'Something magical about this year.' What to see, do at Artisphere 2023 in downtown Greenville
An estimated 90,000 people are expected to fill the streets of downtown Greenville to celebrate craftsmanship ranging from ceramics to printmaking by some of the best artists and up-and-coming creatives in the Southeast.
Artisphere, presented by TD Bank, will take place May 12 to 14 for the 19th consecutive year. Organizers said the event will showcase 143 artists across 18 genres of craftsmanship.
This is a free event and will span from Court Street and Main to Wardlaw and Main during the three-day festival.
Last year, Artisphere returned to a full-capacity festival. In 2021, the three-day art celebration was socially distanced, and a virtual festival took place in 2020. This year will be Artisphere's first festival that integrates events and exhibitions that expand into Falls Park since 2019.
"The art is phenomenal but there's so much more," said Kerry Murphy, director of Artisphere. "There are a lot of things we reenvisioned for changes from last year. There's a real excitement. There's something magical about this year."
Artisphere will kick off with an opening night party at District 365 on May 11 with food, drinks and music by Steel Toe Stiletto.
Money generated by Artisphere impacts artists and Greenville
Since Artisphere's inception in 2005, the festival has contributed more than $700,000 to nonprofit organizations and local students and emerging professional and visual performing artists. Those dollars help facilitate workshops, paid performances, and awards to those involved, according to Murphy.
In 2022, each participating artist averaged $14,376 in sales, and since 2005, local artists' sales have amassed around $1.6 million, Murphy added.
In total, Artisphere has had an overall economic impact of $11.9 million on the city of Greenville since 2005, said City Council member Dorothy Dowe.
Artisphere does not take a commission on sales and charges between $475 and $650 for an artist's booth.
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What to know for Artisphere 2023: rules, regulations and frequently asked questions
Be sure to request expressed permission from the artist before taking any photos of displayed work.
Main Street at River and Markley and other access point roads will be closed beginning at 4 a.m. on Thursday morning prior to Artisphere beginning.
Only service animals are allowed within the festival site. No roller skates, skateboards, bikes, and personal transportation allowed.
Lawn chairs, blankets, and coolers are prohibited on festival grounds.
Public restrooms are available on festival grounds at Oneal and Wardlaw streets.
Public transportation is available on 12 Greenlink bus routes, providing access into downtown Greenville on Friday, May 12 from 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. and on Saturday, May 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Parking at all city-owned garages is $6, and prices vary for parking at privately-owned garages. Parking at County Square (301 University Ridge) is free throughout the weekend and is a short walk to Artisphere.
Here is an interactive guide to parking for this year's art festival:
What to eat at Artisphere at the Culinary Arts Cafe
A selection of tacos, hot dogs, crepes, empanadas and more will be available as five Greenville-based restaurants will be on-hand at Artisphere's Culinary Arts Cafe.
Barberitos, Society Sandwich Bar & Social Club, Abanico, Bonjour Crépe, Latin Flavorz will provide food for purchase during the three-day arts festival. A full viewing of participating restaurant menus can be found here.
Hospitality passes are available for purchase, as well, as it provides VIP access to refuel after a big day in a tented lounge with free food, drinks and cooling fans.
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What live music will play at Artisphere Performing Arts Schedule
12 acts are set to perform at the Main Stage, during Artisphere weekend including indie folk band The Pinkerton Raid, country combo The Kentucky Gentlemen, and Americana artists Run Katie Run.
Here is a link to the entire performing arts schedule for Artisphere 2023.
Pop Up Street Music Stages
Broad & Main Street
May 12 — noon to 7 p.m.
May 13 — 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
May 14 — 11:30 a.m to 5 p.m.
Falls Park Drive
May 12 — noon to 7:30 p.m.
May 13 — 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
May 14 — 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
River & Main Street
May 12 — 12:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
May 13 — 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
May 14 — noon to 5:30 p.m.
Exhibits and Demos
Throughout Artisphere 2023, an assortment of demonstrations, presentations and displays will take place during the weekend. Here is a list of events:
Artists on the Rise
Located at Main Street and Wardlaw, the Fine Arts Center Exhibition will showcase young artists and teachers from the Fine Arts Center of Greenville. There will be an Artists on the Rise stage playing youth and student-based jazz, orchestra, voice and wind acts happening throughout the weekend.
The Donaldson Career Center Culinary Arts event will include pimento cheese sandwiches, Cajun boiled peanuts, strawberry cobbler and more.
Artisphere Festival Store
The official Artipshere 2023 store will offer gifts, custom commemorative posters, T-shirts made by Dapper Ink, private-label Artisphere wine made by Kendall Jackson, and more festival-inspired memorabilia.
Artisphere Festival Store is open all hours of the festival and located on the festival site grounds.
3D Chalk Art
Chris Carlson and his 3-dimensional animal art that appears to pop out of the sidewalk will be on display at the 3D Chalk Art demonstration.
Artists of the Upstate
A local art exhibition supported by a grant from the Metropolitan Arts Council that displays Upstate-based artists and the quality and diversity in the Greenville, Spartanburg and Anderson art communities.
50 total local artists will be represented in this showcase, a list of participating visual artists can be found here.
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Art lab
A handful of weekend-long workshops offer short courses on wheel throwing, installation art, and printmaking with a mini press on Friday evening. Saturday courses will offer a Japanese ceramics lesson, watercolor-resist techniques, and a rug hooking session.
On Sunday two separate earring-making classes will run, and a printmaking course will be offered.
Kidsphere
Kidsphere music will take place at South Main Street, directly in front of City Hall. Activities include a Green Beats, swag station and DRUM street beats parades which involve an interactive music sculpture, crafts creation and a percussion studio.
Kidsphere Arts & Crafts take place on Friday from 3 to 7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Also, masquerade masks, a textile town and handmade Mother's Day card making. This event will take place on South Main Street and Grill Marks at 209 S. Main Street.
The parade begins at 3:30 p.m. Friday. Two more parades will be held on Saturday at 12:45 p.m. and again at 5:15 p.m. and the last parade is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. on Sunday.
– A.J. Jackson covers the food & dining scene, along with arts, entertainment and more for The Greenville News and Anderson Independent Mail. Contact him by email at ajackson@gannett.com, and follow him on Twitter @ajhappened.
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Artisphere in downtown Greenville: 143 artists, 18 genres of crafts
