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Unsurprisingly, there are a lot of geese in Goose Creek. They just may not be the type of geese you’re expecting.

Sixty-six fiberglass geese are scattered throughout the city, covered in original artwork designed by local artists. They’re part of the city’s Adopt-a-Goose program, a public art initiative launched three years ago to spark community connection and encourage people to explore the area. And more artsy geese are on the way.

At The Creek Collective community center, you can find the Patch Whisky goose designed by the Charleston icon, complete with his signature monster face and pops of bright colors.

Each goose is added to the online GooseChase app, turning the statues into a citywide scavenger hunt while highlighting local organizations and artists.

Over the last few years, Goose Creek’s arts scene has grown from an effort to unleash more creativity into a broader public-art movement.

A city ordinance directs new businesses and major renovations to contribute to the public art fund or spend directly on art at their properties, allowing private development to contribute to Goose Creek’s public art landscape.

From art-wrapped traffic boxes and sanitation trucks to the vibrantly designed geese and mural-clad Graffiti Park, Goose Creek is not only a place that embraces visual expression, but one that is quintessentially a reflection of the people who call it home.

“Goose Creek has a lot of hidden gems. You just have to take the time to look for them,” said Adam Kelly, the city’s marketing manager.

If you’re looking to get to know the city a bit more or plan a visit with loved ones, here’s an overview of what’s going on in Goose Creek.

What’s going on in Goose Creek?

The Graffiti Park on Red Bank Road provides a rare designated location in South Carolina where legal graffiti is permitted. The spot has evolved into a place for regular community gatherings, with local artists Nate Alessandro and Tina Ballentine organizing events throughout the year. The park is also a public showcase for murals created by local area artists.

“We love seeing art become something the whole community can participate in — not just something hanging in a gallery,” Ballentine said. “For us, art has always been about more than just the finished piece. It's about the experience, the people you meet and the connections you make along the way.”

The Creek Collective, Goose Creek’s first dedicated art exhibition facility, opened in a building that replaced the former Little White Wedding Chapel. It hosts rotating exhibitions and classes ranging from mahjong and cooking to Lowcountry painting. It can also be rented for weddings, parties and other gatherings, making it both an arts venue and community event space.

It's open for public viewing 1-6 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Upcoming exhibitions include the work of artist and author Christine Johnson, the Goose Creek Artists Guild annual show, and exhibitions featuring art by Ty Davis and Demetrius Bing.

For first-time visitors, Central Creek Park is a good introduction to the city. The inclusive park was designed to accommodate children and adults with special needs and offers a range of family recreation.

The Joseph S. Daning Amphitheater has hosted artists ranging from Plain White T’s to Better Than Ezra, and the community piano recently added to the stage is available for anyone to come play.

“It’s just another little way we’re seeing the arts take on a life of their own in the Creek,” Kelly said.

The Central Creek Farmers Market is held annually March through November on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at Central Creek Park from 4 to 7 p.m., with a final holiday market held the third Saturday of November.

John McCants Veterans Park, complete with a playground, plaza and dog park, incorporates art into several unexpected places. The dog park features selfie stations painted seasonally by Allesandro and Ballentine, and a hand-painted rainbow bridge created by members of the Cultural Arts Commission offers a place to remember lost pets.

The nearby Food Forest is also home to Goose Creek’s first sculpture garden, featuring six works carved from fallen trees by Greenville artist Edwin Hutchinson.

Ordinary spaces into meaningful experiences

Goose Creek is always finding ways to turn “ordinary spaces into meaningful experiences,” said Barbara Richardson, art director for the city of Goose Creek.

Her vision for the future of the art scene in Goose Creek is very simple: growth.

“I want to see our artists have even more opportunities to display their talents,” Richardson said. “I want our public spaces to become even more vibrant. And I want our programs to spread beyond our city limits and inspire other communities to find their own creative identities.”