Creative Camaraderie
The Crooked Creek Art League (CCAL) started in 1995 and continues to thrive today as it celebrates its 30th anniversary. Much like an artist who sees a blank canvas and knows what it can become or a potter who sees clay with the vision of a creative piece, perhaps the founding group had aspirations of what an impact the organization would have in the area.
And now, they have made a difference. Creative artists have come together through workshops, gallery exhibits, artistic expression opportunities, a supportive environment, and ways to reach the community.
“The CCAL is an active organization,” said Yvonne Beyer, current president of the League. She said the League’s mission was founded “to encourage and support new and established artists, to educate and encourage each other’s work, and to grow the visual arts in our community by offering artists avenues to improve skills, display, and sell art.” She and her husband have been members since 2022.
“The majority of CCAL members paint, though we have several photographers and 3D artists,” shared Beyer. “Members create 2D work in acrylics, mixed media, oils, pastels, pencils, watercolors, and photography. Our 3D artists work with ceramics, metal, clay, jewelry, gourds, stained glass, and/or wood carvings.” Art takes many forms to allow creativity to be expressed as evidenced through CCAL’s many diverse projects.
Monthly meetings are held at Crooked Creek Park in Chapin and through Zoom. “We partner with the Town of Chapin on community art projects; display our art in public galleries, local businesses, and libraries; hold numerous workshops in various media taught by well-known artists throughout the year. We participate in two annual juried art exhibits judged by professional artists with over $4,000 in total awards,” she explained.
The League is a 501(c)(3) organization run by committed volunteers. Officers and board chairs are elected, appointed, or volunteer, explained Sandra Oliver, the CCAL’s publicity coordinator. She has been involved with CCAL for twelve years, having served in various roles.
“I joined the League not knowing much about the art community,” said Oliver. “I have learned through the monthly meetings, workshops, exhibits, and interactions with fellow members. It’s not just for artists, it’s for art lovers too.” Members come from all over including Aiken, Blythewood, Saluda County, and outside of South Carolina.
Artists have several opportunities to showcase their work. She said The Artist Place (TAP) is an onsite gallery in the lobby at Crooked Creek Park. The gallery includes artwork displayed based on a monthly theme.
Additionally, artists have exhibited their artwork in 12 locations throughout the Chapin area. Some of these include the Lexington County Public Library, Creative Corner Gallery at the Chapin Theatre Company, Chapin Library Gallery, Irmo Branch Library in Columbia, and Artistic Prosperity Gallery at the Prosperity Town Hall. Many of the exhibits rotate after three months.
Another way artists can display their work is through The Chapin Art Trail. Barbara Teusink, coordinator of community projects, who has been with CCAL for 15 years explained the Trail.
“The Chapin Art Trail is a collection of artwork for free viewing in public spaces in the area,” said Teusink. “The Trail includes a scavenger hunt with prizes. A lot of groups and families do it as a fun, interactive activity.” The Trail runs throughout the greater Chapin area and the scavenger hunt form is available online.
A new project is usually started once a year featuring new pieces. Last year they organized a large-scale fiberglass turtles project placed in locations throughout the town. “It is a great group of people,” said Teusink. “They are very supportive of each other and their efforts whether they are experienced or amateurs.”
Lainie McWilliams, CCAL vice president discussed the educational workshops offered. “We have several workshops each year and try to cover different genres,” McWilliams said. “We’ve had sessions on watercolor, acrylic, oil, pastel, collage, and drawing.”
The members and artists work as a team helping each other. “Crooked Creek Art League has been a positive experience in my life,” shared McWilliams. “The artists have been so encouraging and supportive. They have given me opportunities to display and sell my art through juried shows and non-juried shows.”
Whether you are an artist, an artist wannabe, or someone who appreciates the beauty of art, you will likely find something in the events and happenings through CCAL. Want to learn more? Check out their website for events, exhibitions, gallery specifics, and to catch a glimpse of some of the artwork.