Arts Council Of Beaufort County

My husband and I have a small traveling resident theatre company catering to seniors in retirement homes, senior centers and life care facilities. We would not exist without the advice and support of the Arts Council of Beaufort County. Jenny and JW Rhone have offered their knowledge and support every on every step of our journey. They have not only supported our small company, but have ccreated a wonderful space for artists to perform, paint, design and teach.
The positive energy of
ARTworks is contageous. I hope this lives on for many, many years in Beaufort

I am a professional award winning Low Country artist living & creating in this area for 21 yrs. In my experience this Arts Council of Beaufort County is the very best so far! The dedication and energy that JW ,Jenny, Lisa plus the many members & volunteers tirelessly bring to Beaufort County is a full range or art endeavors. As a working artist , I depend on the Art's News for information & events. It is times like this budget crunch that remind us to look at our priorities , culture defines a community. I believe this Art's Council is well deserving of the $5,000.
Support of the arts builds character & joy of living from the youth to the young at heart.

I am so thankful to the Arts Council of Beaufort County. They do not just speak to the arts community -- they create the community by offering opportunities to participate, appreciate and create. In 2006, I heard about the Big Swim mermaid project. What a fun way to reach the public art enthusiast. My sister Charlene Dohmann and I created Miss Beaufort, the mermaid who lives on Bellamy Curve. This opportunity has enriched our lives by bringing us into contact with the many individuals who have seen and admired her -- had their photos taken with her. It has also brought us into contact with other artists in the area. We were also able to participate in the Chalk on the Walk 2007 -- an exquisitely beautiful, sunny day in October, on which we created in a new medium, sold crafts, and mingled with many other citizens of the area -- all in a most enjoyable way. My participation with the Arts Council has also brought me to the point of selling my art jewelry creations, Neck Rocks, at The Gallery on Bay Street. These opportunities bring fulfillment on many levels, and I thank the Arts Council for presenting these to me and others in the community.

The ACBC is a vibrant organization that offers a rich cultural environment for everyone in Beaufort County to immerse themselves in, whether as an active member or as a passive observer who comes only to enjoy the fruits of their labors. It contributes to the rounding out and enriching of childrens' lives through their efforts with a variety of classroom events and theater experiences. It offers space and encouragement to emerging artists to develop their talents It presents exhibits of new as well as established artists. It is open and welcoming to everyone who walks in the door. And it is kept afloat through the unselfish effots of a slue of volunteers who do everything from major construction to stuffing envelopes.

WE, as a family love ARTWORKS! Thank you for offering such great
adult and children art classes. My daughter can't wait for the next
class to start before the current class is over! The grandparents love
to watch the kids and see their creations both on stage and on the walls.
The concerts at Port Royal have been a great form of entertainment. Having such a variety of artworks offered through their program is a
great reason to live here. Receiving emails consistently advising you
of and when everything is being offered and what is happening around
town is a pleasure. Thank you, you have enlightened our lives!!

In the last two or three years, the Arts Council of Beaufort County has made a comeback after a period of diminished vitality for an important part of the community. The renewed energy is almost palpable in the visibility, variety, and quality of its offerings to the public. From the working art studios to the children's programs to the performances, there is excitement. I had the pleasure last Saturday of attending Natalie Daise's one-woman play about Harriet Tubman. It was not only a performance worthy of Broadway, but its impact on me and my friends has been profound and haunting. This is a great asset to the community.

I am a singer/songwriter and truly find it inspiring when I am in the Arts Council. Not only am I inspired by the artwork, black box theater, artists that commune on a daily basis but the ambiance is very reflective of what my life is about which is creativity.
Let me just share a great story that recently transpired within the Arts Council. As of recently I am in the process of recording my third album and was listening to some music to begin my writing process while at ARTworks (Arts Council of Beaufort) and just began looking around and the creative spirits began to flow very loudly and quickly. Needless to say the song was written in a very short amount of time. My concept for the video would require a dancer so I began asking around and made some phone calls, left messages and moved on to another song. Well as it would happen I was in the Arts Council again and was approached by a dancer whom I had left a message with, well she wanted to hear the song and was immediately inspired and wanted to do an improv, so they played the music in the theater and the dancer went onstage to do her improv which was beautiful and amazing. We are now preparing to perform the song together and upcoming event. These are the amazing types of things that can happen at the Arts Council.

Arts Council / ARTworks offers it ALL for the arts ... the performing arts, the visual arts, & the literary arts. They nurture our community through programs & workshops for adults, children & their resident artists. Their advocacy and communications for the arts throughout Beaufort County is all-encompassing. Their commitment to fiscal responsibility for the organization and its donors remains solid. It's been an honor to serve on this board and work with the staff over many years.

Three generations of our family enjoy the experiences provided by the Arts Council and its headquarters, ArtWorks. The grandparents attend concerts and dramatic productions, the children indulge their artistic and dramatic passions, the grandchildren are able to take classes in everything from watercolors to circus skills. The entire county attends the free street concerts in Port Royal arranged by the Arts Council.

I originally came to know about ARTworks through their wonderful after school art programs. My children fell in love (with the people, the atmosphere, and the opportunities to create) and thus so did I. I found myself striving to be a part of any and everything they offered-theatre productions, concerts, arts summit... I am currently serving on the Board of Directors and honestly feel proud to be part of such a dynamic group.

The Arts Council of Beaufort Co. has evolved into a wonderful asset to our great community. They provide programs of interest to all ages and a diverse group. The enthusiam and energy is evident in the great programs for children after school and the fantastic street concerts in Port Royal. The space for performing has greatly improved and the galleries have unique and well organized shows. They also do a great job of promoting their offerings and opportunities and informing the public

The "zine" review is spot on. Encouragement, suggestons, support, advice, applause. Instead of trying to convince the public to conform to their views, this group is devoted to actually listening to your visions and helping you make it them happen. To put it simple, when it comes to the Arts Council of Beaufort County.....BRAVO!

The Arts Council of Beaufort has been a MAJOR part of my life since moving to the are in 2006. I speak as an artist (musician/actor) and and arts teacher (I teach K-5 music).

My students have been impacted by the Arts Council through providing visiting artists (J.W. and Jenny Rone as well as Lisa Rentz) to help us produce an arts integrated program about South Carolina history (in 2007). My students were then impacted the following year by being invited to perform our Veterans Day program as part of an evening art exhibit. Once again my school was impacted as the arts council provided funds, though a grant we had written, to help purchase stage lights to enhance our performances. J.W. was with me 100% of the time and helped to recommend the types of lights we should use and connected me with a local dealer who would be able to help me purchase and install all of the lighting. I couldn't have asked for more.

As a musican/actor I find it important for me to experience the arts in every way possible. The ACBC provides numerous opportunites for ANYONE to experience all forms of art. Their new black box theater is AMAZING and I have enjoyed every play I have seen there and am currently enjoying being a part of one of the plays being done there, right now. Unfortunately, I do not belive these opportunites, along with the MANY others that I have little time to mention, would not be made available to our communty.

Beaufort County is a very arts rich area of South Carolina and through the ACBC those in the community, as well as surrounding areas, are able to better experience the music, theater, visual art, dance, and creative writing opportunites the ACBC has to offer.

The Arts Council is the heart and soul of the ARTS in our area! So grateful for their knowledge and expertise. Their varied means of communication are perfect for arts-minded folks like me, constantly keeping us updated on the pulse of the Arts - where to go, what's available, how to get involved - LOVE IT! Walking into their Boundary Street location is a breath of fresh air - artists all around, art to enjoy, a welcoming atmosphere! Can't beat it! I love the classes they offer for young people. My children have taken numerous classes and many of my students are enrolled right now. They make every effort to help those in need still have the opportunity to participate as well.

The Arts Council of Beaufort County has brought performing arts, in particular, back to life and helped bring the arts community together at a time when every dollar spent by the arts consumer is more difficult to come by. They provide low-cost space for artists to create and market their work, as well as instruction in a variety of arts for children and adults. Their budding theater productions have filled a huge gap, and they bring both local and out of area talent to our attention at a price the average Beaufort citizen can afford. I'm a huge fan and attend as many performances as I can.

The arts council of Beaufort County is a superior organization. JW & Jenny's direction has grown the arts in Beaufort County to an outstanding level. Having moved to Beaufort way before the Arts Council existed, I couldn't begin to list what we have now that we didn't have then. With JW & Jenny at the helm the growth just keeps on happen' Thank you JW & Jenny and all the folks involved with the Arts Council. And thanks to all artists for your art, the sunbeam of humans.

Started going to the center a couple of years ago and always
enjoyed the entertainment that was provided. Recently have liked
it even more since the expansion of the theatre.
Always enjoy the brousing the art and meeting the artists in the
lobby.
The facility is a great asset to the town of Beaufort and surrounding
area.

The Arts Council of Beaufort County is a great resource for anyone doing something creative in the Lowcountry. They are accessible, down-to-earth, supportive, positive, energetic and they always know what's going on! I'm the only person I know doing a zine in Beaufort County, and the Arts Council has given me numerous opportunities to present my work, despite the fact that zines are virtually unknown in this area. No matter what you're trying to do, they will have good ideas for you.

Three months ago I moved to Beaufort, knowing no one and feeling very out of place. I even considered moving back home because I didn't think that Beaufort was turning out to be a good match for me. All of that changed when I found ArtWorks. As soon as I walked into the gallery I felt welcomed and comfortable. Everyone was friendly and truly interested in meeting me and helping me along my journey. The artists are all wonderfully talented and truly kind people. The opportunities for the community to get involved are widely diverse, ranging from performing arts to visual arts for all ages. Thank you ArtWorks for making me a part of your community. I only hope that more people walk through the doors every day to become a part of the ArtWorks family!

As a former board member and current supporter, I can say that I am very impressed with what the Arts Council has become under the leadership of JW and Jenny. The variety of offerings and the ease with which they embrace new opportunities is inspiring and refreshing.

This is such a wonderful place where children and adults can participate in and experience so many forms of Art. I have volunteered as an actor. Working on my art here in The Black Box theater has enriched my life as ArtWorks does everyone's who walk through their doors. Thank you Arts Council of Beaufort.

My husband and I are visitors in Beaufort county. We purchased a house and are planning to move to the area in a few years. As visitors we like to have a source of cultural and art information. I searched the web for a good source for Beaufort county and identified this organization. They have a wonderful newsletter with local information and a calendar of events. It is very helpful to have an organization that consolidates this information and sends it out in a regular email. Since I signed up, I have taken pottery classes at home, continue to make knitted items and participated in a number of craft fairs. I have been able to identify pottery classes in Beaufort. While we are visiting this year, we strolled around beautiful Beaufort and discovered a wonderful art supply and yarn stores. We also visited Hunting Island State Park. The Art Council of Beaufort does a wonderful job of attracting visitors to Beaufort and the sea islands and supplying information to visitors, artists, artisans and art lovers.

ARTworks literally changed my life last year, when I was in play and got to know the space, the management, and the vision they had for the arts, particularly in my meidum of choice, theater. I then produced and directed a play there last summer that "success" doesn't begin to describe, especially to me, since I had struggled with little success to find a place to put up the shows I wanted to do for almost a decade. Now I consider it my second home, and I continue to be thrilled at watching people discover what ARTworks has to offer actors and audiences alike.The word is so overused, but ARworks really is AMAZING!

I was lucky enough to attend the opening of the Jonathan Green show in '10, and even luckier, I met him and had a lovely conversation with him!For 10 minutes! I have loved his work ever since my first lunch in Plum's in 2000 when his prints decorated the restaurant's walls, and Richard and I have a beautifully framed print of his in our house in Habersham.

The ambiance at ARTworks was so relaxed and welcoming to all of us, and it was just a great treat to meet this fabulous person as well as to hear him describe to all of us present how his art evolved and how he lives his life. What an unforgettable evening!

Thank you for making that possible!

I have attended many events at the Arts Council and have been impressed with the quality of the services and talent. They provide support to many other arts organizations. I appreciate all they do to infuse arts into the community for all ages.

Living in Beaufort has been wonderful but discovering the Arts Council offerrings has added deeper dimension to my life. I find myself attending as many functions as I can and am always impressed by the quality of talent available in this area. I am so thankful the Council continues to enthusiastically recruit and use local talent as well as continue to develop more talent by offering great classes and speakers. In hard times, we especially treasure and appreciate the gift of the arts.

we are planning on moving to Beaufort County but are still living in Colorado and yet I am already reading the Arts Council email every month and have signned up for a class to be taken in April even if we have not moved yet . I love their art openings and how they support the new and local arts. As a professional artist I can not wait to get even more involved.

Deborah Carlson

Before I became a member of the board, I always enjoyed the atrs scene in Beaufort, which included various activities and events put on by the ACBC. So I was pleased to become a board member and become more actively involved in fundraising and helping out wherever I can. The arts are a very big part of Beaufort and the ACBC is definitely a leading organization when it comes promoting the arts in all forms.

I recently moved back to Beaufort from Florida and all I can say about our Arts Council is, Wow! They have come a long way in a very short time. The facility is very inviting and serves as a hub for artists of all mediums. The staff is always quick to welcome you and answer any questions regarding the exhibits or upcoming programming. Speaking of programming, they have it all! Beaufort has desperately needed an organization to help guide and foster the great arts community we have. That need is finally being met by the Rones and the first class organization they have helped create with the Arts Council of Beaufort County.

I have been a resident artist, member and volunteer for ACBC. I have had many great experience with the organization and I feel that they are a great, and underappreciated voice for the arts in Beaufort County.

My experience as a board member and friend of the Arts Council has been rewarding. The staff and directors are enthusiastic, experienced, and competent. ACBC directors and staff have kept me informed and involved in the Arts Council since the first moment we met, over three years ago. Volunteers and staff are genuinely interested in the organization, community, and artists supported by ACBC. Engaging the young professional community in ACBC events and as donors has proven challenging, but is an accomplishable goal.

This organization is awsome. Their passion for the arts is contagious and I like to be part of it. As a former educator, I used to integrate the arts in my classes and the children learn way more and faster. It is great to be around amazing artists and appreciate their art work. Thank you for all the work the staff at ArtsWork does! Never give up.

I attended the Arts Council summit and I was pleasantly pleased to see all of the concerned artists, art advocates,and community leaders that turned out to participate and give their support. The audience was separated into groups for brainstorming and then reported back to summarize main ideas needs. I was so proud of the way JW and Jenny lead the group and gave everyone a chance to speak. Claudette Humphrey.

Wonderful program! What a wonderful asset to Beaufort County! The Artist's, Erin, JW, and Jenny are all great people, and I am so proud to know them all. Thank You to everyone who keeps this going...

I've had the opportunity to volunteer for almost every event the Arts Council of Beaufort county held, and meet some very talented people.

The recent Arts Summit at the Arts council of Beaufort was a wonderful event. Having so many artists (about 80) from all over Beaufort together in one room was enlightening and joyful. I know more good things will come from this meeting.

I am a former board member of this organization and have been a member for the 16 years that I've lived in Beaufort.

The Arts Council of Beaufort County is an amazing non-profit that is committed to the success of the arts in Beaufort County. They offer a wide range of services such as classes & workshops for adults and children; business training for artists; affordable studio, gallery and theater space; community arts grants for artists, teachers, schools and arts organizations. They also work with other organizations to broaden the reach of the arts throughout our county. Most importantly, the Arts Council is fiscally responsible with the funds they recieve from donors and grants.

I had such a great time. We truly collaborated. I was truly inspired!! Watch out Beaufort!! Art IS Business, and Art makes Business Better...

The Arts Council of Beaufort County is a wonderful organization that seeks not only to help artists via direct grants, but also provides facilities and programing to benefit the general public. Their office at ARTworks provides a Gallery where the public can see works by new artists, as well as established ones like Jonathan Green. They offer affordable studio space for new artists. They also host workshops where the general public can learn about various art forms: painting, photography, documentary film making. The list goes on!