Arts magazine puts Artisphere in its top 100

The Greenville News
Posted September 01. 2010 2:00AM
By Paul Hyde • Staff writer

Artisphere, Greenville's celebrated visual art festival, continues to earn national accolades.

Now in its sixth year, the annual festival was chosen among thousands nationwide as one of the top 100 Fine Art & Design shows by the readers of Sunshine Artist magazine.

Artisphere debuted at No. 83 on the list in the September issue of the Florida-based magazine, with a circulation of more than 35,000. The magazine, which bills itself as “America's premier art and craft magazine,” is aimed specifically at artists and art collectors.

Artisphere's ranking could enhance the art festival's reputation as a destination event, according to Artisphere officials.

“The board is so pleased that Sunshine Artist 's ‘100 Best' list recognized Artisphere as one of the premier art festivals in the country,” said Michelle Seaver, Artisphere treasurer and senior vice president of Carolina First.

“Exposure from renowned publications such as   Sunshine Artist catapults Artisphere and Greenville's vibrant art community into the national spotlight.”

Tens of thousands of arts patrons attended this year's Artisphere in early May. Artisphere features not only visual artists from around the nation but also offers a broad range of other attractions, including outdoor and indoor concerts, food vendors and activities for children. It generates thousands of dollars for local nonprofits.

In its first appearance in the Sunshine Artist rankings, Artisphere placed above well-established art festivals in Albuquerque, N.M., Indianapolis, Ind., Tampa, Fla., Key West, Fla. and many other cities. Louisville's St. James Court Art Show, a huge 53-year-old art festival, was chosen as the nation's best Fine Art & Design show.

Earlier this year, the 2009 Artisphere festival was ranked No. 6 in another national publication, Greg
Lawler's Art Fair Sourcebook . That ranking was based on average artists' sales.

This year's festival garnered an average of $4,200 in sales for the 120 participating artists, on a par with the 2009 festival, said Kerry Murphy, Artisphere executive director. While the Art Fair Sourcebook ranking is based on sales figures, Sunshine Artist 's list is based more on an overall subjective impression among the magazine's readers, Murphy said.

Planning is well underway for next year's Artisphere, which will take place May 13-15.

“After our most successful year to date in 2010, we hope to see even better results in year's Sourcebook
and Sunshine Artist rankings,” said Bob Nachman, Artisphere president and managing director of Nachman Noorwood & Parrott Wealth Management.

“As a Southeast hub for art and culture, the city of Greenville is working hand in hand with Artisphere, building upon last year's accomplishments to make the 2011 festival another successful event.”

Arts Writer Paul Hyde can be reached at 864-298- 4004.