News Summary
Lake City, South Carolina is set to host ArtFields 2021, a week-long showcase of artistic talent from thirteen states. With over $145,000 in prizes, including a $50,000 Grand Prize, this event invites public participation and highlights the diverse art scene in the Southeast. Past winners have used innovative materials and techniques, underlining the evolving appreciation of both fine art and craft. The winners’ artwork will be displayed at the Franklin G. Burroughs-Simon B. Chapin Gallery, emphasizing community and cultural conversation.
Lake City, South Carolina is gearing up to host ArtFields 2021, a week-long celebration of diverse artistic talent in the Southeastern United States. Since its launch in 2013, ArtFields has aimed to honor artists from thirteen participating states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. The event is renowned for its substantial prize offerings, totaling over $145,000 in cash awards, which includes a prestigious $50,000 Grand Prize and a $25,000 Second Place Prize.
The winners of the competition will have their artwork showcased in the ArtFields Winners Collection at the Franklin G. Burroughs-Simon B. Chapin Gallery in Myrtle Beach from May 31 to September 21. This event not only highlights regional talent but also invites public participation, as two People’s Choice Awards—one for 2D entries and another for 3D—will be determined by visitor voting throughout the week.
ArtFields has seen notable winners, such as Jim Arendt, who took home the Grand Prize during the inaugural competition in 2013 for his piece titled “Jamie.” This work, composed of denim, creates striking large-scale portraits that reflect the resilience and struggles of everyday people. Similarly, Michaela Pilar Brown captured the Grand Prize in 2018 with her installation “She’s Almost Ready,” which uses various textiles and objects to engage with themes of sexual abuse and familial histories. The evolution of the prizes has also spotlighted crafts in the context of fine art, with past winners like Victoria Hagner and Brent Pafford showcasing how traditional craft techniques can transfer meaning and artistry into contemporary art forms.
ArtFields emphasizes not just the awards, but also the broader discussions around the definition and appreciation of art. The event recognizes that the boundaries between fine art and craft are increasingly blurred, leading to a wider acceptance of diverse artistic expressions. This evolving perspective has opened doors for many artists, allowing their work to resonate with larger audiences and cultural conversations.
Arendt, who won the Grand Prize in 2013, shifted his focus from traditional oil painting and drawing to materials with more poignant significance, such as denim, motor oil, and cast concrete. He holds a BFA from the Kendall College of Art and Design and an MFA from the University of South Carolina. In addition to creating impactful artwork, he also plays a crucial role in mentoring the next generation of artists. He teaches senior art students essential entrepreneurial skills, including social media strategies, resume writing, and the processes necessary to apply for exhibitions and residencies.
His ongoing recognition includes participating in both solo and group exhibitions, such as a recent solo showcase at the Sumter Gallery of Art and entrance into group exhibitions at prestigious locations like the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts and the Museum Rijswijk in the Netherlands. Despite his accolades and artistic success, Arendt remains humble and prioritizes the impact of his art over personal achievements. Such an approach underscores the importance of community and shared experiences in the Southeast, which ArtFields embodies through its mission.
ArtFields 2021 offers artists a platform to showcase their work and connect with audiences, further fostering appreciation for the rich cultural tapestry found within the Southeastern art scene. The competition’s ongoing growth mirrors the evolving nature of art itself, where ideas and materials intermingle to create deeply resonant experiences.
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Additional Resources
- Grand Strand Magazine: Jamie
- Wikipedia: ArtFields
- Grand Strand Magazine: In His Jeans
- Google Search: ArtFields 2021
- Grand Strand Magazine: Arendt Artwork
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Contemporary Art
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Art
- Google News: ArtFields
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