BCAC News Moves

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

blackcreekarts.org

Thank you for supporting the Arts.

Local Artist, Patz Fowle, is Nationally Recogonized

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

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

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.

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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.

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"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."

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

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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.

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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."

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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.

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"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.

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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.

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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

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

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

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!

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If you have any questions please call Jordan Heydt at 843.332.6234

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.