Area artists offer a closer look at the creative process with the Twentieth Open Studios weekend.
Twenty years ago, a small group of area artists began a conversation—what would it look like to invite the general public into the creative process in an intimate, inspirational way? The answer became Open Studios, a beloved visual arts celebration when, one weekend each fall, creatives cast wide their studio doors and welcome in the curious. Some fifty artists participated in the inaugural event, which, organized by the Metropolitan Arts Council, has grown into a much anticipated weekend for art buyers and aspiring young artists alike.
“Greenville Open Studios has evolved into the premier weekend for the visual arts in our area,” says Metropolitan Arts Council Executive Director Alan Ethridge. “Since 2002, over 675,000 people have traveled throughout the region to the various studios and have purchased over $4.96 million in art.”
This fall, 150 artists across Greenville, Easley, Greer, Travelers Rest, and Simpsonville will participate as the public self-guides to varying studios via maps available in the Open Studios catalog or app. And while much may have changed since the initial tour in 2002, a considerable number of the original fifty artists remain; make sure to check out these mainstays on the tour.
Open Studios. November 12 & 13. Saturday, 10am–6pm, Sunday, noon–6pm. For more information, visit greenvillearts.com
2022 Open Studios Preview
Eric Benjamin | Oil
“When Open Studios began, I was privileged to be a young artist among some of Greenville’s more established amazing artists,” says Eric Benjamin, abstract oil painter and arts teacher. “Open Studios is a fantastic time to welcome the Greenville community to my studio space to see my art process, meet new collectors, and connect with old friends.”
A staple of the Greenville arts scene, Benjamin spent his early days at Bob Jones’ and Clemson University’s celebrated programs under the tutelage of standouts like Carl Blair and Mark Hudson. Primarily oil-based, Benjamin’s catchy, vibrant landscapes burst with blocks of unexpected color combinations. See him in action at his garage studio on East North Street.
1738 E North St. (864) 640-7000, fineartsalliance@gmail.com
Lynn Greer | watercolor
“I believe Open Studios is a tremendous myth buster, dispelling the belief that art is easy or magical,” says watercolor artist Lynn Greer. “The event reveals the variety of talent in our area and proves that the creative process involves education, practice, time, and, above all, persistence and dedication.”
Greer is grounded in the philosophy that artists should “paint what you know,” and finds inspiration in the people and places surrounding her, transforming everyday scenes into mystical mirages of color and light. A stop at Greer’s studio is an excellent place to find a one-of-a-kind Greenville-themed gift for the art aficionado in your life.
118 W Montclair Ave. (864) 370-9519, mechart@aol.com
Bob Chance | ceramic
A potter and Furman University arts professor for nearly three decades, Bob Chance recalls his many Open Studios experiences fondly.
“It has been a great pleasure to watch the Greenville arts scene grow in the last few decades and to observe how Greenville Open Studios has played a leading role in that blossoming,” Chance says. “The last twenty years have shown a vibrant expansion in the number of studio artists displaying their work and an embracing of local art by the Greenville community.”
Inspired by Chinese and Japanese works, as well as ancient Roman vessels, Chance’s ceramics explore color, shape, and texture in compelling yet functional forms. Visit his workspace just north of Cherrydale off Highway 276.
43 State Rd S-23-608. (864) 884-2657, bob.chance@furman.edu
