Columbia Museum of Art September 2024 Exhibitions and Events Calendar

Columbia Museum of Art September 2024 Calendar

EXHIBITIONS

(Un)Settled: The Landscape in American Art
On view through September 8, 2024
From natural wonders to the open road, the landscape has long been a muse in American art. (Un)Settled questions the shaping of national identity through objects from the colonial era to present. The variety of media and makers helps to redefine whose view is considered and expands on landscape’s relevance and resonance in art.

(Un)Settled explores the rich, complicated, and evolving topic of what it means to be American. The exhibition presents historic artworks in conversation with modern and contemporary pieces to examine ideas such as defining national identity, the question of land preservation, the meaning of boundaries, the complexity of cultural landscapes, and how location shapes our sense of self.

Building upon noted Hudson River School paintings, (Un)Settled features works by artists including Fidelia Bridges, Marsden Hartley, Georgia O’Keeffe, Benny Andrews, William Christenberry, Ana Mendieta, Ed Ruscha, Jeffrey Gibson, and Jacqueline Bishop. Through 40 artworks including examples of material culture such as furniture, glass, ceramics, and baskets, the exhibition highlights the evolving conversations around landscape and its relationship to establishing cultural and national identity over the last two centuries.

This is one in a series of American art exhibitions created through a multi-year, multi-institutional partnership formed by the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art as part of the Art Bridges Cohort Program. Led by the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art (CT), the cohort includes three partners: the Columbia Museum of Art (Columbia, SC), the Mobile Museum of Art (Mobile, AL), and the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts (AL). This innovative cross-regional partnership explores new ways of interpreting art and the American experience through dynamic exhibitions and an array of complimentary public programs.

(Un)Settled: The Landscape in American Art is presented through the support of our generous sponsors and grantors. Silver Sponsors: Dr. Suzanne R. Thorpe and Dr. John W. Baynes. Bronze Sponsors: Councilwoman Allison Terracio, Richland County Council; Colonial Life. Friend Sponsor: Hotel Trundle. Patron Sponsors: Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd; Suzi and Robert Clawson; Beth and Matthew Richardson; Cool Care Heating, Air, Plumbing & Refrigeration; Prisma Health; Lefkowitz Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics. Grantors: City of Columbia; Experience Columbia SC; Richland County Government; South Carolina Arts Commission; Discover South Carolina.

Constantine Manos: A Greek Portfolio
On view through February 2, 2025
Born in Columbia to Greek immigrant parents in 1934, Constantine Manos traveled to Greece in the early 1960s, where he photographed the everyday lives of villagers over a period of three years. The resulting body of work, first published in 1972 as A Greek Portfolio, solidified the photographer’s reputation and quickly earned international recognition. In 1978, he donated 50 of those prints to the Columbia Museum of Art, a selection of which is on view in this exhibition. Manos’ account captures the beauty, simplicity, and hardships of rural Greek life with the sensitivity of one with familial ties to that country. In intimate images exploring love, loss, faith, and family, the artist prompts reflection on the nature of human relationships and the connections between land and labor.

PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
To purchase tickets or register for classes, visit columbiamuseum.org or call 803-799-2810.

Book a Tour and Save
Gather some friends and enjoy discounted admission as you get an inside look at our exhibitions or collection with a docent-led tour. Details at columbiamuseum.org/visit/tours.

Touch Tours
Touch Tours provide an opportunity for visitors who are blind or have low vision to experience the diverse 3D work in the CMA Collection. Explore the galleries with a skilled museum educator trained to provide detailed verbal description of the work on view, while experiencing a selection of objects through touch and other senses.

Touch Tours are available to visitors who are blind or partially sighted in groups of 5 to 10. These 90-minute tours take place when the galleries are closed to the general public and require four weeks’ advance notice to schedule. To book a tour call 803-343-2163 or email [email protected].

Creative Play Workshop
Tuesdays, September 3, 10, 17, and 24 | 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Looking to light that creative spark? Join Katie Chandler, local artist and CMA visitor experience manager, in this four-part creative play workshop. Experiment with a variety of techniques, materials, and mindful movements to get the creative juices flowing. Playing with painting, collage, and printmaking, participants produce a sketchbook in which the artmaking process is more important than the outcome. No art experience required! Ages 15 and up. Supplies and equipment provided. $100 / $80 for members.

Katie Chandler is a local artist and certified K-12 visual art teacher in Columbia, SC. She currently works at the CMA as the visitor experience manager, ensuring visitors have a wonderful time during their visit. As an artist, Chandler focuses on experimenting with a variety of materials and techniques, and her works reflect a sense of play in bright colorways.

Gladys’ Gang Toddler Edition: A Way with Clay
Wednesday, September 4 | 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
From everyday plates to staggering statues, clay can do so many things! Join us as we explore the many possibilities of this material through stories, art, and creation. Keyword: clay. Gladys’ Gang is specially designed for 2- to 3-year-old participants and their adult companions as a way to explore art through movement and play. This program includes story time, gallery exploration, and a creative studio activity related to the art exploration theme. Free. Registration required for all participants as space is limited. Siblings welcome!

Evening Yoga on Boyd Plaza
Wednesdays, September 4 and 18 | 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
End your day with a gentle and restorative yoga session on Boyd Plaza. Mats and props provided, but guests are welcome to bring their own. Appropriate for all skill levels. Taught by Elizabeth Houck-Zozaya, a Columbia-raised multidisciplinary artist and community collaborator who both practices and teaches curious, compassionate, and accessible yoga (RYT 250, Asheville Community Yoga). Ages 13 and up. No unaccompanied minors. Free. Registration required as space is limited. In the event of heavy rain, the session will be canceled. A grant from the Knight Foundation Fund at Central Carolina Community Foundation supported this project.

Free First Thursday at the CMA
Thursday, September 5 | 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Enjoy free admission and extended hours. Take a guided tour of the CMA Collection at 6:00 p.m. Last gallery entry at 7:30 p.m. Be on Boyd Plaza in the evening for live music, food vendors, and a beer garden. Free. Plaza events by First Thursday on Main. Free admission courtesy of Dominion Energy.

Public Tour: Cornerstones of the Collection
Thursday, September 5 | 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
From corner to corner, see key works in the CMA Collection from around the globe and from ancient to modern. This tour includes gems by artists like Renée Cox, Andy Warhol, and Sandro Botticelli, along with the first piece the museum ever purchased. Free with membership or admission.

More Than Rhythm: A Black Music Series Featuring The Psycodelics
Friday, September 6 | Galleries and bar open at 6:00 p.m. | Conversation at 7:00 p.m. | Concert at 8:00 p.m.
Join us on Boyd Plaza for the funked-up season finale of More Than Rhythm: A Black Music Series. In celebration of the genre of funk, featured artists The Psycodelics sit down with series host Dr. Birgitta Johnson for a conversation followed by an outdoor concert. Awarded Charleston City Paper’s 2021 Soul / R&B Act of the Year, The Psycodelics’ flavor of Black American music has blended foundations of blues, jazz, and disco with fresh funk rock. Free. Registration preferred. Cash bar. Food available for purchase. Presented by the Baker and Baker Foundation. Generous support provided by Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program.

Art Class: Understanding the Basics
Saturday, September 7 | 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Understanding the basic components of art — the elements of art and the principles of design — is the gateway to successful creation. This class leads participants through a series of informative and engaging projects that build confidence in the elements of art including line, texture, movement, and space. Taught by local art educator Mary Hendrix, who holds a bachelor’s degree in art from East Tennessee State University and a master’s degree in teaching from the University of South Carolina. Ages 15 and up. Supplies and equipment provided. $90 / $72 for members.

Morning Yoga on Boyd Plaza
Wednesdays, September 11 and 25 | 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Begin your day with a gentle and restorative yoga session on Boyd Plaza. Mats and props provided, but guests are welcome to bring their own. Appropriate for all skill levels. Taught by Elizabeth Houck-Zozaya, a Columbia-raised multidisciplinary artist and community collaborator who both practices and teaches curious, compassionate, and accessible yoga (RYT 250, Asheville Community Yoga). Ages 13 and up. No unaccompanied minors. Free. Registration required as space is limited. In the event of heavy rain, the session will be canceled. A grant from the Knight Foundation Fund at Central Carolina Community Foundation supported this project.

Stroller Tour: Cornerstones of the Collection
Thursday, September 12 | 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Take a tour of the CMA Collection with infants in tow! Bring your little ones along for the ride on a stroller-friendly tour for caregivers with babies up to age two. Fussy, crying, or wiggly babies welcome! Baby wearing is encouraged. Free with membership or admission. Registration required as space is limited.

Art in Focus with Dr. Anna Swartwood House
Thursday, September 12 | 11:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Art in Focus is a series of spotlight talks in which art historians explore themes found in an individual artwork in the CMA Collection, offering an opportunity to discover new insights with a true fine arts specialist. On September 12, Dr. Anna Swartwood House leads a talk on The Book of Hours (c. 1450 – 1460), a CMA tour favorite. Learn more about this artwork and who might have created it. Free with membership or admission.

Dr. House is an associate professor of art history at the School of Visual Art and Design at the University of South Carolina. Her research focuses on intersections between Renaissance art and artists north and south of the Alps, artists’ biographies, and the reception of art. She is the author of the book Antonello da Messina and the History of Art (2022).

Art Class: Abstract Painting
Saturday, September 14 | 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Learn to apply compositional guidelines in abstract art in a nonintimidating environment. Participants create abstract artwork in a variety of sizes using multiple techniques and materials including acrylic paint and some watercolor. Subjects covered also include organic and geometric shapes, visual movement, and mark-making styles. Taught by local art educator Mary Hendrix, who holds a bachelor’s degree in art from East Tennessee State University and a master’s degree in teaching from the University of South Carolina. Ages 15 and up. Supplies and equipment provided. $120 / $96 for members.

Plein Air on Boyd Plaza
Tuesday, September 17 | 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Pencil in some time in your day to create art in the fresh air. These drop-in drawing and painting sessions on Boyd Plaza are led by About Face, an artmaking group that focuses on portraits and the human figure. All skill levels are welcomed. Free. Ages 13 and up. No unaccompanied minors. Some supplies are provided, but participants are encouraged to bring their own easels and other materials. In the event of heavy rain, the session will be canceled. A grant from the Knight Foundation Fund at Central Carolina Community Foundation supported this project.

Gladys’ Gang Preschool Edition: A Way with Clay
Wednesday, September 18 | 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
From everyday plates to staggering statues, clay can do so many things! Join us as we explore the many possibilities of this material through stories, art, and creation. Keyword: clay. Gladys’ Gang is specially designed for 4- to 5-year-old participants and their adult companions as a way to explore art through play and inquiry. This program builds skills for kindergarten readiness through story time, gallery conversations, and a creative studio project related to the art exploration theme. Free. Registration required for all participants as space is limited. Siblings welcome!

Focal Points Tour: Hats Off
Thursday, September 19 | 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Docent Ann Holtschlag devotes a CMA Collection tour to headwear and hairstyles of all types and examines what these adornments may have signified. Focal Points is a series of gallery talks featuring topics and themes near and dear to the hearts of docents and staff. Free with membership or admission.

Tai Chi on Boyd Plaza
Friday, September 20 | 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Pause and reflect on Boyd Plaza in a drop-in tai chi session led by Bob and Cathy Brookshire, who have been practicing the ancient Chinese discipline for more than 20 years with the Taoist Tai Chi Society. Taoist Tai Chi arts grew from the Taoist tradition, which teaches that health comes when body, mind, and spirit are one. Working on all aspects of the person, this moving meditation reduces stress and helps find energy, balance and joy. Participants should wear comfortable clothes and sneakers or similar footwear. Free with registration. Ages 13 and up. No unaccompanied minors. In the event of heavy rain, the session will be canceled. A grant from the Knight Foundation Fund at Central Carolina Community Foundation supported this project.

Public Tour: Behind the Collection
Sunday, September 22 | 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Get a glimpse into the story behind the art: the science to create the materials, the lives that shaped the artists’ views, the thought process that leads a museum to acquire a piece, and the care required to keep a work of art in excellent condition for thousands of years. Free with membership or admission.

Chaye Alexander Presents Live on Boyd Plaza
Sunday, September 22 | 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Fall brings the return of this popular outdoor jazz concert series! Sultry soul / jazz songstress Brittany Turnipseed, backed by Rod Foster & Company, celebrates the timeless music of the ladies of jazz — legends and contemporary icons including Nancy Wilson, Dianne Reeves, Ella Fitzgerald, Lianne La Havas, Jill Scott, and Esperanza Spalding. Turnipseed’s dynamic voice and heartfelt interpretations promise an unforgettable afternoon of musical brilliance. Presented and hosted by Chaye Alexander, accomplished media professional, music and entertainment director, and owner of the popular live performance venue Chayz Lounge. Food, beer, and wine available for purchase.

Registration required as seating is limited. Museum admission included with registration. Table for four: $80 / $64 for members. Individual tickets: Pay what you wish. Some seating is available, but we encourage you to bring your own chair. No outside food or drinks allowed. We’ve got you covered!

Art in Focus with Dr. Abbe Schriber
Thursday, September 26 | 11:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Art in Focus is a series of spotlight talks in which art historians explore themes found in an individual artwork in the CMA Collection, offering an opportunity to discover new insights with a true fine arts specialist. On September 26, Dr. Abbe Schriber leads a talk on Elizabeth Catlett’s Reclining Nude (c. 1955). Learn more about this CMA Collection artwork and the artist who sculpted it. Free with membership or admission.

Dr. Schriber is assistant professor of art history & African American studies at the University of South Carolina, where her research and teaching focuses on 20th- and 21st-century art of the African Diaspora.

Read With Art: Silent Book Club at the CMA
Thursday, September 26 | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. | Silent Reading Hour 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Join Jemia Williams, avid reader and Columbia’s Silent Book Club official host, for an evening celebrating literature and art in the lovely fall air on Boyd Plaza. Whether you’re seeking solitude for quiet reflection or eager to connect with fellow bookworms, this event offers a welcoming space to come together and share your love for the written word. There is no assigned reading — simply bring along your current book and enjoy reading in the museum with art. Take the first half hour to settle in with light refreshments and then spend the next hour in silent reading. During the last half hour, attendees are welcome to continue reading, explore the galleries, socialize, or take a look at some CMA staff picks to find a new read connected to the visual arts. Free. Registration required as space is limited. Gallery admission included. Generous support provided by a grant from the Knight Foundation Fund at Central Carolina Community Foundation.

Art Class: Exploring Color Theory Through Watercolor
Saturday, September 28 | 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Learn how to apply color theory in watercolor painting. This class focuses on getting comfortable with fundamentals like mixing colors, brush technique, composition, and drawing skills, all of which lead to more successful paintings. Taught by professional watercolorist Constance Manley, a signature member of the South Carolina Watermedia Society. Ages 15 and up. Please bring a reference photo(s) to work from; all other materials and equipment provided. $100 / $80 for members.