Founded 52 years ago in 1967, the Aiken Artist Guild has a proud history of workshops, critiques, exhibitions and joyful sharing of ideas and encouragement. At the present time, the Guild has a total membership of 165. Members can display their artwork at community centers, restaurants, medical centers, and galleries. The Guild has its own dedicated gallery inside of the iconic Aiken Center For the Arts, which of course is located at 122 Laurens St SW in downtown Aiken. The annual event of Horses and Courses takes place during Masters Week. Guild members can display their work on the downtown sidewalks of Aiken, and can even elect to demonstrate their artistic ability live! Each year in May and April, the Member Show takes place at the Aiken Center for the Arts. All interior spaces are dedicated for the exhibiting of member’s artwork. The Guild encourages all types of art besides painting, such as photography, sculpture, drawing, quilting, mixed media, and even video! The works are available for sale, and are also eligible for cash awards via a juried show. The judge’s decisions are announced at a reception open to the public.
The newly constructed Lessie B. Price Senior & Youth Center located next to Eustis Park is the latest venue that offers space for members of the Guild. Currently, Linda Huneycutt, Pamela Moore, and Martha Fox are the artists that have work displayed there. At the Aiken County YMCA on 621 Trolley Line Rd, in Graniteville, the Artist of the Month for September is Warren Westcott. His collection of photographs is built around the theme “Carolina,” and includes views from various locations of North and South Carolina, from the mountains to the coast.
The Guild has meetings that offer interesting demonstrations, new product awareness, exposure to new media such as digital photography or fiber art and also updates gallery information. They meet the second Monday of each month September through May. Each meeting is preceded by thirty minutes of socializing and snacks, and the meeting includes a program on some art topic ranging from painting to photography, sculpture, stained glass and beyond. Mentors and peers offer their artistic perspectives in casual monthly critiques. Members are encouraged to participate in Guild sponsored educational events and to network with other artists and art organizations. The non-profit organization is dedicated to providing member benefits and in reaching out to the community. Membership can begin at age 17, and new members are always welcome. The Guild maintains a website–AikenArtistGuild.org—and also publishes a newsletter on the web. Membership can be had by applying online.
A few venues where members’ art is displayed
Aiken County YMCA
The Aiken Center For the Arts
Kitfox Pediatric Dentistry
Lessie B. Price Senior & Youth Center
The Stables Restaurant at The Rose Hill Estate
Aiken Art and Frame Shop
By Richard Watson, AAG Board Member
