South Carolina: Annual Art Sale

The South Carolina Arts Commission (SCAC) and the South Carolina Arts Foundation have partnered since 1972 to support artists, arts organizations and communities in a number of ways. The foundation’s South Carolina Art Sale is a particularly effective means of promoting artists statewide and building markets for their work. Held in conjunction with the South Carolina Arts Gala, the foundation’s annual fundraiser for SCAC’s programs, the art sale and live auction feature original work by some of South Carolina’s top contemporary artists at prices encouraging on-the-spot purchases by both seasoned and new collectors. Minimum bids are based on the retail value of the artwork; 75% of the proceeds go to the participating artists and the rest goes to the foundation, which provides support for SCAC’s programming. SCAC works closely with its companion foundation to produce the sale, which for the first time this year featured not only paintings, sculptures and crafts but also experiences showcasing the broad spectrum of creativity and culture in South Carolina. Experiences on the auction block included an Indian feast at the home of an art collector complete with a henna artist and traditional dhol drummer, a celebration of the culinary arts through a chef-guided five-course dinner at one of the state’s top restaurants, and an evening of jazz music and Lebanese delicacies evoking Beirut as the Paris of the Middle East. Contact SCAC Visual Arts Program Director Harriett Green to learn more.