OUR HISTORY The Blue Ridge Arts Center is located in the historic district of Seneca, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountain foothills of upstate South Carolina's "Golden Corner". Its gallery is housed in the city's oldest church structure (c. 1881) which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The facilities are maintained by the Blue Ridge Arts Council, a volunteer-based, non-profit organization, whose goal is to stimulate interest in the arts, and preserve the heritage of Oconee County and surrounding area. The organization dates back to its founding in 1966 by six local artists. After several years of seeking the ideal setting for their exhibits and programs, the association purchased this property in 1984 and remodeled it in 1998, creating the Blue Ridge Arts Center complex which includes: The Gallery - featuring a variety of exhibits throughout the year The Studio - offering art classes for all ages, heritage lectures, workspace for artists, and meeting rooms for arts groups The Art Library - providing art reference books, videotapes and instructional materials The Arts Center is open to all, and everyone is welcome to attend the gallery shows (free of charge), art classes (for children and adults from beginner to advanced), lectures, and other programs. The secret of success for any organization is the abilities of its leaders, At BRAC, we feel that we have, probably, the strongest volunteers in the upstate. We are proud of them and the accomplishments of the organization is a result of their efforts. Click on the icon to the left and see a list of our Board. I you want to contact any of them, their email address linked, if they have email capabilities. The functions and facilities of the Blue Ridge Arts Council are financed by funds from memberships, donations, grants, fundraisers, class tuitions and art sales. We are supported in part by the Max & Victoria Dreyfus Foundation, Oconee County Arts & Historical Commission, and the South Carolina Arts Commission which receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts. If you are not helping create appreciation for the arts in the upstate. We need workers, we appreciate artists and we want members. Please join us in Bringing arts to the people and people to the arts. The Blue Ridge Arts Center 111 E. South 2nd Street Seneca, SC 29678 Phone/Fax: (864) 882-2722 Email: blueridgearts@bellsouth.net Open: Monday-Friday, 1-5 p.m., except holidays Saturday, 12-3 p.m. Sunday, 12-2 p.m.