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.
Officers
President
Vice President
Vice President
Michelle DiEduardo
Vice President
Vice President
Vice President
Caroline Rust Ward
Secretary
Secretary
Secretary
Amanda Foshag
Treasurer
Secretary
Secretary
Suzanne Harnois
Board Members
Monique Luck, Amanda Foshag, Carolyn Moore, Lori Robishaw, Suzanne Harnois, Kathy Wilson, Stephanie Thompkins, Pam Poag, Kristen Sessions, Michelle DiEduardo Caroline Rust Ward, Michele Dupre, Grazier Rhea, Phyllis Ferguson. Not pictured: Rebecca Bridges, Nicole Davenport, Lucille Harper, Ashley Owens, Ashley Stevenson, Emily Wade
Initiatives
Corner Oasis: Reflect and Renew
One Word Poetry Festival March 30 - April 3 2022
Corner Oasis: Reflect and Renew
WAI's latest art installation is coming soon!
Haiku on the Sidewalks
One Word Poetry Festival March 30 - April 3 2022
Corner Oasis: Reflect and Renew
2022 Haiku poetry winners are painted on downtown sidewalks!
One Word Poetry Festival March 30 - April 3 2022
One Word Poetry Festival March 30 - April 3 2022
Street Artist Shepard Fairey leaves his mark on rock Hill
Once again, WAI supported the One Word Poetry Festival!
Street Artist Shepard Fairey leaves his mark on rock Hill
Street Artist Shepard Fairey leaves his mark on rock Hill
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
Vernon Grant
Street Artist Shepard Fairey leaves his mark on rock Hill
Drive the Arts Tour
Women's Art Initiative funds project to commemorate artist Vernon Grant.
Drive the Arts Tour
Street Artist Shepard Fairey leaves his mark on rock Hill
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
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
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.
Endless Possibilities
Airing Out the “Dirty” Laundry by Andrea Downs
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
Past Initiatives
Ann Evolving
Ed Lewandowski Mural
Ed Lewandowski Mural
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
Ed Lewandowski Mural
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
Ed Lewandowski Mural
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
Help Our Cause
Your support and contributions will enable us to enhance the quality of life for the greater Rock Hill area by reflecting its cultural values and artistic vitality through public art.
There are many ways you can support our effort:
- Become a member by annually contributing a minimum of $100. You will be invited to our annual gathering and other events.
- Men, women, and organizations can make donations at any time by mailing a check to Women's Art Initiative, P. O. Box 4926, Rock Hill, SC, 29732, or contributing online through our Donate page.
- Participate in our calls for art contributions.
