July 2026 Events
Draw, Paint & Connect with the About Face Drawing Group at Stormwater Studios
Join About Face Drawing Group for an inspiring evening of creativity on Monday, July 6 & 20, from 6:30–9:00 p.m. at Stormwater Studios!
Each session features two live models—one for figure drawing and one for portrait work—offering a rare opportunity to sharpen your skills, explore new techniques, and work from life in a supportive, creative environment.
Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just getting started, everyone is welcome. Bring your favorite materials—sketchbooks, paints, brushes, or easels—and settle in for a relaxed, energizing night of making art alongside fellow creatives.
Admission is $15, and first-time participants attend free!
Stay connected or learn more by reaching out to Jordan Johnson at [email protected] or following on Instagram @about_face_drawinggroup.
Come draw, paint, and connect—your next creative spark might be waiting in the room.
Building Bridges Through Art July 2026: Where Creativity Meets Community
Building Bridges Through Art: 2026 Exhibition with Congaree Riverkeeper
Presented by Stormwater Studios
Art is a powerful connector—a bridge that unites us through shared experiences, diverse perspectives, and meaningful dialogue. Stormwater Studios is proud to continue Building Bridges Through Art, a community-centered exhibition series that highlights diversity, fosters understanding, and strengthens our collective sense of unity.
We invite artists to submit work for our 2026 Building Bridges Through Art exhibition in partnership with Congaree Riverkeeper.
About the Series
Building Bridges Through Art pairs artists with nonprofit organizations whose missions align with the themes present in the artists’ work or lived experiences. Through this collaborative model, the series creates opportunities for:
- Community engagement
- Resource sharing
- Dialogue around important social issues
- Creative collaboration between artists and organizations
Each program includes a two-week exhibition and at least one community-focused event that allows visitors to learn about the featured organization and the issues it champions. This supportive environment encourages open conversation, deeper understanding, and stronger community connections.
By celebrating artistic individuality while promoting inclusivity and connection, Building Bridges Through Art uses creativity as a catalyst for impact.
2026 Featured Partner Organization: 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 by enforcing environmental laws.
Exhibition Focus
This exhibition is inspired by the mission of Congaree Riverkeeper and the theme “Clean Water, Healthy Rivers.”
Artists are invited to explore the environmental, cultural, recreational, and community significance of the Broad, Lower Saluda, and Congaree Rivers, and to highlight the importance of protecting these vital waterways for future generations.
These rivers provide drinking water, support diverse wildlife habitats, offer recreational opportunities, and contribute to the natural beauty of the Midlands. At the same time, they face increasing challenges from pollution, development, and other environmental pressures. Through their work, artists are encouraged to reflect on the connections between people and rivers and inspire stewardship of these invaluable natural resources.
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 Details
Exhibition Dates: July 8–19, 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.
Call for Entry
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 connections to rivers and natural resources. Artists at all stages of their careers are encouraged to apply.
Submission Guidelines
Submission Deadline: June 10, 2026
Acceptance Notifications: June 17, 2026
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?
- Complete the application form.
- In the appropriate field, indicate “Building Bridges Through Art with Congaree Riverkeeper.”
- Upload a single PDF containing the required materials listed below.
Only applications submitted as a single PDF containing all required materials will be reviewed.
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 wish to exhibit, or representative examples of the type of work you propose to create for the exhibition
- Title of each artwork
- A brief description explaining how your work relates to the exhibition theme
Optional Materials
You may also include:
- Artist statement
- Biography
- Website
- Social media accounts
- CV or résumé
Questions?
For questions about the exhibition or submission process, please contact:
Maya Smith
Operations Manager, Stormwater Studios
[email protected]
We look forward to seeing how artists interpret and respond to the theme Clean Water, Healthy Rivers through creative expression and community engagement.
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