Want Purpose?
For as little as $100 a year, and little to no effort, you can make a difference in your community, get a tax deduction, and have a social life! No meetings and no work required! Your yearly contribution helps to add public art for all to enjoy. Best of all, you will be invited to fellowship with others who share your love for the arts! You can always contribute more, as you feel led, by donating more money and/or time by serving as a board member or on a committee.
Do as little or as much as you desire, but DON'T WAIT! Join the excitement now and make an impact in your town.
Initiatives
Corner Oasis: Reflect and Renew
Street Artist Shepard Fairey leaves his mark on rock Hill
Street Artist Shepard Fairey leaves his mark on rock Hill
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
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
One Word Poetry Festival April 27-30, 2023
Street Artist Shepard Fairey leaves his mark on rock Hill
One Word Poetry Festival April 27-30, 2023
Experience amazing talent during Rock Hill's third annual One Word Poetry Festival!
Haiku on the Sidewalks
Haiku on the Sidewalks
One Word Poetry Festival April 27-30, 2023
2022 Haiku poetry winners are painted on downtown sidewalks!
Vernon Grant
Haiku on the Sidewalks
Drive the Arts Tour
Women's Art Initiative funds project to commemorate artist Vernon Grant.
Drive the Arts Tour
Haiku on the Sidewalks
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
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Everything you ever wanted to know about Women's Art Initiative
Everything you ever wanted to know about Women's Art Initiative
Everything you ever wanted to know about Women's Art Initiative
WRHI's Lucas McFadden and Ashley Lang welcome WAI on 10-14-22
Everything you ever wanted to know about Women's Art Initiative
Everything you ever wanted to know about Women's Art Initiative
WAI President, Michelle DiEduardo, Past President, Grazier Rhea, and Vice President, Caroline Rust Ward tell all about it!
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.
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