The Reserve and Its Community Foundation Lend Support to Local Artists


SUNSET, S.C., March 18, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Reserve at Lake Keowee community, together with its Community Foundation, announced today three current initiatives to support local artists. The community has partnered with the South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities to exhibit the work of the school's artists; in addition, it will host the works of four artists in the Blue Ridge Arts Center's POP Tour next month. The Reserve has also committed to a Collector-level sponsorship of ARTISPHERE, Greenville's Arts Weekend, by offering an "ARTISPHERE Getaway Weekend" contest that features accommodations and activities at The Reserve coupled with $500 spending money at ARTISPHERE.

"The Upstate's thriving arts community enriches each of the families who live in or own property at The Reserve," said Mike Agee, the community's director of marketing. "Our community is proud to host two exciting local art exhibits and support ARTISPHERE again this year; both are ways we can ensure the arts continue to flourish in our area for years to come."

"The Kids Are Alright" Governor's School for the Arts Exhibit

For the remainder of the month, a collection of landscapes from the South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities (GSAH) will be on display at The Reserve at Lake Keowee's Hill House. These pieces come from the school's permanent collection and were created by students who are now alumni of the school. The selected works were completed while each artist was a student at the school; they are of a variety of media and sizes.

The GSAH Visual Arts Program develops students' conceptual and creative skills with studio work including drawing, painting, ceramics, graphic design, metals, photography, printmaking, two- and three-dimensional design and sculpture. Students work with established artists to prepare portfolios for higher education and careers in the arts. 

 "We are delighted to support the work of the Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities with our 'The Kids Are Alright' exhibit," added Kathryn Coleman-Gravely, Executive Director of The Reserve at Lake Keowee Community Foundation. "We are exhilarated by the talent, energy and passion this next generation of artists demonstrates already."

"The Kids Are Alright" Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities traveling exhibit will remain at the Hill House, located at 534 Pine Grove Church Road in Sunset, S.C., until March 30.  For more information, call (864) 481-4010 or email Kathryn Coleman-Gravely at kgravely@reservekeowee.com. Foundation-sponsored events and classes are open to the public.

"Hang it UP!" Blue Ridge Arts Tour

The Reserve's Hill House Gallery will host the Blue Ridge Arts Center's POP Tour on April 30 and May 1 and display their "Hang it UP!" exhibit from April 4 to May 19. The exhibit will feature the work of four Georgia artists: Kathy Bryant, Henley Cleary, Diane Geiger and Barbara Bryant Hart.  These artists, in addition to offering their works for sale, will also be doing live demonstrations.

Kathy Bryant, an artist specializing in woodwork and mixed media, turns what would become waste into dazzlingly creative projects. Henley Cleary creates uniquely beautiful pieces of jewelry. Diane Geiger's work includes drawing, acrylic painting, printmaking, papermaking, ceramics and encaustic painting, and is known for her vivid use of color. Barbara Bryant Hart, who works with cold wax and oil, encaustic and mixed media, has traveled extensively and has many juried shows to her credit.

"Each of the four artists whose works will be featured in 'Hang it UP!' adds a vibrant aesthetic and a singular perspective to the exhibit," commented Coleman-Gravely. "We are thrilled to showcase their works for from April 4 to May 19 and host the Blue Ridge Arts Center's POP Tour April 30 and May 1. This is a remarkable opportunity for our community to interact with local artists."

The POP tour is an open studio tour of artists in the Pickens, Oconee and Pendleton county areas.  Maps of the various studios on the tour and information will be available at the Hill House Gallery, 534 Pine Grove Church Road in Sunset, S.C., or online at www.blueridgeartscenter.com

ARTISPHERE Weekend Getaway

The Reserve is a Collector-level sponsor of ARTISPHERE, Greenville's Arts Weekend taking place May 13-15. The Reserve's sponsorship includes partnering with ARTISPHERE to create a two-night, three-day weekend at The Reserve, complete with overnight accommodations, on-site activities, two weekend VIP hospitality passes to enjoy ARTISPHERE and a $500 gift certificate to spend on art at ARTISPHERE. The Reserve's second annual "ARTISPHERE Getaway Weekend" contest kicked off recently on the ARTISPHERE web site, www.ARTISPHERE.us. The winner's name will be drawn on Friday, May 6.

"We are proud to partner with The Reserve at Lake Keowee once again to promote the arts in such an engaging way," said Kerry Murphy, the festival's Executive Director. "This getaway weekend will allow its winners to experience a world of approachable arts at the festival as well as the ability to enjoy a relaxing weekend in an arts-supportive community. We are confident this contest will be well received by those planning to enjoy ARTISPHERE this spring."

About ARTISPHERE

ARTISPHERE is an annual signature event for Greenville, SC, showcasing the arts, reflecting the area's international flair, and maximizing existing arts programs by providing a diverse menu of experiences that center around the arts visual and performing and Greenville's multi-cultural offerings to appeal to visitors from throughout the world, as well as citizens throughout the region. ARTISPHERE is committed to celebrating the arts and Greenville's rich international and multi-cultural flair by providing a high-quality event that attracts, entertains, educates, inspires, and enriches a diverse audience and thus brings the community together through the arts. ARTISPHERE is presented by Carolina First. To learn more, visit www.ARTISPHERE.us.

About The Reserve at Lake Keowee's Community Foundation

The Reserve at Lake Keowee Community Foundation is a non-profit organization created to enhance the quality of life at The Reserve and in the local area while fulfilling a sense of community and philanthropy here for The Reserve's members. The Foundation sponsors regular cultural events including concerts, plays, lectures, and an annual art festival. The Foundation is funded and supported by a transfer fee of ¼ of 1% of every sale, provided in perpetuity, within The Reserve. The Foundation has four major functions:  1. Environment: to promote environmental stewardship and provide a greater understanding and appreciation of the area's natural resources. 2. Education:  to provide educational and enrichment programs for Reserve property owners and the surrounding community. 3. Arts:  to promote cultural initiatives for property owners and the surrounding community, with both visual and performing arts. 4. Outreach: to assist charitable organizations and facilitate property owner volunteerism in Pickens County and surrounding communities. For more information about The Reserve's Community Foundation, see www.ReserveAtLakeKeowee.com or call (864) 481-4010.

About The Reserve at Lake Keowee

The Reserve enjoys 30 miles of shoreline on Lake Keowee and convenient access to Greenville, Asheville, and Clemson University.  A 200-slip Marina, Village Center, and Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course highlight more than $100 million in completed family amenities. The community has approximately 650 members from 30 different states.  Members and their extended families—including parents, grandparents, children, and grandchildren – enjoy club privileges under the new, multi-generational Legacy Membership program.  The Reserve was created in 2000 by Greenwood Communities and Resorts. The community features 3,900 acres in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, including 1,400 acres of parks, preserves, trails and green space.  Homesites start under $100,000.  To learn more, call 877-922-LAKE (5253), visit www.ReserveAtLakeKeowee.com, or read the official community blog at www.LifeOnKeowee.com.

Anne Smith
Avery Smith Communications
(864) 360-3176
averysmithcomm@gmail.com

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The following files are available for download:

wkr0001.pdf The Reserve Supports Local Arts press release