Regional Artisans Group to Hold Jury for Membership in April

The Artisans of the South Carolina Cotton Trail (ASCCT) have set April 12^th as the deadline for their next round of applications for inclusion into the five-county guild. Currently, 32 artists make up the group’s roster. In that group are painters, potters, photographers, collage artists, soap-makers, jewelry-makers, glass artists and a weaver.

“We are hoping to attract members in all media, as well as add to the great list of painters and photographers that we already work with,” said Beth Wicker, who serves as the Chair of the group’s Standards Committee. "New members will see a benefit (of joining the guild) immediately. We have a social media workshop scheduled for May and group critique set for June," noted Bruce Douglas, ASCCT's President.

Artists and artisans from Darlington, Chesterfield, Lee, Marlboro, and Florence counties are eligible for inclusion into the group. Artists whose work is considered “of the area” or cotton-related can also apply to be in ASCCT.

All potential members are selected through a two-part jury process to ensure their craft is of a good standard. For the first stage, works will be reviewed by e-mailed jpeg photographs. Artists can submit five jpeg photos of their work to peedeearts@gmail.com (please include contact info) to initiate the process. These photos will then be distributed to the jury. Those meeting basic standards will be asked to present their work in person for the final jury stage. This will take place at the Art Trail Gallery in downtown Florence on April 20^th. 

Accepted media for jurying are: clay, drawing, fiber glass, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed media, natural materials, painting, paper, photography, sculpture, handmade books, and wood. Specialty foods made in the area will also be considered for jurying. The following forms of production are prohibited: crafts produced from commercial kits; commercial patterns, molds and forms; any item violating copyrights; plants (except Bonsai), polished rocks, decoupage and similar items; hobby crafts, shell crafts, country crafts, decal crafts, silk or dried floral arrangements, mass-produced items, commercial re-sales. No work made from commercial stencils or prefabricated forms. No copies of masters, advertisements or widely distributed photos. Work produced in a class or workshop is not eligible to be juried or shown.

Applications for Membership can be obtained by emailing Bruce Douglas at peedeearts@gmail.com.  You may also stop by the Art Trail Gallery (135 S. Dargan Street in Florence), the Florence Convention & Visitors Bureau (3300 West Radio Drive in Florence) the Black Creek Arts Center (116 W. College Ave. in Hartsville), or the Cheraw Arts Commission offices at the Cheraw Community Center (200 Powe Street in Cheraw).

The mission of the Artisans of the South Carolina Cotton Trail is to bring together artists, artisans, and retailers 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. It 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, and maintaining a website. 

To have your program, project or event posted on Pee Dee Arts, email complete information to peedeearts@gmail.com.