Mill Street Artists Form Taylors Art Group

A growing number of artists in Taylors are developing a group through which they can collaborate and get the word out about the local art scene. 

The Taylors Art Group first met in January, and includes local artists like Daniel Marinelli, Doug Young, Nick Ring and Claire Husky, who operate in the Mill Street area of Taylors. 

Young, a sculptor and an organizer of the group, operates his business down the road from the the former Taylors Southern Bleachery, where more than a dozen artists are now honing their respective crafts. 

"We're trying as artists to get a sense of community here, and connection," said Young. "If I have a 'First Friday' event down here, and I'm the only artist, it won't go as well as it would if there are many artists participating."

The group is in the process of developing a web site in hopes of raising awareness of Taylors as a growing arts destination. The group has served as an opportunity to network and share some resources. 

"We found out some of the people working there (at the old mill) do laser cutting with metal," Young said as an example. "Well that can help those of us who are sculptors." 

The group has decided for the time being against becoming a guild, opting for more inclusivity than the exclusivity that comes with having bylaws, committees governing the admittance of more artists to the group. 

"It really helps if we have a collaborative effort if we have art events at the same time and work together," said Young. "There's strength in numbers. We really can encourage each other. That's a very important thing for artists."