Artisans, volunteers sought for Richland County Ag + Art Tour

Painters, potters, quilters, writers, musicians, storytellers, bakers and other local artisans are invited to apply to be featured in the annual S.C. Ag + Art Tour, which Richland County will host in June.

Now in its 13th year, Ag + Art – a free, self-guided farm tour – offers residents a close-up view of where their food and fiber products come from, while also highlighting local artisans at each site. A vital part of the tour, these artisans are considered people who hand-craft products without using kits or commercial models and whose primary components are not manufactured.

Artisans have until 5 p.m. April 15 to apply online at agandarttour.com/for-artisans.

“The essence of the Ag + Art Tour lies in its celebration of agriculture, rural life, and the rich artistic heritage that defines South Carolina,” said Will Culler, an agribusiness agent with Clemson Cooperative Extension and the tour’s director. “The tour has left a profound impact on countless individuals, extending beyond agricultural education to encompass rural revitalization, community engagement and economic growth.”

Twenty counties, including Richland, will host Ag + Art tours on weekends in May and June. Tour sites in Richland County will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 8-9, unless specified otherwise on the Ag + Art Tour website. Find a complete list of tour dates and participating counties online at agandarttour.com.

The County’s 2024 Ag + Art Tour will feature 20 farm- and art-related sites for both days of the tour, unless noted below:

• The Congaree Milling Co.
• Cottle Farm
• Crooked Cedar Farm
• Doko Farm
• Fabel Farms
• Farmers Market Xchange
• Gardener’s Outpost
• Glorious Greens
• Grow Your Garden with Sal
• Harbison State Forest (Saturday, June 8 only)
• Hickory Top Farm
• Living Wright Foundation’s Farm at Senate’s End
• Mr. Bunky’s Market Inc.
• One Hubcap Farm, LLC
• The Purple Mushroom (June 8 only)
• Purple Tuteur Farm
• Rosewood Public Orchard
• Sustainable Carolina Garden (June 8 only)
• Three Rivers Arts District
• UHURU Farms

Artisans who apply and are approved for the tour can sell their products at tour sites. They can also participate in Ag + Art Tour weekends in multiple counties.

Volunteers are also needed to help with guest services at each site during Richland County’s tour weekend. Volunteers will receive a commemorative Ag + Art Tour T-shirt in appreciation of their service and must be 16 or older. For more details and to volunteer for a four-hour shift at one of the County’s tour sites, visit https://tinyurl.com/2024RCAAT.

The S.C. Ag + Art Tour is coordinated by county-level planning teams led by Clemson University Cooperative Extension. The Richland Soil and Water Conservation District administers the County’s Ag + Art Tour with the support of Richland County, the County’s Conservation Commission and a number of public and private sponsors.

“Richland County is literally named for the rich soils which have supported agriculture here for generations,” said Chanda Cooper, committee chair for the Richland County Ag + Art Tour and conservation education analyst for the County. “We’re excited to offer this opportunity for local residents and tourists alike to learn more about local farms; to see where food, fiber, timber and other agricultural products are grown in our community; and to celebrate the rich cultural diversity of our County.”

For more about the Richland County Ag + Art Tour, visit agandarttour.com/richland. Watch a video previewing the tour on the County’s YouTube page: https://youtu.be/ilVYrB8jQsU.