have work on display at the Black Creek Arts Center. The Every Child Is An Artist Exhibit will remain on display until the end of February. The next gallery show will feature abstract painter Dr. Hiller Spires, a native of Hartsville, and Shirley Holmes, a paper-mache artist.

The mission of Black Creek Arts Council is to promote and foster the Arts in Darlington County. BCAC’s offices are housed in a state of the art 10,000 square foot facility at 116 West College Avenue. BCAC offers a variety of programs including art classes of all styles, after-school activities, pre-school aged programs, private music lessons, and various types of gallery exhibits. BCAC also offers assistance with arts management, funding, education, and program coordination to arts and cultural organizations in Darlington County.

Oschip joins BCAC for Semester-Long Internship

2009-01-29T13:11:00.000-08:00

Black Creek Arts Council is pleased to welcome Thomas Oschip to its staff. Oschip comes to Black Creek as its new Communication Intern.

Oschip is a senior from Coker College. He is currently finishing his degree in Communication and will graduate in May of 2009. He is from Mentor, Ohio and an avid enthusiast of all Cleveland sports. He is also a member of the Coker College baseball team. “Tom is a great young man with a bright future. We are fortunate to have him working with us at BCAC,” stated Mr. Bruce Douglas, Executive Director of the Arts Center.

Oschip will join Jessica Barnes on the intern staff at BCAC. Like Oschip, Barnes is Communication major at Coker. “Working with Bruce and Jessica at the Arts Center is an opportunity I could not turn down,” states Oschip.

Oschip, like many other students from Coker College, was encouraged to seek an internship at BCAC by his faculty advisor, Richard Puffer. Coker College faculty and staff believe that its students should experience careers that they deem suitable for their interests in order to gain insight and prepare them for life after Coker.

If your business is interested in being part of Coker College’s internship program, please contact Darlene Small in the Center for International and Experiential Education (CIEE) at dsmall@coker.edu or 843-383-8035.

Multi-Artist Show on Display at BCAC

2008-12-08T09:11:00.000-08:00

Until December 19th, the Black Creek Arts Center is hosting an exhibition of works from artists represented by Feury Fine Art. “I am pleased to have my work, as well as work by my associates, in another gallery. It’s allowing us to show a lot more work in our gallery on Fifth Street,” said Bob Feury, owner of Feury Fine Art.

In addition to the works on loan from Feury, the Arts Center has glassware by artists Mike Gann and Laurie Brown, as well as the whimsical holiday-themed ceramics of Holly Young. “Both the glass pieces and ceramic works will make great holiday gifts,” said Bruce Douglas, Executive Director of Black Creek Arts Council.

Denny Stevenson, a native of Bennettsville, is one of the artists whose works have been moved over from Feury. Stevenson, a fantastic oil painter, is owner of Legends Comics in Florence. “Stevenson’s landscapes are amazing,” remarked Douglas when asked about the Coker alum’s work.

Latta-based artist Jeff Osborn also has works on display in the Arts Center. In viewing Osborn’s works, versatility is one word that quickly comes to mind. “Jeff paints in many different styles and he does them all very well,” said Douglas.

Just like Osborn’s works, the exhibition at the Arts Center is one of variety and quality. Whether it’s Feury’s watercolors or Mike Gann’s European-quality glass pieces, visitors will not be left unhappy after visiting the Arts Center. Hours for the exhibition are 10am to noon and 1pm to 5pm Tuesday through Friday. For more information about the show, contact Bruce Douglas at the Arts Center, 843.332.6234.

ASCCT Sale in Cheraw Showcases Regional Artists

2008-10-23T08:46:00.001-07:00

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.

FOWLE TO LEAD READING AT DARLINGTON LIBRARY

2008-10-12T13:57:00.000-07:00

Local Artist to Read New Book, Lead Demonstration

On November 22nd, Black Creek Arts Council invites everyone to attend a book reading by Patz Fowle at the Darlington Library. The event will last from 11:00am to noon. Patz will be reading her new book, Remember When. Admission to the reading is free.

Following the book reading, Fowle will demonstrate how she illustrates humorous animals and attendees will create their own fun drawings, which they will be able to take home. This event is appropriate for all ages and fun for the whole family. Supplies will be provided.

Patz Fowle is the quintessential artist; a true creator and character. Fowle is a Darlington County resident and an internationally-known artist. She developed the Patz Process, a ceramic hand-building technique, in 1970. Since then, she has shown at Madison Square Garden, been the focus of a documentary, had residencies across the United States and overseas, and, most recently, studied at the Art Institute of Chicago.

The Darlington Library is located at 204 North Main Street in Darlington.

For more information about the book reading and interactive demonstration, please contact Bruce Douglas at 843.332.6234 or bartscounc@aol.com. This event is being sponsored by Black Creek Arts Council of Darlington County.

The mission of Black Creek Arts Council is to promote and foster the Arts in Darlington County. BCAC’s offices are housed in a state of the art 10,000 square foot facility at 116 West College Avenue. BCAC offers a variety of programs including art classes of all styles, after-school activities, pre-school aged programs, private music lessons, and various types of gallery exhibits. BCAC also offers assistance with arts management, funding, education, and program coordination to arts and cultural organizations in Darlington County.

DARLINGTON COUNTY ARTS SECTOR SET FOR VIBRANT FUTURE

2008-10-12T13:30:00.000-07:00

County has Infrastructure, Leadership, Support & Talent Needed for Excellence in the Arts

With the recent public launching of The Art of Good Living, now is a great time for all businesses, organizations, and citizens to examine our community. In doing that with the arts sector in Darlington County, one quickly sees that our county has a lot to be proud of, and enjoy, in terms of the arts.

In regards to the arts, Darlington County has it all; from facilities to organizations and even tremendous support from non-arts based retailers. The icing on the cake is the number of highly talented and outgoing artists we have.

The Black Creek Arts Center on College Avenue provides the county with a remarkable amount of studio, classroom, and exhibition space. The Performing Arts Center at Coker College is a vacation destination for many ballet companies. The Center Theatre in Downtown Hartsville is as charming and versatile as any theater in the Pee Dee. With the school district’s recent facilities upgrade, Darlington County has all the venues necessary to support a thriving arts community.

In addition to magnificent facilities, Darlington County also has arts-related organizations that are second to none. The events put on by Hartsville Downtown Development are dynamic in terms of entertainment and artistry, as well as being great for local economic development. Many other organizations, including Hartsville Civic Chorale, Hartsville-Coker Concert Association, the Community Players, and Butler Heritage Foundation, are consistently bringing great performances to Darlington County

Our wealth in the arts does not end with facilities and organizations. Darlington County also has a retail community with many businesses that are committed to promoting local and regional artists. Works by dozens of local artists including Heidi Bond, Ina Ingram, Susan Reynolds, Walter Cooks, and Pollie Bristow can be found in various stores in our county.

One crucial aspect of this equation yet to be emphasized is our county’s abundance of talented and creative artists. This is evident in the fourteen Darlington County artists among the 23 total artists in the newly formed Artisans of the South Carolina Cotton Trail.

With state-of-the-art facilities, proactive arts-based organizations, creative partnerships with retailers, and an abundance of artists who produce professional-quality work, it is not a stretch to say that the arts sector in Darlington County epitomizes all that The Art of Good Living is aimed to be: progress in community and economic development through partnerships and unique experiences.

The mission of Black Creek Arts Council is to promote and foster the Arts in Darlington County. BCAC’s offices are housed in a state of the art 10,000 square foot facility at 116 West College Avenue. BCAC offers a variety of programs including art classes of all styles, after-school activities, pre-school aged programs, private music lessons, and various types of gallery exhibits. BCAC also offers assistance with arts management, funding, education, and program coordination to arts and cultural organizations in Darlington County.

HUMANITIES COUNCIL SPEAKER COMING TO HARTSVILLE

2008-10-12T13:29:00.001-07:00

Hartsville, S.C. — Archaeologist Dr. Lesley Drucker will deliver a lecture entitled Exploring Multiculturalism Through Dance on Wednesday, November 5 at 5:30 p.m. in Coker College’s the Black Box Theater, located in the Elizabeth Boatwright Coker Performing Arts Center. Admission is free and the public is invited to attend.

Drucker will use film and discussion to examine how individuals and groups define themselves, their boundaries and identities, and even their political history through dance. This talk will be beneficial to educators, dance instructors, dancers, and those interested in history, communication, and anthropology.

Hosted by Black Creek Arts Council, Drucker’s appearance is funded by a Humanities Aloud Grant from the South Carolina Humanities Council.

An archaeologist and consultant for over 30 years, Drucker is based in Columbia where she teaches at area colleges, develops cultural resource management workshops, and writes educational and business materials. She earned a B.A. in anthropology from the University of South Carolina (USC) and a Ph.D. in archaeology at Tulane University. In addition to serving as adjunct faculty at Columbia College and USC, she is a past President of the Council of South Carolina Professional Archaeologists.

Drucker has authored over 235 archaeological studies of sites in South Carolina and North Carolina, as well as several major journal articles, and is co-editor of a nationally distributed book about South Carolina’s historic landscapes. She is also the author of Archaeology for Business People: A Handbook for South Carolina Developers and Planners.

The Humanities Council a state program of the National Endowment for the Humanities; inspiring, engaging and enriching South Carolinians with programs on literature, history, culture and heritage.

Ilona to Return to Hartsville

2008-10-12T13:24:00.000-07:00

Long Lash Cabaret to Highlight Smithkin's Return

Ilona Smithkin will be making a return to Hartsville in a few weeks. In her last appearance, she was a featured artist in the gallery at the Black Creek Arts Center and taught a painting workshop. This time, her visit will be much different.

On October 21st, Ilona Smithkin will be the featured performer in Long Lash Cabaret. The Cabaret will feature musical renditions by Smithkin and a number of local performers. The event will take place from 7:00 – 9:00 at the Black Creek Arts Center. Cost for the event is $30 for an individual and $50 for a couple.

The Long Lash Cabaret will not be the only difference between from Ilona’s last visit. Smithkin will be doing commissioned sanguine portraits between October 22nd and 24th. Appointments can be scheduled by calling Bruce Douglas at the Arts Center, 843.332.6234. You can also stop by the Arts Center to see other sanguine works by Smithkin. Prices on commissioned works will vary by size.

And if commissioned portraits and the Long Lash Cabaret were not enough, Ilona will also sit down with artists for Fix My Painting Sessions. These sessions will involve a consultation with Ilona and the opportunity to have your paintings fixed under the advisement of an internationally renowned artist. Fix My Painting Sessions will cost $40.

Ilona will also offer two weeklong workshops will she is in Hartsville. The first workshop will be from October 27th to 31st. It will be an oil painting workshop focusing on landscapes. The class will meet daily from 9:30 – 12:30. The cost is $135.

The second workshop will last from November 3rd to 7th. This oil painting workshop will focus on still life painting. It will meet daily from 9:30 – 12:30. Cost for the workshop is $135.

Ilona invites all levels of painters for her workshops; “Painting is for everyone and anyone can paint if they want to.” For more information about Ilona’s return to Hartsville, contact Bruce Douglas at 843.332.6234 or by email at bartscounc@aol.com.

The mission of Black Creek Arts Council is to promote and foster the Arts in Darlington County. BCAC’s offices are housed in a state of the art 10,000 square foot facility at 116 West College Avenue. BCAC offers a variety of programs including art classes of all styles, after-school activities, pre-school aged programs, private music lessons, and various types of gallery exhibits. BCAC also offers assistance with arts management, funding, education, and program coordination to arts and cultural organizations in Darlington County.

Artist Crawl Deemed A Success

2008-09-30T13:28:00.000-07:00

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.

BCAC Adds Two Interns

2008-09-30T05:58:00.000-07:00

With the recent return of the Coker College student body, there is a noticeable upswing in movement in our local businesses. Our restaurants are filled with younger faces. There is less elbow room in the isles at Wal-Mart. Coker’s contribution to our local businesses does not end with more money in the tills. Coker also provides our businesses and organizations with an eager, intelligent, and fresh work force.

Two of our local arts organizations are glad to have that resource nearby. “We’re fortunate to have two Coker students now on our staff,” says Bruce Douglas of Black Creek Arts Council. The Arts Council has welcomed Jennifer Graham of Neskowin, Oregon and Jessica Barnes of Moncks Corner, SC to its staff. Both girls come from varying academic and cultural backgrounds. “I imagine we’ll be seeing a lot of new and innovative ideas with the addition of these young ladies,” said BCAC President Judy Haenni.

Graham, is a senior Fine Art major, who is also pursuing a specialization in Museum Studies. A native of Korea, Graham is hoping to expand her knowledge of fine art and position herself for a career in the arts sector, as well as furthering her education. “The diverse nature of this internship will be tremendous for me as I head into the next stage of my life,” said Graham. The diversity Graham speaks of is the dual-site aspect of her internship. Graham will be interning at BCAC and Feury Fine Art. “With Jennifer on our staff, we will be able to implement a lot of our ideas sooner than we imagined. We really appreciate the opportunities Coker offers local businesses,” said Dianne Feury.

Graham will be exposed to arts organization management from both the profit and non-profit vantage points. “Jennifer is very fortunate to be able to see the art world from both sides of the coin,” said Haenni.

Joining Graham at BCAC is Jessica Barnes. A junior Communication major, Barnes will be focusing on media promotions, press writing, and community outreach. “This is my first internship. I am looking forward to applying the knowledge and skills I’ve picked up in the classroom for the benefit of a fascinating organization,” said Barnes.

Barnes comes to BCAC with an impressive resume. She is a Sparrow Scholar, president of the Pan-African Sisterhood Association, and a resident assistant at the Governor’s School.

If your business is interested in Coker’s internship program, call Darlene Small in the Center for International and Experiential Education (CIEE) at 843.383.8035.