On a recent sunny Saturday, I enjoyed time in Falls Park (and Jorge Marín’s fantastic Wings of the City exhibition). Nature was in technicolor—leaves bursting in lime, azaleas in hot pink. I sat on the stone wall admiring it all, a beam of sunlight illuminating the air. Wind carried voices and laughter. It was a simple moment, yet layered with meaning—as so many simple moments are.
As we move into May, there is a palpable shift happening—our world is regaining steam as we’re coming, ever cautiously, back to life. Events that were put on hold are returning, albeit in reimagined ways this year. We have devoted a significant part of our Arts Issue to highlighting the return of Artisphere in downtown Greenville, May 7–9. This year, the festival is ticketed with specific time slots to enjoy artists from here and beyond. In a gallery-like feature presentation, we spotlight twelve of our favorites who will take part (click here for our “Art Show.”)
Throughout this edition, we’ve the gamut of creators, from self-taught painter Laurie Buck to Spartanburg couple Jae Page and Frankie Zombie, whose vibrant work is like visual jazz. Jeni Cain, owner of Monkee’s of the West End, guided her shop through a pandemic and a total renovation. Amanda Bennett, owner of Bennetts’ Frame & Gallery, turns her expert eye to creating beautiful home accessories via her side venture, Amanda Carol Home.
Film takes renewed focus courtesy of cameras from Spartan Photo; a new luxury hotel in Nashville is bedecked in contemporary art; Clemson professor and author J. Drew Lanham has a penchant for birds. The Warehouse Theatre upended its programming to bring virtual shows to an international audience. Young culinary talent Jen Anderson of popular restaurant GB&D crafts uncommon custom cakes, and craft cocktails easily find a place at your next picnic, courtesy of these canned options.
An innate aspect of our humanness is the drive to create. It satisfies us in many ways but is linked to our need for connection. Creating is communicating, whether through visual art, writing, performance, or culinary wizardry. May you be inspired and uplifted by our community’s artistic vibes.
TOWN Magazine, TOWN Magazine, TOWN Magazine, Taking Flight, Taking Flight.
