Greenville, South Carolina, is an unrivaled blend of historic Southern charm and contemporary sophistication. As you retire in Greenville, SC, enjoying the exclusive programs your retirement community has to offer, be sure to check out the other attractions in the area. Downtown is a walkable street jam-packed with cultural and gastronomic diversions. Right in the midst of it are a beautiful 32-acre park to bike, hike, or walk, and waterfalls with a floating bridge. But the thing that animates the soul of the place is the abundance of art all around. There are street performers, theaters, museums, galleries, and public art shows; there is something for every art lover. This is where art comes alive. Art lovers retiring in Greenville, SC, rejoice! Here are some reasons why this is the place for you.
Public Art Installations
With the belief that art should be shared and experienced by everyone all of the time, there are over 95 amazing art pieces sprawled across the streets and parks of Greenville. Each statue, structure, and mural tells a story about Greenville’s history, culture, people, and values. For example, a 10-feet-tall “Water Blessing” statue depicts a Cherokee giving thanks to the creator for water. Cherokee culture is part of South Carolina’s history, and giving thanks for water was an essential ritual for them. This denotes the deep spiritual relationship they have with water. Graphic murals with uplifting messages pepper the town, alongside structures built to commemorate people and events.
Art Museums
Greenville has a bustling art scene that is filled with a variety of world-class museums. There is a museum for everything; from museums about early settlers to fast cars, covered bridges to every kid’s dream, there is always something exceptional to see. One of the museums not to be missed is the Greenville County Museum of Art. It houses a collection of American art ranging, including artworks by two of the country’s best artists. If you are a history buff, you want to check out the Upcountry History Museum to learn about the individuals who shaped the area through interactive displays and programming. Don’t forget to mark your calendar for special shows and touring exhibitions; you don’t want to miss any.
Handmade Art
Greenville is brimming with unique businesses selling fantastic products handmade by artisans. Support the local craftsmen and artisans when you shop for handmade art. Head down to Greenville’s art district – The Village, to indulge yourself in a shopping spree of eclectic goodies. Choose from ceramics to handmade jewelry, bags, and t-shirts. If you have some time, you can try your hand at making art yourself at the Open Arts Studio. From drawing to painting with various mediums, there are no prerequisites for the classes; no prior art experience is needed to sign up. Draw inspiration from the local artists as they exhibit their works in the gallery. Expect to see arts of all forms, from figurative and abstract to landscape and still life paintings. If you are looking for art pieces as a form of personal expression, head down to the Art and Light Gallery. The works in the gallery are handpicked to offer innovative, inspiring, and one-of-a-kind art pieces that convey your personal stories.
