Florence Symphony Orchestra Announces its 2012-13 Season

Reserve your seats today for the upcoming 2012-2013 Florence Symphony Orchestra concert season! This upcoming season is sure to be one of the best ever with a five concert season and a sixth Special Holiday Pops concert featuring the Royal Ladies of Country.

This is our second season in our new home in the FMU Performing Arts Center. Our new home is a luxurious 60,000 square foot building with seating for 800 and breathtaking symphonic sounds that are not to be missed. Prime seating will go quickly for this exciting second season in the FMU Performing Arts Center, reserve your seats today!

Monday, October 8, 2012- Opening Night Concert

Monday, November 12, 2012- Fall Concert

Monday, February 13, 2013- Winter Concert

Monday, April 8, 2013- Spring Concert

Monday, May 13, 2013- A Night at the Opera

Saturday, December 15, 2012- A Special Holiday Pops

Season Adult tickets start as low as $112 with senior and student discounts available. The sixth concert is a Special Holiday Concert and can be added to the five concert subscription for a discounted price or it can be purchased separately later. Contact us at manager@florencesymphony.com , call843.661.2541, or visit our web site florencesymphony.com for your season brochure and order form today!

·         Monday, October 8, 2012 – Opening Night Concert

Our Opening Night concert will feature Tannhauser Overture by Richard Wagner, Piano Concerto # 2 by Camille Saint-Saens, Grand Polanaise by Fredrick Chopin with Dmitri Lebkovich performing on piano, and the evening will end with Ottorino Respighi’s symphonic poem Pines of Rome.

·         Monday, November 12, 2012 – Fall Concert

This fall concert the Florence Symphony will perform Carnival Overture by Antonin Dvorak, Trail of Tears by Michael Daugherty with Amy Porter performing on flute, Hungarian Dances # 2 and 7 by Johannes Brahms, and the FSO will end the evening with the 1812 Overture by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.

·         Monday, February 11, 2013 – Winter Concert

In our February concert the Florence Symphony will be performing Italian in Algiers Overture by Gioachino Antonio Rossini, Sinfonia Concertante by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart with Terris Roberts performing on Violin and Elias Latto on viola. This winter evening of music will end with Symphony # 4 by Robert Schumann.

·         Monday, April 8, 2013 – Spring Concert featuring Piano Competition winners

This spring concert will feature the talented young winners of our Annual Piano Competition with them performing their winning audition pieces and then the Florence Symphony will end the evening by performing Symphony # 9 by Franz Schubert.

·         Monday, May 13, 2013 – A Night at the Opera Concert

Our May concert will be a Night at the Opera with Overtures and Arias with local singers featuring the Baritone of Greg Jebaily.

·         Saturday, December 15, 2012 – A Special Holiday Pops

This is a special sixth concert featuring the Royal Ladies of Country Ava Barber, Leona Williams, and Becky Hobbs performing a Country Christmas with the Florence Symphony Orchestra.

 

Fourteen Florence County Seniors honored by the Florence Regional Arts Alliance

Each year since 1997, the Florence Regional Arts Alliance (FRAA) has awarded the Excellence in Arts Education Awards to graduating seniors from all over Florence County.  This tradition continued recently with awards being handed out at Lake City High School, West Florence High School, South Florence High School, Timmonsville High School, Johnsonville High School and Hannah-Pamplico High School. 

In all, 15 awards were given to 14 students. Lake City’s Heather Stevenson was the only honoree to receive two Excellence in Arts Education Awards in 2012.  Stevenson took home the honors for both visual arts and drama.     

In addition to Stevenson, the following students received awards:

Visual Art

Tiffany Alexander, Timmonsville

Ellie Becoat, Hannah-Pamplico

Kristine Hayes, South Florence

Candace Moreau, West Florence

Aesha Patel, Johnsonville

Chorus

Jarvis Cooper, Lake City

Jacob Gilliard, West Florence

Niesha Hickman, Timmonsville

Lakeesha Kelley, South Florence

Dance

Deysha Miller, Lake City

Orchestra

Miranda Langston, West Florence

Band

Maliaka Keels, Lake City

Sebastian Samuel, Timmonsville

Graduating seniors from each of the seven public high school in Florence County are eligible for the Excellence in Arts Education Awards.  Nominations are made by arts teachers and are based on academic achievement and performance, as well as involvement in school and community-based arts acitivities.  

The Honda of South Carolina Excellence In Arts Education Awards are part of a broader FRAA Student Recognition Program that includes the Betty Ann Darby Scholarships, two merit awards presented annaully to Florence County graduating seniors who will be pursuing advanced academic or professional degrees with majors in an arts discipline or in arts education. 

For more information about the Excellence in Arts Education Awards, Betty Ann Darby Scholarship Program or other Florence Regional Arts Alliance initiatives, contact Bruce Douglas at peedeearts@gmail.com.  

South Carolina Dance Theatre hosts Summer Camps

The South Carolina Dance Theatre will sponsor two summer camps this year during the weeks of June 18^th and July 23rd. The week of June 18^th will be "Princess Ballerina Camp" and the week of July 23^rd will be "Dancers and Dolls Ballerina Camp. " Both camps will feature ballet instruction, crafts and fun activities related to dance. Both weeks will finish with tea parties and "dress up" day to showcase the dancers.

Under the direction of Susan Rowe, Artistic Director of the SCDT, quality dance instruction will be provided during the camps in an informal setting appropriate for the ages four (4) to eight (8). The cost for each camp is $100 with a non-refundable registration fee of $15. The camps are held at the Company’s studio at 1910-B Second Loop Road from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm each day.

The South Carolina Dance Theatre is a non-profit corporation founded in 1976 to encourage and nurture the artistic growth of dance as a performing art. Known for its annual production of "Nutcracker," the company has also presented "Cinderella" and "Sleeping Beauty" as well as other annual productions.

Miss Rowe is a graduate of the North Carolina School of Arts with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance. Former Ballet Mistress of the Les Ballets de Monte Carlo in Monaco and the Ballet du Nord in Roubaix, France, she was also a principal dancer with the Ballet du Nord as well as the Pacific Northwest Ballet in Seattle, Washington.

The SCDT specializes in teaching ballet and providing performance experience. A leader in dance education, the SCDT has a long and proud history of excellent instruction and service to the community through professional productions and ballet instruction. The Summer Camps are another outreach of the Company’s mission to promote dance as the most beautiful of all the arts.

For more information, call the SCDT at 669-3991 or send an email to scdancetheatre@gmail.com. Additional information is also available by visiting our website at www.scdancetheartre.org.

For additional information regarding this Press Release, please contact Becky Crawford at 843-665-7727 (work) or 843-621-1424 (cell.)

Four Lake City High School Students honored by the FRAA

The Florence Regional Arts Alliance (FRAA) recently recognized four outstanding seniors with five total awards at Lake City High School on May 30^th.  Each year since 1997, FRAA has awarded the Excellence in Arts Education Awards to graduates from all over Florence County.  This tradition was continued in Lake City as Heather Stevenson, Jarvis Cooper, Deysha Miller and Maliaki Keels were honored. 

Jarvis Cooper was honored for outstanding achievement in chorus. Deysha Miller was presented with the award for being the top graduating senior in LCHS’s dance program.  Maliaki Keels received the honor of top graduate in band.

Heather Stevenson was the only graduating senior in Florence County to receive two Excellence in Arts Education Awards in 2012.  Stevenson took home the honors for both visual arts and drama.    

Graduating seniors from each of the seven public high school in Florence County are eligible for the Excellence in Arts Education Awards.  Nominations are made by arts teachers and are based on academic achievement and performance, as well as involvement in school and community-based arts acitivities and performances.  

The Honda of South Carolina Excellence In Arts Education Awards are part of a broader FRAA Student Recognition Program that includes the Betty Ann Darby Scholarships, two merit awards presented annaully to Florence County graduating seniors who will be pursuing advanced academic or professional degrees with majors in an arts discipline or in arts education. 

For more information about the Excellence in Arts Education Awards, Betty Ann Darby Scholarship Program or other Florence Regional Arts Alliance initiatives, contact Bruce Douglas at peedeearts@gmail.com.  

Audition Alert at the Florence Little Theatre: June 16th, 17th & 20th (Ragtime)

Ragtime

Book by Terrance McNally

Music by Stephen Flaherty

Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens

Based on the novel, Ragtime, by E.L. Doctorow

Directed by Shaw Thompson

Underwritten by Wells Fargo

AUDITIONS at FLT

Saturday, June 16th at 10:00am (ages 8-13)

Sunday, June 17th at 7:30pm (ages 14 and older)

Wednesday, June 20th at 7:30pm (ages 14 and older)

Ragtime is not only a powerful portrait of life in turn-of-the-century America, but a relevant tale for today. The musical intertwines the stories of three extraordinary families, as they confront history’s timeless contradictions of wealth and poverty, freedom and prejudice, hope and despair, and what it means to live in America.

The Tony-winning score by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty is just as diverse as the melting pot of America itself. It draws upon many musical styles from the ragtime rhythms of Harlem and Tin Pan Alley to the klezmer of the Lower East Side, from bold brass band marches to delicate waltzes, from up-tempo banjo tunes to period parlor songs and expansive anthems.

　

PRODUCTION DATES SEPTEMBER 14-22, 2012

All auditions will be held at the Florence Little Theatre, 417 South Dargan Street, Florence. Prior experience is not required and all audition materials will be provided.

FOR INFORMATION PLEASE CALL 662-3731

Fowle featured in Humor in Craft

Darlington County sculptor Patz Fowle is featured in the recently released book Humor in Craft.  One of her featured works, He's Gone Fishing in His Head, is shown above. 

Patz Fowle's Artist Statement from Humor in Craft:

I very much enjoy the process of creating engaging, expressive characters with humorous elements--a "what if" scenario where humor plays a key role in the narrative. I believe humor is the dessert of life itself. 

Brief Description of Humor in Craft from Amazon.com:

What happens when professional craft artists are allowed to let loose – when they get to explore their mischievous and irreverent sides? Find out in this groundbreaking book, which, for the very first time, reveals an entirely different side of “serious” craft. Hundreds of images and essays from all over the world allow you to gain insight into the creative minds of contemporary artists like never before. A variety of traditional craft media are shown, such as furniture, ceramics, glass, fiber, jewelry, and metal, as well as a number of unique, nontraditional techniques. Even a bus shelter in London gets a creative make-over that’s sure to make you smile! The topics range from the playful to the serious, but the message is always most enjoyable. Humor in Craft is a treasure trove for craft aficionados and humor enthusiasts alike. 

The book can be on Amazon by clicking here.

For more information on Patz Fowle, visit the links below:

Artist Profile: Patz Fowle

Facebook Photo Album: Patz Fowle

Patz Fowle honored with Outstanding Merit Award at Palmetto Hands Exhibit

Darlington County's Patz Fowle recently had two pieces of artwork chosen for the SC Palmetto Hands Exhibit in North Charleston.  In addition to having works in the show, she was chosen for an Outstanding Merit Award for Palmetto Sprout (above) and will have another piece, Pearl Fryar's Glorious Garden (below), travel as part of the Palmetto Hands Traveling Exhibit.  

Click here to learn more about the Palmetto Hands Exhibit.

Samuel, Hickman and Alexander honored by FRAA at Timmonsville High School

The Florence Regional Arts Alliance (FRAA) recently recognized three outstanding seniors Timmonsville High School.  Each year since 1997, FRAA has awarded the Excellence in Arts Education Awards to graduates from all over Florence County.  This tradition was continued in Timmonsville on May 24^th  as Sebastian Samuel, Niesha Hickman and Tiffany Alexander were honored. 

Niesha Hickman was honored for outstanding achievement in chorus. Tiffany Alexander was presented with the award for being the top graduating senior in LCHS’s visual arts program.  Sebastian Samuel received the honor of top graduate in band.

Graduating seniors from each of the seven public high school in Florence County are eligible for the Excellence in Arts Education Awards.  Nominations are made by arts teachers and are based on academic achievement and performance, as well as involvement in school and community-based arts acitivities and performances.  

The Honda of South Carolina Excellence In Arts Education Awards are part of a broader FRAA Student Recognition Program that includes the Betty Ann Darby Scholarships, two merit awards presented annaully to Florence County graduating seniors who will be pursuing advanced academic or professional degrees with majors in an arts discipline or in arts education. 

For more information about the Excellence in Arts Education Awards, Betty Ann Darby Scholarship Program or other Florence Regional Arts Alliance initiatives, contact Bruce Douglas at peedeearts@gmail.com.  

June 1st: Mark Wayne Hagood returns to the Art Trail Gallery

Aesha Patel honored by FRAA at Johnsonville High School

Each year since 1997, the Florence Regional Arts Alliance (FRAA) has awarded the Excellence in Arts Education Awards to graduates from all over Florence County.  This tradition was continued on May 22^nd as Aesha Patel was honored at Johnsonville High School. 

Patel was honored for outstanding achievement in visual art.  FRAA Board Member and Francis Marion University professor Keith Best presented the award to Patel.  Patel was one of 15 Florence County students honored with this year’s Excellence in Arts Education Awards. 

Graduating seniors from each of the seven public high school in Florence County are eligible for the Excellence in Arts Education Awards.  Nominations are made by arts teachers and are based on academic achievement, as well as involvement in school and community-based arts acitivities and performances.  

The Honda of South Carolina Excellence In Arts Education Awards are part of a broader FRAA Student Recognition Program that includes the Betty Ann Darby Scholarships, two merit awards presented annaully to Florence County graduating seniors who will be pursuing advanced academic or professional degrees with majors in an arts discipline or in arts education. 

For more information about the Excellence in Arts Education Awards, Betty Ann Darby Scholarship Program or other Florence Regional Arts Alliance initiatives, contact Bruce Douglas at peedeearts@gmail.com.  

Gilliard, Moreau & Langston honored at West Florence High School

The Florence Regional Arts Alliance (FRAA) recently recognized three outstanding seniors from West Florence High School.  Each year since 1997, FRAA has awarded the Excellence in Arts Education Awards to graduates from all over Florence County.  This tradition was continued on May 21^st as Jacob Gilliard, Candace Moreau and Miranda Langston were honored from WFHS. 

Jacob Gilliard was honored for outstanding achievement in chorus. Candace Moreau was presented with the award for being the top graduating senior in WFHS’s visual arts program.  Miranda Langston received the honor of top graduate in orchestra. 

Graduating seniors from each of the seven public high school in Florence County are eligible for the Excellence in Arts Education Awards.  Nominations are made by arts teachers and are based on academic achievement and performance, as well as involvement in school and community-based arts acitivities and performances.  

The Honda of South Carolina Excellence In Arts Education Awards are part of a broader FRAA Student Recognition Program that includes the Betty Ann Darby Scholarships, two merit awards presented annaully to Florence County graduating seniors who will be pursuing advanced academic or professional degrees with majors in an arts discipline or in arts education. 

For more information about the Excellence in Arts Education Awards, Betty Ann Darby Scholarship Program or other Florence Regional Arts Alliance initiatives, contact Bruce Douglas at peedeearts@gmail.com.  

May 25th: The Lakeside Music Room at Cheraw State Park

What: The Lakeside Music Room kicks off its inaugural season at Cheraw State Park with a free concert from Hartsville-based, internationally-touring songwriter, Dylan Sneed.

Additional Info: After a successful grassroots fundraising campaign through Kickstarter.com, The Lakeside Music Room was born. A joint effort from Cheraw State Park, Pee Dee Outfitters, and Artsville, the free concert series will feature some of the region’s best independent music in South Carolina’s oldest state park. There will be four concerts in all, happening every last Friday of May, June, July, and August. Local food vendors will sell food at each show. Each concert will open at 7 p.m. The music will begin right around sundown. For more information, visitfacebook.com/lakesidemusicroom.

Who: Dylan Sneed has been called "a sober Townes Van Zandt" (SC Free Times) and "the best side of true Americana: music of passion and skill that can move audiences with a whisper or a roar." (Dallas Observer) His previous two records were #1 and #6 simultaneously on the South Carolina Roots Music Chart. Sneed’s E.P. No Worse For The Wear made the top 40 on the national Roots Music Report Folk Chart.

Where: Cheraw State Park, Cheraw, SC

When: Friday, May 25, 7:00 p.m.

For more information on The Lakeside Music Room, please call 214-686-3996 or send emaillakesidemusicroom@gmail.com.

Becoat honored by FRAA at Hannah-Pamplico High School

Each year since 1997, the Florence Regional Arts Alliance (FRAA) has awarded the Excellence in Arts Education Awards to graduates from all over Florence County.  This tradition was continued on May 18^th as Ellie Becoat was honored at Hannah-Pamplico High School. 

Becoat was honored for outstanding achievement in visual art.  FRAA Board Member and Francis Marion University professor Keith Best, along with Emily Myers of Honda, presented the award to Becoat.  Becoat plans to attend Francis Marion Unviersity in the Fall and major in Graphic Design.

Graduating seniors from each of the seven public high school in Florence County are eligible for the Excellence in Arts Education Awards.  Nominations are made by arts teachers and are based on academic achievement, as well as involvement in school and community-based arts acitivities and performances.  

The Honda of South Carolina Excellence In Arts Education Awards are part of a broader FRAA Student Recognition Program that includes the Betty Ann Darby Scholarships, two merit awards presented annaully to Florence County graduating seniors who will be pursuing advanced academic or professional degrees with majors in an arts discipline or in arts education. 

For more information about the Excellence in Arts Education Awards, Betty Ann Darby Scholarship Program or other Florence Regional Arts Alliance initiatives, contact Bruce Douglas at peedeearts@gmail.com.  

The Palmetto State Boychoir to hold registration on June 2nd, July 7th & August 11th

Patz Fowle wins Outstanding Merit Award as part of Palmetto Hands Exhibit

Darlington County's Patz Fowle recently had two pieces of artwork chosen for the SC Palmetto Hands Exhibit in North Charleston.  In addition to having works in the show, she was chosen for an Outstanding Merit Award for Palmetto Sprout (clay sculpture) and will have another piece, Pearl Fryar's Glorious Garden, travel as part of the Palmetto Hands Traveling Exhibit.  


Below is a blog post about Palmetto Hands from The Digitel Charleston:

Artists and artisans from across South Carolina were invited to participate in the 12th AnnualSouth Carolina Palmetto Hands Fine Craft Competition & Exhibition, the state’s only juried fine craft competition and exhibition. 

Organized and exhibited annually by the City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department, the show is presented as a component of the North Charleston Arts Festival. 

Following an extensive pre-jury process, 38 applicants were asked to participate and 108 entries were submitted in the categories of clay, fiber, metal, wood, and 3D mixed media.

Cash awards totaling $6,500 were made at the sole discretion of the juror, Clay Burnette, handweaver, basketmaker, and Director of Grants and Fellowships at the South Carolina Arts Commission.

After making his selections, Mr. Burnette stated, “As I viewed the artwork submitted to this year’s exhibit, my goal was to identify examples of works that contained true evidence of the mark of the artist’s hand – proof that quality, individuality, and attention to detail has gone into each piece that I was selecting.” He continued, “It was obvious that individual identity - that mark of the hand - was prominent in many of the pieces presented, which made my task of selecting those that I deemed most worthy of the awards even more difficult.”

After awarding ribbons, Mr. Burnette also selected pieces from the show to assemble a South Carolina Palmetto Hands Fine Craft Traveling Exhibition, which will tour the state through the South Carolina State Museum’s 2012/2013 Traveling Exhibitions Program.  This program gives galleries, museums, and art centers across South Carolina the opportunity to request the exhibit to tour their facilities, thus providing additional exposure for the selected artists.

In addition, two pieces were selected for City of North Charleston Purchase Awards. These pieces will be added to the City of North Charleston Permanent Public Art Collection, which is on display throughout North Charleston City Hall throughout most of the year.

Congratulations to the winners of the 2012 SC Palmetto Hands Fine Craft Competition & Exhibition:

Best of ShowHanded Down (Mixed Media) by Susan Lenz (Columbia, SC) 

Outstanding MeritPalmetto Sprout (Clay) by Patz Fowle (Hartsville, SC)
Capsulated Conifer (Mixed Media) by Kim Keats (Okatie, SC)

Honorable MentionLolly & Pop (Metal) by Matt Wilson (North Charleston, SC)
Vessel No. 359 (Metal) by Lee Sipe (Columbia, SC)
Lidded Jar (Clay) by John Johnson (North Myrtle Beach, SC)
Binky (Fiber) by Ellen Byrd (Mt. Pleasant, SC)
Bloom (Metal) by Mackenzie King (Charleston, SC)
Forged Simplicity (Metal) by Michael DuBois (Ladson, SC)
Henry (Metal) by Matt Wilson (North Charleston, SC)
High Chair Driven (Mixed Media) by Dennis Vernon (Okatie, SC)
Dream Catcher “Carolina” (Mixed Media) by Rebecca Johnson (Wedgefield, SC)
Leaf Necklace (Mixed Media) by Rachel Weiss (Charleston, SC)
Paradise Lost (Fiber) by Connie Lippert (Seneca, SC)
Indigo Dyeing Under the Magnolias (Fiber) by Arianne King Comer (North Charleston, SC) 

SC Palmetto Hands Traveling Exhibition SelectionsHanded Down (Mixed Media) by Susan Lenz (Columbia, SC)
Indigo Dyeing Under the Magnolias (Fiber) by Arianne King Comer (North Charleston, SC)
Brown Jug (Clay) by Pamela Steele (Gilbert, SC)
Mark Leaving Series #3 (Mixed Media) by Fran Gardner (Heath Springs, SC)
Lowcountry Server (Clay) by John Johnson (North Myrtle Beach, SC)
Count It All Joy (Mixed Media) by Georgette W. Sanders (McClellanville, SC)
Open Segment Bowl with Foot (Wood) by Kenny Teague (Charleston, SC)
Pearl Fryar’s Glorious Garden (Clay) by Patz Fowle (Hartsville, SC)
I Confess (Fiber) by Ellen Byrd (Mt. Pleasant, SC)
Untitled (Wood) by William Fournier (Mt. Pleasant, SC)
Palmetto Sprout (Clay) by Patz Fowle (Hartsville, SC)
Capsulated Conifer (Mixed Media) by Kim Keats (Okatie, SC)
Large Urn (Clay) by John Johnson (North Myrtle Beach, SC)
Binky (Fiber) by Ellen Byrd (Mt. Pleasant, SC)
Bloom (Metal) by Mackenzie King (Charleston, SC)
Forged Simplicity (Metal) by Michael DuBois (Ladson, SC)
High Chair Driven (Mixed Media) by Dennis Vernon (Okatie, SC)
Dream Catcher “Carolina” (Mixed Media) by Rebecca Johnson (Wedgefield, SC) 

City of North Charleston Purchase AwardLolly & Pop (Metal) by Matt Wilson (North Charleston, SC)
Urn (Wood) by Ben C. Pendarvis, Jr. (Orangeburg, SC)

For more information about the South Carolina Palmetto Hands Fine Craft Competition & Exhibition, contact the City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department at 843-740-5854, emailculturalarts@northcharleston.org, or visit the Cultural Arts section of the City’s website at www.northcharleston.org. Those interested in hosting the traveling exhibition should contact Jeff Powley, South Carolina State Museum Outreach Manager, at 803-737-4159 or jeff.powley@scmuseum.org.

Palmetto State Boychoir to hold registration on June 2nd

The Palmetto State Boychoir will hold registration for boys in grades 2-6 on June 2nd at 9:30 at John Calvin Presbyterian Church (corner of Marsh and 3rd Loop) in Florence.  The Boychoir plans to offer 40 full scholarships for the 2012-2013 season and an additional 40 full scholarships to our music day-camp to be held August 14-17. Camp participants will sing camp concerts in the Pee Dee and in Charleston.

Parents can learn more by visiting the Boychoir  website at www.psboychoir.org or by calling Mark Railey  at (843) 229-9281.

May 23rd - 26th: Farmers' Markets Across the Pee Dee

The Pee Dee is hosting three great farmers' markets between May 23rd and May 26th.  Click the links below for more information about each market:

May 23rd in downtown Florence

May 24th in Lake City

May 26th in Marion

An Overview of Artsville

For those of you interested in knowing more about this Pee Dee treasure, check out the brief overview of Artsville:

About Artsville:

The mission of Artsville can be summed up in three words: "try new things." We believe music is a great way to challenge the status quo and to explore new horizons in life.

We're the home of Artsville House Concerts, Artsville Open Mic, and Alphabet Soup. We also collaborate on events like The Lakeside Music Room.

In only its second year, Artsville House Concerts has already artists from around the country, and even the world. Artsville Open Mic is quickly earning a reputation as the most artist-friendly open mic in the Pee Dee. And with Artsville's help, The Lakeside Music Room raised 106% of its funding goal before its debut season.

Contact Information:
Dylan Sneed, Founder & Alchemist
214.686.3996
Email: info@welcometoartsville.com
Website: welcometoartsville.com

124 Mantissa Row, Hartsville, SC 29550

May 26th: Farmers' Market & Market Place in Marion

Each Saturday the Farmers Market & Marion Market Place are open in Marion from 9am-1pm. Visit the group's on Facebook or call Chuck at 843.423.9918 for information.

The Farmers Market and Market Place take place at 229 North Main Street in Marion.

Vegetables, handmade treasures and more!

Lake City Farmers' Market

The Lake City Farmers' Market will be open every Thursday from 2-7pm.

Come out and buy local. Not only will you have local produce and plants to enjoy, but also kids' activities, fresh seafood and baked goods.

The Lake City Farmers' Market is held at 111 Henry Street in downtown Lake City. 

For more information call: 843.374.0138 or 843.374.1500.

(EBT Accepted.)

May 19th: Blue Ridge Junction at the Art Trail Gallery

Revisiting The Faces of the Art Trail Gallery

Over the past year, we have made four posts featuring the Faces of the Art Trail Gallery.  Click the links below to revisit some of these images from artworks by some of the best artists in the Pee Dee:

Visualicious 2012

Visualicious 2011

Soul of the Pee Dee

More Art Trail Faces

The Art Trail Gallery is located at 135 South Dargan Street in downtown Florence, SC.  

May 25th: Blues & Beach Music in downtown Mullins

Don't miss the Mullins Downtown Live Series on Friday, May 25th, at 7pm on Main Street in Mullins (in front of Depot).  The event is free.

Carl Brunson will be performing Blues and Beach Music.

For more information contact the Greater Mullins Chamber of Commerce at 464-6651 or mullinschamber@bellsouth.net. 

Hayes & Kelley honored at South Florence High School

The Florence Regional Arts Alliance (FRAA) recently recognized two outstanding graduating seniors at South Florence High School.  Each year since 1997, FRAA has awarded the Excellence in Arts Education Awards to graduates from all over Florence County.  This tradition was continued on May 10^th as Kristine Hayes and LaKeesha Kelley were honored from SFHS. 

Kristine Hayes was honored for outstanding achievement in visual art. LaKeesha Kelley was presented with the award for being the top graduating senior in SFHS’s chorus program.  Nationally renown playwright and Francis Marion University English professor Jon Tuttle presented the awards to Hayes and Kelley.

Graduating seniors from each of the seven public high school in Florence County are eligible for the Excellence in Arts Education Awards.  Nominations are made by arts teachers and are based on academic achievement and performance, as well as involvement in school and community-based arts acitivities and performances.  

The Honda of South Carolina Excellence In Arts Education Awards are part of a broader FRAA Student Recognition Program that includes the Betty Ann Darby Scholarships, two merit awards presented annaully to Florence County graduating seniors who will be pursuing advanced academic or professional degrees with majors in an arts discipline or in arts education. 

For more information about the Excellence in Arts Education Awards, Betty Ann Darby Scholarship Program or other Florence Regional Arts Alliance initiatives, contact Bruce Douglas at peedeearts@gmail.com.  

May 25th: Lakeside Music Room at Cheraw State Park

The Lakeside Music Kicks Off on May 25th 

from Cheraw State Park

Dylan Sneed will be the first featured performer at Cheraw's Lakeside Music Room.  Join Sneed, Jeff Johnson of Pee Dee Outfitters and Mark Davies of Cheraw State Park on Friday, May 25th at 7pm at the Lakeside Music Room inside Cheraw State Park.  Admission is free.


For more information, contact Sneed at artsvilleinitiative@gmail.com.  


Check out the video below to learn more about the Lakeside Music Room.  This video is from their Kickstarter fundraising campaign (which was a smashing success):