Provided by City of North Charleston
Fine craft artists from across the state are invited to participate in the 24th annual South Carolina Palmetto Hands Juried Fine Craft Competition and Exhibition. As the state’s longest-running fine craft competition and exhibition, objects selected for the show may compete for cash prizes totaling up to $6,500.
The exhibition is presented as a component of the annual North Charleston Arts Fest, to be held April 29-May 3, 2026. A $16 entry fee applies, which covers the artist’s first entry if accepted into the exhibition. Each additional piece the artist chooses to enter will be $15. Artists may submit up to four entries. The application is strictly available online and may be accessed via the link at NorthCharlestonArtsFest.com/
Organized and presented by the City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department, this unique exhibition offers fine craft artists from across South Carolina the opportunity to exhibit their inspiring objects in the media of clay, fiber, glass, metal, wood, and three-dimensional mixed media. Thousands have enjoyed the refined talents of South Carolina fine craft artists during past annual exhibitions.
We are pleased to announce the juror for the 2026 competition is Timia D. Thompson. Thompson is the Collections Outreach Manager at the South Carolina State Museum, where she oversees the Museum’s Traveling Exhibition Program and supports statewide museum initiatives through her work with the South Carolina Federation of Museums (SCFM). She enjoys helping exhibitions reach new audiences and building connections across the museum community.
With a career shaped by curiosity, community, and a love of storytelling, Timia brings a deep commitment to learning and public engagement. Her professional journey spans nonprofits, government agencies, and higher education, giving her a broad, people-centered perspective on how art and culture connect us. Whether exploring a new exhibition, partnering with artists and museums, or amplifying community stories, Timia is passionate about connecting people with meaningful experiences and celebrating the creativity that brings them together.
The 24th Annual South Carolina Palmetto Hands Juried Fine Craft Competition & Exhibition will be on display April 29-May 3, 2026, at the Charleston Area Convention Center, located at 5001 Coliseum Drive in North Charleston. A free public reception and announcement of awards will be held at the Convention Center on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, from 6:00-8:00pm. For more information about the North Charleston Arts Fest, Palmetto Hands, or other exhibition opportunities, contact the North Charleston Cultural Arts Department at (843)740-5854, email culturalarts@northcharleston.