The Public Works Art Center in Summerville, South Carolina, opens five new exhibitions on May 21 with a reception from 5:30-8:30 p.m. The shows include "GODBODY: THE FEMME," a group exhibition celebrating Black women artists; Amy Stewart's "Intersections" exploring interconnectedness; Nick Cerrato's "Our Society Needs To…" featuring abstract works created with his feet; Sarah Mitchell's "Wildlife in Wool" with needle-felted animals; and the Summerville Artist Guild's annual "All Members Show." During the reception, guild members will create collaborative paintings for sale to benefit the Summerville Rocks Scholarship Fund.
This event matters because it highlights the role of a local community art center in fostering diverse artistic voices—from emerging and established artists to those with physical challenges—while also supporting arts education through scholarships. The collaborative painting fundraiser directly ties art-making to community investment, reinforcing how small-town galleries can serve as hubs for both creative expression and philanthropic impact.