Return of the Sharpes: Artists Transform Swansea into a Creative Hub

Aiming to invigorate the artistic landscape of the small town, with less than 800 residents, the Sharpes have set their sights on transforming three key properties. Their vision includes turning Swansea into an arts destination that attracts visitors from nearby cities like Columbia, Orangeburg, and Charleston.

The Sharpes have acquired various properties in Swansea, including old grain silos along the railroad tracks, a historic cotton gin building, and a dilapidated storefront in the downtown area. These locations will be revamped to house pottery studios, metalworking spaces, and potentially a revived distillery.

Beyond their own endeavors, the Sharpes are involving their daughter in running a new cafe, which will be housed in the revamped storefront. They dream of passing on their creative legacy to their children and grandchild, fostering Swansea’s growth as an artistic hub.

The Sharpes plan to offer public previews of their revitalization projects, showcasing pottery wheels and hosting creative events like a sculpture garden and themed art exhibitions. By embracing artistry and community engagement, they hope to uplift Swansea both culturally and economically.

Mayor Viola McDaniel of Swansea expressed support for the Sharpes’ initiatives, acknowledging the potential positive impact of their projects on the town’s development. The planned art spaces and creative endeavors are expected to enrich Swansea’s cultural fabric and attract visitors from across the region.