We are the Collective

About Us

The Artists Collective is the only studio art co-op in Spartanburg County and art is everywhere in this 20,000 square foot building.

Our Story

Established in 2009, renovations and artist sweat equity transformed the former West Main Baptist Church, a nearly forgotten landmark, into a showcase of artists for the state to see.

The exhibitions, workshops, performance, and educational spaces, along with artists’ studios, create a one-of-a-kind facility. The Artists Collective is the only studio art co-op in Spartanburg County, and art is everywhere in this 20,000 square foot building.

Established
2009
20,000
Sq. Ft.
32
Studios
6
Galleries
60+
Member Artists

Mission, Vision, and Philosophy

Our Mission

To create a community of artists wherein members mentor and support one another. To provide affordable studio, display, and performance space to established and emerging artists living in and around Spartanburg, South Carolina. And to provide the public with opportunities to view original art and to interact with the artists.

Our Vision

Artists Collective aspires to be a diverse community of artists and their supporters who value individual creative expression, and who serve as an arts resource for Spartanburg and the Upstate of South Carolina.

Our Philosophy

Art can be created and enjoyed by people from all walks of life. We actively seek a diverse membership of races, cultural backgrounds, and religious faiths.

Leadership

Governing Board Members

  • George “Buck” Brandt, III
  • Erin Strickland
  • Coleman Edmunds
  • Peter Grzan
  • William Mayrose
  • Vickie Fowler
  • Dr. Melissa Walker
  • Laura Pinkley

Committees and Operations

Admin Committee

Admin Chair – John Lever

Assists all committees with their administration duties.

Exhibitions Committee

Exhibitions Chair – Karina Manukyan

Helps artists display their work, oversees exhibits, and helps hang artwork. They also receive and review application requests for exhibitions from members and non-members.

Facilities Committee

Facilities Chair – Jim Weber

Helps care for the physical aspect of the Collective, the building and grounds.

Finance Committee

Finance Chair – Chuck Reback

Assists the treasurer in the management of the Collective’s financial affairs.

Marketing Committee

Marketing Chair – Diane McAndrew

Shares the news of the Artists Collective by creating posters and cards for events, writing and distributing press releases, and posting news on social media.

Membership Committee

Receives the applications of prospective new members, checks references, updates membership databases, interviews new applicants, and mentors new applicants.

Operations Manager

Lady Pluto

Responsible for the day to day operations of the Collective. Also oversees the retail committee.

Outreach Committee

Gayle Caragnato

Coordinates with the community on special events and projects.

Receptions Committee

Reception Chair – Sally Y. Weber

Plans and produces the various parties and social events that the Artists Collective in Spartanburg hosts.

Workshop Committee

Workshop Chair – Thomas Koenig

Manages and coordinates the workshops offered by members and guest artists of the Collective.

Registration begins July 1

Calling All Visual Artists

Instructions
Annual Juried Exhibition