From art gallery strolls to art festivals, performing arts to orchestra performances, and from art classes to camps, Aiken is the place to be for arts and culture. Not only is downtown Aiken lined with distinctive galleries and antique shops, but also art studios for those who wish explore their artistic ability. Being recently named as the South’s Best Town, it’s no surprise that Aiken also has a creative side!
ART FESTIVALS
With the charm of downtown, equine (Triple Crown) and golf enthusiasts (Masters) and talented artists, Aiken has all the unique ingredients to celebrate the local flair – the Horses and Courses Art Walk. The artsy town of Aiken proudly hosts its 7th annual festival through downtown Aiken with visual and performing artists in front of every store.
Don’t miss Aiken’s annual art festivals such as Aiken’s Makin, Antiques in the Heart of Aiken, Joye In Aiken, Southern City Film Festival and more!
ART GALLERIES
Go solo and join other art enthusiasts to view exhilarating masterworks designed by local and popular artists. The fine art galleries in Aiken features all types of art work from modern art, trendy art, classical art, traditional art, photography, paintings, prints, sculpture, glass, jewelry, woodwork and more types of visual art.
ART CLASSES AND CAMPS
Aiken hosts a variety of studios for those who want to get serious (or just have fun) about art! Each studio offers different classes. Lessons include painting with oil, acrylic, watercolor and decoupage; as well as holiday crafts, floral arranging, yoga, and meditation. The possibilities are endless! The Aiken Art Annex has three beautiful and unique spaces dedicated to the appreciation of the arts in Aiken. Aiken Center for the Arts offers an abundance of creative classes and camps while the Art Nook School and Studio is a fun place to get creative. Keep the creativity flowing and click here for more information.
PERFORMING ARTS
Aiken’s performing arts scene continues to boom! Inspired by Julliard AKA “Joye In Aiken“, who performs every year, Aiken has branched into a strong performing arts community. Listening to live music is one of life’s most inspiring and transporting experiences. If you want to experience the greatest live music, visit theaters from the AECOM Center for Performing Arts to the Etherredge Center, as well as the Hopelands Concert Series (which hosts outdoor concerts every spring/summer). Be sure to join the Aiken Symphony Guild for Horses and Harmony II. The event will be held at Stable View Farm where the audience will be entertained by some of the area's finest equestrians and their horses performing routines while accompanied by the Aiken Symphony Orchestra.
Don’t miss another beat! Stay tuned with various of other cultural hotspots and plan your Aiken getaway.
Aiken is also famous for its horses and its artistic horse statues! As you walk around downtown and Hopelands, you will see a display of painted horses. Aiken is a thriving arts town that has much to offer besides hosting world-class events and festivals showcasing music, dance, outdoor concerts, food and history. In Aiken there's always something new to discover. There’s even cuisine art!