MAC plays a pivotal role in local arts through its grants program. | Photos provided by the Metropolitan Arts Council
From museums and galleries to live performances and literature, the arts infuse our community with culture and connect us to one another. Supporting local artists not only preserves this tapestry, but also fosters economic growth and educational development in the Upstate. And it’s easier than you thinkto contribute.
But possibly the most impactful facet of MAC is its quarterly grants program, which provides funding to individual artists, arts organizations, and arts education programs throughout Greenville County. Think:
Freda Sue’s solo exhibit, “Roots and Reflections,” which allowed her to broaden the scope of her work and introduce her talents to new audiences
These examples only scratch the surface. MAC’s grants support a diverse range of projects, from public art installations to educational workshops, ensuring that the arts remain accessible and dynamic within our community. Plus, their focus on equitable distribution ensures that all corners of the arts community receive what they need to thrive.
How you can support the arts, too
Hint: Giving back starts at $0, and the benefits are priceless.
Mario Kart Tournament | 6:30-8 p.m. | PKL Park GVL | Free entry | Arrive early to sign up for the bracket board, grab your favorite drink and snack, and get ready to race your heart out.
Women’s Networking Event | 5 p.m. | 3’s Greenville Golf and Grubhouse | $25+ | Bring your clubs + golf balls and play a round or two as you meet other women.
Wednesday, March 5
In Conversation With Mary Martha Greene | 5:30-7 p.m. | M.Judson Booksellers | Free entry | Speak with the author about her new book, “The Cheese Biscuit Queen, Kiss My Aspic.”
Wine, Women, and Shoes | 6-8 p.m. | Curean | $45 | Grab your girls and your favorite pair of heels for a night out with a charcuterie spread, permanent jewelry, and a shoe strut and celebrate International Women’s Month
Thursday, March 6
Tuba Gin | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Sigal Music Museum | $5+ | Spend an evening listening to New Orleans jazz, blues, swing, Caribbean rhythms, and early rock ‘n’ roll.
Friday, March 7
Mardi Gras Masquerade Party | 7:30-11:30 p.m. | The L, Larkin’s Catering & Events | $30+ | Transport yourself to Bourbon Street with a DJ, a photo booth, Mardi Gras-themed light bites, and drinks.
Friday, April 4
Homes of Hope Spring Gala — Hope In Full Bloom | 6:15-10 p.m. | The 405 | $150+ | Experience an inspiring evening celebrating transformation, new beginnings, and the lasting impact of Homes of Hope in rebuilding lives and communities.*
The silent auction featured items like jewelry, food baskets, local artwork, and basketball tickets. The best part: Every dollar raised helps families access child care through financial assistance.
With a $160,000 goal for the Judson Community Center and $1.6 million goal for the YMCA of Greenville, your support helps fund essential programs, from youth sports to community outreach.
Local restaurateurs Ana and Hector Batista — from Sofrito Latin Restaurant + The G.O.A.T. Sports Bar — are operating partners at Vaughn’s Food Hall under owners Innovative Hospitality and Development Group. Expect a few tweaks to improve efficiency, and Tackle Box will become a Mediterranean-inspired spot. (The Post and Courier Greenville)
Number
$40 million. That’s how it will cost to replace the Conestee dam. The current dam has been holding the Reedy River back since 1892, and the groundbreaking for the new one took place late last month. The project should be completed by 2026. That sounds dam fine.(Greenville Journal)
Development
Plans for Project Core — part of the vision for Fifth Third Park in Spartanburg — were unveiled. In addition to the Hub City Spartanburgers baseball stadium, the Project Core-portion of the park will feature two new office buildings, a 152-room hotel, 180 units of multifamily housing, and a public plaza. (Upstate Business Journal)
Pets
The Greenville Humane Society needs our help. Due to an influx of cuddly critters, 57 dogs need to be out of the shelter (either by adoption or foster) this week. If you’re able to help, learn what it takes to become a foster or add a new furever friend to your family.
Announced
The Press Room is closed through Thursday, March 20 for construction. Be sure to follow its social media channels for updates + get a sneak peek of what to expect when it reopens.
Small Biz
Calling all small biz owners. We’re gearing up for Small Business Week, a celebration of local enterprises from Sunday, May 4 to Saturday, May 10. If you own a local small business, let us highlight you by filling out this form by Sunday, March 16.
Opening
Cheers. At the corner of Wade Hampton and Pleasantburg, a new bottle shop called Swamp Rabbit Spirits opens next Monday, March 10. If you don’t find your favorite bottle, the shop says it wants your feedback to build its shelves to “better serve the neighborhood.”
Plan Ahead
Can you believe we’re only two weeks away from Piedmont Gas Downtown Alive? Well, we are. Mark your calendar for opening night, Thursday, March 13 + take a peek at the lineup.
Real Estate
A rare retail space is available for sublease at 3009 Wade Hampton Blvd. Available immediately, this property is situated on the “morning side” of the road and has great visibility, ~15 parking spaces, a dedicated outdoor patio, and more. Explore the listing.*
Biz
Small business owners, employers, and hiring managers — if you’re struggling to find the right candidates, it’s time to try GVLtoday Job Board. Post your first job listing for free + get connected with top-quality local talent.
Job
Do you have a passion for all things Northern Virginia, a knack for storytelling, and a drive to engage readers? We’re hiring over at our newest market. We are looking for a creative and dynamic Newsletter Editor to join our team at the NOVAtoday and lead the charge in crafting daily, hyper-local content. We’ve got the perks just for you: competitive salary, 401K with company match of 4%, and so much more. Apply now.
Category
Civic
Greenville is so 2040
Be on the lookout for a website + survey about GVL2040. | Photo by James Simpson Photography
The future’s so bright, we’ve gotta wear shades review our comprehensive plan.GVL2040 — a plan to guide city officials, staff + board members as they make decisions regarding the preservation, revitalization and growth of our city — will undergo a five year review this year.
During the review process from April to June (with a kickoff in March), the city will incorporate a new “state-required element of resiliency” (think: a plan to deal with the impacts of natural hazards on individuals, businesses, and public infrastructure).
City of Greenville staff will present the draft to Greenville’s Planning Commission + Greenville City Council in August, and in September + October, the public can give its feedback. If all goes according to plan (see what we did there?), the updates will go before the Planning Commission in November.
The Buy
The Buy
A cast-iron smash burger press. Made from high-quality cast iron, this grill press uses pressure to improve flavor and texture, get restaurant-quality sear marks, and speed up cooking time of fish, burgers, sandwiches, and more.
Before it was Sofrito’s Latin Restaurant, it was Tacos & Mas, and Tacos & Mas catered my wedding. Hector was such a pleasure to work with, and the food was stellar. My wedding guests still talk about it five years later. I’m thrilled to see him and his lovely wife make such an impact on the local food scene.