The
Artisans of the South Carolina Cotton Trail (ASCCT) have set April 12th 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 20th.
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.
