The mission of the Lancaster County Council of the Arts is to enrich the quality of life in Lancaster County by building a vibrant community connecting arts, culture, and economic vitality through education, advocacy and collaboration.
We work for a Lancaster County in which...
Art is an inseparable and defining characteristic of our community.
Our residents have equitable access to a wide array of artistic experiences.
Lancaster County's cultural heritage is sustained and amplified through the arts.
Lancaster County is seen as a regional hub for arts and culture.
Creative sector investments can attract businesses to Lancaster County.
Debbie's deep passion and love for the arts began as a tiny spark during beginner piano lessons in elementary school, a passion she has pursued throughout her life. Debbie is now a well-known pianist in Lancaster County and acts as Director of Music/Accompanist at St. Luke United Methodist Church. Outside of LCCA, she serves with many local organizations, including the Health and Wellness Commission, the SC Fellowship of United Methodist Musicians, and the USC Lancaster Town-Gown Advisory Council.
An Indian Land native, Eric has been involved in the arts in the community for many years.Eric has held several professional roles over the years starting in a large regional ad agency in the creative department and working in staff development and education for a regional hospital system. He shares his love of music as the Director of Music at Osceola UMC in Indian Land. Eric has been fortunate to travel extensively for work and pleasure and brings his love for art and cultural experiences to his work at the LCCA.
A lifelong resident of Lancaster, Nick worked as an LCCA intern during his final year of school before becoming a full-fledged member of the staff. He relates his interest in art to his experience throughout college, where he came to understand the importance of art in society. When he is not working to promote LCCA, Nick can most likely be found supporting the Gamecocks and the Panthers, traveling, and enjoying nature and the outdoors
Fran Gardner is a local professor, artist, and writer. Since 1989, Fran has taught studio foundations and art history at USC Lancaster, where she is now a Distinguished Professor Emeritus. Fran's own work, which combines drawing and stitchery to create complex collages, has earned her national attention and praise, leading her to serve as president of the SC Chapter of the National Association of Women Artists. Outside of her own creative endeavors, Fran also writes critical essays, leads retreats, and judges exhibitions.
After graduating from Converse College with a degree in Art therapy, Liz Bell moved back to Lancaster County as an advocate for the arts. Since 2003, she has been providing art therapy services to special needs students in the Lancaster County School District. In 2005, she became involved with LCCA's mission to introduce the arts to other populations in the community. In her capacity with LCCA, Liz travels to Southside Early Childhood Center and the Disabilities and Special Needs Workshop to lead them in various art activities.
201 West Gay Street
P.O. Box 613
Lancaster, SC 29721