Charleston Artist Guild (CAG)

Welcome to the Charleston Artist Guild (CAG). The CAG was founded well over half a century ago by a small group of artists who wanted to network with other artists, reach out to the community with impactful volunteer projects and display their own work. Today the CAG has emerged as a vital non-profit organization of more than 600 members who enrich the community in countless ways with limitless beauty and inspiration.

Our mission remains largely the same and you’ll find CAG artists all over town exhibiting their work, teaching art classes and sharing their talents by volunteering in outreach projects. The CAG offers a diverse selection of volunteer opportunities that include outreach efforts and engaging programs for children, alzheimer’s patients, high school seniors and younger school children. We’re pleased to make a difference by sharing art and fostering the magic art brings to many.

In addition, exhibitions and special art shows are held throughout the year, allowing our members the opportunity to showcase their work and be recognized. See our Events Calendar for the current schedule.

We invite you to visit our retail space, the CAG Gallery, at 160 East Bay St. in downtown Charleston. The Gallery features the work of more than 70 diverse and highly talented exhibiting members of the CAG, all artfully framed and ready for purchase. Local art of the highest quality and creativity is at the forefront of our Gallery and we’re excited to showcase the best the city has to offer. A portion of each gallery sale benefits community outreach programs, helping sustain the CAG as an energetic, meaningful arts organization throughout the Lowcountry. To learn more about the Gallery, Gallery Artists, Special events or to subscribe to our Gallery Newsletter visit our new website at www.charlestonartistguildgallery.com.

New members are welcome and CAG membership has value. Current membership benefits include: programs and demonstrations, workshops, outreach events, classes, exhibits, gallery opportunities, free critiques, bi-annual jurying-in, free plantation admissions, art supply discounts and social events.

As a member, a sponsor/partner or a Gallery client, the CAG welcomes you! We look forward to getting to know you better, and hope to make your world a bit more artful.

Mission Statement

The Charleston Artist Guild is a nonprofit organization, whose mission is

1. to promote the practice, teaching, and appreciation of Fine Arts in Greater Charleston, South Carolina
2. to provide our artist and photographer members opportunities to improve their skills and be able to show their work, compete in exhibitions, gain recognition and market their work
3. to represent and be of service to the arts community at all levels: Beginning as well as established artists and photographers; students as well as teachers; commercial, public and cooperative galleries; art lovers, patrons and collectors
4. to make art a part of the lives of children, the elderly, the disadvantaged, the abused and neglected, and the financially, physically or mentally challenged members of our society
5. To serve the Lowcountry community by patterning with appropriate organizations/causes that strengthen, add value and promote awareness of both.

Charleston Artist Guild ByLaws (Amended and Approved July 7, 2020)