Metropolitan Arts Council

"As a newcomer to Greenville, we received a postcard about the Metropolitan Arts Council, and I decided to send my information in to become a member. I also received a postcard for "Open Studios" and decided to give it a try for 2021. This was a huge mistake. We absolutely love so many things about Greenville, but after being yelled at and treated so very badly this makes me sad. As a newcomer, I was very excited and worked extremely hard to get lots of work done. I was told that a visit would be made to my studio to see what it looked like, etc. They told me how I needed to present my art, which was disingenuous at best. The application said that a $200 "Donation" would have to be made to be accepted into Open Studios. I was specifically told that Open Studios was not about Sales of art at all, but then why at the end was I asked what my specific sales were and visitor count (truly absolutely did not make any sense whatsoever). From the beginning, this seemed very peculiar, but I went forward, made my donation and sent in my work. I was told that I would have to submit a You Tube Video and that my work would be on both an APP and in a booklet form. I submitted my video in August. In late October, I was notified that my video was "LOST", and I needed to resubmit. Additionally, my name was posted on the App and website with THE WRONG ARTIST"S WORK photo shown. After this was "fixed" my name showed up but absolutely no photo of my work. Every single time I called and/or e-mailed, I never got a response. I worked very hard on this and attendance and sales were not what I expected. I tried to communicate this to the Executive Director, both on the phone and in person, and I was yelled at and told that I didn't need to be critiquing MAC, that they were busy with other things. So, any concerns I had were dismissed. He yelled and screamed at me, then walked it back and wanted me to shake his hand, truly ridiculous. Then he went off in a huff and said, "I'll refund your money" and miserably handed me a check. I thought this organization was here to look out for artists and I would expect that an Executive Director who earns over $200,000 per year would be a PROFESSIONAL, but that was too much to ask (It's all in the public record what this organization is all about, donations, salaries, etc). The folks who work here are paid a salary and get MILLIONS of dollars in donations. Google "Metropolitan Arts Council Greenville 501 C3 Tax Records" to see specifics. Artists, do your homework and find out more about this organization by looking up their tax records. In the time of Covid when artists are struggling, be aware and do not pay to play if you can help it. We still love Greenville, despite the horrendous treatment received from this supposed haven for artists."

"I recently picked up a piece from the Flat Out Under Pressure competition from last month! super excited to meet more artists and learn about more art opportunities within the city."

"A wonderful local arts organization that supports local individual artists as well as groups/collectives. MAC has a great online directory to help promote local artists and is involved extensively in the community."

"Being a native Greenvillian and several of my Greenville High classmates are artist this organization led by Alan Etheridge is ultimately how we all connect thru Art, Music and Classical Design. The Artisphere festival held in May every year is a popular event for all ages groups and cultures. I encourage you to support this organization for what they do in our community thru their exhibits and contributions. Our tourism industry is driven by our cultural events as well as our cuisine."

"When it comes to supporting the arts, there is no place in Greenville like this! Led by Alan Etheridge, the Metropolitan Arts Council does excellent work supporting the arts community in Greenville County. Definitely an excellent asset for the city of Greenville."