Feature Articles

November Issue 2002

New Organization in Greenville, SC, Forms to Establish Arts Education Facility in Historic Building

The Arts Initiative is set to begin renovation of its new home in West Greenville, SC. The site, located at 34 Woodside Avenue, is the former administration office of the Woodside Cotton Mill. The building was constructed in 1924 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Community groups are organizing to clean up the building and grounds on Nov. 16 & 23, 2002. Volunteers include students from Bob Jones University, as well as other interested members of the arts community and the Woodside Community.

Dell Curtis, owner of Curtis Galleries, is spearheading the project to establish an arts school that intends to provide free classes and workshops for low-income students from age 8 to seniors. "If we want our community to adjust to the challenges of life and work in a global society, we must include the arts in its education," said Curtis. "Every child needs a chance to dream and create to develop beliefs and carry a sense of cultural identity."

Scott Johnston, architect for the Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities, has been retained to begin conceptual designs of a five-year renovation that will take place in phases. Faculty from the Governor's School, Furman University and Bob Jones University are assisting in design of the curriculum that will include the visual and performing arts and, eventually, language and vocational training.

"We're seeing tremendous enthusiasm for the Arts Initiative from all segments of Greenville," said Curtis. "Artists, academics, business people, community leaders and government officials are embracing it as an opportunity to revitalize an aging neighborhood while restoring an architectural prize." Volunteers are still needed for the Nov. 23 cleanup date and donations of cash, materials, tools, food and refreshments, will be gratefully accepted.

The Arts Initiative is a non-profit corporation dedicated to cultural and artistic enrichment of children and families in Greenville, through exploration of the visual arts, the performing arts and the humanities.

For more information, contact Dell Curtis at 864/233-2296.

Mailing Address: Carolina Arts, P.O. Drawer 427, Bonneau, SC 29431
Telephone, Answering Machine and FAX: 843/825-3408
E-Mail: info@carolinaarts.com
Subscriptions are available for $18 a year.

Carolina Arts is published monthly by Shoestring Publishing Company, a subsidiary of PSMG, Inc.
Copyright© 2002 by PSMG, Inc., which published Charleston Arts from July 1987 - Dec. 1994 and South Carolina Arts from Jan. 1995 - Dec. 1996. It also publishes Carolina Arts Online, Copyright© 2002 by PSMG, Inc. All rights reserved by PSMG, Inc. or by the authors of articles. Reproduction or use without written permission is strictly prohibited. Carolina Arts is available throughout North & South Carolina.