Call for entries now open through July 1 for Upcountry Fiber’s second annual drawing contest
June 19, 2026
Upcountry Fiber, a local broadband internet service provider that serves Anderson, Pickens, Oconee, and Northern Greenville counties, has opened its call for entries for local artists to submit their original artwork for its second annual drawing contest. In partnership with Clemson University Libraries, this year’s drawing contest’s theme is, “What’s your favorite part of living in the Upstate?” The artist’s reception will take place on Thursday, August 13, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Cooper Library at Clemson University.
Artists ages 3 and up who are residents of Anderson, Greenville, Oconee and Pickens counties are eligible to submit original artwork by July 1. Submissions will be judged in four age categories: 3-8, 9-12, 13-17, and 18+. Artists may use crayons, colored or graphite pencils, markers, or paints. Entry size is 8.5” x 11” or digital equivalent. All artwork must be original. No tracing or AI-generated submissions are allowed.
“Upcountry Fiber is a local broadband internet company that is committed to building stronger connections and supporting our quality of life in the Upstate. One way to celebrate what makes our region special is through the eyes of local artists participating in this year’s drawing contest,” said Chris Townson, CEO, Upcountry Fiber. “We could not be more thrilled that Clemson University Libraries has partnered with us this year and will generously host the artists’ reception at the Cooper Library.”
“Clemson University Libraries is proud to support Upcountry Fiber’s second annual drawing contest,” said Chris Cox, Clemson University’s Dean of Libraries. “This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to community, creativity, and connecting people across the Upstate. We look forward to hosting the artists’ reception and meeting our community’s talented creators.”
Jim Lovinggood, president & CEO of Blue Ridge Electric, said, “As one of the only local broadband internet service providers whose employees all live and work in the Upstate, we are excited to see what local artists of all ages come up with this year. One of our co-op values is concern for the community, which in this case means bringing the community together over our shared love of the Upstate. Last year’s art contest shone a light on what makes our community unique and special. We look forward to celebrating the creative talents of our neighbors at the artists’ reception hosted by Clemson Libraries.”
Artists can submit their original artwork:
- Online
- In Person at Upcountry Fiber’s Seneca office at 9 Boardwalk Place.*
- By Mail: Attn: Max Crawford, Upcountry Fiber, 9 Boardwalk Pl, Seneca, SC 29679.*
*Entries must include a completed entry form.
Winners will be announced on July 15. The winning artwork will be displayed in Upcountry Fiber’s Seneca office after the artist reception, featured on its website and social media, and the winning artists will receive a gift card. Prize details can be found on the contest’s website.
About Upcountry Fiber
Upcountry Fiber is a high-speed fiber internet provider to Anderson, Greenville, Oconee, and Pickens counties. Established in Fall 2020, Upcountry Fiber is the product of a partnership between Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative and WCFIBER, a subsidiary of West Carolina Rural Telephone Cooperative (WCTEL). Founded by organizations created to electrify and connect rural areas of South Carolina; decades later, Upcountry Fiber’s mission is to bridge the digital divide. Offering symmetrical internet speeds up to 10 Gbps over a fiber network, Upcountry Fiber has the fastest and most reliable high-speed internet in the area. To learn more about Upcountry Fiber, visit us at UpcountryFiber.com.
