South Carolina Arts Alliance Board to Convene in Greenwood

South Carolina Arts Alliance Board to Convene in Greenwood

GREENWOOD, SC — The South Carolina Arts Alliance Board of Directors is set to hold its annual retreat at the Arts Center of Greenwood on August 23-24. This event will mark the commencement of their first business meeting for the fiscal year along with a day dedicated to strategic planning. Moreover, a tour of local arts and cultural assets, organized with the help of Discover Greenwood, is on the agenda.

In an effort to welcome new members and celebrate the local community, the board will also host a small reception for its members and local leaders on the evening of Friday, August 24. The event aims to introduce the five newest board members, who officially joined on July 1st.

“As one of South Carolina’s twelve Cultural Districts, Greenwood is a wonderful example of how investing in the arts and local history enriches economies and overall quality of life throughout the state,” commented SCAA President Dana Gencarelli. “We’re very honored to have been invited to hold our annual retreat at the Arts Center of Greenwood and look forward to experiencing everything the community has to offer.”

Founded in 1979, the South Carolina Arts Alliance (SCAA) is the only statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to advocacy, leadership development, and public awareness for the arts. Board members represent communities across the state, bringing diverse perspectives and rich experiences to their roles. Notably, Arts Center of Greenwood Executive Director Sylvia Martin has been part of the board since 2022.

Recent endeavors by the Alliance include advocating for increased state funding to aid arts organizations and arts education, conducting workshops and training sessions, and bringing together over 350 arts leaders, artists, educators, students, and other advocates at the State House in February for their annual SC Arts Day. These efforts underscore the Alliance’s commitment to fostering a supportive environment for the arts within South Carolina.

Local Activities to Note

Beyond the SCAA retreat, Greenwood has a lineup of events and activities that community members may find interesting:

• Chess Doors Open from 6 pm to 10 pm every Thursday at Greenwood Chess Club. The event is open to all ages, skill levels, and experiences. It’s free and family-friendly, offering the chance to play social, hobby, and casual chess. Make a friend or bring one; chess enthusiasts are welcome to enjoy playing over-the-board on the original board of education!
• Join the Master Gardeners Tom Nelson and Glennis Cannon for a presentation about garden myths. Attendees are welcome to bring their own lunch or snack.
• The Marshall Tucker Band continues to captivate generations with their timeless music. Make sure your playlist includes their soulful tunes for an instant mood lift.
• Jackson & The Post Hole Diggers will be performing live in Greenwood. Don’t miss the dinner and show event at the most happening place in town.

Community Engagement and Wellness

The Greenwood community is also engaging in activities geared toward wellness and volunteerism:

• Pre-registration for the 2024 Greenwood Master Gardener Volunteer Training Course is now open. This course is ideal for those interested in volunteering and learning more about gardening. Final registration and payment are due by July 30th.
• Feeling stressed or anxious? Gravity Counseling Group offers a free wellness group meeting on the fourth Wednesday of every month. This is an excellent opportunity to join a community of healing, support, and empowerment.

Greenwood’s vibrant cultural and community events demonstrate the town’s commitment to enriching lives through arts, education, and wellness.