News Summary
The Tom S. Gettys Center in Rock Hill, SC, is being sold for $2.2 million, displacing local artists who have used the space for over three decades. City officials have announced a lease termination for tenants by August 31, which is causing significant disruption to their creative work. The building, a former post office and courthouse, has been pivotal for cultural events. A movement called ‘Keep Rock Hill Creative’ aims to advocate for its preservation amid concerns that a new buyer may not prioritize arts. Artists are actively seeking solutions to maintain their workspace.
Rock Hill, South Carolina — The Tom S. Gettys Center is facing an uncertain future as the city has placed the property for sale at a price of $2.2 million, a decision that is causing distress among the local artist community that has utilized the space for over three decades. City officials have informed the York County Arts Council, which manages the building, that their lease will terminate on August 31, requiring all tenants to vacate the premises.
J. Michael Simpson, an artist who has been a tenant at the Gettys Center for 25 years, is among the affected individuals as he prepares to close down his studio at the Sprengeri Studio Gallery due to the upcoming sale. Currently, he pays $500 each month for his studio space. The pending sale has necessitated significant disruptions to his creative workflow, as he now has to pack and ship his paintings to a storage facility, incurring additional monthly storage costs that range from $200 to $400.
Originally constructed in the 1930s as a post office and courthouse, the Gettys Center has since transformed into a vital hub for artists and cultural events in Rock Hill. It is managed by the Arts Council of York County, which pays a monthly lease of $1,200 to maintain the building. City officials have expressed that ongoing maintenance costs and projected upgrades totaling $3.2 million have led to the decision to sell the property.
The Gettys Center serves not only as a studio space but also as a venue for various cultural events, including performances and art exhibitions, making it a cornerstone of the local arts community. City leaders have indicated that any prospective buyer could potentially use the building for arts-related purposes; however, many artists are concerned about the future availability of their creative workspaces.
In response to the looming sale, a movement called “Keep Rock Hill Creative” has emerged, uniting artists and supporters in advocating for the preservation of the Gettys Center. During a recent City Council meeting, community members articulated their concerns regarding the potential adverse effects on local arts and culture if the building is sold to a buyer who might not prioritize its continued use as an arts venue.
Rock Hill Mayor John Gettys emphasized that the city spends approximately $100,000 annually on maintaining the aging structure and must consider the financial implications of retaining the property. Following the announcement of the sale, artists have been actively discussing various options and potential solutions to retain their creative environment.
Specialized facilities such as polished floors and kilns make the Gettys Center particularly conducive for artistic work, adding to the worries of tenants like Simpson, who fear that these amenities may be lost if a new owner does not prioritize arts utilization. Furthermore, the future of already established local arts events, such as the Blues and Jazz Festival, hangs in the balance, potentially jeopardizing cultural celebrations that are integral to Rock Hill’s community identity.
The decision to sell the Gettys Center has created a critical juncture for the Rock Hill arts community, raising essential questions about the future of creative spaces in the area. With artists facing immediate logistical challenges and uncertainty, the stakes are high as they seek to maintain their artistic presence in the region amidst changing circumstances.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Rock Hill Gettys Center Artists Move
- Google Search: Rock Hill Gettys Center
- Herald Online: Local News on Gettys Center
- Google Scholar: Rock Hill Gettys Center
- WCNC: Rock Hill SC Gettys Art Center
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rock Hill South Carolina
- WSOC TV: Rock Hill Artists Fear Loss of Studios
- Google News: Rock Hill Artists
- Post and Courier: Rock Hill Artists Building Downtown
