LAKE CITY, S.C. — The arts are alive in the streets of Lake City with the 12th annual ArtFields competition and festival.
ArtFields was started in 2013 with the idea that art could change a town. The event aims to recognize and showcase Southern artists. More than 700 artworks are displayed in downtown businesses and galleries during the 9-day event.
Artists over the age of 18 from 12 states are eligible to submit work for the competition. Student artists in grades 1-12 from the state enter ArtFields, Jr. The top rated works from both are invited to be part of the exhibition and competition. A jury panel selects the grand prize ($50,000) and second place ($25,000) winners while attendees vote to determine two People’s Choice awards ($12,500 each). For ArtFields Jr., students and visitors ages 18 and under vote for the student choice awards and a jury panel selects the remainder, with prizes up to $500.
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Attendees must register online or at the welcome center at 132 North Acline Street to participate in the voting.
A man observes art in a window display Tuesday during ArtFields in Lake City.
Debra Brown views artwork on display in a Lake City business Tuesday during ArtFields. Brown is a first-time attendee from Monroe, North Carolina.
Added to events this year is a Slow Fashion Center for Degrowth where visitors can gain a new perspective on fashion and learn to mend from a social practice artist, Corinne Loperfido. She wears her creations and teaches others how to create their own. On one side of the art studio is a sewing machine, on the other is a room of discarded clothing donated by area thrift stores and individuals. The clothing is used for teaching, creating, and giving. Loperfido says it’s about using what you have, giving something a new purpose, saving money and the landfill.
Corinee Loperfido demonstrates how to repurpose clothing Tuesday at the Slow Fashion Center for Degrowth in Lake City.
“Families will come in and I’ll have all the kids sewing, the whole family, and now that’s something they know how to do. It’s about empowering people with resources and skills. That’s degrowth. They can walk away with some kind of new perspective, more than just looking at a painting and saying, well, that’s a good painting, to oh, wow, that’s a good idea,” said Loperfido.
ArtFields attendees talk with featured artist Corinne Loperfido Tuesday at the Slow Fashion Center for Degrowth in Lake City.
ArtFields attendees Frances Ludwig and Taylor Williams find a sweater to repurpose Tuesday at the Slow Fashion Center for Degrowth in Lake City.
ArtFields attendees Robbie Rose, Frances Ludwig, and Taylor Williams pose with their free finds alongside social practice artist Corrine Loperfido Tuesday at the Slow Fashion Center for Degrowth in Lake City.
The clothing is free and individual clothing donations are welcomed. The Slow Fashion Center for Degrowth is located at 107 North Acline Street.
The festival is open to all and there is no charge to attend. Viewing hours are 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. People are encouraged to stop by the welcome center for a program guide, schedule and map at no charge. Added to the schedule this year are complimentary tours offered at 3 p.m. daily. Moore Farms Botanical Gardens is also open 8:30-3 p.m. during ArtFields, closed on Sundays.
ArtFields volunteers greet visitors in the welcome center Tuesday in Lake City.
The event concludes Saturday, May 4 with the announcement of the competition winners and music from the Root Doctors. For a complete schedule and more information visit artfieldssc.org.
