2021 ANNUAL CELEBRATION

Katie Karban

Acrylic on Quilt, 2021

From the artist: "Living in Spartanburg, I have grown up in a place heavily influenced by the textile industry. The community around me is interwoven with this history more than a century in the making. The intricacies of this textile culture influence my artwork as well. My own family also has a history with textiles with both generational knowledge and handmade heirlooms passed down. I am interested in the way people can see their own identity through fabric based items, including quilts, patterns, and other handicraft. Fiber art media are frequently used to establish close-knit communities that work in unison to create and support one another, for example, a quilting circle. My work often tells a story based on a community member both through textile patterns and a painted portrait. 

The piece I created for this project is no exception. The story I selected is representative of community support, of understanding, family and friends. The quilt I sewed for the background is a log cabin pattern which can be used to represent home and family, or in this case community and family support. I chose to use a combination of lighter and darker fabrics to show both the positives and negatives in life with a shiny gold fabric in the center for hope. On top of this quilt is a portrait is painted, placing Katrina in the stitched environment that supports her, assisted by Libbie and the United Way."

Maggie Visk

Alcohol Ink Fire Painting, 2021

From the artist: "Of all the wonderful stories of United Way helping people, I chose to make a painting about Leanne. I wanted my piece to be as beautiful and strong as Leanne. A woman who cared about physical and internal beauty, who was strong and proud of her accomplishments and her ability to not only survive but thrive. I just hope I did her justice. That when she sees her portrait, she is reminded of not just what she has been through, but who she has become. 

Her story works well with my current medium, Alcohol Ink Fire Paintings. I use up-cycled frames to symbolize the life that has already been lived and paint directly on the glass with alcohol ink. The ink is set on fire, to represent the trials and tribulations we go through in life, as well as give the painting unique and organic shapes and patterns that unfold as the ink burns. The final product shows the beauty that comes from surviving pressure and strain. It is a very challenging medium, and is not easily controlled. To me, the metaphor of the fired ink works with life. It's hard, it's uncomfortable, it's uncontrollable, but there's beauty and goodness abounding in it as well."

Jessica Scott-Felder

Digital Painting, 2021

From the artist: "Jerry's story confirms that heroes come from a variety of experiences. I was compelled to convey a portrait of Jerry's essence that captured the vibrancy of a bright day. Imagining him with tools in tow, Jerry probably sees aspects of the Spartanburg landscape on foot that many rarely experience. With his eyes seeing challenging and beautiful spaces, Jerry keeps our communities inspiring while encouraging community pride through landscape beautification."

Nancy Corbin

Pen, Ink, and Watercolor on Paper, 2021

From the artist: "In the foreground a sundrenched path leads the viewer along an interplay of golden light, deep shadows and abundant produce representing forward motion toward healthy goals. The architectural structure and the urban farm in the background exemplify support from and for our community. The figures in the composition serve to remind viewers of the teamwork needed to grow good works. The youth working at the market hands a small child an apple representing the idea of paying it forward. In the background a hope-filled sunrise sends warming rays to the viewer."

Monta Anthony

Oil on Canvas, 2021

From the artist: "The reason I chose this story is because when I worked at the Art Lounge on Main Street in downtown Spartanburg, I watched the school bus drop off children every day at a local motel. I also saw police cars and ambulances go in and out of the motel on a regular basis. It was heartbreaking to know there were families without a home, forced to live in such conditions. 

I was so happy for this family to get a home, and I visualized this little house in my neighborhood for them! I also loved that the daughter was attending Clemson so I included the Clemson flag flying proudly on the front porch. When the sun is out it alway seems to be shining on this house. What a great story full of light for this family!"

Katherine Rausch

Oil on Canvas, 2021

From the artist: "Like so many artists, I found myself expressing myself through my art. 2020 had left me feeling alone and disconnected from life as they knew it. I questioned humanity. I reevaluated my life. I search for the true meaning of integrity. Had we lost it? When? Was it ever there? Smiles on our faces being hidden by masks intended to protect us. Distance meant to further protect us, from us. Yet I found myself reveling in the idea of seclusion. After all, artists live for solitude. We rejoice in the confines of our studios.

I emerged knowing that human interaction was essential. Hope is an emotion that cannot be compromised or forgotten. Giving of yourself to others was more than a piece of art or stage design. Sharing knowledge and resources strengthens communities and builds from the inside out. To give of yourself to others leaves you feeling more accomplished than preconceived notions of what success is. We need to be able to touch others and be there for one another and the planet."