GALLERY: Artisphere lights up downtown Greenville

When colorful booths popped up on South Main Street, vibrant fabric swaddled the Eugenia Duke Bridge and the aromas of food hung in the air, Greenvillians knew it must be the first weekend of May – time for Artisphere, consistently ranked one of the country’s top arts festivals.

The 18^th Artisphere, held May 6-8, showcased more than 100 visual artists on Artist’s Row, selected from a group of 828 applicants from 28 states. Exhibiting for this first time this year was painter Katherine Irvin, assistant director of creative services for University Communications. The Furman University Performance Plaza featured entertainment from the Furman Faculty Jazz Quartet, Centre Stage, South Carolina Children’s Theatre, the Greenville Textile Heritage Band and Glow Lyric Theatre, among many others.

The Culinary Arts Café on the Main Street Bridge served up favorites from local eateries, and the Arts & Drafts event had spectators sipping craft beers and watching muralists in action. Artist’s demos, street performers, a juried exhibition, kids’ activities, chalk art and merchandise rounded out the experience for the approximately 69,000 expected to attend this year.

“Furman is Greenville’s university, and we benefit from a well-rounded community which includes access to all art forms,” said Chandra Dillard, Furman’s, director of community relations for Furman, who also represents the 23rd District in the South Carolina House of Representatives. “Our partnership with Artisphere advances the economic vitality of our region and promotes cultural awareness for those who live here and visit with us.”

Photos by Elizabeth Painter