John Acorn. Vacuum Forms: Black Studs, Natural, Red-Blue. 1983. mixed media 42 1/4" x 66" x 4". Image courtesy of the SC Arts Commission.
Learn about art styles and folk art that have been popular in South Carolina.
Be sure to also check out the South Carolina Artists page for more about painters, folk artists, and other artists.
Charleston Renaissance (1915-1940)
The Charleston Renaissance was a cultural revival that celebrated the heritage of the city, led by artists, writers, musicians, and others. Check out the visual art that was created of Charleston and the coastal region during this time period.
- Libraries and the Charleston Renaissance
- The Art of the Charleston Renaissance (Powerpoint presentation)
- Artists of the Charleston Renaissance
Basketry
Sweetgrass baskets have been made in Charleston and along the coast for more than 300 years. Slaves from West Africa brought this art with them and have passed the tradition on from generation to generation.
Architecture
From Lowcountry plantations to one-story shotgun houses and the Carolina I-House, many architectural styles can be found in South Carolina.
- Architecture in Charleston
See examples of colonial, Georgian, federal, and other architectural styles found in Charleston. - The Single House
Learn the history of Charleston's narrow, one room wide homes. - Carolina House Types
This presentation shows examples of lots of different architectural styles throughout South Carolina. - Shotgun Houses
Learn about this unique house style found throughout the south. - Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
Explore one of South Carolina's oldest estates, established in 1672. - Old Farm Houses
View examples of farms houses in Florence, Williamsburg, and Chesterfield Counties. - Pisé de Terre
This style of building construction with clay was used in buildings near Sumter, SC.
Gardens
Like the range of architecture of South Carolina, the gardens of South Carolina can be whimsical or ornate, natural or exotic.
- Pearl Fryar
This topiary artist in Bishopville has a garden of over 1,000 ornate art pieces.Take a tour with the artist himself. - Courtyard Gardens
Learn about Charleston’s history of courtyard gardens. - Brookgreen Gardens
Explore this historic sculpture and wildlife preserve.
A Natural State
See how South Carolina artists express a love for nature by shaping, twisting, carving, and weaving materials collected from the landscape.
