The Arts

Maxwell Springs is fortunate to have easy access to a variety of cultural events and opportunities. Residents have access to two community theater groups, which regularly offer outstanding productions from musical theater and comedy to serious dramatic selections. Although performances at both the Greenwood Community Theater and the Abbeville Opera House are the result of local talent, both groups offer professional quality productions to their audiences.

The Greenwood/Lander Performing Arts Series, which is at home in the Cultural Center auditorium of Lander University, offers performances by well-known orchestras, ballet companies, touring theatrical productions, and individual artists. Guests have included the King's Singers, the Harlem Boys Choir, Dawn Upshaw, Trinty Irish Dance Company, the Bale Folclorica Da Bahia, and the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. Lander University is also the scene for fine student productions by their dance company, the jazz band, various choral groups, and the theater department as well as individual senior recitals by music majors.

Nearby are the Newberry Opera House and The Peace Center which provide more opportunities to view nationally recognized touring companies which come to Newberry and Greenville.

Lander University is also the home of the Monsanto Art Gallery, which features monthly shows by visiting artists as well as the annual Scholastic Art Awards Competition and Exhibit. This event spotlights the work of junior and senior high school students from across South Carolina.

The Arts Council of Greenwood supports the existing artistic groups and interests and works to assist in developing new groups and events. One such example of a new group is the Greenwood Festival Chorale, a group of talented local vocalists who give performances during the Festival of Flowers. This later event celebrates the beauty of local flowers and the impact of Park Seed Company on the Greenwood community, but it also is an occasion to showcase and celebrate the varied cultural interests and talent found in Greenwood. From art and photography shows to piano concerts, community theater performances, and chorale events, the Festival of Flowers is a cultural event in itself.

Greenwood is also mindful of the importance of history and its relationship to culture. The Museum celebrates that connection in its collections of cultural history, natural history, technology, and the arts. In addition to the typical 1900 main street with its shops and rooms and items important to local history, The Museum also houses artifacts from around the world and hosts traveling exhibits and special events.

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