HISTORY

The South Carolina Artisans Center came about as a result of a group of ladies who wanted to attract visitors to downtown Walterboro. In 1994, these ladies envisioned creating something of interest to offer the many motorists traveling down the I-95 corridor in Colleton County. The visionaries believed in the importance of art in our community and state and as result, the vision of tourism and art moved forward with the creation of the Artisans Center. A plan to showcase and market the handcrafted work of our state’s leading artists, while ensuring that art inspired by tradition was protected and nurtured, moved forward. The non-profit center utilizes a retail shop, interpretive displays of Southern folk-life, live demonstrations, and educational and information programs as venues to communicate South Carolina’s culture to the public. By promoting the indigenous fine crafts produced exclusively by South Carolina artists, the Center works to create a better understanding of our rich and diverse cultural heritage.  Today, the South Carolina Artisans Center celebrates 30 years of the arts!