Get creative, get involved in Sumter's art community

Sumter's arts and entertainment community is always looking for fresh, new faces to add to carry on its creative legacy. If you're looking for a place to stretch your artistic talents, then try these local organizations on for size.

Sumter Civic Chorale

Performing on stages far and wide, Sumter Civic Chorale has used its voices to uplift spirits since January 1986. Founded with the assistance of Sumter County Cultural Commission, the chorale appeals to singers of all ages, backgrounds and beliefs. You do not have to be able to read sheet music in order to join, just have a want to sing and desire to inspire.

Rehearsals are on Mondays at 7 p.m. at 155 Haynsworth St.; no audition is required to join. For more details, email sumtercivicchorale@gmail.com.

Sumter Community Concert Band

For more than 40 years, Sumter Community Concert Band has provided free entertainment to its community, all to fulfill its mission to allow musical expression, contribute to the community's musical environment, provide opportunities to connect with seasoned musicians and reaffirm the community concert band's position in American music. Members come from near and far and from a wide range of professions, from teachers to lawyers to students and more.

No auditions are required; however, members must have played an instrument in a concert band in high school or college. Rehearsals will begin on Aug. 29. Contact Concert Band President Barbara Rearden at (803) 469-0508 or Band Publicity Chairman Rick Mitchum at (803) 983-6370 for more information.

Sumter County Gallery of Art

Since 1969, the community-based gallery has brought artwork from artists all over the world to our community doorstep. Its three formal galleries are considered one of the best exhibition spaces in South Carolina.

The gallery offers classes in pottery, painting, fiber art, sculpture, colored pencil drawing, sequential art, jewelry making, claymation, yoga and more throughout the year for adults and children, with its summer art camp being a big draw for youth. Various exhibitions are available year-round for art enthusiasts to browse.

For more information on art classes and exhibitions, visit sumtergallery.com or call (803) 775-0543.

Sumter County Museum

Resting on the outskirts of the Old Sumter District and featuring exhibits, living history events and special programs seeking to bring folks together, Sumter County Museum is a hub of history and community. Book signings with renowned writers and cooking, sewing and woodworking classes are offered year-round at the Williams Brice House and the Backcountry.

Recently, the museum announced plans to break ground on a new venue that will house exhibitions dedicated to Sumter's military history and renowned artist and Sumterite Grainger McKoy; there will also be rotating exhibits throughout the year. The museum plans to break ground in September 2024.

Visitors can also venture over to Temple Sinai Jewish History Center to explore Sumter's connection to survivors and liberators of the Holocaust.

For more information, visit sumtermuseum.org or call (803) 775-0908 to schedule a guided tour.

Sumter Little Theatre

This community theater brings comedies, dramas, musicals and more using talented actors of all ages and levels of acting experience. The benefits of live arts are that it is both intimate and immediate, as the passionate line delivery of actors promotes conversation among audience members about difficult topics in a safe space.

If you're looking to be a part of the good times over at our little theater, newcomers are always welcomed to volunteer at the box office, usher during a show, help with costume and set construction, makeup and hairstyling or audition for a show. For more information, call SLT at (803) 775-2150 or send a note on its contact page at sumterlittletheatre.com.

Sumter Opera House

Nestled in the heart of downtown Sumter, Sumter Opera House invites people in on its rich history and endless variety of artistic offerings. Its stage has served many artists from around the world with its 550-seat auditorium. Alongside its main-stage performances, the Opera House offers various series, including the Acoustic Café series, Cinema series which begins June 6 and numerous special events throughout the year.

Those looking to witness the goodness of the Opera House can attend a show or get involved by volunteering at concessions, in the box office or ushering at a show. To become a volunteer, visit sumteroperahouse.com/volunteer.

To learn of upcoming shows, visit sumteroperahouse.com/events.