Local students to showcase artwork in annual ArtFields; Festival expands to 17 days

For more than a decade, the quaint town of Lake City has slowly but surely transformed itself into one of the most vibrant destinations among South Carolina's cultural landscape.

And that corner of the state will burst with color again, as ArtFields returns to downtown Lake City from April 10 through May 2.

Often described as one of the South's "most engaging art competitions and festivals," ArtFields launched in 2013 with the simple but ambitious goal of honoring artists living in and working across the Southeast. Each year, hundreds of artists submit their work for the chance to have it adorn the walls, display windows and outdoor gathering spaces lining the city's downtown streets.

Up to 400 works of art will be featured in locally owned venues, ranging from restored 1920s warehouses and professional gallery spaces to restaurants, salons, boutiques and neighborhood shops. This creates a walkable experience for visitors, as they can grab a coffee and browse a selection of artwork or strike up casual conversation over a haircut about the abstract work surrounding them.

Through the years, ArtFields has become a highly anticipated cultural event, awarding more than $1 million in prizes to emerging and established artists.

But there is always room for bigger and better things, which is what ArtFields is offering visitors this year.

The 2026 festival marks a major milestone for the event, as it will expand beyond its traditional nine-day run to a 17-day celebration of arts and culture. This allows visitors more opportunities to experience the artwork, more time for coordinators to host activities and programs and a longer celebration of the arts.

"The expansion isn't just about adding days - it's about deepening the experience. With more time comes more room for programming, artist talks, live performances and community-driven projects that make the festival feel alive in every corner of the city," ArtFields said in a release in September 2025. "Through this expansion, Lake City will continue its transformation into a sprawling, immersive gallery where art isn't just viewed - it's lived."

Artists eligible to participate include both adults and juniors living in one of the 12 Southeastern states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia or West Virginia.

Several local youth from Sumter, Clarendon and Lee counties will also take part in this year's festival, entering their artwork into the ArtFields Jr. competition. Alongside the annual competition, ArtFields Jr. is designed for students from 3K through 12th grade and offers year-round programs that "ignite creativity and foster artistic growth." This is all to ensure South Carolina children and teens have the means to "express themselves and explore the world of fine arts."

Participating local students include:

- Ceren Gemici of Sumter;

- Elizabeth Singkhonket of Sumter ;

- Ford Wilder of Sumter;

- Isabella Stowe of Sumter;

- James Schortmann of Sumter;

- Mary Grace Floyd of Sumter;

- Paislee McElveen of Turbeville;

- Dior Doyle-Ghee of Bishopville;

- Tymir Carter of Bishopville; and

- Naomi Lowery-Chestnut of Lynchburg.

Competition artwork will be available for viewing Tuesday through Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Venues will be closed on Sundays and Mondays.

For more information about ArtFields or to plan a visit, go to www.artfieldssc.org.