Loris Arts Council makes debut next Friday

By Kaye Collins

The Loris Arts Council was established to showcase and celebrate the talents within the Loris community. Their first event is Open Mic Night, happening on Friday, July 25, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the State Theater located at 4149 Main Street.

Samantha Norris, Executive Director of the Loris Chamber of Commerce, along with Sherrie Whisnant, talked about how to unite the talented people in the community to express their creativity and skills in honor of ‘our lovely city’. Whisnant pointed out that the arts aren’t just about paint and brushes or chalk drawings; it includes performing a song, doing stand-up comedy, reciting poetry and musicians or singers sharing something that resonates deeply with them and their audience.” There’s a two-hour time slot available, with performers getting seven minutes each to showcase their talents. This event welcomes anyone aged 14 and older to perform.

To join in on the family-friendly Open Mic Night, you can find an online application at www.lorischamber.com. Just scroll down on their homepage to the Open Mic Night event and click the link to download the PDF. Whisnant also has physical copies of the application, which you can request via Facebook Messenger at https://www.facebook.com/sherry.french.whisnant. You can also find hard copies at local businesses Poppie’s Downtown Sweet Bar, Apparel & More, Mattie Jane’s, Ritchie’s Eatery and General Store, and the Loris Chamber of Commerce Office.

“The aim of the Loris Arts Council is to foster a safe and encouraging environment where artists, performers and creatives of all types can express themselves and shine,” Whisnant explained. “Whether you’re a poet, singer, actor, comedian, or have a compelling story to share, we want to hear from you!” “We just want to spread positivity,” Whisnant added, “whether you’re just exploring art, starting to sing, or maybe you play the piano. Who knows, you might even play the banjo or spoons.” She continued, “Whatever you have, even if it’s just cool comic or Z, you know? Give it a shot. The spoken word is awesome. Just let it out and let’s see what we can create. It’s not a contest, it’s just a way to showcase you!”

The Loris Arts Council is made up of eight members: Sherrie Whisnant, Samantha Norris, Stacie Ginther, Sherrie Keen, Woody Goff, Kim Brunson, Steve Westlund and Christina Jackson. They’re planning to set up a Facebook page to promote upcoming events.

Being a nonprofit, the main aim isn’t to make money for individuals or owners, but to support a specific mission or cause, which is the Loris Arts Council. One person has made a significant contribution to help kick off the projects they have in mind. Nonprofits depend on various funding sources, like donations, grants, and fundraising events. If anyone wants to contribute to the arts, they can reach out to the Loris Chamber of Commerce at 843-756-6030 or email lorischamberofcommerce@gmail.com for more details. They are also seeking volunteers or people who are willing to help spread the word about the newly established Loris Arts Council.