Chapin Residents Enjoy Beautiful Artwork at Second Annual Chapin Fall Art Festival

Saturday event at Amicks Ferry Center displayed paintings, crafts for good cause.

Chapin, SC (James Bowers) - The second annual Chapin Fall Art Festival at the Amick’s Ferry Shopping Center was a great success on Saturday. Several members of the community showcased impressive arts and crafts ranging from watercolor paintings to specialty soap. Also on hand were local musicians and food vendors.

The event was hosted by the Coffee Shelf, a javajoint owned by Jerry Caldwell. He says he created the festival to bring the community together. “I started planning (the festival) the moment I opened my shop in 2016. I wanted to do something for the Chapin community, and at the time there weren’t many festivals in the area.” Caldwell said. “We had our first festival in October 2016 and had a great turnout. This year, it’s even better.”

Caldwell, a retired Marine with 20 years of service, opened the Coffee Shelf in April 2016. He has used both his business and the fall art festival to give back to organizations such as the Freedom and Hope Foundation, a local charity dedicated to providing hunting and fishing experiences to disabled veterans and children with chronic illnesses.

Members of that organization were present serving up some exquisite barbeque as part of their “Boston Butts Fundraisers.” The BBQ events are held throughout the year and help fund the foundation with its mission. Freedom and Hope founder Terry Cotney says support from community members such as the Coffee Shelf is much appreciated.

Beside this event, the charity holds many events throughout the year, including the “Thomas Caughman Memorial Hunt.” This deer hunt is held in honor of the Lexington native who lost his life during Operation Enduring Freedom in 2004. They also host several fishing trips annually to help and honor veterans. Accommodations are made to allow participation by veterans who are quadriplegic, paraplegic, and amputees. These excursions are very exciting moments for these heroes. For more information, visit freedomandhopefoundation.com.

The Chapin Fall Arts Festival was a chance for the community to take a look at some fascinating arts and crafts while supporting some good causes. It promises to be a favorite happening in Chapin for years to come.

The Coffee Shelf is located at Amick’s Ferry Shopping Center, 140 Amicks Ferry Road, Chapin. It is open from 6am-7pm Monday-Friday, and 7am-7pm Saturday and Sunday.