Myrtle Beach Theater and Arts
The Grand Strand is a vacation hot spot for many reasons: the nightlife, amusement parks, shopping and over 100 golf courses... But hidden behind it's growing popularity is a creative community that has a lot to offer visitors of any age! It's no wonder with the colorful past that the Grand Strand represents that a creative community would emerge in the form of performing arts theaters, art galleries, historic memorabilia galleries, and art schools.
Some of the most popular pubs and personalities of colorful areas of Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach are captured by Becky Rodgers Stowe at Beach Memories Art Studio. Stowe's pen & ink and mixed media drawings of places like the "Old Pad" and the "Old Pavilion" are treasured memorabilia by many who remember these as well as other famous "Shag" hang-outs... You can find more of the historical renderings and prints along with t-shirts and jewelry at Stowe's successful art gallery on Main Street in North Myrtle Beach.
It's no wonder with the colorful past
that the Grand Strand represents that a creative community would
emerge in the form of performing arts theaters, art galleries,
historic memorabilia galleries, and art schools.
Another member of the creative community, The Fine Art Gallery, resides in Myrtle Beach right next to the purple church on Bypass 17. Owner, Ben Boskus, and his gallery have been a permanent fixture in Myrtle Beach for 14 years and pride themselves for their unusual picture matting and conservation framing for original work all done on the premises. As you stroll through the Fine Art Gallery you will find original limited edition prints by local artists such as: Susan Duke, Gaye Fischer, and Josie Edell.
But The Fine Art Gallery isn't the only art gallery in Myrtle Beach featuring local artists... Riemer Gallery offers local and regional artwork by names like: Gaye Fischer and Lois Babb. Joan Riemer Lackey has provided a reputable source for limited edition prints, hand-carved engravings, and unique custom framing for the last 15 years in Northwood Plaza on Kings Hwy.
While visiting the area, be sure to check out the Lowcountry Gallery and it's owner Elaine L. Hawkins in Murrells Inlet. Hawkins carries local art along with prints of the area, seascapes, wildlife prints and inlet scenes. Take in the sights and sounds of Murrells Inlet and visit one of the most well-known galleries in the area.
This is just a sampling of the many galleries located along the coast of the Grand Strand, but the fine arts community also has a performing arts side that can't be overlooked... It literally spans all ages with something for everyone.
Housed within a beautifully renovated historical building on Main Street in Downtown Conway, The Theatre of the Republic has been entertaining Grand Strand audiences for 33 years. TOR is a non-profit amateur theatre group with a history of providing high-quality, affordable theatre for the community. In addition to four Main Season shows, TOR produces Musical Revues, Holiday Shows, Children's Theatre Productions and presents classic works through the newly formed Theatre of the Republic Repertory Group. Named the Official Theatre of Horry County in 1975. For further information, please contact the Theatre of the Republic Office (843-488-0821 or tor@sccoast.net)
Fundraisers will be used to pay for the renovations which should provide them with facilities by the Fall. Senior citizens also get a chance to get in on the action with the Grand Strand Players, a local seniors theater group. So next time your in the Grand Strand be sure to take the time to experience it's personality to the fullest and take advantage of all the things the creative community has to offer. It will be an experience to remember... .
To find out more about theater and the
arts in Myrtle Beach, drop into our forums and ask
a local! 
