Columbia Museum of Art November 2026 exhibitions and events calendar

EXHIBITIONS

Body Matters
On view through January 3, 2027

The human body is essential to craft. This genre of art is rooted in physical labor, tactile knowledge, and material intimacy, and the resulting pieces are often intended to protect our bodies or to assist in nourishing them.

Building on that foundation, this exhibition presents works made of wood, ceramics, glass, textiles, and sweetgrass, and foregrounds their bodily resonance in terms of method of making as well as subject matter. The artists, both historical and contemporary, reveal their deep engagement with the body through figural representations and objects that address life cycles and support bodily functions. Likewise, they leave the marks of their own bodies through the labor of creation — the gestures (or lack thereof), repetitions, and physical engagement that shape each piece.

Body Matters celebrates the importance of the hand in handwork and encourages viewers to consider their own relationships with objects both in and outside the galleries. This exhibition is part of Handwork 2026, Craft in America’s nationwide semiquincentennial collaboration showcasing the importance of the handmade and celebrating the diversity of craft that defines America.

Body Matters is presented through the support of our generous sponsors and grantors. Silver sponsors: Dr. Suzanne R. Thorpe and Dr. John W. Baynes. Bronze sponsors: Abacus Planning Group; Suzanne and Robert Clawson; Maynard Nexsen PC; Beth and Matthew Richardson; Brenda and Rick Wheeler. Patron sponsor: Joseph Bruce. Grantors: City of Columbia; Experience Columbia SC; Richland County Government; South Carolina Arts Commission; Discover South Carolina.

Pat Steir: Gravity Makes the Image
On view through January 3, 2027
The artist Pat Steir (American, 1938–2026) merged the formal breakthroughs of postwar abstraction — utilizing drips, pours, and expressive paint handling — in a uniquely meditative style. She arrived at her most well-known process in the 1980s when she initiated the Waterfall series, flinging thinned paint onto vertical canvas and allowing it to drip freely. This practice navigated the painterly tension between controlled movements and chance. Speaking of her methods, she once explained, “The paint itself makes the picture…Gravity makes the image.”

This presentation of Steir’s work is drawn from the CMA Collection and shown on the occasion of her recent passing. The paintings on view reflect Steir’s innovative techniques; conceptually, they register spiritual underpinnings present in nature. In pared down compositions emphasizing color and evoking the fluidity of water, the artist strikes a lyrical balance between emptiness and form.

Richard Samuel Roberts: A Columbia Legacy
On view through February 21, 2027
Richard Samuel Roberts (1880–1936) established his photo studio at 1119 Washington Street in Columbia in 1922. He was one of only a few professional African American photographers operating in the South at that time and counted the burgeoning Black middle class as his patrons. Largely self-taught, Roberts possessed a keen eye for detail and composition, elegantly posing his sitters in a manner that exuded dignity and grace.

In 1977, Roberts’ work was rediscovered in Columbia’s Arsenal Hill neighborhood, when over 3,000 glass plate negatives were found stacked together in the crawl space of his family home. Over the course of the next decade, the plates were restored under the auspices of the University of South Carolina, once more bringing to life the contributions of this important photographer. The images on view here were reproduced from the original plates.

The CMA held a major exhibition showcasing over 130 of Roberts’ photographs in 1986. Coinciding with the city’s bicentennial year, the opening reception of Richard Samuel Roberts: A True Likeness remains one of the most celebrated in the museum’s history. The exhibition thereafter traveled to numerous venues across the country, cementing Roberts’ legacy on the national stage.

Ground
On view through February 21, 2027
When we hear “ground,” we often think of the earth below our feet. The word conjures up concepts of stability, consistency, and impartiality. In one sense, we know the ground and what it can do — we built upon it.

This gallery presents works that complicate the term by pointing to the ground as human record. Ground preserves and archives activity, both personal and communal. We leave ourselves on the ground in every sense; we inter our dead, seed and harvest our sustainment, divide along sociopolitical lines, destroy it, and worship it.

Some objects here are made of ground, such as the excavated pottery and William Buggel’s Untitled, which incorporates sand. Others reference the ways we shape and cultivate the land. Still others are less literal, exploring what grounds us as a society. Bob Trotman’s Kaitlin serves as a reminder to reexamine our foundational cultural and economic systems. This gallery asks: How does the ground preserve traces of human activity?

Winston Wingo: Who Would We Be/Who Could We Be?
On view through March 4, 2027
Since the 1970s, Winston Wingo (b. 1952, Spartanburg, SC) has explored the tension between technology and humanity in a dynamic series of sculptural heads. These bronze-cast cyborgs embody the contrast between industrial and organic forms. They appear rigid, rendered with mechanical precision — angular planes, geometric incisions resembling computer circuitry, and metallic patinas that recall the sleek energy of machines. At the same time, they retain human features, a sense of movement, and seemingly pliable textures reminiscent of fingers in clay.

Wingo draws inspiration for his series from art history. His chosen method of lost-wax casting is inspired by the bronzes that adorned the royal palace of the Kingdom of Benin. This reference to African art is both a means of affirming ancestral ties and asserting Black identity through material permanence. Twentieth-century Italian Futurism serves as a further source; where the Futurists beckoned the machine age to renounce the past, Wingo invites us to critique technology as a departure from humanity.

Though Wingo began his series decades before the advent of artificial intelligence (AI), his work today feels more relevant than ever (and perhaps even prescient) for its rich social and political content. Seen through the lens of Afrofuturism, a cultural movement that engages Black concerns in dialogue with technology, Wingo’s heads manifest as monuments to Black futurity. They encourage the viewer to envision worlds in which Black bodies are not erased or mythologized but centered in conversations around societal advancement.

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/tours.

Multisensory Tours
Multisensory Tours provide an opportunity for visitors who are blind or have low vision to experience the diverse 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.

Print Lab
Sunday, November 1 | 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Thursday, November 19 | 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Come experiment with printmaking without having to buy the equipment! Join us in the CMA studios to develop and refine skills in an independently focused work environment with an expert printmaker on hand to offer guidance. A basic understanding of printmaking is helpful, as there is no class instruction. Instead, this is a chance to build understanding of multiple kinds of printmaking equipment. Each session is limited to ten participants. Basic printmaking materials, equipment, and a printing press provided. Students are encouraged to bring their own materials. Ages 15 and up. Led by artist and educator Mary Robinson. $60 / $48 for members.

Mary Robinson is a mixed-media artist and educator based in Columbia. She dyes, paints, prints, and pieces together handmade paper and repurposed fabric as a means of self-imposed limitation. The colors, shapes, forms, and textures reflect observed cycles and patterns in nature, while the process of repurposing and recomposing materials echoes nature’s mode of regeneration and zero waste. Originally from Chattanooga, Tennessee, Robinson earned a BFA in studio art from the University of Colorado, an MA in art history from the University of Wisconsin, and an MFA in printmaking from Indiana University. Robinson worked at the School of Visual Art and Design at the University of South Carolina from 2002 to 2024 before retiring from her position as professor and head of the printmaking program. Robinson’s work is in several collections including the Columbia Museum of Art, the Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway, and the Frans Masereel Centrum in Kasterlee, Belgium. Her work has been in 25 solo and two-person exhibitions, including at the Morris Graves Museum of Art and the Art Center of Western Colorado and in over 100 group shows, including at the Columbia Museum of Art, 701 Center for Contemporary Art, Orange County Center for Contemporary Art, Marin Museum of Contemporary Art, Wiregrass Art Museum, and the Bristol Art Museum. Robinson’s work is represented by Mike Brown Contemporary in Columbia and Spalding Nix Fine Art in Atlanta.

Art in Motion: Somatics Workshop
Monday, November 2 | 10:30 – 11:45 a.m. | Tour at 10:30 a.m. | Somatics at 11:15 a.m.
Monday, November 2 | 11:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Tour at 11:15 a.m. | Somatics at 12:00 p.m.
Monday, November 9 | 4:30 – 5:45 p.m. | Tour at 4:30 p.m. | Somatics at 5:15 p.m.
Monday, November 9 | 5:15 – 6:30 p.m. | Tour at 5:15 p.m. | Somatics at 6:00 p.m.
Move through the galleries and into a deeper understanding of your body with this guided exploration of art and somatics, a field of bodywork focusing on mindfulness and how the body is experienced from within. Begin with a guided tour of Body Matters, then participate in a 30-minute somatic movement session designed to deepen connection to the exhibition through embodied experience. Combining somatics and art museums transforms passive viewing into an active, body-centered experience. Visitors tune into physical sensations, breath, and grounding while engaging with art, shifting the gallery visit from an intellectual exercise into a tool for emotional regulation, trauma processing, and self-discovery. Gallery tours are led by CMA staff and docents, while somatic sessions are led by Lori Lapin, owner of local gym Strong Foundations. No prior movement experience is necessary, and all bodies and abilities are welcome. Somatic sessions take place on Boyd Plaza; in the event of rain, they will be moved indoors. A grant from the Knight Foundation Fund at Central Carolina Community Foundation supported this project. Health and Wellness programs at the CMA are presented by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina.
$15 / $12 for members.

Somatic practices encourage participants to slow down and explore the relationship between body, mind, and environment by using gentle, accessible movement and guided awareness exercises. This practice offers a space for reflection, inviting participants to engage with the exhibition’s themes in a personal and experiential way. Guests are encouraged to attend both the gallery tour and somatic session for a richer experience.

Lapin is the owner of Strong Foundations in Columbia and has spent more than 35 years helping people of all ages build strength, confidence, and healthier lives. Passionate about movement and community, Lapin creates fun, welcoming fitness experiences that inspire everyone to keep moving and feel their best.

Pilates in the Galleries
Tuesdays, November 3 and 17 | 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
End your day with a restorative full-body Pilates session surrounded by inspiring works of art in the CMA Collection galleries. Led by Michaela Leung, who has been practicing Pilates since 2018 and began her comprehensive Pilates certification in 2023, these classes combine classical Pilates principles with contemporary movement for a balanced, mindful workout. Each session includes exercises to strengthen the core, improve flexibility, and enhance posture, with modifications offered for all experience levels. Leung’s fun, energizing playlists — from hip-hop to indie — keep the session motivating and inclusive. Guests leave feeling refreshed, centered, and invigorated. No prior experience necessary. Mats are provided, but guests are welcome to bring their own mats and yoga props. Ages 13 and up; no unaccompanied minors. $20 / $16 for members. Health and Wellness programs at the CMA are presented by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina.

Gladys’ Gang Toddler Edition: Feast Your Eyes
Wednesday, November 4 | 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
An elaborate table might have all kinds of items we can imagine smelling, tasting, and touching, from fancy food to decorated dishes. Join us as we look for artful eats before making sumptuous spreads of our own. Gladys’ Gang is specially designed for 2- to 3-year-old participants and their adult companions to explore art through movement and play. This program includes story time, gallery exploration, and a creative studio activity related to the theme. Free. Registration required for all participants as space is limited. Siblings welcome! This program is supported in part by a grant from the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation.

Free First Thursday at the CMA
Thursday, November 5 | 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Enjoy free admission, extended hours, a 5:00 p.m. tour of featured exhibition Body Matters, and a screening and talkback at 6:00 p.m. Last gallery entry at 7:30 p.m. Free admission courtesy of Art Bridges Access for All Program and Lexington Health.

Public Tour of Body Matters
Thursday, November 5 | 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Take a tour of featured exhibition Body Matters, which explores craft and its relationship to the human body through roughly 70 objects spanning time periods and cultures. Body Matters celebrates the importance of the hand in handwork and encourages viewers to consider their own relationships with objects both inside and outside the galleries. Free as part of Free First Thursday at the CMA.

Native American Arts in South Carolina: Documentary Shorts & Talkback
Thursday, November 5 | 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. | Screenings at 6:00 p.m. | Talkback at 6:45 p.m.
Celebrate Native American Heritage Month with us! Join the South Carolina Commission for Community Advancement and Engagement and the Native American Studies Center for an evening honoring accomplishments in Native American art and culture in South Carolina. In connection with the larger 30th Annual Native American Film Festival, hosts screen three short films including SCCCAE’s documentary “Native American Arts & Crafts in South Carolina” and two shorts featuring Beckee Garris and Tammy Leach, winners of the South Carolina Art Commission’s 2026 Jean Laney Harris Folk Heritage Award. After the screenings stick around for a talkback with artists Beckee Garris, Tammy Leach, and Lisa Lindler. Moderated by Stephen Criswell of NASC. Free as part of Free First Thursday at the CMA.

Interact with a temporary poetry installation, A Mountain of Crumbled Candor, by Native American artist Abby Duran. The Charleston-based artist invites guests to participate in catharsis through writing. Guests are given the opportunity to write down anything they’ve been keeping to themselves on a piece of paper, crumple it up, and place it into a vase which will be located at the Welcome Desk throughout the month of November. The anonymous confessions from the Columbia Museum of Art — one of several locations throughout the state — will become a “chapter” in Duran’s book that she plans to compile at the end of this year.

Palmetto Luna Arts’ Day of the Dead Celebration
Saturday, November 7 | 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
For 15 years, Palmetto Luna Arts’ Day of the Dead Celebration has created a space in Columbia where remembrance, culture, and community come together. The quinceañera year celebration features a community altar, arts and crafts, live music, folkloric dance, and a live painting session that uplifts Latino artists and traditions across South Carolina. It’s a beautiful morning on Boyd Plaza filled with color, creativity, and the shared act of honoring loved ones who have passed.

Over the years, this celebration has become a cultural landmark — an annual reminder that Latino stories, ancestors, and artistic expressions enrich our city in powerful ways. Day of the Dead is more than a festival; it’s a moment of connection, learning, and joy, inviting our whole community to experience a tradition that celebrates life through remembrance. This year’s event is supported by the City of Columbia, whose partnership helps this beloved tradition continue to grow. Free. Generous support provided by Art Bridges Access for All Program. A grant from the Knight Foundation Fund at Central Carolina Community Foundation supported this project. This event is supported in part by Bank of America.

Art Class: Clothing Mend Clinic
Sunday, November 8 | 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Inspired by featured exhibition Body Matters, this hands-on workshop invites participants to consider the powerful relationship between the clothes we wear on our bodies and the act of repairing them for continued use. Participants learn a variety of clothing repair methods for damage such as missing buttons, popped seams, rips, and abrasion. All supplies and equipment are provided, but participants should bring a garment for guided repair. Ages 15 and up. Taught by vintage clothing repairer David Hicks. Workshop takes place on Boyd Plaza, but in the event of rain will be moved indoors. A grant from the Knight Foundation Fund at Central Carolina Community Foundation supported this project. $20 / $16 for members.

Hicks is a Columbia native and co-owner of Pannerpete Vintage. He dabbled in sewing throughout his early life, but his interest grew after taking up a more active role at Pannerpete, which was founded by his wife, Katie. At Pannerpete, Hicks is responsible for assessing and mending used clothing of varying ages before it is offered for sale. His other interests include transit equity and woodworking.

Art Class: Mindful Drawing
Saturday, November 14 | 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Discover the relaxing art of Zentangle in this beginner-friendly workshop. Learn this simple, mindful drawing method that transforms basic strokes into beautiful patterns — no artistic experience required. You’ll leave with several small, finished pieces of art, along with the supplies and skills to continue working on your own.

The Zentangle Method is a drawing technique as well as an opportunity to slow down and focus on the present through creativity. All materials are provided, and participants are guided through each step in a supportive environment. Whether you’re looking to reduce stress or simply be creative, this workshop offers a relaxing and rewarding introduction to Zentangle. Ages 15 and up. Taught by artist and educator Martha Arrington. $90 / $72 for members.

Arrington is an artist and educator based in Augusta, Georgia. An Atlanta native, she studied art education at Georgia State University and received her BFA in 2003. She completed her M.A. in art education at Boston University in 2024. Her work explores the intersection of pattern and nature through drawing, painting, printing, and ceramics. Inspired by the quiet beauty of everyday objects and the rhythms found in the natural world, she creates artwork that invites viewers to slow down and look closely. Arrington currently teaches in Harlem, Georgia, while maintaining an art practice in her home.

Public Tour of Body Matters
Saturday, November 14 | 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Take a tour of featured exhibition Body Matters, which explores craft and its relationship to the human body through roughly 70 objects spanning time periods and cultures. Body Matters celebrates the importance of the hand in handwork and encourages viewers to consider their own relationships with objects both inside and outside the galleries. Free with membership or admission.

Repair Fair
Sunday, November 15 | 12:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Bring your broken, overused, or under-loved objects to Boyd Plaza for an afternoon of community, repair, and sustainability in action. Inspired by skillsets, craft processes, and repeated use of objects in Body Matters, the CMA hosts a selection of artists, crafters, and fixers to assist in giving your items new life. Even if it can’t be fixed or mended on the spot, our volunteer fixers can give recommendations after a quick assessment. Get repairs for vinyl records, clothing, leatherwork, jewelry ’90s electronics, household objects, and more.

Objects are assessed and repaired on a first-come, first-served basis, so consider arriving early. Repair times vary widely by item, so we recommend bringing only one or two objects per person. Not every item can be fixed onsite, but our volunteers will do their best and offer guidance as needed. Free. A grant from the Knight Foundation Fund at Central Carolina Community Foundation supported this project.

Art Class: Kawandi Quilting
Sunday, November 15 | 12:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Learn Kawandi, a beautiful quilt-making method originating from East Africa and India. In this hands-on workshop, participants transform colorful fabric scraps into a one-of-a-kind quilted piece while exploring the beauty of hand stitching, repetition, and improvisation. No prior quilting experience is necessary; just bring creativity and curiosity. Ages 15 and up. All supplies and equipment provided. Taught by educator Sylvia Mercado. $60 / $48 for members.

Sylvia Mercado was born and raised in Puerto Rico. Although her formal training is in science, she often teaches knitting, quilting, and basic sewing. Mercado has taught at artist guilds and local libraries including the Arts & Heritage Center of North Augusta and the Nancy Carson Library.

ASL Tour of Body Matters
Sunday, November 15 | 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Join us for a tour of featured exhibition Body Matters led by a CMA docent speaking English alongside an interpreter using American Sign Language. Exploring the essential connection between craft and the human body, this exhibition features artists, both historical and contemporary, who reveal their deep engagement with the body through figural representations and objects that support bodily functions. Body Matters celebrates the importance of the hand in handwork and encourages viewers to consider their own relationships with objects both in and outside the galleries. Free with membership or admission. The ASL tour is intended for visitors who are deaf or hard of hearing and their companions.

Art Flow: Yoga in the Galleries
Monday, November 16 | 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. | Gallery tour 5:30 p.m. | Yoga class 6:00 p.m. | Equanimity and Inner Peace
Experience a unique class that blends mindful movement with artistic inspiration. Begin with an optional guided gallery tour that introduces the month’s featured theme, artwork, and ideas, followed by a one-hour accessible yoga practice designed to help you slow down and reflect on how art and movement can enrich one another. Tour led by CMA Docent Melissa Bush. Yoga class led by Juliet Hewitt, E-RYT 500, owner of Centered Soul: Sound Baths and Yoga on Main Street.

Guests are encouraged to attend the brief gallery tour before class to deepen their experience, but participation in the tour is completely optional. Whether you join us for both or simply come for yoga, all experience levels are welcome. Mats are provided, but students are welcome to bring their own mats and props. Ages 13 and up; no unaccompanied minors. $20 / $16 for members. Guests will be emailed check-in instructions following registration. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation.

Gladys’ Gang Preschool Edition: Feast Your Eyes
Wednesday, November 18 | 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
An elaborate table might have all kinds of items we can imagine smelling, tasting, and touching, from fancy food to decorated dishes. Join us as we look for artful eats before making sumptuous spreads of our own. Gladys’ Gang program is specially designed for 4- to 5-year-old participants and their adult companions 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! This program is supported in part by a grant from the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation.

Focal Points Tour: Paws and Claws
Thursday, November 19 | 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Join docent Maureen Randall on an expedition to find animals hiding throughout the CMA Collection. Explore how animals in art can express cultural identity, portray meaning, or enhance a work through their natural colors. 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. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation.

Stroller Tour of Body Matters
Saturday, November 21 | 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Take a tour of our featured exhibition Body Matters 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 Class: Community Hand Crochet Workshop
Saturday, November 21, and Sunday, November 22 | 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Explore the connections between the human body, craft, and community in this immersive, hands-on workshop led by Jordan Sheridan, featured artist in current exhibition Body Matters. Over two sessions, participants work alongside the artist to create a large-scale, hand-crocheted installation, learning simple hand-crochet techniques while contributing to a collaborative work of art.

Following the workshop, the completed installation will be displayed on Boyd Plaza, celebrating the many hands that contributed to its creation. Participants leave with new skills, a deeper appreciation for the artistry of fiber work, and the opportunity to see themselves reflected in a shared work that embodies the power of collaboration and interconnectedness. All supplies and equipment provided. Ages 15 and up. $20 / $16 for members. A grant from the Knight Foundation Fund at Central Carolina Community Foundation supported this project. This workshop takes place on Boyd Plaza; in the event of inclement weather it will be moved indoors.

Columbia Design League Presents Dinner by Design
Saturday, November 21 | 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. | Collection galleries open 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. | Dinner at 7:00 p.m.
Join the Columbia Design League for an extraordinary evening where fine art meets fine dining. Dinner by Design invites guests on a culinary journey inspired by the CMA Collection. The CMA is the only museum in South Carolina with an international collection, and its four collecting areas are brought to life at the table: American, Asian, European, and modern and contemporary art. Vegan options available. $125 / $100 for CDL members and students with student ID. Tickets must be purchased by November 1. Ages 21 and up.

Event Highlights:
• Exclusive behind-the-scenes insights — Join special guest Noelle Nelson, CMA collection specialist, for an insider’s look into the gallery redesigns, complete with storytelling and highlights on her favorite masterworks.
• Art-inspired culinary curation — Savor a multicourse menu curated by Ambrosia Taverna Executive Chef and CDL board member Andrew Gajadhar. Chef Gajadhar has paired each concept with specific pieces from the CMA Collection, translating historical and cultural storytelling directly to your plate.
• A global celebration — Raise a glass to the timeless stories, vibrant traditions, and diverse cultures that connect us all through art and flavor.

Spaces for this immersive dining experience are limited. Join us for a night where culture, community, and cuisine intersect.

Public Tour of the Collection
Sunday, November 22 | 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Explore some highlights of the CMA Collection on a guided tour. Experience art from the past and present, seeing how artists and makers are inspired by yesterday, how they view the world today, and how they envision tomorrow. Free with membership or admission. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation.