Local artists will make a strong showing at the eighth annual event. The three-day, visual, performing and culinary arts festival will feature Kent Ambler (Printmaking/Graphics), Danielle Miller-Gilliam (Jewelry: Precious), Lynn Greer (Painting: Watercolor), Marie Gruber (2D Mixed Media), Signe and Genna Grushovenko (Painting: Oil/Acrylic), April Harrison (2D Mixed Media), Michael McDunn (Furniture), Jackie Newell (Painting: Oil/Acrylic), Llyn Strong (Jewelry: Precious), Judy Verhoeven (2D Mixed Media), and Jaryd Walley (Woodwork). A complete list of participating artists and their websites can be found on www.artisphere.us.

Julie Shabkie is the recipient of the Emerging Artist Scholarship, a new program that provides a local artist with free booth space and professional development assistance for the event. Shabkie says, "I am thrilled to be the scholarship recipient and am really looking forward to the event in May." At Artisphere 2012, Shabkie will feature her paintings of cyclists which are very colorful and action oriented. She says, "As a figure painter and bicycle enthusiast, I have found it to be a perfect blend of my love of painting the human form, color and movement."

Another first-timer to Artisphere, Jacki Newell, will be presenting her Main Street Series (paintings of downtown Greenville scenes). After moving to Greenville a few years ago and visiting Artisphere, Newell was determined to participate in the festival. After being accepted this year, she says, "I am so excited to actually be a part of it!"

Artisphere veteran, Michael McDunn, will return this year with his handcrafted woodwork. A full-time craftsman since 1981, McDunn is a strong supporter of local arts and the festival. Describing why he participates, McDunn explains, "Artisphere is so important because it raises people's awareness of the artists and the quality of art in Greenville." At this year's festival, he will feature a new collection of rocking chairs called Pawley's Island Rocking Chairs.

About Artisphere Artisphere is a highlight of Upstate South Carolina's cultural arts calendar and a nationally ranked arts festival. For the past two years Artisphere has been ranked a Top Twenty Fine Arts and Craft Festival out of 600 nationwide by Greg Lawler's Art Sourcebook. Artisphere has also been designated as one of the 100 Best Art Shows in Sunshine Artist Magazine for the second consecutive year. The festival provides a unique opportunity for patrons to meet artists and purchase original works of art in the historic West End of downtown Greenville, SC. There will be 17 different media categories represented at the fine art show including: ceramics, digital art, drawing/pastels, fiber, furniture, glass, precious jewelry, semi-precious jewelry, metalworks, 2D mixed media, 3D mixed media, oil/acrylic painting, watercolor painting, photography, printmaking/graphics, sculpture, and woodwork. Artisphere also features 3 performing arts stages, the Culinary Arts Cafe which showcases local restaurants, a free craft activity station for children, and much more.

Artisphere is presented by TD Bank.

(Image provided by Artisphere.)

Looking for more happenings in the area? Check out greenville.com's comprehensive visitor center.