We love Artisphere for all the tents full of everything from paintings to photography to jewelry + sculpture. But there are plenty of things left to do at GVL’s free arts festival once you’ve browsed work by some amazing artists from across the country. We’re here to make sure you don’t miss a thing.
When to be there:
⏰ May 11, 12 – 8 p.m.
⏰ May 12, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
⏰ May 13, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Make sure to stick around for the after-hours concert 8 – 9:45 p.m. on Fri. + Sat.
Who you’ll see:
135 artists from GVL and beyond (out of 1,163 who applied) – you’ll find local artists like Kent Ambler and Kiah Bellows next to artists from New Orleans or Philadelphia. And there will be plenty of concerts throughout the weekend: see Adam Knight’s local jazz band, The Harmaleighs from Nashville, Mandolin Orange from Chapel Hill, or Natalie Gelman from NYC. 🎶
#MustDos:
🎨 Artist demos of glassblowing, metalworking, woodworking or printmaking
🎨 A Greenville County High School Juried Exhibit showcasing pieces chosen by visual arts teachers from each high school, with ~300 works featured
🎨 Visual performing artist Brian Olsen, who’s known for “art in action” and paints portraits of celebrities (like Muhammad Ali, David Bowie + Audrey Hepburn) choreographed to music. He’s stopping in GVL after performing in New Delhi, London and NYC.
🎨 The Culinary Arts Cafe + Stage (E Broad St) where there will be live music all three days + food from restaurants like Larkin’s on the River, Cantina76, and Barley’s Greenville
🎨 The Artists of the Upstate Juried Exhibition (in the Founder’s Room above Larkin’s on the River) featuring 55 artists who make amazing work in a 35-mile radius of GVL
🎨 Artist Nate Baranowski doing a chalk mural on River Walk (a prime shot for the ‘gram if we say so ourselves)
Where to park:
🚗 Downtown is full of public garages (free on the weekends) + paid lots. And thanks to Bikeville’s Bike Valet, you can ride to Artisphere and drop your bike off with City staff and volunteers where it’ll be safe while you walk around. Find the Bike Valet on the Swamp Rabbit Trail under the Main Street Bridge.
A few don’ts to be aware of – no pets, coolers, or bicycles are allowed inside the festival, blankets + lawn chairs are OK in the outdoor amphitheatre space, and don’t take photos of artwork unless you ask the artist’s permission.
Be on the lookout for an Artisphere giveaway on our Instagram later today (you could win $200 to spend on some amazing art). And tune in to our takeover on Artisphere’s Instagram stories on May 12 to see our guide to exploring the festival.
– Kendall
