The South Carolina Arts Commission wants to open your eyes to the most comprehensive public collection of art by contemporary South Carolina artists: the 448 works in the State Art Collection. The Commission will unveil a new logo and awareness campaign, “Art in Sight,” during the opening for Part II of The State Art Collection: Contemporary Conversations on Nov. 5 at the 701 Center for Contemporary Art, located at 701 Whaley Street in Columbia. The event begins at 6 p.m. and includes a panel discussion that will reveal little known facts about the State Art Collection.

“Art in Sight” is a project conceived by Arts Commission Chairman Bud Ferillo. “The State Art Collection is a gem as dynamic and diverse as the span of history it represents. It’s one of our most valuable cultural assets and chronicles the history of art development in South Carolina.”

Established in 1967 as one of the first programs of the South Carolina Arts Commission, the State Art Collection has grown to include 448 works in a variety of media and styles by 277 artists. Over its 42-year history, the collection has been featured in numerous exhibitions across the state, the nation and even internationally.

Ferillo and the Commission board of directors want to provide more opportunities for South Carolinians to enjoy the State Art Collection in their communities. Although works from the collection are loaned to art museums, state agencies, and public and private organizations, Ferillo believes that many organizations are unaware that the collection is available for displays and exhibitions. “We want to get the word out. The collection belongs to the people of our state, and we want them to have a chance to see the art work in their own backyards.”

Ferillo believes that the State Art Collection has something that will appeal to everyone. “It includes everything from paintings and sculpture to baskets, fiber and Catawba pottery. It includes film, photography, installations and graphics – all by artists who live or have lived in South Carolina.”

Organizations interested in hosting an exhibition or displaying works from the collection should contact Harriett Green at (803) 734-8696. In addition to Contemporary Conversations, two other traveling exhibitions are available: Points of Departure: Vessel Forms from the State Art Collection and the African American Voice. For more information, visit www.SouthCarolinaArts.com