Columbia Museum of Art May 2026 exhibitions and events calendar

EXHIBITIONS

Rodney McMillian: A Son of the Soil
On view 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: Dr. Suzanne R. Thorpe and Dr. John W. Baynes. Bronze sponsors: Leslie and Jeffrey Archie; Suzanne and Robert Clawson; Theodore and Margaret Anne DuBose; 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; Discover South Carolina.

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.

Multisensory 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].

Art Class: Block-Printed Textiles
Saturdays, May 2 and 9 | 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Learn how to create beautiful patterns and imagery with basic block printing, stamping, and screen printing on fabric in this two-day class. All supplies and equipment are provided, but participants are also welcome to bring their own fabric, clothing, tote bags, patches, and similar items. Taught by artist and educator Mary Robinson. Ages 15 and up. $200 / $160 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.

Midlands Gives
Tuesday, May 5 | 6:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Today is the day to give! Midlands Gives is an annual online philanthropic event that raises money and awareness in support of nonprofits in the Midlands. A gift to the CMA helps ensure the programs, exhibitions, and experiences you love continue to grow and thrive. It supports free summer admission and exhibitions like Rodney McMillian: A Son of the Soil, and the important work we do every day to serve our communities in diverse and inclusive ways.

Your generosity keeps the momentum strong. It keeps art alive. And it keeps Columbia’s creative spirit shining. Thank you! We eagerly anticipate what we will achieve together next. Please visit midlandsgives.org today to make your charitable, tax-deductible gift to the CMA.

Gladys’ Gang Toddler Edition: Material World
Wednesday, May 6 | 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Art isn’t always made with paint or clay. Some artists, like Rodney McMillian, use fabric, furniture, zippers, and more. Join us as we explore featured exhibition Rodney McMillian: A Son of the Soil and see how different materials might look and feel. 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, May 7 | 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Enjoy free admission, extended hours, a 5:00 p.m. tour of featured exhibition Rodney McMillian: A Son of the Soil, and spoken word poetry on Boyd Plaza 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 Rodney McMillian: A Son of the Soil
Thursday, May 7 | 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Join us for a tour of featured exhibition Rodney McMillian: A Son of the Soil. 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.

Louder Than Silence
Thursday, May 7 | 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

Join us for an evening of spoken word poetry and performance responding to featured spring exhibition Rodney McMillian: A Son of the Soil. Emceed by Columbia’s poet laureate, Jennifer Bartell Boykin, this live program brings together poets and performance artists whose work engages directly with the exhibition’s explorations of labor, power, and value, and the ways race, class, and gender shape access to the so-called American Dream. Selected artists present original works that reflect on lived experience, invisible labor, economic survival, and the tension between aspiration and reality. Language becomes both medium and method, used as a tool for resistance, disruption, and truth-telling in response to McMillian’s practice. Free as part of Free First Thursday at the CMA. Attendees are encouraged to visit the exhibition prior to the program. This program is supported by Art Bridges Access for All Program and Lexington Health.

Public Tour of Rodney McMillian: A Son of the Soil
Saturday, May 9 | 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Join us for a tour of featured exhibition Rodney McMillian: A Son of the Soil. 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.

Sound Bath and Guided Relaxation
Wednesday, May 13 | 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.

Tour of Tea: Every Sip Tells a Story
Thursday, May 14 | 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.

In observance of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, join Tour of Tea SC and the CMA for a delightful journey of tea tasting and cultural discovery. Head to Boyd Plaza for this third annual community event celebrating the rich traditions of AAPI cultures and countries — Korea, China, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, India, and more — through an exploration of the history, flavors, and cultural significance of tea. Enjoy a variety of Asian teas paired with authentic snacks while experiencing vibrant performances including singing, dancing, and demonstrations. Tour of Tea activities and samples are free. Food is available for purchase from local vendors. Gallery entry is free with membership or admission. In the event of inclement weather, this program will be held indoors. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation.

Stroller Tour of Rodney McMillian: A Son of the Soil
Saturday, May 16 | 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.

Morning Blend: A Jazz, Soul, and Coffee Series
Wednesday, May 20 | 7:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

The popular Morning Blend returns! Head to Boyd Plaza to kick-start your day with this series in partnership with Curiosity Coffee Bar. Relax with jazz from bandleader Nicholas Vlandis and a lineup of rotating musicians along with a new DJ each week. This first week, we vibe to sets from DJ Preach Jacobs. Enjoy Curiosity’s coffee, tea, and vegan breakfast options and a Drake’s Duck-In popup with options including their famous chicken biscuits. Free to attend. Food and drink for purchase. A grant from the Knight Foundation Fund at Central Carolina Community Foundation supports this project.

Gladys’ Gang Preschool Edition: Material World
Wednesday, May 20 | 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Art isn’t always made with paint or clay. Some artists, like Rodney McMillian, use fabric, furniture, zippers, and more. Join us as we explore featured exhibition Rodney McMillian: A Son of the Soil and see how different materials might look and feel. 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: In a Sentimental Mood
Thursday, May 21 | 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Kress Interpretive Fellow Erin Kuykendall leads a tour through the collection galleries that traces moments of meditation, softness, and nostalgia. Come explore works of art that invite contemplation on the gentleness of mother and child, reflection on time passed, and memories of home. 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.

Sustaining the Artist: A Restorative Gathering
Saturday, May 23 | 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Art heals — but who heals the artist? CMA affinity group Friends of African American Art & Culture invites local artists to the museum for a restorative afternoon of connection and care. Limited to eight participants, this intimate gathering is designed to intentionally hold space for the people who so often hold space for others. To foster community and conversation, participants begin with a shared meal catered by Celeb Studio and Gourmet Graze Catering. From there, host Michael A. Murray of the NU GRWTH Artist Collective facilitates a nonclinical group therapy experience alongside licensed professional counselor Jay Z. Little, LPC, who is present to provide guidance, ensure healthy boundaries, and offer therapeutic insight as appropriate. This is not a workshop, but a carefully held, uplifting space where everyone is seen, heard, and supported with tangible tools for everyday wellness. Participants also have time to experience the galleries for quiet inspiration and integration.

This event is ideal for artists navigating burnout or transition or those simply seeking intentional community support. Participants do not need to bring anything — just an open mind and a willingness to be vulnerable. Free with registration.

Note: While a licensed clinician is facilitating the session, this program is not intended to serve as clinical or therapeutic care. Rather, it is a part of the museum’s ongoing mission to support wellness in the community through an array of offerings.

Public Tour of Collection Galleries
Sunday, May 24 | 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Join us for a tour of the new CMA Collection galleries. Come and see some of your old favorites and find a few new ones! Free with membership, SC residency, or admission. Generous support provided by Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program.

Morning Blend: A Jazz, Soul, and Coffee Series
Wednesday, May 27 | 7:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

The popular Morning Blend returns! Head to Boyd Plaza to kick-start your day with this program series in partnership with Curiosity Coffee Bar. Relax with jazz from bandleader Nicholas Vlandis and a lineup of rotating musicians along with a new DJ each week. This week, we vibe to sets from DJ MIDIMarcum. Enjoy Curiosity’s coffee, tea, and vegan breakfast options and a Drake’s Duck-In popup with options including their famous chicken biscuits. Free to attend. Food and drink for purchase. A grant from the Knight Foundation Fund at Central Carolina Community Foundation supports this project.

Art Class: Watercolor Basics
Saturday, May 30 | 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Have fun and get inspired as you relax and enjoy the process of painting. Designed for those who have little to no experience in watercolor, this class focuses on getting comfortable with watercolor painting fundamentals like color mixing, brush technique, composition, and drawing skills. Taught by professional watercolorist Constance Manley, a signature member of the South Carolina Watermedia Society. Please bring reference photos to work from; all other supplies and equipment provided. Ages 15 and up. $90 / $72 for members.

Creative Writing Workshop: Ekphrastic Poetry
Sunday, May 31 | 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

In this creative writing workshop using Rodney McMillian: A Son of the Soil as inspiration, Columbia’s poet laureate, Jenn Bartell Boykin, leads an exploration of the poetic form of ekphrasis, a vivid description of a scene or work of art. Participants narrate and reflect on McMillian’s works, amplifying and expanding meaning through their own original poetry.

Abstract art and poetry often challenge us to look beyond what is immediately apparent, and it can be difficult to decipher exactly what an artist is trying to convey. Leonardo da Vinci once said, “Painting is poetry that is seen rather than felt, and poetry is painting that is felt rather than seen.” Ekphrastic poetry can help to better understand or connect with visual art.

Designed for beginners and experienced poets alike, this workshop is open to high school students as well as adults. $25 / $20 for members / $10 for students. Registration required as space is limited. Gallery admission included. Participants are encouraged to bring their favorite writing materials: pen, pencil, notebook, etc. Students: apply code 15OFFSTUDENT during checkout. Be sure to bring a valid student ID to the workshop for verification.

Jennifer Bartell Boykin is the poet laureate of the City of Columbia, South Carolina. She was born and raised in Bluefield, a community of Johnsonville, S.C. She received both her Master of Fine Arts in creative writing with a poetry concentration (2014) and her Master of Library and Information Science (2024) from the University of South Carolina. Boykin is the author of two books of poetry, Traveling Mercy (Finishing Line Press, 2023) and Only Believe (The Word Works, 2024), a winner of The Hilary Tham Capital Collection. Both are published under the name Jennifer Bartell. Her poetry has been published in Obsidian, Callaloo, pluck!, The Raleigh Review, kinfolks, Jasper Magazine, the museum americana, Scalawag, and Kakalak, among others. She is a 2023 Academy of American Poets Poet Laureate Fellow and founded and organized the Inaugural Soda City Poetry Festival in June 2024. An alumna of Agnes Scott College, Boykin has additional fellowships from Callaloo and The Watering Hole. She is an award-winning educator who taught English for 16 years and was the 2019–2020 Teacher of the Year at Spring Valley High School, where she is currently a school librarian.