“The GCCA Brandon Fellowship was essential in my commitment to move forward as a practicing artist outside of an academic setting. Following college graduation, it was the perfect time to distill concepts I began working through, simultaneously eliciting and challenging new work with guidance of my mentor, Paul Flint. The work made during this year at GCCA was a significant part of my graduate school application, setting the trajectory for further growth made in my first year in New York. I’m grateful to be considered a part of the GCCA family and think of my time as a Brandon Fellow as a major and formative moment in my career.”

Naomi Nakazato
Class of 2016

“The Brandon Fellowship was pivotal to my growth as an emerging artist in Greenville. Having the opportunity to re-engage with the art scene in Greenville through the opportunity to have a studio in the heart of the arts district was an amazing opportunity. I greatly value the mentorship of Alice Ballard through the Brandon Fellowship and know now how I can help young artists in their art careers and pursuits. Having the support of a mentor, the access to a studio space, and the exploration of new materials through classes at the GCCA gave me a great foundation to continue pursuing my work in Greenville and beyond.”

Glory Day Loflin
Class of 2016

“Being part of the Brandon Fellowship Program helped me grow as an artist but also allowed people to see who I am and who I am becoming as an artist, and it continues. Thanks, GCCA.”

Brandon Seabrook Nelson
Class of 2017

“After living away for several years, moving back to Greenville was intimidating. The Brandon Fellowship provided me with an instant connection to the arts community, provided me with a mentor who made me think outside the box, and gave me access to classes that helped to deeply develop my personal and professional growth as an artist.”

Dorothy Shain
Class of 2017

“The Brandon Fellowship provided me an amazing opportunity to focus on improving my practice, while at the same time preparing a portfolio to apply for MFA programs.”

Ashley Waller Rabanal
Class of 2017

“The Fellowship was the first time out of college where I had my own studio, at GCCA’s incredible space, to dedicate unlimited time towards my craft. It was amazing to be surrounded by other young artists and to have close access to professional artists within the community. The Fellowship provided a sense of structure to my art-making process while opening up a great amount of freedom to explore where that process could lead.”

Charis Jackson Barrios
Class of 2018

“Going through the Brandon Fellowship program has given me a community of artists to look up to and learn from. It also gave me a space to share my work with the community. I am currently displaying my work in the Community Gallery. During my time as a fellow, I was able to hone in on my style as an artist, since having a space separate from my home resulted in lots of dedicated time to develop my craft, and show my work during First Fridays.”

Olivia Perreault
Class of 2018

“The Brandon Fellowship was a wonderful step in my growth as an artist. It provided support and resources while also giving me the freedom to develop as an independent artist. Having the ability—and the commitment—to show up day after day in the studio taught me a lot about the rhythms and logistics of a studio practice, as well as how I personally work best. The Fellowship also showed me the joy of creating in community and connected me to lots of people I otherwise wouldn’t have met.”

Elliot Lovegrove
Class of 2019

“My year with the Brandon Fellowship Program was one of creative enrichment and friendship. Through the program I made many lasting friendships and several still-standing business relationships. I was able to introduce myself to Greenville’s wonderful art community in ways I wouldn’t have thought possible, securing a place for me there. I appreciate this most of all, because even just stepping into the community was a daunting task to me, fresh out of college as I was! It is my pleasure to remain connected to GCCA as an Alumni of the program. I greatly treasure the people I have met, and I’m excited for those to come!”

Brittany Kelly
Class of 2019

“The Brandon Fellowship gave me the opportunity to explore my own creativity and really start exploring my personal art style. The resources I’ve been provided by the Fellowship helped me begin exploring outside of my usual mediums and hone my skills in new areas. Not only have I been able to grow as an artist and make new connections, but I’ve also learned how to more effectively teach art and expression to children. Even though the pandemic closed many institutions, the Brandon Fellowship allowed me to continue my work through it all, and for that, I’m very thankful!”

Anna Grace Burch
Class of 2021

“This is the first time I’ve really felt the community really push an artist like myself. I love all the love and support I get from GCCA and can’t believe I’ve become a part of the family.”

Evan Givens
Class of 2021

“The Brandon Fellowship helped me form valuable connections within the local art community, and it gave me the freedom to explore my artistic process. I discovered new passions, and I was able to escape my comfort zone by taking and instructing classes at GCCA. I think the program helped me prepare for a lifelong career in visual arts, and it provided me with the necessary resources and experience to do so.”

Savannah Ralph
Class of 2021