Discover Western South Carolina’s Thriving Arts Scene

McCormick Arts Council

South Carolinians don’t have to head to the coast or even a major city to immerse themselves in the arts. The western part of the state is a hub of creativity that’s full of hidden gems – think philharmonic orchestras, homemade pottery and arts education. Eager to learn more? Here’s a glimpse of the vibrant arts scene in Western South Carolina.

Aiken County 

Aiken County boasts the Aiken Center for the Arts, Aiken Youth Orchestra, Aiken Civic Ballet Co. and Aiken Community Theatre – all of which are tapping local talent and offering a variety of lessons and performances. Then, there’s the Aiken Symphony Orchestra, a nonprofit professional symphony led by music director and conductor Scott Weiss. 

“Aiken has a really vibrant arts community,” Weiss says. “I can’t tell you how many people in Aiken I’ve met who are from the Northeast or Midwest and who have retired in Aiken in part because the arts are so strong – and it’s not just retirees. It is a lovely place to live.” 

Weiss says he’s met locals who previously held season tickets to orchestras like the New York Philharmonic who are now loyal patrons of the Aiken Symphony. 

Edgefield County 

Master potter Justin Guy, who grew up in Edgefield County, credits his adopted grandmother, Diamond Lloyd, with teaching him about the style of pottery that has been made in the county since 1805. 

Guy says Edgefield pottery was historically used to store up to 40 gallons of food and drink. Over the years, the style shifted from plain glazed ceramic vats to more decorative – yet still practical – jugs. 

“We call them ‘clay clans,’” Guy says of the many local families who created Edgefield pottery. “They wanted to make their wares look better, so they started decorating them with images … just to make it a little bit nicer than cousin so-and-so’s work.” 

In 2022 and 2023, New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art curated “Hear Me Now: The Black Potters of Old Edgefield, South Carolina,” an exhibition displaying plain wares, those decorated with floral motifs and everyday scenes, and even striking jugs that resemble human faces. 

Stephen Stinson

McCormick County 

In an era when public school art programs are rapidly disappearing, Heather McNally, director of programs and development for the McCormick Arts Council at the Keturah (MACK), is especially proud the organization partners with McCormick County Schools to provide arts education in the form of student art exhibits, field trips and activities, and the development of individualized learning tracks for students. 

“The commitments we’re making to arts education have long-term impact,” she says. “You need to see yourself and be represented in your community to see value. We don’t believe your ZIP code should determine your success and your ability.” 

The MACK is also rehabilitating the historic Keturah Hotel, which has been its home since the 1980s. In keeping with its mission of making the arts accessible to all, it’s adding a four-story stairwell and an elevator, among other important structural updates. Once the project is completed, the building will also have a kiln room, youth art space, a kitchen and event space. 

Saluda County 

History and the arts collide in Saluda County, as the area is full of gorgeous architecture. The art deco-style Saluda Theatre, built in 1936, is one of the few remaining such theaters in the U.S. today, says Mike Berry, a Saluda Historical Society volunteer. 

“It was once the center of the town and had five different movies each week,” Berry says. 

Upon falling into disrepair in the 1980s, it was purchased by the Saluda County Council and donated to the society, which made renovations. 

“The theaters of that era were built with acoustical tiles that were laid in the wall work instead of sheetrock,” Berry says. “All that had to be restored.” 

Other notable restored buildings in the county include The Bonham House, built in 1780, and the early 19th-century Marsh-Johnson House, which Berry calls “an excellent example of the plantation plain house.” 

Bonus: Meet Two MACK Artists

Get to know two talented artists who call this area home. 

LADY J: A MACK resident artist and a McCormick native thriving in Western South Carolina, Jai “Lady J” Jones has been a singer with several bands for over 25 years as well as lead singer for her own Lady J’s Intimate Xpress Band. 

Today, Jones offers solo performances at a variety of area events, including anniversaries, community celebrations, gospel productions and senior citizen get-togethers. 

Jones also runs a pair of talent companies called YGLJ Productions and Jai Anita Casting & Film Productions Inc., and she hosts programs at the MACK – with several aimed at introducing youth to the arts. MACK officials say Lady J is a great addition to the community’s cultural network in the county. 

JONI PURK: Also enjoying her creative life in Western South Carolina is Joni Purk, a visual artist who specializes in watercolors, collage, oils and pen-and-ink works. She has taught various art classes for more than 30 years, allowing her to explore several kinds of media. 

“I love all types of art, and I dabble in nature photography and mosaic work, as well,” Purk says.

“One should not limit themselves to one medium or style. Experiment, play, educate and grow. Western South Carolina is great, as it allows me to create what excites me. I am an avid hiker, so I enjoy the many waterfalls and hiking trails as well as using the Savannah River for boating and fishing.” 

Purk has lived in the region since 2018. She owns Joni Purk, Fine Art. 

“I now limit my medium to mostly oil, but I find joy in all subject matters. Those who view my work have noted a mood, a feeling to each piece – something I strive to achieve in every work I create.” 

Purk is also proud of her long relationship with the MACK Artisans Guild, and she currently offers weekly workshops in figure drawing, collage, acrylic and watercolor. She enjoys painting local landscapes, cityscapes, flora and fauna. 

“I am here to stay,” Purk says. “I love it here. The weather, people and access to a diverse landscape make every day a beautiful day.” 

– Kevin Litwin contributed to this article.