Creativity with Purpose

Community Engagement

Through a variety of inclusive programs—from afterschool workshops for young artists to transformative initiatives in correctional facilities and live performances for the public—GCCA connects people of all ages and backgrounds with the power of artistic expression, fostering creativity, empathy, and community through meaningful engagement.

Aspiring Artists Afterschool Workshops

Students in the Aspiring Artists After-School Program will explore a different artistic medium and theme each month through hands-on workshops designed to build creative confidence, self-expression, and problem-solving skills. Aligned with state educational standards, these sessions foster empathy, community pride, and personal growth.Workshops may include painting, drawing, illustration, textiles, sculpture, jewelry-making, or printmaking. Teaching artists, selected for their expertise and cultural diversity, will guide students in age-appropriate techniques, encouraging experimentation and artistic exploration beyond what they encounter in school.As a culminating event, GCCA will host a student exhibition in the Gray Loft, inviting families to celebrate their work. Featured during GCCA’s First Friday receptions recognizing students’ achievements and reinforcing the impact of the program.

Art with an Impact

The Art with an Impact program is a transformative visual arts initiative created through a partnership between Greenville Center for Creative Arts (GCCA) and Perry Correctional Facility, designed to provide incarcerated individuals—particularly those serving life sentences—with meaningful opportunities for creative expression and personal growth. Aligned with GCCA’s mission to ignite creativity, foster empathy, and expand arts access, this program offers high-quality, hands-on visual arts instruction led by local professional teaching artists. Research shows that arts engagement in correctional settings promotes emotional well-being, reduces behavioral infractions, and lowers recidivism rates, and Art with an Impact aims to harness these benefits by offering a constructive outlet for self-expression and reflection. Looking ahead, the program seeks to grow its impact by incorporating visual art therapy, further supporting participants’ mental health and rehabilitation. Through this initiative, GCCA and Perry Correctional Facility are breaking down barriers to creative access and using the transformative power of art to inspire hope and healing.