South Carolina Arts Alliance Board to Hold Annual Retreat in Greenwood
GREENWOOD, SC — The South Carolina Arts Alliance (SCAA) Board of Directors is set to convene for their annual retreat at the Arts Center of Greenwood on August 23-24. The retreat will include the first business meeting of the fiscal year and a day dedicated to strategic planning.
One of the highlights of the retreat will be a tour of local arts and cultural assets, organized with the assistance of Discover Greenwood. This event will also serve as an occasion to welcome five new board members who joined the organization on July 1st. The retreat will culminate in a small reception for board members and local leaders on Friday evening.
“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,” said 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.”
The South Carolina Arts Alliance, founded in 1979, is a unique nonprofit organization dedicated to advocacy, leadership development, and public awareness for the arts. Its board members represent various communities across the state, with Sylvia Martin, the Executive Director of the Arts Center of Greenwood, having served on the board since 2022.
Recent initiatives by the Alliance include lobbying for increased state funding to support arts organizations and arts education. Moreover, they have been actively conducting workshops and training sessions. In February, the SCAA gathered over 350 arts leaders, artists, educators, and students at the State House for their annual SC Arts Day.
The plans for the retreat underscore the importance of the arts as essential to community enrichment and economic development. The strategic planning day will focus on aligning the organization’s goals with the evolving landscape of the arts in South Carolina.
Local Events and Community Involvement
On the community front, Greenwood is actively engaging its residents with various events and opportunities. These range from artistic exhibitions and music shows to chess club meetings and gardening presentations.
For instance, there’s an upcoming presentation about garden myths by Master Gardeners Tom Nelson and Glennis Cannon. Attendees can bring their lunch or a snack as they delve into common gardening misconceptions. This is part of the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service programs, which are open to individuals regardless of age, race, or other demographic factors.
Moreover, Greenwood hosts a popular weekly event, “Chess Doors Open,” where community members of all ages and skill levels can come together to play over-the-board chess. It promises to be a Free, Fun, and Family-Friendly evening for all attendees.
Another noteworthy event is the upcoming performance by Jackson & The Post Hole Diggers. They are set to entertain at one of the local favorite spots. Attendees are encouraged to have dinner and then stay for the show.
Also, for motorcycle enthusiasts, there’s an organized ride to Break on the Lake in Greenwood, featuring a departure from New Spring Church Anderson.
Volunteer Opportunities
For those interested in volunteering, the Greenwood Master Gardener Volunteer Training Course is now open for pre-registration. This screening process ensures that applicants understand the commitment required, with final registration and payment due by July 30th.
Additionally, Greenwood offers support initiatives like the free wellness group sessions organized by Gravity Counseling Group. These sessions occur every fourth Wednesday of the month and provide a community for healing, support, and empowerment.
All these activities and more are displayed on community calendars and bulletins, ensuring residents stay informed and engaged. The range of events underscores Greenwood’s vibrant community life, rooted in cultural and artistic activities.
The South Carolina Arts Alliance Board’s decision to hold their annual retreat in Greenwood is a testament to the town’s thriving cultural scene and its commitment to fostering the arts. As the board members convene to discuss future goals, the local community continues to demonstrate the powerful role arts and culture play in enriching lives and boosting local economies.
