News Summary

The Aiken community remembers Dr. Sandra Field, co-founder of the Joye in Aiken festival, who passed away recently. A significant figure in the arts and education, Dr. Field’s dedication greatly influenced local arts outreach and education programs. Her legacy as a guiding spirit for the festival will continue to inspire artists and audiences for years to come.

Aiken, South Carolina – The Aiken community is mourning the passing of Dr. Sandra Field, a prominent figure in the local arts scene and co-founder of the Joye in Aiken performing arts festival, who passed away on August 7, 2025. Dr. Field was highly regarded for her significant contributions to the arts and education in the region and served as the president of Joye in Aiken until her death, along with holding the position of chairman of its board of trustees.

Under Dr. Field’s leadership, the Joye in Aiken festival has flourished since its inception in 2008, originally named Juilliard in Aiken when it was founded alongside Steven Naifeh and the late Gregory White Smith. The festival, held annually in March, serves to bring together artists and performers, primarily from the Juilliard School and beyond, to engage the Aiken community with the performing arts.

Janice Jennings, the former executive director of Joye in Aiken, acknowledged Dr. Field’s deep influence on the festival, describing her as the “guiding spirit” and emphasizing that Joye could not have come into existence without her vision and dedication. Jennings pointed out that Dr. Field was instrumental in shaping the festival’s future and inspiring countless artists and audiences alike.

Current president Eric Boetsch reflected on Dr. Field’s remarkable attributes, calling her “one of Aiken’s brightest lights” and highlighting her grace, intelligence, and kindness that touched many lives. Her commitment to the performing arts not only benefited the festival but also paved the way for impactful outreach programs aimed at providing free access to the arts for local schoolchildren.

The Joye in Aiken festival has been notable for its Jazz Camp that caters to middle and high school students, providing young aspiring musicians with mentorship and exposure to a variety of musical styles. This initiative is one of many that Dr. Field was passionate about, aligning with her lifelong goal of making the transformative power of music accessible to all members of the community.

Dr. Field’s accolades extend beyond her festival work. In 2022, she was honored as the Aiken Chamber of Commerce’s Woman of the Year, a recognition of her leadership and impact in fostering a vibrant arts community. She held a bachelor’s degree in music from Furman University and a master’s in voice performance from Northwestern University, before embarking on a career in singing and acting in New York City. After earning a doctorate from Columbia University Teacher’s College, Dr. Field shifted her focus to education, joining the visual and performing arts department at USC Aiken in 1999 and retiring in early 2007.

Despite retiring from her teaching position, Dr. Field remained actively involved in Joye in Aiken, dedicating her time and efforts towards music and educational initiatives. Her passion for arts education and community engagement played an essential role in her life’s work.

As Aiken reflects on Dr. Sandra Field’s profound impact on the community, her legacy continues through the Joye in Aiken festival and the countless lives she touched through music, education, and outreach. Her vision and dedication to spreading joy through the performing arts will undoubtedly resonate within the community for years to come.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Tributes Pour In for Dr. Sandra Field, Arts Advocate

Additional Resources

• Post and Courier: Sandra Field Obituary
• WJBF: New Orleans Style Funeral Parade
• Post and Courier: Joye in Aiken 2025 Festival Lineup
• New York Times: Joye Cottage Restoration
• Shellhouse Rivers Funeral Home: Joy Fowler Obituary
• Wikipedia: Joye in Aiken
• Google Search: Sandra Field Joye in Aiken
• Google Scholar: Joye in Aiken
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Joye in Aiken
• Google News: Sandra Field

Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN

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