- Greenville November Open Studios 2023 takes place from Nov. 11 – 13 at participating art studios across the county.
- A total of 143 artists will participate in Greenville November Open Studios, showcasing art at 94 studios, and 20 new participating artists.
Greenville artists will open their home workspaces to visitors to show them where they turn ideas into masterpieces during the annual November Open Studios 2023.
The tour features 143 mixed media creatives showcasing their studios and workings throughout Greenville County from Nov. 11-13. Piedmont Natural Gas is presenting the 21st annual fall event.
Almost 94 home studios in the downtown Greenville area and stops in Simpsonville, Taylors, Greer and Travelers Rest will be open to the public.
Artists hope the public will get educated about their work and tell others about the quality of talent within the county.
“I think it’s important to see who is making art around you,” said Anna Huff, program manager at Greenville Metropolitan Arts Council. “The creative artists in the area are your friends and neighbors, and one way to feel part of Greenville’s community is by participating in Open Studios. This is really the heart of visual arts in our area.”
November Open Studios formally begins with a 12-inch by 12-inch exhibit, where participating artists’ work will hang along the showroom floor of the Metropolitan Arts Council. It gives viewers a glimpse of what they can expect to see while touring the studios. The public opening of the 12-inch by 12-inch exhibit is on Nov. 5.
Last year, November Open Studios experienced a record year in sales and visibility. The event raised more than $509,000, and 27,000 people visited. This year, 20 new artists will be part of the weekend open house, and all studio locations can be found via the Open Studios Mobile App.
“It’s the 50th anniversary for MAC, so a lot of what we’re trying to highlight are artists who have participated since the beginning,” Huff said.
With November Open Studios just around the corner, here are some of our favorite studios and artists to check out this year:
Kent Ambler, a woodcutting artist who likes to show off his work and home
Painting and printmaking are the main focus of Kent Ambler‘s artistry, as the woodcutting creative prefers to be “mindless” and free while drawing on life’s observations.
Expect to see this and more during the event at Ambler’s studio, 265 Phillips Trail in Paris Mountain.
“I print the whole weekend so people can come check out my carving, printing and inking. I like that people get to see my space and the fact that I get to meet new people and discover my work.
Living in Greenville since 2000, the Paris Mountain resident has participated in shows across the South and Midwest portions of the country. Kent invites all to his mid-century home to experience not only art but also his koi pond and an on-site wood shop.
Ilka Rasch is a painter who explores her journey through cancer
The work 21 DAYS, the newest body of art from Ilka Rasch, represents time spent fighting through chemotherapy treatment with paintings surrounding the disruption of everyday life.
Acrylic and dark undertones tell the story of milestones through Rasch’s cancer treatment; an opportunity to understand triumph and courage through artwork.
Opening night (Nov. 11) at 21 Day Studio will honor her friends, supporters, cancer survivors and caretakers, according to Rasch’s artist page. Her studio is located in East Greenville.
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Good Art Co., is a collaborative housing 14 artists’ studios
Co-founders Morgan and Shaun McCallum opened Good Art Co. in late September as the newest artist collaborative in Greenville.
Open four days a week to offer a gallery, art shop, printmaking press and more, the collective currently houses 14 artists’ studios in the new creative space located at 10 Central Ave. in Greenville.
During November Open Studios, Good Art Co. will host the Collective Good Gallery, their first group show, where proceeds made during Nov. 11 -13 will go toward the Harvest Hope Food Bank.
John Pendarvis uses acrylic, oil and mixed media in his works
Through a reflection of life lived, John Pendarvis has focused works that theme Black history, including kente cloth and African masks. He also has integrated flowers, nature and the outdoors into his portfolio.
The Kingstree native and South Carolina State graduate creates things that have inspired him. He uses acrylic, oil and mixed media paintings with his works to describe the life he identifies and things he wants to experience.
“Open Studios is a great event, and I’ve been involved since its inception,” Pendarvis said. “We want the public to know that art is for everyone and accessible.
His studio is located at 711 N. Almond Drive, Simpsonville.
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Cosmopolitan and Macy’s have featured Kathy Young Albertelli’s jewelry
Jewelry and Glass visual artist Kathy Young Albertelli specializes in sculpting by hand in wax and cast in sterling silver or 14-carat gold. She uses pearls and colored stones to create fused glass and abstract artwork.
Her work is no stranger to the fashion scene in New York as jewelry by Young has landed in Cosmopolitan and Macy’s, while also emerging into international markets such as Canada, England and France.
Her studio is at 209 N, Main St, downtown Greenville.
– A.J. Jackson covers the food & dining scene, along with arts, entertainment and more for The Greenville News. Contact him by email at ajackson@gannett.com, and follow him on Twitter @ajhappened.
