As I sat down to write April’s editor’s letter, I wasn’t sure where to begin to pull it all together into a neat little package. The editorial theme of this issue — set months ago — was intended to focus on “luxury.” While our work for April fits the bill with many topics, people, places and things that can be described as luxurious — it dawned on me that collaboration is the thing with real main character energy here.
What began as a chat over lunch one late winter afternoon has bloomed into our annual collaboration with Artisphere, Greenville’s nationally recognized arts festival and the centerpiece of the city’s cultural calendar for two decades. This year is special as the festival celebrates its 20th Anniversary. In celebration of this milestone, D.C. based artist, Amanda Outcalt was commissioned to create a commemorative festival poster. Her intaglio print “The Celebration” featuring a hare — inspired by our local mascot, the Swamp Rabbit, graces this month’s cover. Do not miss Artisphere, downtown from May 10-12th!
Then there is the debut of a dynamic creative collaboration between artists Liz Rundorff Smith and Teresa Roche. Alchemy Wallpaper Collection, debuting April 1, is the result of a mash-up of the artists’ distinct processes and respective styles. Contributor Chris Worthy interviews the duo in this month’s feature “The Alchemy of Art” detailing the ties and connections that have led up to their artistic “collision.”
Last but not least, we are excited to welcome Leisa Richardson as the new executive editor for The Greenville News, Spartanburg Herald-Journal and the Anderson Independent-Mail. Richardson comes to Greenville from Springfield, Illinois where she was the editor of the State-Journal Register. In our “15 Minutes” feature, contributor Chuck Milteer talks with her about her commitment to local journalism, what attracted her to this area, and her more than three decades of experience as a newsroom leader. We look forward to working alongside her!
And it goes without saying that each issue of TALK Greenville is the result of much creative collaboration. It’s a group effort of talent, diverse perspectives and people all coming together for you each month. Enjoy!
