Jeannie Putnam, Author at GREENVILLE JOURNAL

Greer advances updated ordinance to include impact fees: City Council notes

Jeannie Putnam — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 21:00:42 +0000

Here’s a recap of Greer City Council’s Jan. 14 meeting.

Initial approval: Ordinance update to include impact fees, canvasser and peddler fees

Council approved an updated ordinance that would establish impact fees and fees for canvassers and peddlers.

If the updates receive final approval, the impact fees would include:

Single family residential – $5,234 per unit, attached or detached
Multifamily residential – $3,089 per unit, like duplexes, apartments and mobile homes
Retail – $3,247 per 1,000 square feet
Office – $2,349 per 1,000 square feet
Industrial – $1,102 per 1,000 square feet
Institutional – $2,319 per 1,000 square feet

Following final approval, solicitors, canvassers and peddlers would have to pay $10 for an ID card and a $25 permit fee.

This item will go before the City Council for final approval Jan. 28.

Held over: Annexation for residential development

Council held over an ordinance annexing a 4.68-acre parcel at 770 Brockman McClimon Road into the city and establishing an initial zoning classification of traditional neighborhood.

The applicant, Carolyn B. Hamby plans to combine the property with four adjacent parcels totaling 20 acres for a mixed single-family detached/townhome residential development. If approved, the measure would pave the way for all five properties to be joined in a 25-acre project involving a projected total of 166 units.

This item will go before the City Council for final approval Jan. 28.

The post Greer advances updated ordinance to include impact fees: City Council notes appeared first on GREENVILLE JOURNAL.

Simpsonville receives clean fiscal year audit: City Council notes

Jeannie Putnam — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 20:00:54 +0000

Here is a recap of the Simpsonville City Council on Jan. 14.

Other item: Fiscal year 2023-2024 audit

During his presentation to council, David Phillips of Greene Finney Cauley said that his firm found no issues with Simpsonville’s financial records from fiscal year 2023-2024.

The report included various highlights, including:

The general fund increased by $2.8 million from 2023 to $26.3 million in 2024 with $19.7 million of the revenue coming from taxes.
General fund expenditures increased by $1.5 million from 2023 and included $1 million in additional funds to public safety.
Most increased general fund expenditures were primarily related to higher salaries and benefits.
The sewer fund increased $2.6 million over the past year to $23.3 million and included $1.9 million in grant revenues.

The post Simpsonville receives clean fiscal year audit: City Council notes appeared first on GREENVILLE JOURNAL.

Fountain Inn approves rezoning for downtown hotel: City Council notes

Jeannie Putnam — Fri, 10 Jan 2025 17:51:38 +0000

Here is a recap of the Fountain Inn City Council meeting on Jan. 9:

Final approval: Rezoning for hotel

Council approved plans to rezone 3.1 acres at 300 Jones St. The applicant, Baker Commercial Properties LLC, plans to develop a 66,000-square-foot, nationally branded hotel with 109 rooms.

The development is also eligible for tax credits under the South Carolina Textile Communities Revitalization Act.

Appointed: Director of community relations

Council appointed Amanda Benfield as the city’s director of community relations, effective Feb. 14. She has also served as president and CEO of the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce.

The post Fountain Inn approves rezoning for downtown hotel: City Council notes appeared first on GREENVILLE JOURNAL.

Winter weather updates: Snow falls across the Upstate

Staff — Fri, 10 Jan 2025 12:00:27 +0000

Updated Jan. 10, 6 p.m.

Upstate South Carolina remains under a winter storm warning until 7 a.m. Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.

Between 1 and 3 inches of wintry mix was expected to fall Jan. 10. Chances of snow and sleet continue through early morning on Jan. 11.

Heavy accumulation is not expected south of the mountains, but freezing temperatures could create hazardous road conditions. Accumulating ice could also bring down trees and limbs, leading to the possibility of power outages.

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency for the winter weather moving across the state. The executive order issued Friday supports the state’s ongoing response efforts to the snow, sleet and ice predicted to impact many areas in South Carolina.

Publix changes hours

Publix Super Markets in the Upstate will close on Jan. 10 at 7 p.m. and will reopen pending weather conditions at 8 a.m. Jan. 11.

Schedule changes and cancellations

Greenville County Schools shifted to eLearning on Friday, with all activities canceled and facilities closed.

The city of Greenville and Greenville County offices are closed Friday. Greenville Municipal Court sessions for Friday have been canceled.

Greenlink will end services at 12:30 p.m. on Friday due to the winter weather. The last bus will depart from the transit center at 11:30 a.m. There will also be no bus services on Saturday.

The Greenville Swamp Rabbits rescheduled both weekend games. The Jan. 10 game will be made up on April 13, and the Jan. 11 game will be played Feb. 15.

Several Prisma Health locations have altered their schedule Friday due to the weather. All AnMed practices will remain open until noon and any closures will be shared later today.

The post Winter weather updates: Snow falls across the Upstate appeared first on GREENVILLE JOURNAL.

2024 rewind: Cities and towns

Jeannie Putnam — Sun, 29 Dec 2024 00:00:55 +0000

In several Greenville County municipalities, 2024 saw completion of multiyear projects, large development project announcements and new leadership.

10K-seat soccer stadium announced in Mauldin

Greenville Pro Soccer LLC, the parent company of Greenville Triumph SC and Greenville Liberty, announced Oct. 30 it plans to build a 10,000-seat stadium at BridgeWay Station in Mauldin.

The financial partners at the time of the announcement included Greenville Pro Soccer, the state of South Carolina and the city of Mauldin. Hughes Investments, which owns BridgeWay Station, is providing the land. The final cost of construction is expected to be $80 million to $100 million.

Simpsonville’s Municipal Complex completes first phase

Greenville County Councilman Butch Kirven with past and present Simpsonville city government leaders at the Simpsonville Municipal Complex dedication. Photo by Jeannie Putnam

After nearly two years of construction, the first phase of the Simpsonville Municipal Complex project is complete.

In early November, city employees moved into a new combined City Hall, police department and fire department headquarters on the 400 block of East Curtis Street in downtown Simpsonville. The municipal and magistrate courts moved into the new Summary Court building in early December.

The city’s Gracely Park reopened the week of Thanksgiving and work on the project’s second phase is underway following the demolition of the old police and fire department buildings to make way for a great lawn and amphitheater. Construction on the project is expected to be complete in spring 2025.

The Mill at Fountain Inn opens, transforming historic site

Photo by Tiare-Leiana Solis

Just more than two years since it was first announced, The Mill at Fountain Inn opened June 3. The hub broke ground in February 2023, refurbishing three historic structures. The Mill at Fountain Inn includes the brewery, a common area and a food hall along with a substantial green space behind the buildings. The Mill at Fountain Inn’s food hall opened Nov. 15.

Greer makes $100M investment in four projects

The city of Greer announced in March it would invest $100 million over four years in four major projects. The projects include $60 million to develop a new 150,000-square-foot sports and events center on 25 acres, $11 million to construct a fire station in the Groce Meadow Road area, $17 million to build a public safety police and fire training facility on Hood Road, and $12 million to erect a more than 500-space parking garage on Depot Street.

Travelers Rest hires city administrator

The city of Travelers Rest welcomed Shannon Herman, as its new city administrator, on Feb. 26. She replaced Eric Vinson, who retired Dec. 29 after 29 years of government service, including five years as Travelers Rest city administrator. Herman has 17 years of experience in local government administration.

The post 2024 rewind: Cities and towns appeared first on GREENVILLE JOURNAL.

NYT bestselling author Grady Hendrix to promote new novel in Greenville

Jeannie Putnam — Sat, 28 Dec 2024 23:00:32 +0000

Grady Hendrix, screenwriter and New York Times bestselling author, will make a stop at the Radio Room in Greenville to promote his latest novel, “Witchcraft for Wayward Girls.”

Drawing inspiration from two relatives who were sent as away during their teen years to stay in a home for unwed mothers, Hendrix set out to give readers a look into these places while adding a supernatural twist.

The horror novel follows a group of teenage girls who are sent to Wellwood House in St. Augustine, Florida, in the summer of 1970 to have their babies. During her stay at the facility, 15-year-old Fern meets a librarian who gives her an occult book about witchcraft, and power is in the hands of the girls for the first time in their lives. However, power can destroy as easily as it creates, and it’s never given freely.

“I have two relatives who very late in their lives both revealed they were sent away as teenagers to a home for unwed mothers,” Hendrix said. “No one knew and it was really mind-blowing. One of them reunited with her son and the other never reunited with her daughter. That always really stuck with me. I always thought this home in the middle of nowhere, where you are hidden from the world with other pregnant girls and you’ve all been told you were the worst people ever, there’s a story there.”

With the idea in mind, Hendrix started conducting research by going to St. Augustine for a week to read local papers from the early 1970s. He also looked through various catalogs from 1969 and 1970 to look at the clothes people were wearing, read stories about homes for unwed mothers and talked with medical experts and mothers about pregnancy and childbirth so he could depict it correctly in his book. Then he introduced the supernatural element to his story.

“I did two drafts of this book without witches in it,” Hendrix said. “It took me a while to be like, ‘right, witches,’ because witches have always been associated with childbirth. Whether there’s the urban legend that witches are midwives that are falsely accused of witchcraft or witches steal children. Witches and childbirth have always gone together.”

Hendrix’s appearance Jan. 28, 2025, is an off-site event hosted by M.Judson Booksellers. Admission is $35 per person and includes a copy of “Witchcraft for Wayward Girls.” For more information, visit mjudsonbooks.com.

The post NYT bestselling author Grady Hendrix to promote new novel in Greenville appeared first on GREENVILLE JOURNAL.

2024 rewind: Books we loved

Jeannie Putnam — Tue, 24 Dec 2024 04:00:04 +0000

Whether it was fiction or nonfiction, old or new, these are the books the Community Journals staff loved reading this year.

‘The Nightingale’ by Kristin Hannah

Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres and this year, I discovered Kristin Hannah’s books. Set in France during World War II, the novel introduces us to 18-year-old Isabelle and her long-estranged sister, Vianne. After Isabelle is expelled from boarding school, her father sends her to live with her sister in the quiet village of Carriveau. As the story progresses, the two sisters go down separate paths as they to try to survive and resist the German occupation.

— Jeannie Putnam, editorial assistant, Greenville Journal and Upstate Business Journal

‘Edge of Collapse’ by Kyla Stone

I really got into post-apocalyptic books at one point this year. Kyla Stone’s “Edge of Collapse” series had me engrossed with good, complex characters and dialogue and scenarios that aren’t too far out of the range of possibilities of what could happen.

— Sherry Jackson, vice president, content and digital, Community Journals

‘Planet Walker’ by John Francis

This year I really enjoyed reading “Planet Walker” by John Francis. He is an author, traveler, student and teacher who has traveled from coast to coast across the United States, visited Antarctica and sailed through the Caribbean. He has done this all without the use of motorized travel. During a heavy year of traveling myself through various methods of transportation, I found his geographical and environmental awareness inspirational. In 1971, he witnessed an oil spill in California’s San Francisco Bay, which was the catalyst to his life’s work and journey. I recommend this book to anyone seeking to gain a greater understanding of activism and stewardship to our planet and those around us.

— Tori Skelton, marketing consultant, Community Journals

‘Their Eyes Were Watching God’ by Zora Neale Hurston

My book club selects a classic each year, and this year we read “Their Eyes Were Watching God,” a book I somehow missed as a student. I became captivated by the vivid language and by Janie’s compelling inner dialogue as she created a fulfilling life amid difficult circumstances. Published in 1937, the themes of independence and self-determination still resonate today. I am not an audiobook person (yet), but I did listen to part of this book on a long drive, and actress Ruby Dee’s masterful narration took the story to new heights.

— Leigh Savage, executive editor, TOWN and atHome magazines

‘The Defining Decade’ by Meg Jay

Oh, 20s. Volatile, formative, anxiety producing 20s. This book is a must for anyone who is close too, deep in, or just past their twentysomething years. Highlighting real life twentysomethings and their personal trials and tribulations, this book is eerily relatable, in the absolute best ways. I left this read with applicable tools to tackle the woes of careers and jobs, money and relationships, and finding little parts of myself along the way.

— Marissa McClain, executive assistant and account manager, Community Journals

‘Rabid: A Cultural History of the World’s Most Diabolical Virus’ by Bill Wasik and Monica Murphy

This 2012 book is a gruesomely engaging look at humanity’s exceptionally long history with rabies. From ancient Babylon to 19th century America, stories of this virus through history are probably the source of some of our deepest fears and folklore about vampires, werewolves and zombies. The book even presents a pretty good case American author Edgar Allan Poe succumbed to rabies in 1849.

— Jay King, senior staff writer, Community Journals

‘Theo of Golden’ by Allen Levi

If you’re interested in reading a book that is part mystery (who is this guy?) and part message of how people in small towns come together, this is your book. “Theo of Golden” is the first novel by Allen Levi, a former attorney, traveling musician and children’s book author. Set in a small town in Georgia named Golden, Theo arrives as an unknown, quickly develops friendships, does good deeds, and creates a purposeful life for himself and others in Golden. You’ll find it is hard to put down until the end.

— Lynn Greenlaw, editor-in-chief, atHome magazine

‘The End of Race Politics: Arguments for a Colorblind America’ by Coleman Hughes

heard an interview with this author, Coleman Hughes, and was compelled to read the book. It sounds like a controversial topic, but he gives us some history lessons that are not part of the mainstream talking points, and he makes reasonable and persuasive arguments. In the United States, we are in an era of intentional division of people. As a counterpoint, the author reminds us that we are all just human beings. We don’t experience life as an “average” based on how we could be grouped by some arbitrary measure like color, religion, or heritage. Each individual experiences life in his or her own unique way; we should be regarded as individuals. I like reading books or articles from a variety of perspectives, because it gives me the opportunity to form my own opinions. An interesting and introspective read.

— Margaret Louv, accounting manager, Community Journals

‘When Cicadas Cry’ by Caroline Cleveland

I read “When Cicadas Cry” on a freelance assignment earlier this year. In particular, I loved that it was set in the Lowcountry but written by an attorney about two inextricably linked legal cases. Its author, Caroline Cleveland, wrote the bulk of the novel in four months and managed to weave in historic places in the Lowcountry while masterfully commenting on race-related topics and even tackling relatable professional insecurities through its main character, Zach Stander. Despite those heavy overtones, the story is a gripping legal thriller.

— Tiare Solís, staff writer, Community Journals

The Seven and Half Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton

I originally bought this book on whim. A murder mystery with a gorgeous cover? Im sold. I did not intend to love this book to a point of suggesting It to anyone who will listen. An interesting spin on the usual who-done-it, the reader lives the same day over and over, and each day wakes up as a different person. I loved trying to solve this mystery through the eyes of everyone involved, as well as the creativity behind experiencing each person’s personal strife. Overall, I found this different and interesting and will be reading the rest of what Stuart Turton has to offer.
— Anna Walker, graphic designer, Community Journals

The post 2024 rewind: Books we loved appeared first on GREENVILLE JOURNAL.

Upstate author’s new book inspired by news reports on wildfires

Jeannie Putnam — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 00:00:01 +0000

Reading the news about wildfires in California and Canada inspired Upstate author Veronica Henry’s new book, “A Breathless Sky.”

The science fiction novel is the second in Henry’s “The Scorched Earth” series and follows a sister and brother who take opposing sides on the fate of the human race as a climate disaster wreaks havoc. Syrah Carthan, a tour guide for the Sequoia National Park, wants to save all humans while her brother, Romelo, wants humankind to get what it deserves. To protect the forests, he’s already instigated one battle that ended in chaos and death. To reverse the near extinction of the magnificent trees, Romelo’s next move is to conspire with the sequoias themselves.

“I am very selective in what I watch, but I was watching and reading something about the forest fires happening in California and Canada,” Henry said. “What particularly struck me was what I was reading about Sequoia National Park in California and how many of them (the trees) were lost. We’re talking hundreds of thousands of acres of scorched land. (As) I came to understand the loss was going to have a significant impact on our environment, I got really curious, and that curiosity led me to do more research.”

With the spark of inspiration drawn from the reports she read, Henry reached out to a research librarian in Raleigh, North Carolina, who led her to additional information about the climate and environment. From there, she talked to individuals in the National Park Service about Sequoia National Park, and the fire department that dealt with the California fires.

After doing the research, she began to craft her novel and develop the characters by asking herself questions like “what if the trees were as angry as some of the people” and “how do the animals feel about the fires.” From those questions, she gave the trees a voice by developing Romelo and used Syrah to represent the firefighters who live there and deal with the consequences of the fires.

“All of my stories are very character driven,” Henry said. “Even though I set up the world first, my focus is on what makes those people human, what makes them act the way they do and what stories do they want to tell, both from the good guy’s and bad guy’s perspective. In all my stories, the bad guy feels he really has a point. In this story, Romelo feels what he wants to do is important because he wants to save the trees.”

“A Breathless Sky” was released Dec. 17. For more information, visit veronicahenry.net.

The post Upstate author’s new book inspired by news reports on wildfires appeared first on GREENVILLE JOURNAL.

Mauldin approves $4.25M bond issue to support stadium: City Council notes

Jeannie Putnam — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 17:00:36 +0000

Here is a recap of the Mauldin City Council meeting on Dec. 16.

Final approval: Bond issue to support construction of stadium

Council approved an ordinance to issue a hospitality and accommodations tax revenue bond for up to $4.25 million to support the construction of the Greenville Pro Soccer’s new multipurpose stadium at BridgeWay Station.

The 10,000-seat facility, which will serve as home to the Greenville Triumph SC and Greenville Liberty, is expected to cost $80 to $100 million. The project will also be supported by $45 million in private funding and $10 million from the state. Greenville Pro Soccer is also seeking $14 million from Greenville County’s hospitality and accommodations tax fund.

Initial approval: Rezoning for townhomes

Council approved a request to rezone two acres along Fowler Circle near West Butler Road. The applicant, Red Oak Developers, is planning to construct up to 38 townhomes on the property, which is adjacent to the Sunview Townhomes community. This item will go before the City Council for final approval Jan. 20, 2025.

Final approval: Property sale for East Butler Improvement Project

Council approved an ordinance to sell a portion of Maverick Station’s property at the corner of East Butler Road and state Highway 276 to the South Carolina Department of Transportation. The property will be used as part of the agency’s Butler Road Improvement Project, which includes stormwater and intersection changes, and a 10-foot-wide, multi-use path.

Maverick Station will lose some of its parking spaces, and its water vault and sign will need to be relocated. The city will receive $189,750 from SCDOT for the property and the funds will be used to build additional parking spaces for public use.

The post Mauldin approves $4.25M bond issue to support stadium: City Council notes appeared first on GREENVILLE JOURNAL.

Greer author featured in latest ‘Chicken Soup for the Soul’ collection

Jeannie Putnam — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Greer author Carol Gentry Allen’s short story “Unwrapped Gifts” is featured in “Chicken Soup for the Soul: Tales of Christmas.”

The book features a collection of holiday stories from contributors across the U.S. and Canada. Allen’s story was inspired by an encounter with a lady at the O’Hare International Airport in Chicago that made her realize how material things do not matter as much as the people you love.

“I was in Chicago speaking, and at the airport getting ready to go back home the plane had mechanical problems, so I had to sit and wait,” Allen said. “There was a lady sitting beside me and I was actually getting pretty sick. She had a bag in her hand and said, ‘I think you need to eat something.’ She pulled a ham sandwich out to hand it to me. She was talking about how the best gift at Christmastime was family and friends. She had lost her husband the Christmas before. (She) was a really delightful lady. It made me realize what really mattered is that I had my family.”

Allen’s story is featured alongside 100 other works in “Chicken Soup for the Soul: Tales of Christmas.” Proceeds from the book will support the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program. For more information, visit chickensoup.com/book/tales-of-christmas.

The post Greer author featured in latest ‘Chicken Soup for the Soul’ collection appeared first on GREENVILLE JOURNAL.

Fountain Inn advances rezoning for downtown hotel: City Council notes

Jeannie Putnam — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 16:30:51 +0000

Here is a recap of the Fountain Inn City Council meeting on Dec. 12:

Initial approval: Rezoning for hotel

Council approved plans to rezone 3.1 acres at 300 Jones St. The applicant, Baker Commercial Properties LLC, plans to develop a 66,000-square-foot, nationally-branded hotel with 109 rooms.

If approved, the development would be eligible for tax credits under the South Carolina Textile Communities Revitalization Act. This item will go before the City Council for final approval Jan. 9, 2025.

Approved: 2025 Council meeting schedule

Council approved its 2025 meeting schedule, which includes Jan. 9, Feb. 13, March 13, April 10, May 8, June 12, July 10, Aug. 14, Sept. 11, Oct. 9, Nov. 13 and Dec. 1. All meetings will be held at 6 p.m. at 300 Wall St. in Fountain Inn.

Other item: Emanuel Sullivan Sports Complex receives award

During his report to Council, City Administrator Shawn Bell announced the Emanuel Sullivan Sports Complex was honored with the South Carolina Sports Field Managers Association’s 2024 Sporting Grounds Field of the Year Award.

The post Fountain Inn advances rezoning for downtown hotel: City Council notes appeared first on GREENVILLE JOURNAL.

Simpsonville holds dedication ceremony for new Municipal Complex

Jeannie Putnam — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 17:15:55 +0000

Simpsonville city officials and staff, and local government leaders gathered together Dec. 11 to dedicate the Simpsonville Municipal Complex.

“This is truly a historic moment for the city,” said Simpsonville Mayor Paul Shewmaker. “Our municipal complex is a symbol of progress, collaboration and vision. It’s more than just bricks and mortar. It represents the heart of a thriving community. It’s built to serve our city for decades to come.”

Simpsonville’s city employees moved into the combined City Hall/police department and fire department headquarters in early November, most of the city’s Gracely Park reopened the week of Thanksgiving and both municipal and summary courts started operating out of the new courthouse in early December.

City Council also held its first two meetings in the complex Nov. 12 and Dec. 10. Here is a recap of the December meeting.

Final approval: Zoning updates

Council approved several refinements to its zoning ordinances, including:

Increasing the minimum front yard setback requirement from 15 to 20 feet in Residential-Medium Density districts.
Bringing alcohol regulations for the city into greater alignment with the state by removing the city prohibition of bar or drinking facilities within 100 feet of a residential zoning district.
Allowing electronic signage on city property to promote city events.

Other item: Commission and board appointments

Council appointed Stockton Wells to the Planning Commission and David Watkins and Adair Hill to the Board of Zoning Appeals.

The post Simpsonville holds dedication ceremony for new Municipal Complex appeared first on GREENVILLE JOURNAL.

Hauntfest to bring its Christmassacre event to Greenville

Jeannie Putnam — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 20:00:24 +0000

Looking for a taste of Halloween in December? Hauntfest, an organization that has hosted Halloween haunt-themed gatherings in Athens, Georgia, and Arden, North Carolina, will bring its Christmassacre event to Greenville, beginning Dec. 13.

The three-day outdoor occasion will run from 2 p.m. to midnight, Dec. 13 through Dec. 15 outside of the Nightmare Dungeon Haunted Attraction at 645 Old Anderson Road.

Photo provided by Hauntfest

“I kind of like to describe it as a Renaissance Faire with a spooky twist,” said Roseann Harpold, founder of Hauntfest. “It’s an all-immersive experience with lots of things to do, see, buy and eat.”

Christmassacre will feature live music, a fire performer, vendors selling macabre or horror-themed art and products, face painting, trivia with prizes, axe throwing, and costume contests for adults and children.

“Sundays are more family-friendly,” Harpold said. “Friday and Saturday are more catered to adults, which means we don’t tell our bands to be radio edits on those days (and) the spooks (characters) are being extra scary. Any kids that may want to come and enjoy the activities (like) pumpkin painting, scavenger hunts and trick-or-treating, (Sunday) will be great for that. The ghouls won’t come out until after 6 p.m. and when they do, they will be less scary and more kid-friendly. We will also have a mini monster contest that day.”

Advance admission is $20 per day; $35 for Friday and Saturday, Saturday and Sunday or Friday and Sunday; or $50 for all three days. In-person tickets are $25 per day in person. For more information, visit hauntfest.net.

The post Hauntfest to bring its Christmassacre event to Greenville appeared first on GREENVILLE JOURNAL.

Simpsonville Arts Center to host ‘Angels in Simpsonville’ exhibition

Jeannie Putnam — Fri, 29 Nov 2024 09:00:16 +0000

“Angels in Simpsonville,” a collection of works featuring angels by six local artists, will open at the Simpsonville Arts Center Dec. 6.

Painting by Robin Zotara

The exhibit, which was organized by artist Robin Zotara and features her works as well as pieces by photographer Amy Evans, and painters and multimedia artists Vicky Vaughn, Judith Krone, Marty McGihon and Chris Graves, will be on display at 110 Academy St. in Simpsonville through Jan. 1, 2025.

Photo provided by Robin Zotara

All six artists will donate 10% of the sales from the exhibit to the Center for Community Services in Simpsonville.

To celebrate the exhibit’s opening, the Simpsonville Arts Center will host an art show from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 5. For more information, visit simpsonvilleartscenter.com.

The post Simpsonville Arts Center to host ‘Angels in Simpsonville’ exhibition appeared first on GREENVILLE JOURNAL.

Greenville Center for Creative Arts to exhibit ‘Past is Prologue’

Jeannie Putnam — Mon, 25 Nov 2024 11:00:22 +0000

Throughout a four-year period, artist Arden Cone crafted both sculptural and painted works to create her “Past is Prologue” collection.

The collection, consisting of Cone’s “Creosote Tears” sculpture series and her “Congressional Immunity” paintings, will be on display at Greenville Center for Creative Arts beginning Dec. 6.

Exploring her sculptural side

For Cone’s “Creosote Tears” works, she looked at the trauma of time by manipulating worn-out objects like tractor tires salvaged from her family’s farm.

“What I would do is take into account the materiality from which I was working and having that become part of the piece itself,” said Cone. “Some of the sculptural ones are more abstracted but at the same time they are actual objects.”

“Congressional Immunity” by Arden Cone. Photo provided by Arden Cone

Finding inspiration in American history

For Cone’s paintings, she looked into documentary photography and found the trauma in American history.

“The first paintings I started have to do with a particular photograph of the aftermath of January 6th.” Cone said. “It shows a view out of one of the infiltration points where the rioters entered The Capitol (and) the view out looks onto the Supreme Court building. Flanking the sides of the window frame are these two bronze doors. I started looking into those doors and they had a lot of history. They depict the life of Christopher Columbus.”

“Trinket Dish (Jan. 7)” by Arden Cone. Photo provided by Arden Cone.

By combining her “Congressional Immunity” series with her sculptures, Cone has created a collection that she hopes will allow viewers to look at the past in a nuanced light.

“The record of time and the historical record and how we remember that,” said Cone. “One of the pieces in the exhibition is made out of a tractor tire that has this worn, thin tube. The paintings are sort of similarly about the trauma accrued over time and they look at more from a political perspective on how the past is related to the now.”

“Past is Prologue” will run from Dec. 6 to Jan. 29, 2025, at the Greenville Center for Creative Arts. The museum will also host an opening reception Dec. 6 from 6 to 9 p.m. and an ArtTalk with Cone Jan. 14, 2025, from 6 to 7 p.m.

For more information, visit artcentergreenville.org.

Arden Cone accomplishments

Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center’s 2024 Active Archive Residency

Completed residencies at Vermont Studio Center, Pike School of Art, and Chautauqua Institute School of Fine Arts.

The post Greenville Center for Creative Arts to exhibit ‘Past is Prologue’ appeared first on GREENVILLE JOURNAL.