Upstate Visual Arts began officially in 1987, when a small group of area business and cultural leaders resolved to serve both area artists and the community by celebrating the vast talent of local artists. UVA now exists as a thriving non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization, 500 members strong, dedicated to its mission: enhancing the quality of life within the community by elevating the stature of visual art and educating the public to its significance. To fulfill its mission, UVA maintains a three-pronged approach, consisting of Exhibitions, Education, and Social Events.

The Registry of Deeds Exhibit, produced by Upstate Visual Arts, falls into the Exhibitions category, being a high-profile event that helps UVA artists advance their professional careers and provide goals for their development while furthering public awareness of the scope and depth of fine art created by area artists.

Included in this exhibit are approximately thirty works ranging from oil to acrylic, from photography to printmaking. UVA artists come from many backgrounds and ethnicities, and include a variety of age-groups and educational levels. This particular show was juried from a larger collection of pieces, the remainder of which is being displayed at the UVA Gallery at 630 South Main Street in Greenville’s historic West End.

The artists, board members, and supporters of UVA who attended the morning reception for the Registry of Deeds Exhibit on Friday, February 18, 2005 were thrilled to find the local media buzzing around. Beth Padgett, of The Greenville News was there to cover the event. Marc Willis of WYFF Channel 4 News interviewed several people, including an artist, a staff member of UVA, and Timothy Nanney, Register of Deeds. Portions of these interviews appeared later that evening on the 6:00 news.

Upstate Visual Arts exists to provide a venue of expression, education, and community for new, emerging, and under-represented artists in the Upstate. Anyone interested in the visual arts is welcome to join for a yearly membership fee of $30. UVA exhibitions, festivals and forums involve artists of all media, from sculpture to ceramics, from watercolor to film. UVA members include, but are not limited to, art lovers, collectors, students, professional galleries and working artists from the upstate and beyond.

For more information about Upstate Visual Arts events, exhibits, or educational opportunities, or to join UVA, visit the website at www.upstatevisualart.org , or contact the UVA office at 864.232.4433.