Art and preservation united in Summerton

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Bryan Hacker, a local painter and preservationist, was the featured artist and honorary guest at a reception held Saturday at the Lake Marion Artisans Gallery on Main Street in Summerton.

The gallery, which is currently filled with Hacker’s multi-media work in oil paintings, metals and leather arts, will continue to exhibit his work throughout the month of April. Most of the exhibited art is for sale, and the profits from which will benefit Preserving Summerton’s History, a registered not-for-profit organization dedicated to conserving the charm and history of the historic town.

A resident of Summerton for 12 years, Hacker established the non-profit after he’d fallen in love with the small town.

“(The locals) are the most welcoming people,” he said.

He was also impressed by the history, culture and architecture of Summerton — so much so that he intends to pull that vast history and many resources together to open a museum in a building he is restoring on Main Street in the center of town.

Hacker’s plans for the museum include an exhibit that will detail the area from the time of the Native Americans who once inhabited the land to the town’s contemporary history. The museum will feature Civil War history and artifacts. It will include information about the landmark Briggs vs. Elliott case and other highlights from Summerton’s varied history. The museum will also showcase the popular Swamp Fox murals in the town, among many other items of importance.

Utilizing his artistic talents in a different way, Hacker is painting and beautifying some of the businesses in the downtown area to liven up the facades and to encourage future interest and commerce. In addition to his art, philanthropic endeavors and preservation work, Hacker is the owner of Wen Lily’s Café and Gift Shop, a popular restaurant and unique gift boutique on Main Street in Summerton.

The gallery invites visitors to stop in to check out the month-long exhibit and to support this extraordinary adopted son of Summerton and his restoration efforts.

Donations may be made out to Preserving Summerton’s History and sent to Lake Marion Artisans Gallery, 108 Main Street, PO Box 451, Summerton, SC, 29148.