News

ArtFields 2020 Cancellation

Greetings from Lake City! We hope that this communication finds you well.

As you’ve likely heard, ArtFields 2020 was postponed due to the health risks associated with COVID-19. As the last month has unfolded, our concerns about the virus have increased as our leadership team and stakeholders have met daily to discuss the path ahead. We have collectively made the heartbreaking decision to cancel the ArtFields 2020 event, which was previously scheduled for April 24 – May 2 in Lake City.

We do not take lightly the impact of this decision. So many individuals look forward to the event each year — some folks’ livelihoods even depend on it. However, we believe that the positive impact ArtFields’ cancellation will have on the health of the hundreds of artists and thousands of visitors who flock to our tight-knit community of Lake City each year — that impact will be far greater. We feel a responsibility to take care of our supporters, and given all we know today, this is simply the best way to proceed during such an unprecedented global situation.

We are sincerely thankful for everyone who played a role in planning and supporting this year’s events thus far—from volunteers to artists to entertainers. The ArtFields Collective is committed to continuing its legacy with ArtFields 2021, delivering an unparalleled art event that has the power to unite us all through our celebration of Southern art. As we look forward to gathering together again, we are energized by the belief that each of us will be even more excited, united, and gracious than ever before.

We are coordinating the launch of ArtFields 2020 competition artwork to be accessible on our website starting on ArtFields’ opening day of April 24! We hope you’ll visit artfieldssc.org and check out the hundreds of artworks that make up the 2020 exhibition from both adult and student artists. There will not be a prize aspect to this gallery, but we hope that it will offer a way to celebrate the accepted artists and spark beneficial connections. Updates will be shared via the News section of our website and on social media.

While we know there is no substitution for the in-person event, please enjoy this gallery as an incredible virtual art experience like no other. Share your favorite artwork on social media with #ArtFieldsAtHome and show us the creative ways that you’re viewing this collection of Southern art.

Art has proven time and again to be a beacon of hope, and we will follow its light through the weeks and months ahead. Stay safe and well. We can’t wait to see you for ArtFields next year on April 23 – May 1, 2021!

-The ArtFields Collective Team