Who We Are
The AAG is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization of made up of members from Aiken and the surrounding area ages 17 and up. The AAG is led by a dedicated, elected board of directors, who serve two-year terms. The Board works year-round to maintain the by-laws, the AAG constitution, membership, and Guild finances, as well as increase membership by providing value-added member benefits and outreach to the community.
While we are a tight-knit group of dedicated artists, we welcome new members to join our Guild. We are an enthusiastic group of artists with common goals to spark appreciation of the arts, inspire others to pursue the arts, bring the love of art to the next generation, and promote art and culture in Aiken. Our artists have a variety of skills at various levels from beginner to expert using different styles and art forms. Our artists’ skills include, but are not limited to, painting (oil, acrylic, pastel, and watercolor); pottery (wheel and hand-built); sculpture; photography; fiber arts; glass works; drawing; and jewelry.
As a non-profit organization, we are run by members volunteer their time and leadership skills to support the Guild. Donations from friends, family, and businesses help defray the Guild’s minimal expenses. Any surplus of funds is shared with the community through scholarships for students at USC Aiken and the Aiken Center for the Arts and awards paid to winners in AAG-sponsored shows. We offer mentoring and peer review through special interest groups to help artists participate in  to help artists participate in gallery shows
Our Guild meetings encourage fellowship between artists, with a half hour of socializing and refreshments before a formal program or presentation. Each month we have Guild members and other local artists share their experiences in art through demonstrations, fun activities, and lectures. Meetings begin at 6:30pm on the second Monday of each month from September through May, and are held at the Aiken Center for the Arts located at 122 Laurens Street SW in downtown Aiken. These meetings are free and open to anyone with an interest in art: you do not have to be an artist or a Guild member to attend. We encourage ride-sharing and carpooling to our meetings and AAG supported activities.
Meet Our Artists
Board of Directors
Robbie Robb, President
Art medium: Abstract Acrylic, Alcohol Ink, Gold LeafÂ
Other affiliations: City Arts Commissioner, ACA Board
Member note: Art and artists inspire me! I love to support local talent and share the joy of creativity. Taking an active role in local art organizations is my preferred way of giving back.
Connie Smith, Vice President
Art medium: Â Metalsmithing, 2-D Painting, Fiber Art & Needle Felting
Other affiliations: North Augusta Arts & Heritage Ctr., Art in the Park Group, Fine Line Creative Arts Ctr. (St.Charles, IL), Odonata Gallery (Mercer, WI), Hoosier Art Salon (Indpls., IN), Small Business – Lark Designs 2014-present    Â
Member note: AAG provides a well-spring of creative inspiration & joy working with other artists to expand the Arts throughout our community. Create—every day!
Greg Sowash, Treasurer
Art medium: I began painting about 18 months ago and have experimented with acrylics, oils, watercolors, and pastels. I have yet to choose a favorite.Â
Other affiliations: Art Association of Ridge Spring and Better World Studios in Graniteville. Â
Member note: Being involved in AAG has helped me discover a love for art that I had not acknowledged for most of my life. I am excited and grateful that our paths have crossed.
Betsy Hughes, Secretary
secretary@aikenartistguild.org
Art medium: Fabric
Other affiliations: ACA, Pittsburgh Fiber Arts Guild, Greater Augusta Arts Council, Arts & Heritage Center of N. Augusta
Member note: I support AAG because I value the support, creativity, and critique of fellow artists. Art is a way of expressing ourselves. Getting to know other artists and learning what they do and why they do it has been and will continue to be a large part of why I am a member of AAG.
Art medium: Anything is a medium if you try hard enough. I gravitate to watercolors, pencils, acrylics and oils.
Other affiliations – ACA, North Augusta Artist Guild, Greater Augusta Arts Council.
Member note: I support AAG because it’s my community that I live in, but also my community of artists. If you can’t help support and encourage your own home community to love and support art, why be a part of a group affiliation at all?
Art medium: Acrylics; pastels; watercolor; woodworking, various handcrafts, pysanky
Other affiliations: ACA, Women of Woodside, Women of Woodside Singles, Daughters of American Revolution
Member note: I support the AAG because I am always looking for personal growth on my journey to expand my professional and personal development. As a Board Member and the Program Manager I am able to provide fellowship and networking of other artists and increase community access and awareness through art related programs.
Art medium: Painter
Member note: One picture is worth a thousand words
Art Medium/a: Acrylic, watercolor, and stained glass
Other affiliations: ACA, GAAC, PAEMST
Web link: https://kareysantosart.com
Member note: I believe the purpose of our guild is to encourage creativity in our members, and to expand our definition of creativity throughout our community.
Art medium: Photography, drawing, jewelry, brick carving, mixed media
Other affiliations: ACA, North Augusta Arts & Heritage Center, American and Aiken Camellia Societies, JHSSC, A.F. & O.B. Co. Society
Member note: Being an AAG member is more than enjoying events, exhibiting my art and forming friendships – it’s a way to celebrate, amplify and sustain our arts community.
Other affiliations: ACA, Charleston Artist Guild
Member note: As Member Show Director I’m focused on creating an inclusive and dynamic platform to showcase our diverse talents, as well as increase our sales. Looking forward to making our 2026 show the best one yet!
Chris McKeel
Past President
Art medium: Street photographer and painter, mostly acrylics
Other affiliations: ACA
Member note: Creativity is essential to a joyous life. I am on the board of the Aiken Artist Guild because I believe it is important to have an organization that supports local artists and local art.