The Arts

Location Moncks Corner, SC

Photographed by Will Rizzo

A trip back in time with live bluegrass at the Pickin' Parlor.

Art Speaks An art exhibit in the East Gallery at Public Works Art Center

By Lorna Hollifield

Not much is easy anymore. In March of 2020 we all thought we’d batten down for a few weeks, wash our hands, contemplate what in God’s sweet name we had just seen on Tiger King, and then get back to the grind. Now it’s year three. Life has become about survival for many, about making it from one day to the next in between Zoom meetings and remote learning days. Many have faced health or financial woes. It feels like we’ve all held our breath and just tried to keep moving, both literally and figuratively. However, despite the current climate, and all the odds stacked against it, an organization has been working hard behind the scenes to create a free, familyfriendly place where the community of Summerville can catch its breath again. Founded in 2018, unknowing of what lay so shortly ahead, The Public Works Art Center located at 135 West Richardson Avenue, was founded by a group of maverick thinkers led by respected community member, Diane Frankenberger. The vision was simple. The beautiful old town post office would be turned into a space to celebrate the arts by offering hosts of classes, birthday parties, kids camps, exhibits, residency programs, and special events. It would remain free to tour and open to all people.

And they did it. The group of Summerville residents that includes Frankenberger, and Executive Director, Jana Riley, brought the dream to fruition. With determination, support from community volunteers, and a lot of heart, the infant project was birthed, only to survive a pandemic by its sophomore year. It is now a thriving center for the people, boasting three galleries that operate on a 6-week rotation, with entertaining hands-on components available at each one. It also offers ongoing classes and programs for all ages, twelve studios where artists can often be seen working live, and a fun art vending machine that delivers a surprise handmade treasure at the pull of a lever for just a $5 token. (Word is the adults have just as much fun as the kiddos with this one!)

Most importantly, the space has remained on message, celebrating all forms of art, even adding theatre, and writing programs for a well-rounded experience. Through strategic planning, a firm sense of atmosphere, and a strong-willed community, the original vision has defied the chaos ensuing outside the gallery doors and grown unshakable roots in the short 4 years it’s been alive. The organization seems to exist in a bubble outside of everything else going on in the world. Perhaps that’s why it’s endured. It has served the collective need of respite so very well. Riley states, “I am extremely passionate about bringing people together and amplifying the voices and stories of our community through the arts, as well as providing families with free and low-cost creative opportunities.” Riley’s passion, as well as the passion of her