Mission

The Sumter Gallery of Art (SCGA) is a non-profit, community-based institution with a mission to present and promote the visual arts, to increase the knowledge and appreciation thereof, and to provide visual art and art education opportunities to Sumter, Clarendon and Lee counties. It shall be an institution dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of our community.

The Sumter County Gallery of Art is housed in a newly renovated state of the art facility adjacent to Patriot Hall.  SCGA is a non-profit art institution and features rotating shows of both traditional and contemporary art by local, regional, and nationally recognized artists. Three Formal Exhibition Galleries considered by many in the South Carolina Arts Community as one of the best exhibition spaces in the state. 

SCGA also offers:

• Free group tours available by reservation
  

• Volunteer Opportunities
  

• Catered, opening receptions for all exhibitions
  

• An incredible art education program

Our Gallery Gift Shop is filled with many unique gifts and works of art made by local and regional artists.

Our History

In February of 1969, during its fourth year in existence, the Sumter Artists Guild decided to establish a local gallery in which they could display their work as well as host exhibits from artists outside the community. After over a year of planning and fundraising, the Sumter Gallery of Art opened it’s doors on January 5th, 1970.  The Gallery was first housed in the Old Carnegie Library on Liberty Street, with the school district agreeing to lease the building to the Gallery for a fee of $1 per year.  The opening exhibit featured works from the South Carolina State Arts Commission with assistance provided also by this group.

In 1977 the Gallery moved to a new location, an antebellum Greek Revival Style home on North Main Street.  The home was built in 1850 by Dr. Anthony White.  His grand-daughter, Elizabeth White, became one of Sumter’s most talented artists and went on to gain national and international recognition.  Upon her death in 1976, Miss White requested that her home be made “available to the public in a manner that will promote the arts.”  The house, which is on the National Register for Historic Places, remained the Gallery’s home for the next 26 years.

In the mid-1980’s the County of Sumter renovated a portion of the former Edmunds High School to a center for the performing arts, Patriot Hall.  At this time it was suggested that the science wing adjacent to Patriot Hall be converted into a new home for the Gallery of Art.

On February 23rd, 2003 the Sumter Gallery of Art opened its doors to the public in the newly renovated 24,000 square foot facility at the Sumter County Cultural Center.  With three exhibit galleries downstairs and seven classrooms upstairs, the Gallery is able to offer Sumter and  surrounding communities the finest in art exhibits and educational opportunities.