Building Bridges Through Art
Building Bridges Through Art is a community-centered exhibition series designed to highlight diversity, foster understanding, and strengthen our collective sense of unity.
Art serves as a powerful connector—bringing people together through shared experiences and diverse perspectives—and this series reflects that mission.
The series pairs artists with nonprofit organizations whose missions align with themes present in the artists’ work or lived experiences. Through this collaborative model, Building Bridges Through Art creates opportunities for:
Community Engagement
Resource sharing
Dialogue around important social issues
Creative collaboration between artists and organizations
Each program now includes a two-week exhibition, opening reception, panel discussion, and a community-focused event that allows visitors to learn more about the featured organization and the issues it champions. This supportive environment encourages open conversation, deeper understanding, and stronger community connections.
2026 Featured Partner Organizations:
Congaree Riverkeeper
Congaree Riverkeeper works to protect and improve water quality, wildlife habitat, and recreation along the Broad, Lower Saluda, and Congaree Rivers throughout the Midlands region. The organization supports these waterways through advocacy, education, volunteer cleanups, water-quality monitoring, and policy engagement at the local, state, and federal levels, while also holding polluters accountable through enforcement of environmental laws.
WREN
WREN (the Women’s Rights and Empowerment Network) is a South Carolina-based nonprofit dedicated to advancing gender justice through advocacy, education, research, and community building. Our primary advocacy priorities are reproductive freedom and economic justice because we believe that freedom, equality, and justice shouldn’t depend on where you live, how much money you have, or how you identify. Our vision is a South Carolina where everyone is affirmed and where families and communities are safe, healthy, and thriving.
Exhibition Focus
This exhibition is inspired by the mission of Congaree Riverkeeper and the theme Clean Water, Healthy Rivers.
Through a partnership with Stormwater Studios, this community-centered exhibition invites artists to explore the environmental, cultural, recreational, and community significance of the Broad, Lower Saluda, and Congaree Rivers, as well as the urgent need to protect these waterways for future generations.
These rivers provide drinking water, wildlife habitat, recreation opportunities, and natural beauty throughout the Midlands, while also facing growing threats from pollution, urbanization, and environmental mismanagement.
Artists are encouraged to create or submit work that:
- Reflects connections between people and rivers
- Explores environmental stewardship and conservation
- Highlights local ecosystems and wildlife habitats
- Responds to threats facing waterways
- Celebrates recreation, access, and shared natural resources
- Inspires awareness, dialogue, and community action
Exhibition Dates:
Wednesday, July 8, 2026, through Sunday, July 19, 2026
Gallery Hours:
Wednesday–Sunday | 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Opening Reception:
Thursday, July 16, 2026 | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
2025 Participating Organizations:
Call for Entry
Building Bridges Through Art: 2026 Exhibition with Congaree Riverkeeper
Presented by Stormwater Studios
Who Should Apply
This call is open to South Carolina artists working in all media whose work aligns with themes of environmental awareness, conservation, water access, wildlife habitat protection, recreation, and community connection to rivers and natural resources. Artists at all stages of their careers are encouraged to apply.
Submission Guidelines
Submission Deadline:
Sunday, June 14, 2026 by midnight
Acceptance Notifications:
Sent by Sunday, June 21, 2026 by midnight
How to Submit
- Visit the EXHIBIT WITH US page on the Stormwater Studios website.
- Scroll to the bottom of the page, below the section titled “Ready to book an exhibition at Stormwater?” (There is no fee to apply.)
- Complete the application form with your information.
- In the appropriate field, indicate “Building Bridges Through Art with Congaree Riverkeeper.”
Submissions must be uploaded as one PDF document containing the information outlined below. Applications will not be reviewed without the required PDF.
Required Information
Please include the following in your PDF:
- Building Bridges Through Art with Congaree Riverkeeper (clearly labeled)
- Your name
- Phone number
- Three to six images of artwork you would like to exhibit or that represent the type of work you propose to create for the exhibition
- Title of each piece
- A short description of how your work relates to the exhibition focus.
Optional Materials
You may also include:
- Artist statement
- Bio
- Website
- Social media accounts
- CV
To have your work reviewed, you must upload a PDF that includes the required information listed above.
If you have any questions, please contact Maya Smith, Stormwater Studios Operations Manager, at [email protected].