The Artisans is an Association organized for the development of the artists of St. James Plantation, Southport, North Carolina, the marketing of their art, and the enhancement of art appreciation in Brunswick County through its 501c arm, Stepping Up For Arts (SUFA). The Association promotes the awareness of the arts in the community by providing retail opportunities for its members to bring their art to the buying public. They operate an art gallery in downtown Southport, NC exhibiting fine art and fine crafts made exclusively by participating members and approved local exhibiting artists. The Association also organizes and sponsors other special retail events periodically throughout the year such as Art Walks and its annual Holiday Boutique. The retail activities help support SUFA, which also sponsors art workshops, awards grants to fine arts teachers in public schools, and college art scholarships to the local community.
