Sparking an Uptown Renaissance—The Arts Center of Greenwood

Anne Craig, the founding director of the Arts Center, and Sylvia Martin, the current Executive Director of Arts Council of Greenwood County, shared a vision of what the Arts Center of Greenwood could be. They imagined a place that would be more than a gallery—it would be the community’s cultural heart. The Arts Center is the heart of this community.

As founder, Anne’s vision was a comprehensive cultural district in Uptown, a gathering place for those who love the arts and a catalyst for cultural education and community growth.

Although Anne had moved away to Charleston, South Carolina, she wanted to come home to a smaller town with access to outdoor activities. The executive director position opened up at just the right time.

The Foundation

“The Self Family Foundation has been the catalyst for making all of this happen,” Anne says. “Virginia Self had a keen interest in the arts.”

The foundation’s $2 million donation kickstarted that dream, leading to the development and renovation of the Arts Center in the old post office building in 2006. The Cultural District plan grew to include the Greenwood Community Theater in 2007 and the Greenwood Museum in 2008. Before long, restaurants and shops began to emerge, transforming the district—and Uptown itself—into a destination for both locals and visitors.

What Does Community Mean to You?

Greenwood is known both for its strong appreciation for the arts and for the collaborative nature of community. For that reason, the Arts Center is a place for art shows and exhibits, classes, meetings, lectures, performing arts and weddings. 

A major factor for the growth of the Arts Center’s community programs is Sylvia Martin, who succeeded Anne as Executive Director of the Arts Council of Greenwood County. “I realized that she was as passionate about this journey as I was,” said Anne Craig. Both women grew up in Greenwood and developed a strong desire to bring the arts to everyone in the community.

Sylvia came from a creative family, including her artist mother, innovative father, and two grandmothers who introduced her to the idea of creative community through their quilting group. While she loved teaching in Clinton and collaborating to produce magical, artistic results, in 2010, she decided to take a leap of faith. She transitioned from showcasing her art in the Arts Center’s gallery to creating youth programs.

At that point, Anne Craig hired her to help expand the Arts Center’s outreach to the community. Through her work, Sylvia learned about the value of partnerships and the value of integrating arts into the community, engaging not only with children but also involving entire families in creative endeavors.

She made art programs more inclusive, with diversity of ages, skill levels and groups. “Art is for Everyone” is their mantra at the Arts Center. “We believe that all people can benefit from high quality art instruction and high quality art experiences,” Sylvia says. “There are so many ways to invite the community in,” Anne says.  “It’s about having fun and expressing yourself and learning something new,” Sylvia adds. 

Today, the Arts Center attracts visitors from Greenville and Aiken, and collaborates with other regional arts partners to create events and programming. Activities include demonstrations, classes, open studios, the Imagine STEAM Festival, chamber music concerts and an annual Lego building competition, among many other events that bring people together around creativity.