Initiatives
2026 Initiative
Artist friends and friends of artists, please help Women's Art Initiative spread the word about our new call for artists. This sculpture/feature will be installed in the courtyard of the Emmett Scott Recreation Center adjacent to the newly renovated McGirt Auditorium. This call is open to artists/designers nationwide; however, we'd love to have local representation given the focus on Southside Rock Hill history. For call information, visit CaFE Event Information - Emmett Scott Recreation Center Courtyard.
2025 - A Year to celebrate
Oh, what fun we had celebrating 10 years of Women's Art Initiative!
Corner Oasis Mural
Corner Oasis: Reflect and Renew
Take in the Corner Oasis mural painted by the Mural Ninjas April 25 - May 11, 2024.
Corner Oasis: Reflect and Renew
Corner Oasis: Reflect and Renew
June 29, 2023, Fitzhugh Karol and team transformed White Street's pocket corner into an oasis for reflection and renewal with Karol's piece, "Flower and Industry".
Street Artist Shepard Fairey leaves his mark on rock Hill
Shepard Fairey's mural is installed in downtown Rock Hill. The mural is located at 153 E. White Street.
Frank Shepard Fairey is an American contemporary street artist, graphic designer, activist, illustrator, and founder of OBEY Clothing who emerged from the skateboarding scene.
Mural Installed Oct 15 – 19, 2021
One Word Poetry Festival April 27-30, 2023
Amazing talent was experienced during Rock Hill's third annual One Word Poetry Festival!
Endless Possibilities
On January 28, 2020, WAI presented it's latest public art project, "Communication: Endless Possibilities Past, Present, Future", designed by artist, Carrie Gault, of Floyd, Virginia, at the entry of Comporium's Telephone Museum on Elk Avenue.
CN2 Interview - Scroll to 12:30
Haiku on the Sidewalks 2022
Haiku on the Sidewalks 2022
2022 Haiku poetry winners are painted on downtown sidewalks!
Check out previous winners at Haiku 2019 and Haiku 2020.
Past Initiatives
Ann Evolving
Our first project was the creation and installation of the inaugural public artwork, "Ann Evolving", by New York artist, Kathy Bruce, at the White Home, Rock Hill.
Ed Lewandowski Mural
The second project completed by WAI was the restoration and unveiling of the Ed Lewandowski Mural by Charlotte artist, Sharon Dowell, at the Center for the Arts, Rock Hill.
Artful Bra Exhibit
The Women's Art Initiative helped sponsor the Artful Bra Exhibit at the York County Council's Perimeter Gallery Sept.13 through Oct. 27, 2019. The project, which raised breast cancer awareness with embellished bras, included screenings at a mobile mammogram van. WAI member and artist, Caroline Rust, created a bra and was featured on CN2. She's pictured with Melanie Cooper from the Arts Council, right; and Renee O'Neil of CN2, center. https://www.yorkcountyarts.org/artfulbras https://www.cn2.com/?s=Artful+Bra
Drive the arts tour
Looking for a way to get outdoors and see local art? Take part in the “Drive the Arts Tour” with the Women Arts Initiative. Our mission is public art and our driving tour takes you past 30-plus pieces in town. Enjoy!
Art for All Spotlight
Airing Out the “Dirty” Laundry by Andrea Downs
WAI partners with other organizations and individuals to enhance the quality of life through public art.
Airing Out the “Dirty” Laundry by Andrea Downs
Airing Out the “Dirty” Laundry by Andrea Downs
The Arts Council of York County, the Women’s Art Initiative, and Winthrop University Galleries partnered to invite the York County community to engage and participate in Airing Out the “Dirty” Laundry, a community art movement.
About Us
Mission
To enhance the quality of life for the greater Rock Hill area by reflecting its cultural values and artistic vitality through public art.
Purpose
- To select and purchase art to be installed in designated public places.
- To solicit donations from members and the general public.
- To increase knowledge and a greater appreciation of public art and its importance to the quality of life.
- To increase public awareness of public art through educational programs, publications, and tours.
- To aid and cooperate with and participate in the activities of other organizations and individuals engaging in similar or related purposes.