In 1992, Upstate Visual Arts was a newly-minted group of artists looking to kick things up a notch from its predecessor, the Greenville Arts Guild. The task force that guided the transformation from Guild to UVA was mulling options when Paul Ellis of Greenville's Parks and Recreation Department suggested an outdoor art festival.
That's all Jane Todd Butcher, Sheila Cheek, and Scottie Hodge needed to hear.
The trio, with Butcher as UVA's first president, plotted out a new event that included an exhibition of work by UVA members and the involvement of local societies dedicated to specific art forms such as painting, basketry, and woodworking. The member exhibition remains a centerpiece of Art in the Park, as does the participation of the art societies.
The early UVA leadership also convinced The Greenville News to lend a hand. The paper has been the festival's presenting sponsor ever since, every year publishing this special guide to Art in the Park.
From the original organizing trio, Cheek served as festival chair for year two (when the Children's Activity Area was added), and Hodge for the following eight. Marilyn Daly was chair in 2002, and Lisa Conner in 2003 and 2004. Many artists who participated in the early festivals continue to be involved, including Lynn Greer, Ruthie and Chris Sumter, Jennifer Henderson, Tad Hill, John and Christina Sagartz, and Jane Todd Butcher.
The first eight festivals were held in Cleveland Park, near the zoo and playgrounds. While the sounds of screeching monkeys did not hinder the festival's visual nature, space became an issue as more and more artists and activities were added over the years.
In 2000, Art in the Park moved to The South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities. More correctly, the festival moved in and around the School, winding along sidewalks and parking lots and even into a building or two. The tenure included one of the more memorable events, when in 2002, rain soaked the faithful festival-goers on Saturday and washed out the Sunday schedule.
During the roomier run at The Governor's School, festival organizers couldn't help but notice the construction at Falls Park across the Reedy River. The striking Liberty Bridge and its two plazas, along with up-and-coming South Main Street, were mighty attractive. So in 2004 Art in the Park returned to its roots as a park-based event and helped unveil Falls Park to Greenville.
2005 and 2006 drew incredible crowds and continued to grew and expand. Now in it’s 17th year, Art in the Park 2008 will move to Fluor Field at the West End! We will be inside the new stadium and on the surrounding streets. The festival has grown in every way imaginable and has increased its artists participation by 30% this year! Come join the fun!