About Us
Simpsonville Arts Foundation Inc, SAFI is a 501©3 nonprofit dedicated to elevating the arts and promoting artists in the local community. Founded by local business leader Wade Shealy in 1987, SAFI’s passion for the arts and commitment to preserving history resulted in transforming the old Simpsonville Elementary School into the Simpsonville Arts Center which opened in 2022.
Our vision is to help make Simpsonville known as an “Arts City,” that is supported by businesses, individuals, artists, and the local and surrounding communities; and to establish us as a recognized destination for visual and performing arts.
Board of Directors
Melissa Sturgis
Chairperson
Melissa has been active in the arts since she was a child, both as an actor and an arts advocate. In 2021, she and her husband moved to Simpsonville to retire and Melissa then became the Manager of the Simpsonville Arts Center for its first 2 years. She is now a dedicated volunteer helping grow the Arts Scene in Simpsonville.
Anne Moore
Vice Chairperson
Anne Moore is a ceramist who received her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree with a concentration in Ceramics and Graphic Design. Originally from Annapolis MD, she and her family moved to Simpsonville in 2005. In February 2022, Anne opened No. 3 Pottery in downtown Simpsonville. She attributes her success at The Simpsonville Farmers Market for enabling her to move out of her home studio and open a retail store/studio in town. There she creates all her functional and artistic pottery which focuses on vibrant, saturated colors that are enhanced by texture in the clay. She also offers small, intimate classes and hopes to help create a vibrant artist community in downtown Simpsonville.
Allison McGarity
Secretary
Allison is President/CEO of the Simpsonville Area Chamber of Commerce and has been active in the arts for as long as she can remember. Her education in arts management and business administration, coupled with her connectivity to Simpsonville’s business community, are strengths she brings to her role on SAFi’s board of directors.
Cindy Tench
Treasurer
Cindy is a retired executive from the Insurance industry and has been involved with SAFI since its early days. She was instrumental in the Simpsonville Music Series when it began at the old City Park and continues to lend her vast knowledge and expertise to help grow SAFI and the arts in the community.
Caryn Vedane
Member at Large
Caryn is a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones and specializes in helping families achieve their retirement goals. She has more than 30 years experience in non-profit Board leadership and is pairing her knowledge with her passion for the arts to strengthen SAFI’s organizational foundation.
Jamie Gervasi
Member at Large
Jamie is the managing partner of 1885 Taproom located in Burdette Central. As a huge arts advocate, he regularly hosts local musicians to entertain customers, and provides a space for art classes and workshops. Jamie uses his business acumen and communication skills with other Business owners in Burdette Central to help SAFI have use of the Burdette parking area for art festivals and events. Jamie is a former Fire Chief from upstate Ny and EMS worker in NYC. He moved to the area in 2018 to be closer to his daughter who resided here.