By Mary Ann Hutcheson
The residents of Chapin recognize and understand the value of artistic endeavors in their town, which is known as the “Capital of Lake Murray”. In partnership with the Town of Chapin, the Crooked Creek Art League (CCAL) established the Chapin Arts Trail to stir the public imagination and sense of creativity as well as beautify the community with public art displays created by local artists. The trail includes installed public art pieces and galleries that are updated and expanded periodically throughout the greater Chapin area. There is something here for everyone; visitors are in for a treat!
Spirit of the Lake 
You may have seen this unique, colorful mosaic obelisk as you travel along Highway 76 in Chapin. Artist Olga Yukhno’s artwork, named “Spirit of the Lake”, was celebrated with a dedication ceremony in April 2023. Yukhno hand shaped the mosaic and ceramic pieces, fired and then glazed them before placing each individual piece onto the six-foot-tall sculpture. Yukhno is originally from Pyatigorsk, Russia, where her passion for art began. Much of her inspiration comes from the culture of her home country, where batiks, stained glass, and enameling are popular forms of art.
This permanent artwork addition to the Chapin Art Trail combines the elements that represent the vibrant flora and fauna of Chapin and Lake Murray. Yukhno’s vision reflects the exceptional natural beauty encompassing the town.
Small Town Charm
On November 9, 2023 the public art installation and addition to the Chapin Art Trail entitled “Small Town Charm”, was unveiled for the public in the form of a large-scale mural covering the entire side of a building in downtown Chapin. Designed in high-quality, superior weather-resistant, water-based paint by artist Nicki Peeples, it now serves as a permanent addition to the Chapin Art Trail. Peeples chose the name for the mural because it represents the simple and appealing life that describes the town she loves. Being her very first outdoor building painting, she remarks that the excitement regarding the project pushed her forward, one step at a time. She spent time researching the correct paint and the most durable materials, as the mural on her cinderblock canvas would need to withstand time and weather. The preliminary stages of the project included a huge amount of planning, measuring and brainstorming. Without using any type of template, she began with a Sharpie to sketch out the letters; everything else was accomplished with freehand strokes. Once the lines were confirmed to be straight and symmetrical, she “eyeballed” the rest, which produced a more natural result.
Community Arts Manager for CCAL, Barbara Teusink, explains, “The mural will be the latest addition collectively put in place on the Chapin Art Trail.” She points out that that there are 31 pieces by 31 different artists, including a new mural located on Beaufort Street, located between Lexington Avenue and Clark Street behind American Legion Post 193.
“We are once again partnering with the Town of Chapin to create some exciting public art with the goal of shining a light on the vibrant arts scene in Chapin.”
You and your family are encouraged to experience an ongoing self-guided tour of the “Capital of Lake Murray” and its many works of amazing and throught provoking public art. Brochures with maps can be picked up at Chapin Town Hall, the Chapin Chamber of Commerce, Palmetto Fine Arts, or online. “We are very fortunate to have such a wonderful and supportive community,” CCAL Community Arts Manager, Barbara Teusink explains. “The Town of Chapin, the Chapin Chamber of Commerce, and local business leaders have all stepped up and have been generous in their support for the Crooked Creek Art League and our community artwork projects. That collaboration and support, along with some wonderful bequests and grant funding, has made the entire Chapin Art Trail possible,” she continues. “We are happy to have just received a new grant from the Central Carolina Community Foundation that will enable us to put in place another new community art project later this year that will add newer artwork to the Chapin Art Trail.”
Crooked Creek Art League
1098 Old Lexington Hwy
Chapin, SC 29036
CrookedCreekArt.org
Chapin Town Hall
157 Columbia Ave.
Chapin, SC 29036
ChapinSC.com
803-345-2444
The Greater Chapin Chamber of Commerce
302 Columbia Ave.
Chapin, SC 29036
ChapinChamber.com
803-345-1100
Palmetto Fine Arts & Custom Frame Gallery
140 Amicks Ferry Rd.
Chapin, SC 29036
PalmettoArts.com
803-932-0265
