S.C. Arts Commission names seven new ‘emerging artists’

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Entertainment

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Seven artists establishing themselves in their artistic pursuits will receive a project-based grant and career mentoring from the South Carolina Arts Commission Emerging Artists program.

The SCAC defines emerging artists as being at an early stage in their artistic career development—within the first five years—with no basis in age. It awards two new cohorts of emerging artists each fiscal year.

This cohort is the second of two for FY26. The seven South Carolina artists who are each to receive Emerging Artist grants up to $1,800 from the SCAC are:

  • Abigail “Abi” Colton of Traveler’s Rest (Craft: Ceramics).
  • Tiera Green of Summerville (Literature: Poetry/Prose).
  • Mary Glenn Keadle of Charleston (Visual Arts: Painting).
  • Savannah “Savvy” Ralph of Greer (Mixed Media: Painting).
  • Dia Robinson of Greenville (Crafber Arts).
  • Alexander Rouse of Greenville (Visual Arts: Painting/Drawing).
  • Luke Sarmiento of Florence (Visual Arts: Mixed Media/Sculpture).

An online gallery of representative works by this class is available now on SouthCarolinaArts.com: https://www.southcarolinaarts.com/artist-development/programs/emerging-artists/.

In addition to financial support for forthcoming artistic projects outlined in their applications, the artists benefit from mentorship and professional support. The combined benefits are intended to deepen artistic practice and foster artistic excellence; encourage career growth, advancement, and sustainability; and provide professional development and opportunities for collaboration.

“The South Carolina Arts Commission is excited to see how these artists continue to establish themselves as artists or in new disciplines. Each has an ambitious project we can support with a grant, and I am honored to mentor them during the grant period as they plan for career expansion,” SCAC Artist Development Manager McKenzie Drake said.

Individual artists who reside in South Carolina and fit the criteria of an emerging artist are encouraged to apply for the first round of FY27 Emerging Artist grant funding. Applications are expected to open in spring 2026. Updated grant guidelines will be available at https://www.southcarolinaarts.com/grant/emerging-artist-grants/.