Spartanburg is a city that takes pride in its unique arts and culture. With the reappearance of warm weather, patrons can now show that pride by purchasing a piece of affordable, regionalist art at Chapman Cultural Center’s ArtMarket, 1-5 p.m. every Sunday.
During the Center’s Sundays Unplugged program, which provides casual and cultural entertainment in the form of free concerts and free admission, local artists set up shop to sell their work. On any given Sunday, patrons may find photography, paintings, artisan jewelry, woodwork, pottery, metalwork, soaps and candles, edibles, and more.
“You won’t find any ‘Made in China’ stickers here,” Melissa Earley, ArtMarket and Ticket Office Manager at Chapman Cultural Center, said. “Why have a stock image from a chain store on your wall that’s a carbon copy of a million others when you can easily buy a one-of-a-kind masterpiece and support your local economy?”
All items in the ArtMarket are locally handcrafted and designed to be affordable for all budgets. All proceeds from individual sales go directly to the local artist.
“We’re invested in local artists,” Jennifer Evins, President and CEO of Chapman, said. “We don’t claim any of their sales. The ArtMarket is about connecting regional artisans and local residents to show everybody what amazing creative talents are in our community, and it’s about giving artists another opportunity to support themselves and be successful.”
Chapman Cultural Center’s ArtMarket has been occurring seasonally since 2013, inviting the public to engage the arts every Sunday in Zimmerli Plaza, weather permitting.
Artists interested in participating should search “ArtMarket” and select “Sundays Unplugged” on ChapmanCulturalCenter.org, then review and complete the artist contract. Participation is a minimal annual fee, and all products for sale must be locally handmade.
For more information on the ArtMarket, please call (864) 542-ARTS.