The Cheraw Arts Commission held its annual Art Affaire fund raiser this past Saturday evening at the Wine Factory of Cheraw. Among those in attendance were local artists Cheryl Postlewait, Gina Bowles and Kelly Moore-Bollman offering live demonstrations of their art work.

Cheraw Arts Commission Director, Lindsay Bennett, was pleased with the participation and overall success of the event. Among the activities of the evening were live displays of local artwork and an art auction emceed by John Long. Artwork from regional artist Ernest “Chicken Man” Lee and several local artists were displayed for auction along with local business contributions. Jenna Quick, Amber Miles, and Rachel Vaughn donated a spa package to Merle Norman for the auction which was presented by Jenna Quick. All items bid upon brought in generous donations that will greatly benefit the arts commissions goals within the community.

“The money we raise helps offset the expenses incurred bringing events to the community,” commented Bennett. Other aid comes from state endowments for the arts, the United Way of Chesterfield County, Town of Cheraw, South Carolina Arts Commission and private contributions.

Bennett also commented on several of the programs that the arts commission is responsible for in the community. “We have classes, workshops and summer programs for the kids, and we help promote local artists and look for new ways to create cultural opportunities for the community.” One of the seasonal contributions was the Festival of Trees, displayed this past Christmas in downtown Cheraw. “I think it was well received and hopefully it catches on within the community,” added Bennett.

Some of the programs and events the arts commission brings to the community are the Children’s Playhouse theatre series, Pre-school theatre series, Burr Art Gallery, Theatre on the Green productions and promotion of Cheraw’s own theatre group-OnStage. Participation in the South Carolina Jazz Festival, Cheraw Spring Festival, Cheraw Alive and the Art Walk About are other major contributions made to the community.

Lindsay Bennett can be contacted at the Parks and Recreation Department of Cheraw for information on upcoming events or participation.