Graphic courtesy of Friday Arts Project
Friday Arts Project was founded in 2006 as a way to connect artists across the Rock Hill community. The organization, led by president Carlee Hyland, executive director Kirk Erwin and creative director Sarah Kenney Irwin; strives to continue a conversation about their individual artistic crafts and how to grow in them together. They meet each Friday to inspire creativity and artistic endeavors within their community by expanding beyond just their collection of creatives.
“Friday Arts Project is a nonprofit arts collective, and we focus on curating conversations about art,” says president of the Winthrop chapter, Anna Goldstein. “We help people to foster their craft so that we can be the best humans we can be. Because we believe that art helps us to be the best people that we can be.”
The true vision statement of Friday Arts Project is “Beauty exists where truth and goodness meet mystery- Art.” They mainly value the traits of generosity, wonder, and craft– striving to reflect each in their weekly meetings. Every Friday, the group has a discussion at Amelie’s French Bakery in Rock Hill to talk about different topics in art and culture. They hone in on articles from the internet, and hold an open-minded discussion. Anyone is welcome to come to these discussions, and they are held promptly at 7 a.m.
Friday Arts Project recently became an organization on Winthrop’s campus in March 2019. The Winthrop organization meets each Thursday at 7 p.m. at The Fishbowl (DIGS 114). They pride themselves on harvesting creativity and excitement for arts amongst students. The Winthrop Friday Arts Project staff includes Brandi and Chris Fox, Winthrop alumni and artists, as well as Dennissa Young, a performance artist.
Previous events for Friday Arts Project includes a pie and prosecco fundraising party including “draw me” opportunities. The fundraising event was executed took place in April, and guests were invited to purchase slices of pie or beverages in support of the organization. The event was a success for the organization.
In addition to events for the community, Friday Arts Project holds gallery events for local artists. They displayed the “Tell Me” exhibit from May to June 2019 in the Courtroom Gallery; including works by artist Caitlin Harvey and the durational performance “Will You Hold My Hand” by Dennissa Young. In August 2019, they displayed the “Easy Company” reception including new print and mixed media pieces by artist Lila Shul. The organization continues to unveil the art of their members and community artists in new and creative ways. They use different art forms to connect and create.
Despite their name, this organization actually meets more often than just on Fridays. In fact, they hold a bi-monthly “Drawing Nite” at the Getty’s Art Center in Old Town Rock Hill. These events are held on the first and third Monday nights each month, and artists are invited to bring their medium of choice to draw on. The subject of these works of art are either models or still-life.
A few events on the fall calendar for this organization are film screenings for “Lars and The Real Girl” (Sept. 13), “Loving Vincent” (Oct. 4) and “Clueless” (Nov. 11). The group will also be coordinating a trip to see Van Gogh’s exhibit in Columbia in the fall.
Another unique activity that the ever-artistic Friday Arts Project holds are sketchbook sessions. They held several sketchbook binding and creating sessions last year; and gave some out at convocation.
