ArtFields, the South's most engaging art competition and festival, turns the entire town of Lake City into a living gallery for two weeks each year.
Our friends (who also happen to be very talented artists) made us aware of ArtFields six years ago when we moved back to the Myrtle Beach area. The art festival and competition began in 2013 with the goal of honoring artists of the Southeast while revitalizing the small town of Lake City.
When we first attended, I remember thinking, "How does an adorable town we never knew existed band together to basically form one massive art gallery for two weeks?!" It is now our favorite annual event to attend and make memories with other families.
Here are some tips as you plan your visit to ArtFields which runs through April 30, 2022.
you can't see it all... but you can see quite a bit
Hundreds of pieces are on display in a huge variety of venues, from shops and boutiques, to restaurants, to larger gallery spaces.
Part of the charm of ArtFields is walking into a local business and being completely surprised by what you find there. This year we entered Jarrito's restaurant to find a massive teacup the kids could sit inside. At Main Street Mercantile, we found what looked like a huge hanging rainbow waterfall. So be sure to let yourself wander.
That being said, ArtFields boasts some impressive permanent gallery spaces that are not to be missed. We recommend visiting Crossroads Gallery, which this year features winning artwork from previous years of ArtFields. Shout out to our friend Jim Arendt whose prize-winning piece from 2013 is on display!
Also hit up Jones-Carter Gallery and TRAX Visual Art Center, where you'll see our favorite piece this year - another showstopper from previous ArtFields winner Charles Clary (228548 if you're voting too!).
And be sure to hop in your car and head to The ROB. Built in the 1920’s, the “Ragsdale Old Building,” a former charcoal briquet warehouse, houses most of ArtFields biggest pieces in this 22,000 square foot facility. It's my favorite space to visit each year.
inspire young artists with artfields jr.
The ArtFields Jr. Art Competition is open to South Carolina students in grades 1 through 12. Selected pieces are displayed in April with final judging taking place during ArtFields.
This year, over 200 pieces are on display The Railway (primary and elementary) and The Stables (middle and high school). You're handed a slip when you arrive to vote for the numbers of the pieces you like best.
It's a great way to start conversations with children about the various mediums, what appeals to them and why, and even encourage them to submit their own art next year.
shop and eat local in lake city
Every business in Lake City opens their doors to invite you in, whether you just want to check out the art or you want to also do some shopping or dining. So you can open each door confident that you will be warmly welcomed.
Skyela always looks forward to getting a macaroon from Baker's Sweets, which boasts amazing desserts and caffeinated beverages for a quick pick-me-up. This year, we enjoyed our scones and cookies at The Theatre Park which is a magical little spot to enjoy a picnic or take a break.
We had delicious brisket at Piggyback's for dinner even though we were tempted to return to Pizza Roma which is not only delicious but also has fun arcade games.
The biggest surprise this year was finding Tammy's Lounge which opened just days before ArtFields started. We returned after dinner to enjoy some fondue and a Blackberry Bourbon Smash while the kids attempted to play chess and beat us at tic tac toe in this upscale yet comfortable locale.
there's a full list of events... and it changes daily
Check out the fill list of events to plan your day. From exploring the 65-acre Moore Farms Botanical Garden for free, to artist talks and live music, to children's programming - there's no shortage of ways to experience the fine arts outside of the gallery spaces.
Check in daily at The Bean Market for educational artwalks geared toward students. Or take part in an interactive youth-based art installation called Fabric of Life. No matter when you visit, there's no shortage of spots for cool family photos because Lake City features loads of colorful murals and sculptures.
The ArtFields finale on April 30 features live music and a fireworks display after all of the winners are announced.
be sure to vote!
Your first stop should be the Welcome Center where you can get registered to vote and pick up your guidebook, which features a handy venue and artist index.
The competition offers over $100,000 in cash prizes. The winners of two People’s Choice Awards are determined by the votes of people visiting ArtFields, so voting is vital. Artists who have the top votes in the 2D and 3D categories take home $12,500 each.
Each artwork has a 6-digit code that you text to vote. By registering to vote, you can vote for as many artists as you want - but only one vote per artist.
A panel of art professionals selects all the other awards, including the $50,000 Grand Prize and $25,000 second place award.
The Bottom Line
ArtFields is an amazing way to introduce children to the world of art and visiting art galleries, because everyone in Lake City is so happy to have you there. Every year, the event is familiar and yet totally different. The art is literally everywhere and you can't see it all... but you can certainly try!
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