Artists are captivated by the beauty of the Coastal South, and Richmond Hill suffers no shortage of what inspires and motivates the creative energy of those with talent. The desire to create is almost as basic as breathing to an artist and it’s every artist’s dream to find a way to earn a living doing what he or she is driven to do. In the early part of the 2000s, local artists in Richmond Hill created a non-profit organization called Arts on the Coast to promote the arts in Bryan County and other neighboring coastal communities. 

Long-time Richmond Hill Elementary art teacher, Barbara Estes, led the charge in creating the 501c3 non-profit organization which would make it a mission to support and offer opportunities to artists of all genres. Arts on the Coast incorporates multiple artistic fields including visual, literary, and performing arts, bringing artists together, giving them a voice and presence in the community. 

With advocacy as its core initiative, Arts on the Coast has grown into a successful non-profit in Richmond Hill, offering cultural events and enhancing our community in general. In 2018, the organization opened a gallery inside the Richmond Hill Visitors Center. The gallery showcases the work of members and plays hosts to Artnite, a bi-monthly event that is free and open to the public.