Columbia Museum of Art April 2026 calendar

EXHIBITIONS

Rodney McMillian: A Son of the Soil
On view March 21 through June 28, 2026

Rodney McMillian: A Son of the Soil is a thematic presentation of this important American artist’s work across media. Organized by the Columbia Museum of Art, the exhibition broadly locates McMillian’s artistic investigations within the cultural and political landscape of the American South, highlighting his diverse engagements with topics of land, the body, and the domestic sphere.

McMillian (b. 1969, Columbia, SC; lives and works in Los Angeles, CA) confronts American identity by addressing complex histories — of class and race, of landscape and region, of art and a nation. He adopts a sweeping view of landscape representation as both a physical space and an ideological position. In large-scale painted expanses and films set in the Deep South, McMillian evokes land’s tillage and spoilage, histories of ownership, and the charged relationship between land and the body.

Drawing on diverse cultural sources ranging from science fiction to political speeches, McMillian registers the complexity of a nation and its multifarious systems. He employs post-consumer objects, such as thrifted bedding and discarded furniture, in an extended meditation on class and domesticity. In the artist’s hands, these materials assume new life, registering experience in tears and stains that bear the weight of history. McMillian’s work resonates powerfully in a Southern context, provoking further inquiry into Black citizenship and the continuing presence of historical currents.

McMillian serves as a professor in the Department of Art at UCLA, where he has worked since 2009. His work is in major public collections including, among others, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum of Modern Art, New York, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and the Carnegie Museum of Art, Pittsburgh. In 2017, McMillian received the Contemporary Austin’s inaugural Suzanne Deal Booth Art Prize; the previous year, his work was highlighted in solo exhibitions at the ICA Philadelphia, the Studio Museum in Harlem, MoMA PS 1, and the Aspen Art Museum. Rodney McMillian: The Land: Not Without a Politic was on view at the Marta Herford Museum, Germany, in 2024.

Rodney McMillian: A Son of the Soil is presented through the support of our generous sponsors and grantors. Major support provided by Teiger Foundation, Terra Foundation for American Art, and The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. Gold sponsor: Dominion Energy. Silver sponsors: Suzanne and Robert Clawson; Theodore and Margaret Anne DuBose; Dr. Suzanne R. Thorpe and Dr. John W. Baynes. Bronze sponsors: Leslie and Jeffrey Archie; Beth and Matthew Richardson. Additional support for the Columbia Museum of Art from City of Columbia; Experience Columbia SC; Richland County Government; South Carolina Arts Commission; and Discover South Carolina.

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

Gladys’ Gang Toddler Edition: Funny Faces
Wednesday, April 1 | 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
This month we’ll be looking at (and making) all kinds of faces — from silly to sad, peaceful to proud. Join us as we explore the CMA Collection and talk about how faces can show us feelings in art and each other. 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!

Free First Thursday at the CMA
Thursday, April 2 | 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Enjoy free admission, extended hours, and a tour of featured exhibition Rodney McMillian: A Son of the Soil 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.

An Evening with Illustrator Mike Lowery
Thursday, April 2 | 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. | Social hour with light refreshments 5:00 p.m. | Talk 6:00 p.m. | Q&A and book signing to follow
Join us for a discussion with contemporary illustrator Mike Lowery in collaboration with USC’s School of Visual Art and Design. Learn about how the daily drawing practice of keeping a sketchbook impacted Lowery’s life and career, helping him find his style and voice as well as his audience and path to publication. Local bookseller All Good Books will be onsite selling a variety of Lowery’s books, which he will be available to sign. Free. Registration required.

Lowery’s practice blends drawing, digital illustration, visual storytelling, commercial art, and business. He is a New York Times’ bestselling illustrator and author who has worked on more than 80 books for kids and adults with major publishers, including Chronicle Books, Scholastic, and Penguin Random House. In addition to making books, Lowery is an avid sketchbook-keeper and has taught classes worldwide over the last 23 years to more than 30,000 students, both in-person during his 14 years as a design and illustration professor and online through Skillshare classes and his annual Getting Paid to Draw course, which focuses on the business of illustration. Lowery encourages others to join him in starting a daily drawing habit.

Public Tour of Rodney McMillian: A Son of the Soil
Thursday, April 2 | 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Join us for a tour of featured exhibition Rodney McMillian: A Son of the Soil. Rodney McMillian (b. 1969, Columbia, SC; lives and works in Los Angeles, CA) confronts American identity by addressing complex histories. Drawing on diverse cultural sources ranging from science fiction to political speeches, he registers the complexity of a nation and its systems. McMillian’s work resonates powerfully in a Southern context, provoking further inquiry into Black citizenship and the continuing presence of historical currents. Free as part of Free First Thursday at the CMA.

Art Class: Printmaking with Collage
Saturdays, April 4 and 11 | 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Join us for this fun two-day workshop on printmaking and collage inspired by the exhibition Rodney McMillian: A Son of the Soil. On the first day, create gel plate prints and simple block prints, preparing patterns and imagery for collage, a technique in which pieces of paper, photographs, fabric, or other ephemera are arranged and adhered to a supporting surface. On the second day, cut up your prints and use them to compose dynamic collages. Taught by artist and educator Mary Robinson. Ages 15 and up. All supplies and equipment provided. $175 / $140 for members.

Mary Robinson is a printmaker and mixed-media artist based in Columbia. She was a professor and coordinator of printmaking at the University of South Carolina from 2003 to 2025. Her work is represented by Mike Brown Contemporary in Columbia and Spalding Nix Fine Arts in Atlanta.

Resonant Ground: Student Responses to A Son of the Soil
Thursday, April 9 | Doors at 6:00 p.m. | Program 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Come to the CMA for an evening in partnership with Benedict College featuring student work from a semester project supporting deep engagement with contemporary art and the topics it highlights. Responding directly to the themes and ideas in featured exhibition Rodney McMillian: A Son of the Soil, students perform original soundscapes, experimental pieces, and musical works live, with each audio piece accompanied by cinematic, single-shot footage. Visuals are intentionally minimalist, allowing an immersive opportunity to contemplate the features and critiques present in McMillian’s work. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to experience the exhibition prior to the performances. Free with membership, admission, or student ID. Student tickets are not available in advance; simply show your student ID at the Welcome Desk upon arrival. Gallery admission included. Cash bar.

CMA Docent Tag Sale
Saturday, April 11 | 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Books, treasures, and trifles — the CMA Docent Corps are clearing their shelves of objects big and small. Art books, posters, ceramics, collectibles, and many other items are available for sale on Boyd Plaza during Soda City Market. All proceeds will be used to fund summer camp scholarships, so come find your new favorite items while supporting art education for kids.

Public Tour of Rodney McMillian: A Son of the Soil
Saturday, April 11 | 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 pm
Join us for a tour of featured exhibition Rodney McMillian: A Son of the Soil. Rodney McMillian (b. 1969, Columbia, SC; lives and works in Los Angeles, CA) confronts American identity by addressing complex histories. Drawing on diverse cultural sources ranging from science fiction to political speeches, he registers the complexity of a nation and its systems. McMillian’s work resonates powerfully in a Southern context, provoking further inquiry into Black citizenship and the continuing presence of historical currents. Free with membership or admission.

Pilates in the Galleries
Tuesdays, April 14 and 21 | 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
End your day with a restorative full-body Pilates session surrounded by inspiring works of art in the newly reopened 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.

Gladys’ Gang Preschool Edition: Funny Faces
Wednesday, April 15 | 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
This month we’ll be looking at (and making) all kinds of faces — from silly to sad, peaceful to proud. Join us as we explore the CMA Collection and talk about how faces can show us feelings in art and each other. Gladys’ Gang 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!

Focal Points Tour: Art ‘Stache
Thursday, April 16 | 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Join us for a hirsute pursuit. Docent Ann Holtschlag takes a closer look at the mustachioed mavericks and bearded brethren that populate the CMA Collection and examines the various connotations of facial hair through the ages. 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.

Art Class: Drawing Spring Botanicals
Saturday April 18 | 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Pencil in some time to work on foundational drawing techniques in this one-day workshop using spring flora and fauna as inspiration. Experiment with pencil, charcoal, and conté crayon and take in-depth explorations of proportions and contrasts in value and texture. Taught by 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. All materials and equipment provided. Ages 15 and up. $100 / $80 for members.

Stroller Tour of Rodney McMillian: A Son of the Soil
Saturday, April 18 | 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Take a tour of Rodney McMillian: A Son of the Soil 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.

Public Tour of the Collection
Sunday, April 19 | 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Join us for a tour of the newly renovated collection galleries. Come see some of your old favorites and find a few new ones! Free with membership or admission.

Sound Bath and Guided Relaxation
Wednesday, April 22 | 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Enjoy an hour of tranquility with Juliet Hewitt, E-RYT 500 and certified integral sound practitioner. This class begins with Yoga Nidra, a form of guided relaxation to help the process of diving deeper inward, then moves to the full-body listening experience of a sound bath with crystal and metal singing bowls, a gong, and chimes. Benefits of sound baths include stress reduction, decreased anxiety, and increased mental clarity. Participants should wear comfortable clothing and bring a blanket or other support for their necks. Mats provided, but participants are welcome to bring their own. Ages 15 and up. No unaccompanied minors. $20 / $16 for members.

The Collections Served: A Curated Dinner
Thursday, April 23 | 5:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Part of the Columbia Food & Wine Festival, The Collections Served invites guests to savor the intersection of art, wine, and cuisine through an immersive evening inspired by the Columbia Museum of Art’s reimagined collection galleries. The night begins with a cocktail hour and brief guided tour through the newly reopened CMA galleries, where guests are guided to select works from the museum’s four collecting areas — European, Asian, American, and modern and contemporary art — each serving as creative inspiration for the menu to come. Guests then stroll across the street to Hampton Street Vineyard for a seated four-course dinner, thoughtfully crafted to reflect what they’ve just experienced. Executive Chef Wes Fulmer of Hampton Street Vineyard collaborates with Chef Kevin Minnick of Quincy Country Club to bring this artistic dialogue to the table, pairing thoughtful cuisine and wine in a relaxed yet refined setting. $175.

Catching Some Rays: A Jazz Celebration of Ray Charles
Friday, April 24 | 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. | Doors at 6:30 p.m.
Pianist Noel Freidline and vocalist Maria Howell return for another unforgettable evening of live jazz, this time celebrating legend Ray Charles. The audience at a Ray Charles concert was a cross-section of American culture, his fans representing every age, race, ideology, and preference in music genre. The unifying factor was Charles himself and his timeless, universal appeal.

Exploring that diversity through song and narrative anecdotes, the concert weaves its way through Charles’ life and catalog, exploring his journey to become the father of soul music, combining gospel music with secular lyrics. Enjoy many of Charles’ original compositions (“Unchain My Heart,” “Hit the Road Jack”), blues standards (“I Don’t Need No Doctor”), masterful interpretations of the Great American Songbook (“Come Rain or Come Shine,” “Hard Hearted Hannah,” “Georgia On My Mind”), pop tunes (“A Song for You”), country and western (“I Can’t Stop Loving You”), and even his 1972 arrangement of “America the Beautiful,” a daring foray for an African American artist on the heels of the turbulent ’60s and the struggling Civil Rights Movement. This show spans genres, decades, and moods, all with Freidline and Howell’s signature style, inventive arrangements, and irresistible chemistry. Four-person tables (includes one bottle of wine): $200 / $160 for members. Individual table seats: $50 / $40 for members. Cash bar. Priority registration for members only through Wednesday, February 11. Music at the CMA is supported by funds from the Baker & Baker Foundation, Harold Friedman, Nancy and Richard Layman, Barbara Boyd, and Sam and Mary Baskin-Waters.

Art Class: Paint Like an Impressionist
Saturday, April 25 | 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
In this one-day class, participants take reference photos broken into grayscale shapes and translate them into colors on canvas using the painting styles of Impressionist artists featured in the CMA Collection. 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. All supplies and equipment provided. Ages 15 and up. $125 / $100 for members.