"Bringing Art to the People and People to the Arts"

Blue Ridge Arts Center

Artist Groups at Blue Ridge Art Center

Whether you’re interested in being inspired by others in our weekly painting groups or are just looking for a little feedback on your latest project, artist groups are a benefit of BRAC membership which offer opportunities to meet with fellow artists around a common interest. We are always looking to organize new groups, so if you would like to help organize a new group, please contact us at 864-710-6593.

CIS (Critique-Inspired Support)

Do you have difficulty evaluating your own artwork? Would you welcome a fresh eye to view and critique your effort? Bring one or two pieces of art that you are working on and get feedback that helps you to see your strengths and areas in which you might benefit from a change. In an informal, supportive environment, you can meet with other artists, enjoy camaraderie and offer suggestions and encouragement to others in attendance.

The purpose is to help artists grow on their path of creativity. Our intent is to focus on the positive and learn as we talk about the pieces of art with our fellow artists. Art goals and directions can also be discussed. Please pay at the door. You must be a BRAC member to participate.

  • Facilitator: Martha Driscoll
  • Contact #: 864-719-0445
  • Date/Time: First Thursday of the Month @ 1pm
  • No fee to participate

“Heart to Art” – Monday Artist Group

On Monday afternoons, we open the BRAC studio for artists who wish to share ideas, advice and company. You choose your own media and bring whatever supplies you need. The group currently does a bit of everything. We experiment, learn from and support each other. Come every week or just when you can. Please pay at the door. You must be a BRAC member to participate.

  • Facilitator: Brenda McLean
  • Contact #: 864-710-6593
  • Date/Time: Mondays, 1-3:30 pm
  • Cost per session: $5

“Painted Ladies” – Tuesday Painting Group

On Tuesdays, we open the BRAC studio for painters who wish to share ideas, advice and company. You choose your own media and bring whatever supplies you need. The group currently does a bit of everything. We experiment, learn from and support each other. Come every week or just when you can. Please pay at the door. You must be a BRAC member to participate.

  • Facilitator: Deb King
  • Contact #: dking4671@gmail.com
  • Date/Time: Tuesdays
  • Cost per session: $5

Life Drawing

Join other artists at the gallery to bolster your life drawing skills. A live model will be at every session. Bring your own supplies and work in any medium you’d like. There is no formal instruction, but there is plenty of folks to learn from and get support. Come every session or just when you can. Artists split the cost of the model fee. Please pay at the door. You must be a BRAC member to participate.

  • Facilitator: Martha Driscoll
  • Date/Time: 2nd Thursday, 1-4:00 pm
  • Cost per session: $5, PLUS split the $50 model fee with other artists

Figure Painting

Join other artists at the gallery to bolster your figure painting (or drawing) skills. A live model will be at every session. Bring your own supplies and work in any medium you’d like. Longer poses will allow for more concentrated painting studies. There is no formal instruction, but there is plenty of folks to learn from and get support. Come every session or just when you can. Artists split the cost of the model fee. Please pay at the door. You must be a BRAC member to participate.

  • Facilitator: Martha Driscoll
  • Date/Time: 3rd Thursday, 1-4:00 pm
  • Cost per session: $5, PLUS split the $50 model fee with other artists

Monthly Pastel Workshop

Cynthia Jones hosts an on-going pastel workshop each month. You can join for a day, or return each month. The small class size of just 6 students will ensure you get all the one-on-one instruction and guidance you need to improve your skills. You must register online in advance – Click Here to Register. There will not be a workshop in October 2023 or November 2023.

  • Date: 3rd Saturday of each month
  • Time: 11:00am-3:00 pm
  • Cost per session: $52

Golden Corner Pastel Society

The Golden Corner Pastel Society meets monthly to share methods and ideas, learn about show opportunities, hear from presenters, and plan activities such plein air outing and field trips. The goal of the group is to educate and encourage artists working in the pastel medium. Our long-term goal is to affiliate with the National Pastel Society. Join us each months, or just when you can. Please pay at the door. You must be a BRAC member to participate.

  • Facilitator: Brenda McLean
  • Contact #: 864-710-6593
  • Date/Time: Last Friday of the Month at 10am
    November/December 2023 meeting will take place on December 1 at 10am
  • Cost per session: $5

Blue Ridge Photographic Society

Group engages with photographic arts at the Blue Ridge Arts Center – through participation and support of Annual Photo Show, and our Annual Photographic Society Showcase, monthly meetings to present work, critiques, camera field trips and growth through fellowship to improve our skills/craft. Photographers of all levels are welcome to join. You must be a BRAC member to participate.

  • Facilitator: Nanine Hartzenbusch  Fox 
  • Contact: naninephoto@gmail.com
  • Date/Time: Meets once a month either at BRAC or offsite. Contact Nanine for details.
  • No fee to participate

Upstate Fiber Arts Artists Group

Do you like to sew, quilt, weave, spin and dye, do batik, silk paint, embroider, make baskets, kit or crochet, make lace, hook rugs, do macrame, and make art with yarns and fibers? Join us each month where we will have a short program followed by creative work time and show and tell. You must be a BRAC member to participate.

  • Facilitator: Beverly Walker 
  • Date/Time: 4th Thursday of the month, 10am-Noon
  • $5 to participate