News Release

Town’s Office of Cultural Affairs Presents Tiny Free Art Galleries

April 1, 2021

The Town of Hilton Head Island's Office of Cultural Affairs announces its newest Community Creates initiative, Tiny Free Art Galleries placed at various locations around the Island.

Produced in partnership with the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina and the Art League of Hilton Head, the tiny free art galleries are similar to the popular free little libraries, a book sharing movement inspiring readers and expanding book access to all across the country. Instead of books at the tiny art galleries, you will find local art - whimsical, miniature pieces that can fit right in the palm of your hand.

The galleries sit five feet off the ground inside light gray wooden boxes and showcases neatly arranged art pieces designed by participating artists. Residents, guests and local artists of all levels are invited to take a piece of art, leave a piece of art or do both. You can also just stop by the tiny galleries and enjoy what you see inside.

Four private neighborhoods on the Island are already presenting these galleries for their residents and guests to enjoy. Public galleries can be found at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina on Shelter Cove Lane and the Shops at Sea Pines Center. By the end of April, they will also be placed at the Art League Academy on Cordillo Parkway, and Beautiful Island Square on Marshland Road.

"The Tiny Free Galleries will be a public forum to highlight local artists and resident amateur artists, creating a space to showcase their (tiny) work and an opportunity for our Town to honor the important role arts play in our community," said Jennifer McEwen, Director of Cultural Affairs for the Town. "Also, they are fun and whimsical and I think we can all use a little whimsy in our lives right now."

The Office of Cultural Affairs seeks ideas from local visual artists, performing artists, musicians, lecturers, and art professionals at every stage of their careers for its Community Creates Initiatives. Two to three initiatives will be chosen for execution each year. The goal is to use these projects to facilitate civic engagement through art. More information about the Community Creates proposal guidelines can be found at https://culturehhi.org/about/community-create-initiatives/

For more information, contact Jennifer McEwen at 843-816-1123 or jennm@hiltonheadislandsc.gov.

About the Partners:

The Town of Hilton Head Island's Office of Cultural Affairs works to promote and support Hilton Head Island as a vibrant cultural destination that enriches our diverse community. We strive for the island to be recognized as a vibrant & distinctive destination known for its unique arts & culture assets that serve a diverse community and create a richer quality of life.

The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina is an independent, non-profit theater, bringing all that's inspiring and wonderful in the arts to the Lowcountry. Its mission is to enrich and benefit the community through the arts.

Art League of Hilton Head is the only nonprofit visual artsrganization on Hilton Head Island with a synergistic art gallery and teaching Academy. Its mission is inspiring visual arts for our community and its visitors through exhibitions, education and partnerships.