The Cheraw Arts Commission is dedicated to encouraging an appreciation of participation in the Arts by all citizens of theCherawCommunity.
Under the direction of the Cheraw Park, Recreation &Cultural Services Department, the Commission is governed by twelve unpaid commissioners appointed by the Mayor and is assisted by many volunteers.
Programs
Throughout the year, the CAC provides a variety of programs for all ages in the Community. Include dare programs in theater, dance, music and other performing arts, visual and literary arts, and the allied arts of design and crafts.
Periodically, the Cheraw Arts Commission presents dinner theaters, a home and garden tour, the S.C. Mobile Arts Truck and fund raisers, such as, the Big Band Dance, White Elephant Sale and Membership Drive.
The CAC sponsors and Artist-In-Education Program for the Cheraw area schools each year through United Way Funds, A.I.E. grants and money form the local schools. Through this program, professional artists, such as painters, musicians, puppeteers, story-tellers, and writers are contracted to conduct innovative workshops for the students for approximately three weeks. The students are actively involved and are able to view the creative process through the artist's eyes and learn to integrate this process in their own creative expression.
In response to popular demand,the Cheraw Arts Commission arranges visits to major performances and art exhibitions.
The Art Gallery
The Art Gallery is located in the left wing of the Community Center. Throughout the year, the Gallery features the work of amateur and professional artists and photographers,student works, crafts and traveling exhibits. The Gallery is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Upcoming Events
The Theatre On The Green
The Town of Cheraw is proud of its newly renovated theater which is housed in a historic building on the Town Green and seats 250 people. Under the direction of the Arts Commission,The Theatre, with its stage, sound and film projector systems is used for the presentation of plays concerts and movies and is also available for civic and community meetings.
"On Stage," Cheraw's amateur theater group, holds regular performances in the Theatre throughout the year showcasing dramatic talent from Cheraw and the surrounding area of Chesterfield County.
"The Patchwork Players," a professional theater group associated with Columbia College, performs a series of plays regularly for children.
Upcoming Events
CAC PRE-SCHOOL SERIES
CHILDREN’S PLAYHOUSE
THEATRE ARTS CAMP: Learn about
acting, makeup, & music from Porkchop Productions. Sponsored by CAC. July 17th—27th. Ages 6 & up. FEES: $55 CAC members,
$65 non-members.
“YOUNG AT ART” CAMPS: CAMP 1: K–3RD, June 12—15, 9—11am. Instructor:
Blair Laney. Intro to various art & artists. $25 city; $33 county.
Supplies included. Limit 12. Sponsored by CAC. CAMP 2: 4TH—6TH graders,
June 19—22, 9—11 am. (Same fees & instructor as Camp 1) CAMP 3: 4TH—8TH
graders; July 10—12, 1—3 pm. “Mosaics” with Jean McCormick. Child
& Adult pairings welcomed but not required. $30 city ; $40 county. Supplies included.
How The Commission Is Funded
The primary financial support for the Commission's operation and expansion of its activities is received from the National Endowment for the Arts and the South Carolina Arts Commission.
To remain eligible for funding, the Commission must raise two or more dollars for every dollar received form grants. To achieve this, the Commission relies heavily on annual subscriptions received from its members, who show commitment both financially, through their memberships, and by their time, supporting various fund-raising projects.
The Town of Cheraw continues to support the Commission through the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services. The growing financial support from local industry shows increasing interest in our community's need for art programming. Running expenses for staff needs and other costs are kept to a minimum with the majority of funding going to the Commission's programs.
Why You are Important To Us!
To continue the development of the Arts in the Cheraw community, new members are vital to our success. Community residents are encouraged to become members of the Cheraw Arts Commission to show their support of the Arts. A quarterly newsletter is mailed to all members informing them of upcoming events. Also, members have the opportunity to attend previews of exhibitions prior to a public showing. Members have first choice in selecting tickets for the Commission's special events, and an annual Membership Meeting is arranged by the Commission for members only.