by Jess Abbott | Jan 14, 2025 | News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: January 14, 2025
CONTACT: Jess Abbott, Chief Executive Officer
jess@artcentergreenville.org
864-274-0351
Greenville Center for Creative Arts to Receive $25,000 Award from the National Endowment for the Arts
Greenville, S.C.—Greenville Center for Creative Arts (GCCA) is thrilled to announce it has been approved by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) for a Grants for Arts Projects award of $25,000. This prestigious grant, which will support GCCA’s Brandon Fellowship program, marks the first time GCCA has received funding from the NEA.
“The NEA is proud to continue our nearly 60 years of supporting the efforts of organizations and artists that help to shape our country’s vibrant arts sector and communities of all types across our nation,” said NEA Chair Maria Rosario Jackson, PhD. “It is inspiring to see the wide range of creative projects taking place, including the Greenville Center for Creative Arts’ Brandon Fellowship program.”
“We are honored to receive our first-ever grant from the National Endowment for the Arts,” said Jess Abbott, Chief Executive Officer of GCCA. “This award is a testament to the impact of the Brandon Fellowship program and its role in fostering emerging talent from historically underrepresented communities. Receiving NEA funding validates the work we are doing at GCCA and elevates the visibility of our mission on a national level. This support allows us to expand opportunities for our Fellows and highlights the importance of investing in inclusive programs that strengthen the cultural fabric of our community. We are excited to continue making a difference with the support of such a renowned organization.”
The Brandon Fellowship is a 12-month intensive program designed to support emerging artists from diverse backgrounds who represent historically underrepresented communities in the arts. Fellows receive studio space, mentorship, professional development, and access to GCCA’s extensive resources, enabling them to cultivate their artistic practice and develop their careers. This program is critical in fostering inclusivity and equity within the arts community of Greenville and beyond.
About Greenville Center for Creative Arts
GCCA is a nonprofit community arts organization located in the historic Brandon Mill in Greenville, South Carolina. Since its founding in 2015, GCCA has been dedicated to providing accessible arts education, dynamic exhibitions, and professional development opportunities for artists of all levels. Through initiatives like the Brandon Fellowship, GCCA fosters creativity, diversity, and inclusivity, enriching the cultural fabric of the Upstate region.
To learn more about GCCA, its programs, and upcoming events, visit artcentergreenville.org.
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by Jess Abbott | Dec 2, 2024 | News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Jess Abbott, CEO
Greenville Center for Creative Arts
Phone: 864-274-0351
Email: jess@artcentergreenville.org
Greenville Center for Creative Arts Welcomes Sara Grambach as
New Development Director
Greenville, SC – December 2, 2024 – Greenville Center for Creative Arts (GCCA), a vibrant hub for the visual arts and a cornerstone of Greenville’s cultural community, is proud to announce Sara Grambach as its new Development Director.
Sara joins GCCA with over 20 years of experience in sales, marketing, business development, and fundraising, including leadership roles at several nonprofits. Most recently, she served as Chief Development & Community Engagement Officer at a community health center on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, where she exceeded financial goals and elevated the organization’s brand visibility across the region. Her extensive background includes advocacy work as an elected official, board membership in her local young professionals organization, and active involvement with her community’s Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club.
A Greenville native, Sara attended Wade Hampton High School and The Fine Arts Center before earning a degree in advertising from the University of Georgia and an MS in health communications from Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston. Her lifelong passion for nonprofit arts organizations makes this role especially meaningful.
“Sara’s arrival at GCCA marks an exciting milestone as we approach our 10th anniversary in 2025,” said Jess Abbott, CEO of GCCA. “Over the past decade, GCCA has become a cornerstone of Greenville’s arts community, fostering creativity, education, and connection for people of all ages and backgrounds. With her extensive experience in development and her passion for community engagement, Sara will play a crucial role in strengthening our foundation and amplifying our reach. Her leadership will help ensure that GCCA continues its legacy of enriching lives through the arts and broadens our capacity to serve as a vital resource for the Upstate. We’re thrilled to have her join us at such an important moment in our history and future.”
Sara is eager to partner with GCCA’s talented staff, dedicated board members, community collaborators, and generous donors to ensure the organization’s growth and sustainability in the years ahead.
Greenville Center for Creative Arts is committed to inspiring creativity and connection through exhibitions, educational programs, and artist residencies. Learn more about GCCA and its mission at www.artcentergreenville.org.
About Greenville Center for Creative Arts
Greenville Center for Creative Arts (GCCA) is a nonprofit organization founded in 2015 to nurture artists and art enthusiasts of all backgrounds. Housed in the historic Brandon Mill, GCCA offers diverse programming, including classes, exhibitions, and community events, to foster a thriving arts community in Greenville and beyond.
For more information, please visit www.artcentergreenville.org.
by Jess Abbott | Jun 27, 2024 | News
June 28th, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information:
Jess Abbott, CEO
Greenville Center for Creative Arts
jess@artcentergreenville.org
Greenville Center for Creative Arts is a Best of South Carolina® Regional Winner
The votes have been counted and the results are in! The Carrie Burns Brown Art School at Greenville Center for Creative Arts is a 2024 Best of South Carolina® Regional winner in Guide to South Carolina’s annual readers’ poll.
Guide to South Carolina readers and editors have weighed in on the best of everything in South Carolina, honoring thousands of businesses and organizations in more than 25 broad business and community sectors.
The process starts with a nomination on the Guide to South Carolina website. Voting remains open throughout the year, with tens of thousands of votes ultimately received. The process culminates with the publishing of the Best of South Carolina Keepsake Annual along with a statewide publicity campaign.
Best of South Carolina winners and nominees are chosen by a combination of readers’ votes and editors’ input, and are vetted through several ranking sites, Better Business Bureau complaint reports, and voting pattern analysis reports. “We are incredibly honored to have the Carrie Burns Brown Art School recognized as a 2024 Best of South Carolina® Regional winner,” said Jess Abbott, CEO at Greenville Center for Creative Arts. “This award reflects the dedication and passion of our entire team, as well as the vibrant community that supports us. We are grateful to the readers and editors of Guide to South Carolina for this prestigious acknowledgment and look forward to continuing our mission of fostering creativity and artistic growth in South Carolina.”
Winners are named in hundreds of individual categories, providing Guide to South Carolina readers with a go-to-guide for the best of everything in South Carolina. Guide to South Carolina recognizes three levels of winners: The Best of South Carolina, Best of South Carolina Regional Winners and Honorable Mentions. Within each category, there are multiple honorees named in each tier, depending on the size of the market sector.
For more information about the Carrie Burns Brown Art School at GCCA, please visit www.artcentergreenville.org.
The Greenville Center for Creative Arts (GCCA) is a nonprofit community art center dedicated to inspiring, engaging, and enriching the community through the arts. Located in the heart of Greenville, GCCA offers a wide range of classes, workshops, exhibitions, and events for artists of all ages and skill levels.
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by Jess Abbott | Apr 30, 2024 | News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact
Jess Abbott
Chief Executive Officer
Greenville Center for Creative Arts
864.274.0351
jess@artcentergreenville.org
Remembering Carrie Burns Brown: A Pioneer in the Greenville Arts Community
Greenville, South Carolina – April 25, 2024 – The Greenville Center for Creative Arts (GCCA) mourns the loss of Carrie Burns Brown, a cherished Founder whose pioneering spirit and unwavering dedication transformed the arts landscape in Greenville and beyond. Carrie passed away after a courageous battle with severe COPD, leaving behind a profound legacy that will forever inspire and shape the future of GCCA.
Carrie Burns Brown was more than just a founder of GCCA; she was the driving force behind its establishment and success. Her passion for the arts, coupled with her visionary leadership, laid the foundation for GCCA to become the vibrant hub of creativity it is today. Without Carrie’s vision and tireless efforts, GCCA would not exist, and countless artists would not have had the opportunity to thrive and grow in our community.
In recognition of Carrie’s immense contributions, GCCA is proud to announce that the Art School will be named in her honor: the Carrie Burns Brown Art School at GCCA. This tribute is a testament to Carrie’s lasting impact on the arts community and her commitment to fostering creativity and artistic expression in Greenville and beyond.
“Carrie Burns Brown wasn’t just a visionary; she was the heartbeat of the Greenville arts community, and her legacy will forever ignite the creative spirits of generations to come,” expressed Jess Abbott, CEO at GCCA. “Her unwavering dedication, boundless passion, and inspiring leadership have left an indelible mark on us all. It’s with profound gratitude and a deep sense of honor that we name the Carrie Burns Brown Art School at GCCA, ensuring her memory lives on in every stroke of paint created within these walls.”
Carrie’s service will be held on May 10, 2024, at 11AM at Greenville Center for Creative Arts, located at 101 Abney Street followed by a reception to celebrate her life and legacy. For more information about Carrie Burns Brown’s life and legacy, please visit: https://thomasmcafee.com/obituary/carrie-burns-brown/.
About GCCA:
The Greenville Center for Creative Arts (GCCA) is a nonprofit community art center dedicated to inspiring, engaging, and enriching the community through the arts. Located in the heart of Greenville, GCCA offers a wide range of classes, workshops, exhibitions, and events for artists of all ages and skill levels.
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by Jess Abbott | Jan 31, 2024 | News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Greenville Center for Creative Arts Announces Five New Members on the Board of Directors
GREENVILLE, SC – Jan. 31, 2024
The Greenville Center for Creative Arts (GCCA) is thrilled to welcome five distinguished individuals to its Board of Directors, each bringing a wealth of experience and a shared passion for advancing the arts in the Greenville community. The new members include Bill Stephenson, Mark Colby, Kacee Lominack, Mary Church Cornette, and Dan Helwing.
Bill Stephenson, a 1982 graduate of the University of North Carolina in Business Administration, joins GCCA after a remarkable 36-year banking career, with 30 years dedicated to BB&T. Bill’s extensive civic engagement includes his current role as Chair for the YMCA’s Foundation Board (Endowment) and various positions with Caine Halter Y over the last two decades. He has also served on the boards of Greenville Theatre, Friends of the Reedy River, and the Metropolitan Arts Council, demonstrating his commitment to the local arts scene.
Mark Colby, the Director of Digital Transformation – Purchasing Americas at Michelin North America, Inc., adds a unique perspective to the board. With a decade-long career at Michelin and a background in the US Marine Corps, Mark’s leadership and experience in digital initiatives will contribute significantly to GCCA’s growth. Beyond his corporate responsibilities, Mark is the CEO of the Michelin Charity Golf Tournament, showcasing his dedication to community service.
Kacee Lominack, Marketing Manager at Peacock Marketing and a graduate of Presbyterian College, brings nearly two decades of experience in the non-profit sector. Her expertise in database management, fundraising campaigns, and event planning, combined with a genuine passion for the arts, aligns seamlessly with GCCA’s mission. Kacee’s commitment to the community extends to her volunteer work with Mill Village Farms and involvement in Greenville County Schools.
Mary Church Cornette, CEO and Head of Creative at FUEL, is a seasoned creative professional with over 20 years of experience working with major brands. Her entrepreneurial spirit and approachable mentor leadership style have transformed FUEL into a purpose-driven brand-building agency. Mary’s dedication to serving nonprofits in the Greenville community is evident through initiatives like the FUEL for Good Grant, which provides marketing support to local nonprofits.
Dan Helwing, a Partner at Ernst & Young, brings a wealth of financial expertise to the board. As a leader in the Technical Accounting Advisory Group, Dan focuses on SEC Reporting, Corporate Governance, and business combinations. His extensive background in accounting and finance, coupled with his commitment to effective reporting and corporate governance practices, will enhance GCCA’s financial stewardship.
Jess Burgess, CEO of GCCA, expresses her enthusiasm for the new additions, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Bill, Mark, Kacee, Mary, and Dan to our Board of Directors. Their diverse backgrounds and passion for the arts will bring renewed energy to our organization. We look forward to the exciting work ahead of us as we continue to support and uplift artists in the Greenville community.”
With these esteemed individuals joining the Board of Directors, GCCA is poised to embark on a new chapter of growth and community impact. The collective expertise and dedication of the new members will undoubtedly contribute to the continued success of the Greenville Center for Creative Arts.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Jess Burgess, CEO
Greenville Center for Creative Arts
jess@artcentergreenville.org
864-274-0351
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by Jess Abbott | Sep 18, 2023 | News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jess Burgess, CEO
864-274-0351
jess@artcentergreenville.org
Tickets on sale for The Color Gala at Greenville Center for Creative Arts
GCCA’s first signature fundraising event, The Color Gala, will be held on Thursday, November 2, from 7-9:30pm at 101 Abney Street. The event will feature delicious food and beverages by ChefanieB and Mingle Masters, music from the Fine Arts Center Jazz All Stars, live artmaking, a silent auction, and more.
“We are thrilled to host this special evening to benefit GCCA’s artist community,” said Jess Burgess, CEO of GCCA. “The Color Gala will be a wonderful opportunity to recognize and promote the impact of the visual arts in Greenville.”
Proceeds from the event will support GCCA’s core programming, including free public exhibitions, professional development and resources for emerging and working artists, and youth outreach, bringing essential arts engagement to everyone in our community.
Single tickets are on sale—$50 for GCCA Members and $65 for non-Members. Sponsorship packages with recognition and other special benefits are also available starting at $500. Visit artcentergreenville.org/colorgala for tickets and additional information.
Event Details:
When: November 2, 2023
Where: Greenville Center for Creative Arts
101 Abney St. Greenville, SC 29611
Tickets: www.artcentergreenville.org/colorgala
About GCCA
Greenville Center for Creative Arts is a non-profit organization that aims to enrich the cultural fabric of the community through visual arts promotion, education, and inspiration. GCCA’s galleries are open Tuesdays-Fridays from 9am – 5pm & Saturdays from 11am-3pm. For more information, visit www.artcentergreenville.org, call 864-735-3948, or check out GCCA on Facebook (Greenville Center for Creative Arts) & Instagram (@artcentergvl).
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by Jess Abbott | Jul 31, 2023 | News
The Greenville Center for Creative Arts (GCCA) is delighted to announce the appointment of Javy Pagan as the new Program Director. With an impressive background in program creation, implementation, community engagement, and fundraising, Javy’s expertise is set to propel GCCA’s programming initiatives to new heights.
Before joining GCCA, Javy Pagan served as the Director of Museum Experience at the Children’s Museum of the Upstate. His remarkable accomplishments and dedication in the cultural sector have earned him a reputation as an influential leader with a passion for promoting creativity and the arts in the community. Javy is also a highly engaged and active member of the local Greenville theatre community.
In response to the appointment, Jess Burgess, CEO of Greenville Center for Creative Arts, commented, “We are thrilled to welcome Javy Pagan to our GCCA family as the new Program Director. With his wealth of experience and visionary approach to program development, we are excited to witness our initiatives flourish and make an even greater impact on the artistic landscape of the upstate region.”
Javy Pagan expressed his enthusiasm about his new role, stating, “I am excited to bring my experience in program creation, implementation, community engagement, and fundraising to the role of Programs Director at GCCA. I am humbled to be joining a team of incredible arts administrators, and I am committed to working with them for the betterment of the upstate community.”
As the Program Director, Javy Pagan will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of GCCA’s arts programs, fostering creativity, and expanding outreach efforts to ensure the organization continues to thrive as a leading hub for artistic expression in Greenville and beyond.
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About GCCA
Greenville Center for Creative Arts is a non-profit organization that aims to enrich the cultural fabric of the community through visual arts promotion, education, and inspiration. For more information, visit www.artcentergreenville.org, call 864-735-3948, or check out GCCA on Facebook (Greenville Center for Creative Arts) & Instagram (@artcentergvl).
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