Cayce Mayor Elise Partin’s vision is closer to reality.

She envisioned the original downtown Cayce becoming the River Arts District.

Mayor Partin told the Chronicle that for decades the area was mainly vacant buildings.

She decided that had to change.

In 2015 at the Institute for City Design she learned about “pre-vitalization” – the art of what is possible. She began organizing groups to bring the area back to life

She asked local artists to help and talked with building owners.

Some owners cleaned out their buildings and allowed artists to display their work.

The result was the “Soiree on State” in 2017.

1,500 people were impressed and wanted another event.

Before the next “Soiree on State” 2 businesses were opened in vacant buildings.

The artists formed the Cayce Arts Guild, a nonprofit organization.

The guild members contributed sculptures and murals.

In the last year despite covid more businesses opened and more are being planned.

On Saturday, Sept. 4, the Cayce Arts Guild will hold their 2nd First Saturday Event from 11 am - 5 pm to showcase the murals along State and Frink Streets

Visit their website www. cayceartsguild.com for complete details.