As 2020 turned into 2021, the coronavirus continued to dominate the news. However, as the year progressed, in-person arts and culture events across Greenville County reemerged, even in the face of the Delta and Omicron variants. The city welcomed the Wings of the City visiting exhibition, Fall for Greenville returned and celebrated its 40th year, the Greenville Chorale turned 60 and the Creating Artists for Tomorrow (CATS) year-round art school reached its 25th anniversary.
Wings of the City
The city of Greenville and the Hispanic Alliance of SC hosted Mexican artist Jorge Marín’s “Wings of the City” exhibition from April until Sept. 27.
During the exhibition’s run, nine bronze sculptures, some with angelic wings in the style of 17th century baroque artists, were installed in Falls Park and on the Peace Center campus. While many local art enthusiasts welcomed the display, some found the statues “distasteful” and pushed to have the temporary exhibit pulled.
Following the controversy, “Wings of the City” lost a $7,500 grant from Greenville County Council and one statue was pushed from its pedestal by vandals.
Meanwhile, financial support for both the arts and the Hispanic Alliance grew as a variety of individuals and organizations made donations totaling in $70,000.
The Greenville Chorale enters 60th season
After a hiatus of more than a year, the 160-member Greenville Chorale returned Oct. 16.
The ensemble was scheduled to celebrate its 60th season last year, but the pandemic forced a suspension of all rehearsals and performances beginning in March 2020. Rehearsals resumed in August 2021.
The Chorale’s first two 2021-22 performances spotlighted works such as Brahms’ “Requiem” and Handel’s “Messiah.” Its 60th season will continue thru Feb. 20, 2022, with a performance of Bach’s “B-Minor Mass” at Westminster Presbyterian Church.
Creating Artists for Tomorrow (CATS), a year-round arts school, turned 25 in October.
Founded by elementary school art educators Sandy Jordan and Kelly McSharry, the camp is open to children 8 months old through their teen years.
During each session, students learn the creative process, from the prep work to clean-up.
Throughout the years, instructors have adjusted lessons to reflect what is popular with children. For example, some of CATS’ classes were inspired by anime and Minecraft.
Fall for Greenville celebrates 40 years
The 40th annual Fall for Greenville returned to Main Street after going virtual in 2020 due to COVID-19.
More than 150,000 people from 31 different visited downtown Greenville as the festival welcomed 75 musical acts, 45 local restaurants, five food trucks and the Budweiser Clydesdales.
The event also featured six stages for live performances and a children’s section with carnival rides and activities, as well as the Carolina Ale House Beer Garden and the Oak Street Health Wine Garden.
Venues reopen
Throughout 2021, venues throughout Greenville County welcomed back live entertainment.
Bon Secours Wellness Arena and CCNB Amphitheatre at Heritage Park hosted Michael Bublé, Dan + Shay, Jason Aldean, Eric Church, 3 Doors Down, Santana and Counting Crows, among others.
The Peace Center welcomed back its Broadway Series on Oct. 5 with the Tony-winning musical “Hadestown”.
Other local theaters resumed live performances throughout the year, including:
- Centre Stage with “My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra” on July 15
- Greenville Theatre with “The Dixie Swim Club” on July 19
- Glow Lyric Theatre with three different shows on Aug. 19
- The Warehouse Theatre with “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” on Sept. 24
- Cafe and Then Some with “COVID: The Musical” on Nov. 12
Metropolitan Arts Council donated $3,500 to ‘Wings of City’ exhibit
Following a June 2 vote by Greenville County Council to deny a $7,500 promotional grant for the “Wings of the City” exhibit, the Metropolitan Arts Council (MAC) donated $3,500 to the Hispanic Alliance.
“The Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Arts Council (MAC) has elected to provide $3,500 to the Hispanic Alliance for the promotion of the ‘Wings of the City’ exhibit,” said MAC executive director Alan Ethridge.
The traveling exhibit of nine bronze statues from Mexican artist Jorge Marin arrived in downtown Greenville in April.
Including the $3,500 donation, MAC contributed $6,500 to the Alliance in support of the exhibit, Ethridge said.
