Y2Kin Her Eyes by Hamed Mahmoodi Official RiverPlace Arts 2000 Festival poster

RiverPlace Arts Festival

This annual festival in Greenville features a variety of activities, including a national exhibitors' showcase of fine crafts and arts, musical and dramatic performances, a local artist market, wine tasting, and a children's interactive play area.

The festival evolved from the 1950s Greenville Arts Festival which was created to introduce school children to the arts. Every other year, local artists and patrons would produce the festival for one spring weekend. The emphasis was on the display of arts produced by local students. A hands-on children's art area was an essential part of the festival, which was held in different parks and downtown Greenville.

By the 1980s the Greenville Metropolitan Arts Council was organizing the event. When the festival became an annual event, and moved to South Main Street, next to the Reedy River, its name was changed to RiverPlace Arts Festival. At that time a group of local business people and arts patrons formed the River Place Partnership, and were actively seeking to build the current Peace Center for the Performing Arts. The festival has changed locations due to development of downtown Greenville.

Documentation comprises a brochure and a video.

Originally submitted by: Jim DeMint, Representative (4th District).

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