ROCK HILL, SC – Friday Arts Project, a collective of Rock Hill artists, today announced Kirk Irwin as Executive Director and Sarah Kennedy Irwin as Creative Director.
Friday Arts Project began in 2006 as a group of Winthrop students who met to discuss art, faith, and philosophy. The group provides a forum for dialogue enabling artists to inspire, engage, and create toward the renewal of hearts and culture. Over the years, the organization has curated exhibits, held a weekly drawing group, hosted concerts and art conferences in Rock Hill. Their 2013 symposium, “A Place at the Table,” brought former New York Times columnist Molly O’Neill and over 100 participants for a celebration of food and togetherness.
Due to volunteer efforts by members, the organization continues to flourish in Rock Hill. In 2009 they became a local affiliate with International Arts Movement (IAM), a New York City-based organization dedicated to inspiring a global community to create work that is rehumanizing.
Area arts advocates have taken note of the niche Friday Art Project fills. Betty Plumb, Executive Director of the SC Arts Alliance, stated, “Their events are unique and relevant to the cultural life of our community and beyond. They always have a theme that is on-trend. Their events are not only informative but fun.”
The Irwins were recruited to lead the organization by co-founder Stephen Crotts, as well as other members. “Kirk and Sarah have the heart, intellect and skillset needed to cultivate the kind of activity and conversation we have worked toward for seven years. We believe the arts have incredible potential to shape the trajectory of a community, and the Irwins have made a career of caring for artists,” said Crotts.
For over 20 years Kirk Irwin and Sarah Kennedy Irwin have been active in the arts. As a board member of IAM in New York City from 2004 to 2006 and President of the board of IAM in 2005 and 2006, Kirk Irwin has had much experience helping to guide and direct art influencers in one of the largest metropolitan areas in America. Sarah Kennedy Irwin is an experienced illustrator and award winning graphic designer. In her role as Creative Director, she will be responsible for the creative vision, look and feel of Friday Arts Project and their events.
Having helped with Friday Arts Project events in the past, the Irwins are not new to the Rock Hill Art scene. Their appointment signals movement toward non-profit status and expanded programming for the group, including a 3rd annual arts conference in early 2014. “Stephen Crotts has done a fabulous job leading the Friday Arts Project,” commented Plumb. “I am sure that Sarah and Kirk will be terrific leaders to take the helm of Friday Arts Project. They will take it to new levels of excitement and innovation.”
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Media Contact: Audrey Butler
friartsproject@gmail.com
(704) 960-0131.
The International Arts Movement (IAM) was founded in New York City, NY. IAM values an approach to life and work that is rehumanizing, aspirational, enterprising and generous. It fosters an environment for effectively wrestling with the deep questions of art, faith, and humanity. For more information, please visit http://www.internationalartsmovement.org/
