News-Artisphere

Greenville art fest receives 'winner' ranking

Ann Hicks
By Ann Hicks

Artisphere, The International Arts Festival of Greenville, has been recognized as a "winner" in Greg Lawler's Art Fair Sourcebook.

The publication is the visual artists' national guide to more than 600 art fairs throughout the country and is annually rated by attending artists.

Mary Ellington, Artishphere's executive director, said Lawler's Sourcebook serves a national guide for artists to decide which shows to apply to and participate in.

In the Fine Art show category, the 2006 Artisphere was ranked 37 out 600 shows nationwide, and in Contemporary Craft, Artisphere was ranked 52 out of 600, Ellington said.

Artisphere has become an annual spring event for downtown Greenville and attracts tens of thousands for a three-day weekend.

Lawler obtains his information through survey cards provided to artists attending national shows.
"What's interesting," Ellington said, "we approached Lawler two years ago when we started Artisphere, and asked to be listed in the publication. He declined because we were brand new."
Ellington said Lawler told her to call him after Artisphere had a few shows under its belt.  Adding to her excitement is the Editor's Critique in the publication.

"This event has only two years behind it, but all indications are that it's a WINNER! It's held in a beautiful downtown setting, is very well-organized, well-run, and receives lots of community support. The quality of exhibitors was TOP NOTCH again in 2006, stacked with award winners from across the country."