Events & Activities
The following events are held in part to support the 2020 Inspire Festival.
(Click on the name of the event for more info and tickets)
Walk of Art / March 26 at 7:00pm
Featuring installations and artwork from more than 20 Sumter Artists at 18 stops throughout Historic Downtown Sumter. An assortment of beer, wine and food will be available at each stops including a special edition beer from Sumter Original Brewery made just for Inspire! Tickets are $30 in advance and $40 at the door.
The Hobbit / March 26-29 & April 2-5 at 7:30pm (SLT Youth Theatre Production)
These are NOT your Disney fairy tales. Bilbo, one of the most conservative of all Hobbits, is asked to leave his large, roomy and very dry home in the ground in order to set off as chief robber in an attempt to recover and important treasure. It’s the last thing that any sensitive Hobbit would want to do, but great benefit eventually results – not only for Bilbo but for all of the Hobbits who inhabit Middle Earth – and the hearts of children and adults who continue to enjoy this kind of magic.
The True Wartime Escape / March 26-28 & April 2-4
This exhibit examines the incredible journey made by Curious George’s creators, Margret and H.A. Rey, to escape the Nazi invasion of Paris at the start of World War II. It is based in part on the 2005 publication, The Journey that Saved Curious George: The True Wartime Escape of Margret and H.A. Rey, written by Louise Borden and illustrated by Allan Drummond. Featuring 25 first edition giclee prints by Drummond and supplemental archival images from the extraordinary holdings of the DeGrummond Collection of Children’s Literature at the University of Southern Mississippi, this is more than just the tale of a rousing escape from occupied France. This exhibition celebrates a timeless survival story, one that serves as a potent reminder of the power of human creativity and the cost when voices and visions are silenced by the impact of war. This exhibit will be on display March 26th through May 2nd.
Gallery After Hours / March 27 at 6:30pm
The Sumter County Gallery of Art presents an evening of art and jazz featuring the Queen City Jazz Trio and Nicci Canada. Cash bar and small bites available with a $12 donation at the door. This event is 21 and over.
Dinner on Main / March 28 at 6:00pm
An elegant outdoor dinner on Main Street to celebrate the Inspire! Festival and Roger Ackerman's legacy — provided by Hampton's. This event is SOLD OUT.
Concert at La Piazza / March 28 at 8:00pm
The Jeb Mack Band live at La Piazza. Tickets are $15 for the concert or $25 including 5 tickets for beer and wine. Cash bar available.
Decoda Chamber Music Concert / March 29 at 2:00pm
Carnegie Hall affiliate Decoda returns for another beautiful chamber music concert as part of the Inspire! Festival. The ensemble is a New York-based chamber collective dedicated to bringing meaningful musical experiences to all audiences. This year’s event will feature four string musicians performing music composed by two Jewish victims of the Holocaust. Reception to follow in Ackerman Hall with refreshments and viewing of special exhibit The True Wartime Escape: Margret and H.A. Rey’s Journey from France. Tickets are $20 for public, $15 for museum members and $5 for students.
Unforgettable, Cecil Williams Book Signing / March 31, Reception: 5pm, Book Signing: 6pm
Professional photographer, videographer, publisher, inventor, author, and architect, Cecil Williams joins us for a talk about his latest volume, Unforgettable, his career, and the Civil Rights movement in South Carolina, which he captured poignantly through his photography. The event is free but reservations are required. Please reserve your spot here: https://statelibrary.sc.libcal.com/event/6411700. Books will be available for purchase. This event is in conjunction with the exhibit, Unforgettable: Celebrating a Time of Life, Hope, and Bravery showcasing Cecil Williams photography, which will be open for viewing prior to the talk during the reception from 5pm to 6pm. Mr. Williams will begin promptly at 6:00pm.
Sumter's Got Talent / April 2 at 7:30pm
We're showcasing more than 20 acts from some of the top talent from around Sumter — including vocalists, bands, choirs, dance groups, musicians and more! Tickets are $10.
Ruben Studdard / April 3 at 7:30pm
R&B superstar and American Idol Winner Ruben Studdard takes the stage at Patriot Hall! Tickets are $25 in advance and $35 at the door.
Ink and Watercolor Workshop with Sarah Jones / April 4 at 1:00pm
This workshop is in conjunction with the exhibit, The True Wartime Escape: Margret and H.A. Rey’s Journey from France. Talented portrait artist, designer, and owner of Brindle+Black Magazine, Sarah Jones, will be teaching this workshop. It will take place in the exhibition space and the art created will be informed by the exhibit. $45 for museum members and $55 for the public. Minimum 6 students, Maximum 12 students. All supplies included.