Last year I took a trip to Old 96 District. It’s a beautiful, 5 town area consisting of Edgefield, Greenwood, Abbeville, Laurens and McCormick, South Carolina. There are a lot of cool things to see and do in this part of the state [ummmm, they still have a drive-in theater, people!!] and today, we are sharing with you all about the Old 96 District art scene.
Old 96 District Art Scene: Vibrant Art On The Freshwater Coast
You may not be aware, but South Carolina has a vibrant art scene in every region, and the South Carolina Freshwater Coast is no exception. While you may know us for our miles of shoreline and our epic trails, you’ll be pleased to find out there’s also plenty of opportunity to slow down and experience local and well known art and the artists who create it. Start planning your trip to South Carolina’s Freshwater Coast, and make the arts part of your getaway. We can’t wait to welcome you!
Main & Maxwell – Located on Main Street in Greenwood is Main & Maxwell, a gallery that specializes in handcrafted art, pottery, and jewelry. In addition to featuring locally and regionally produced work, they also host a wide range of classes, with topics including watercolor painting, clay work, and photography.
I recently visited Main & Maxwell. It’s this cool little art store and studio that has all kinds of interesting and unique items to look at and/or purchase. I particularly loved this pig cutting board. It’s great that they give back to the community with many of the purchases that you make in this store, too.
The Artist’s Coop – The Artist’s Coop co-operative in downtown Laurens is known for its unique collection of work from its 60 members, working in painting, photography, prints, mixed media, ceramic, textiles, and more. Just last month they welcomed The Coffee Roost to their shop, offering guests hot beverages and treats as they roam the gallery or take an art class.
MACK-McCormick Arts Council at the Keturah – MACK McCormick’s purpose is stimulating and encouraging cultural activities, including exhibits, performances, and instruction. They partner with government, businesses, teachers, families, and other local organizations in order to share the visual and performing arts with the community and visitors. Experience a wide range of visiting artists at MACK, including young artist exhibitions, and even partake in classes such as fused glass and sewing expeditions.
Abbeville Opera House – The historic Abbeville Opera House is celebrating 110 years as a cultural and artistic icon in Abbeville. Beginning as a popular stop for turn of the century “road companies,” the Opera House is now pleased to present approximately 100 performances a year, featuring Broadway musicals, comedies, mysteries, and dramas.
Phoenix Factory’s Old Edgefield Pottery – The Phoenix Factory’s Old Edgefield Pottery continues the longtime tradition of Edgefield Pottery. Today, Master Potter Justin Guy continues the 200-year old tradition of using local clay, which is turned on a wheel and fired in a wood-burning Groundhog Kiln. A small section of this studio is devoted to housing a wide-range of 19th and 20th century Edgefield Pottery which serve as Justin’s inspiration.
The Arts Center – The Arts Center is the Greenwood community’s home for the arts. Experience exhibits highlighting local and locally inspired creations.
The Museum – The Museum in Greenwood, a part of the Emerald Triangle culture group along with The Arts Center and the Greenwood Theatre, hosts three floors of hands-on exhibits featuring history, natural history and science. Admission is free, so bring the whole family for a day of learning and discovery!
Elizabeth Stone Harper Gallery – The Elizabeth Stone Harper Gallery on the Presbyterian College campus hosts four exhibitions annually: the Senior Art Major Exhibition, the Annual Student Exhibition, and two exhibitions of work from nationally and internationally recognized artists. The Gallery is currently hosting The Idiosyncratic Pencil exhibition, which features over 50 national and international participating artists.
Plan your trip to South Carolina’s Freshwater Coast, the five-county region situated on miles of shoreline and just a short drive from Atlanta, Charlotte, Columbia and Greenville. You’ll find art and culture you never expected in the untouched old South. We can’t wait to welcome you!
PO Box 448
Laurens, SC 29360-0448
