The Rensing Center: Gateway to Culture, Community and Creative Connections

The Rensing Center is situated on 26 acres of the most majestic rural landscape in Pickens County, South Carolina. Well appointed accommodations and spacious studios  allow resident artists to work in comfort, while the expansive property, complete with pasture, gardens, nature trails and waterfall, encourage connection with the environment. Solace and solitude abound if that is what one seeks in order to create and/or to collaborate with resident colleagues. As a first time visitor ,wowed by the beauty of this community, situated at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, I was pleasantly surprised to also realize the accessibility of the center not only to environmental wonders but to nearby, educational, art and cultural resources. To date, I have had the opportunity to experience just a few.

Bob the cat, official and loveable  Rensing resident

First stop...Greenville.

Pickens is a hop, skip and a jump to Greenville, SC, a stunning metropolitan area just 28 miles from the Rensing Center. On Sunday, May 11th, fellow resident Ryan Finnerty and myself were treated to a walking tour of Greenville by Rensing director Ellen Kochansky. One of the country's top ten art shows, Artisphere (Arts, Culture, Life) was in full swing and celebrating its 10th anniversary on this final day of the festival. 125 top notch artists were showcased in this juried event along with educational exhibits, musical performances on four stages, excellent cuisine ,street performers and much more. The town itself, home to Furman University, features an exquisite and revitalized downtown area, centered around a waterfall. The successful urban  Main Street, Falls Park and Liberty Bridge are just some of the spectacular highlights of this culturally rich community that we were able to enjoy.

Second stop....Clemson.

Just yesterday on May 17th, I was intent on visiting the town of Clemson, home to Clemson University, a 20 minute drive from the Rensing Center. While attending the Clemson Festival of the Arts on College Avenue ,accompanied by a friend from Atlanta, I made certain to visit the main campus of this prestigious liberal arts university. The impressive architecture department and ceramic studios distracted us from seeing much else although we wandered for a significant time about the expansive and well designed green space of the campus. In the downtown area, abundant with a variety of eateries and shops, we ate at a local pub, Loose Change before making the easy drive back to Rensing.

 

Clemson University

Architecture Department, Clemson University

Sculpture Department, Clemson University

My list of desired destinations  is rapidly growing ! Asheville, NC just 70 miles north of Pickens and Atlanta ,143 miles southeast are booming with museums, galleries, theatres, restaurants and more!  During the remaining few weeks, excursions to area parks and waterfalls are on the list as well. I will be sure to share!

For more information about Pickens check out their community website at http://www.cityofpickens.net/

Jude Harzer

Rensing resident