GSA Daily Staff Report
Published Sept. 2, 2010

The Greenville arts festival Artisphere debuted on the top 100 Fine Art & Design Shows listed in Sunshine Artist magazine's September issue. Artisphere was listed No. 83.

“Of the thousands of art and craft shows that exist around the country, these are the ones for which you (readers) have voted as being the most profitable,” said Nicole Sirdoreus, editor of Sunshine Artist.

The September issue is Sunshine Artist’s 18th annual best shows list in the periodical’s 37-year history, which also included the top 100 Classic & Contemporary Craft Shows. The Florida-based publication has more than 35,000 readers.

“The board is so pleased that Sunshine Artist’s ‘200 Best’ list recognized Artisphere as one of the premier art festivals in the country,” said Michelle Seaver, Artisphere treasurer and senior vice president of Carolina First bank. “Exposure from renowned publications such as Sunshine Artist catapults Artisphere and Greenville’s vibrant art community into the national spotlight.”

Earlier this year, the 2009 Artisphere festival ranked No. 6 in Greg Lawler’s Art Fair Sourcebook, a ranking based on average artists’ sales.

“After our most successful year to date in 2010, we hope to see even better results in next year’s Sourcebook and Sunshine Artist rankings,” said Bob Nachman, Artisphere president and managing director of Nachman Norwood & Parrott. “As a southeast hub for art and culture, the city of Greenville is working hand-in-hand with Artisphere, building upon last year’s accomplishments to make the 2011 festival another successful event.”

Artisphere is scheduled for May 13-15, 2011.