Housed in a typical southern cottage style building and offering fantastic views of the Atlantic Ocean, this charming museum with its emphasis on local artists, provides a mix of permanent and temporary exhibits and is a great way to soak up some culture for a morning or an afternoon.
There are four permanent collections here, which although small, offer a whole host of different media including paintings, sculpture and photography. The Bishop Maps and Prints Collection, named after the family who donated it to the museum comprises 15 antique maps dating from the early 16th to the mid-19th century.
The Waccamaw Arts and Crafts Guild, which was established locally in 1969, has a permanent collection here and features the work of 29 different artists all of whom worked in the region. The Barbara Burgess and John Dinkelspiel Collection of Southern Art is another collection of note and includes paintings, photography and lithographs by artists from across the south of the country.
There is a lively roster of exhibitions held at the gallery throughout the year, some of which are exclusive to the museum, so it is worth checking the museum’s website for all details of current exhibitions as well as upcoming events.
The museum also has its own practical art studio, which offers a range of interactive workshops for children and adults. Classes are held throughout the year and include drawing techniques, sculpture and creating art from everyday recycled materials. It is essential that you book in advance if you want to take part. Phone the museum for exact details of classes and their start times.
Situated on South Ocean Boulevard, the museum is open daily except for Mondays. Admission is free but donations are welcome with all funds raised used to support the exhibitions and the programme of events.
