The Word Merchant Highway
February 16, 2023
By Tom Poland Upon taking a writing position long ago, the boss of bosses shot me a sideways look, “So, you’re a word merchant.” Clever, I thought, but as…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
SC Arts Advocacy Week is February 13-17
February 14, 2023
The South Carolina Arts Alliance (SCAA) is hosting SC Arts Advocacy Week, February 13-17. The annual event brings arts practitioners and supporters together to celebrate the universal impact of the…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: on-the-move, the-arts
Artist Minute – Laura Rohlfing
February 14, 2023
The Who’s on the Move Artist Minute is a quick, two-minute interview in support of the undeniable impact that the arts and local artists have on our communities. One of…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: on-the-move, podcast, the-arts
Reverent Ornament: Art from the Islamic World opens February 18
February 13, 2023
The Columbia Museum of Art announces featured spring exhibition Reverent Ornament: Art from the Islamic World, on view Saturday, February 18, through Sunday, May 14, 2023. Organized by the Huntington…
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A year of learning opportunities at UWS
February 13, 2023
As spring is upon us, where at the school will be hosting numerous classes, courses, and skill based workshops at our location in Tamassee SC. We have 33 acres for…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: business-services, education, environmental, local-industry, non-profit, on-the-move, social-scene, the-arts
The Forsaken Land
February 10, 2023
By Tom Poland Kudzu covered its outbuildings. The farm was lonesome so I turned around and stopped to visit it. Right off I saw a dusty mule collar hanging…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, the-arts
Two Andy Warhol exhibitions opening at Upcountry History Museum
February 3, 2023
The Upcountry History Museum-Greenville County, a Smithsonian Affiliate, is bringing an exceptional encounter with history, art, and culture to Greenville when two extraordinary exhibitions featuring Pop Art icon Andy Warhol…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: chamber, education, entertainment, environmental, hospitality, hotels, marketing-and-communications, media, non-profit, on-the-move, philanthropy, social-scene, the-arts
The Colors Of Childhood
February 2, 2023
By Tom Poland I haven’t seen the old homeplace in a while. Not my homeplace, mind you, my childhood friend’s. That would be Sweetie Boy, he of the sweet…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, the-arts
Enjoy Black History Month programs at the CMA
January 31, 2023A mix of talks, films, and music celebrating Black artists The Columbia Museum of Art is offering a slate of programming celebrating Black History Month this February, including art talks,…
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Peace Center economic impact estimated at $1.1 billion statewide
January 30, 2023
An economic impact study conducted by the University of South Carolina Moore School of Business reveals that the Peace Center in Greenville has had an astounding economic impact of just…
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The Bygone Era Of Refinement
January 27, 2023
By Tom Poland Previous eras impress me. When I tour historic homes, for instance, the refined lifestyle their owners enjoyed stands in marked contrast to lifestyles today. The presence…
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Richland Two teacher spreading her talents throughout Columbia as poet laureate for the City of Columbia
January 19, 2023
Writing down the many stories that her grandmother would tell helped prepare Jennifer Bartell Boykin to become the new poet laureate for the City of Columbia. “I took great pride…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: education, on-the-move, the-arts
Fear Of Flying
January 19, 2023
By Tom Poland It’s a good thing titles cannot be copyrighted. With apologies to Erica Jong, I title this self-confessional column, “Far of Flying.” I cannot say I fear…
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Announcing six S.C. Arts Commission Emerging Artist grantees
January 17, 2023
S.C. Arts Commission announces six Emerging Artist grantees Six emerging individual #SCartists are benefitting from grants and career mentorship courtesy of the South Carolina Arts Commission’s Emerging Artist grant in…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: on-the-move, the-arts
Town Theatre’s The Play That Goes Wrong. Jan 27 – Feb 12
January 16, 2023
Don’t miss the comedy hit – The Play That Goes Wrong. This play-within-a-play is often called a “hilarious hybrid of Monty Python and Sherlock Holmes.” Allow us to set the…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: entertainment, on-the-move, the-arts
CAE announces slate of artists selected for the 2023 – 2024 Art in the Airport program
January 16, 2023Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE hereafter) is excited to announce the four local artists that have been selected to participate in the 2023 – 2024 Art in the Airport program. The…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: on-the-move, the-arts, transportation
Greatness comes from a great foundation
January 12, 2023
By Jeff Becraft During the summers of my college years, I worked as a laborer for Glen Construction company. Glen was a commercial general contractor. For two summers, I was…
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The Dignified Mule
January 12, 2023
By Tom Poland Like Halley’s Comet, I’m predictable. I come around to the same subject matter every so often. When I do, it’s because something triggered memories. A few…
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Exhibition of 20th-century women artists with ties to the South coming to the CMA
January 9, 2023
Our Own Work, Our Own Way: Ascendant Women Artists in the Johnson Collection opens January 21 The Columbia Museum of Art announces featured exhibition Our Own Work, Our Own Way:…
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The Lost Art Of Making Do
January 5, 2023
By Tom Poland He was twenty-six when the Great Depression arrived, thirty-six when it ended. A decade of doing without taught him something about survival. “Keep something seven years…
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Alexander McQueen and more coming to the Columbia Museum of Art
December 29, 2022
2023 exhibition schedule announced The Columbia Museum of Art announces its schedule of featured exhibitions for 2023, a broad assortment of exclusive, house-organized shows as well as traveling exhibitions, including…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: non-profit, on-the-move, the-arts
Things I Have Left Undone
December 12, 2022
By Tom Poland Each Christmas my mind goes back to a June day in Valdosta, Georgia. I was driving through slash pines to interview Robert “Bob” Clyatt. A defense…
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An Effigy Of Rock
December 8, 2022
By Tom Poland Something like sixty years had passed since I saw it. This time, however, I saw it from above. The WPA built a beautiful tower of stone…
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Hurricane Diane opens at Trustus Theatre
November 30, 2022
THE OBIE AWARD-WINNING SHOW RUNS DECEMBER 2ND THROUGH 17TH Get your Greek on, Desperate Housewives-style. Hurricane Diane opens at Trustus Theatre on Friday, December 2nd and runs for ten shows…
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Amazon Books editors announce 2022’s Best Books of the Year
November 30, 2022
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow named best book of 2022 The Amazon Books Editors announced their selections for the Best Books of 2022, naming Gabrielle Zevin’s novel Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and…
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Emma Goes to Kindergarten now available for purchase
November 29, 2022
Kindergarten-aged author Emma Vigrass debuts her first children’s book based on her experiences overcoming chronic illness and allergy-related challenges. The book Emma Goes to Kindergarten is about a young girl…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz Category: on-the-move, the-arts
Luke entering Jerusalem
November 29, 2022A Biblically themed watercolor and the work of artist Paul Turnbaugh By W. Thomas Smith Jr. I love art; always have. No, I’m not an artist in terms of design…
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Harbison Theatre invites the Midlands to experience the essence of the holidays
November 28, 2022
Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College (HT@MTC) is ushering in the holiday season with an exciting lineup of classic traditions and modern flares. The theatre welcomes “A Christmas Carol,” presented…
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Current and former CMA curators reflect on Kress collection
November 28, 2022
The Columbia Museum of Art presents A Conversation with Curators, a unique opportunity to learn about Renaissance and Baroque art from the experiences of two CMA curators, on Thursday, December…
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Philip Mullen exhibit opening reception, Dec. 2nd, 6 to 9 p.m.
November 21, 2022
On Friday, Dec. 2, from 6 to 9 p.m., Rob Shaw Framing and Gallery at 324 State Street in West Columbia will host a reception to launch a month-long exhibit…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: on-the-move, the-arts
More Than Rhythm: A Black Music Series returns with Nicole Neely and The Black Exchange
November 21, 2022
Popular series turns focus to classical music The Columbia Museum of Art presents More Than Rhythm: A Black Music Series with Nicole Neely and The Black Exchange, the second concert…
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Pancho Villa’s Fighting South Carolina Gamecocks
November 21, 2022
By Tom Poland I’ll file this column under the category, Fowl History. Did Mexican Revolutionary War General, Pancho Villa, ride a train to Calhoun Falls, South Carolina to buy fighting…
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The 2022 701 CCA Prize winner is announced
November 21, 2022
Artist Jordan Sheridan, of Columbia, has been selected as the winner of this year’s 701 Center for Contemporary Art Prize competition. The honor was announced on Tuesday evening, November 15,…
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A Christmas Story: The Musical arrives at Town Theatre
November 18, 2022
The show runs Nov. 25 to Dec. 18 with 7:30 PM performances Thursdays through Saturdays and 3:00 PM Sundays matinees. Nine-year-old Ralphie Parker wants nothing more for Christmas than to…
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The Relentless Grind
November 17, 2022
By Tom Poland Football’s Hidden Injuries Winter Haven Florida, February 1996—I covered Cypress Gardens’ 60th anniversary for Ski World magazine. It was Florida’s oldest theme park, one where Southern…
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The CMA Gala serves cocktails, creativity, and community on December 3
November 11, 2022Celebrate and support the arts at the museum’s largest fundraiser of the year The Columbia Museum of Art is honoring creativity and community with a night of cocktails, conversation, dancing,…
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Rob Shaw Gallery to exhibit works by international artist Philip Mullen
November 10, 2022
On Friday, Dec. 2, from 6 to 9 p.m., Rob Shaw Framing and Gallery at 324 State Street in West Columbia will host a reception to launch a month-long exhibit…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: on-the-move, the-arts
Mud, Crushed Granite, And Memories
November 10, 2022
By Tom Poland Nostalgia pulled at me hard. On the second Sunday in September, I decided to see three things that were no more. And so I drove up…
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International African American Museum to welcome Bishop Curry for pre-opening service and blessing
November 8, 2022
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry to lead pre-opening worship and “Blessing of the Water and Sacred Ground” for the International African American Museum The Most Rev. Michael Bruce Curry, the first…
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Columbia Art Center to host one day workshops
November 7, 2022Parks and Recreation will be hosting two one-day workshops at the Columbia Art Center. Paper Lanterns Workshop Instruction by Karen Kustafik Participants in this workshop will learn how to build…
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Aluminum, Glass, Rum, War, & Hemingway
November 3, 2022
By Tom Poland When Timelines Cross The vessels resemble, cousins of a sort, my worn canteen and its shiny glass companion. The two came to me by dissimilar routes.…
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GSSM’s Alyssa Reiser Prince selected as Artist-in-Residence in British Columbia
November 1, 2022
Alyssa Reiser Prince, Visual Arts Coordinator and Instructor at the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM), has been selected as Artist-in-Residence for the Ou-telier Artist Residency on…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: education, on-the-move, the-arts
Drowning The Past
October 27, 2022
By Tom Poland What We’ve Lost I spent a lot of time on Clarks Hill Lake (Strom Thurmond Lake), during my teenage and college years. I camped, boated, and…
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Teamwork – effective and fun!
October 27, 2022
By Jeff Becraft One of the most epic moments in my life happened in a grocery store. It was on an alumni trip back in the Youth Corps days. There…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, op-ed, the-arts
Rob Shaw Framing and Gallery hosts artist reception on Friday, November 4
October 27, 2022
On Friday, Nov. 4, from 6 to 9 p.m., as part of West Columbia’s Fall Back Fest, Rob Shaw Framing and Gallery, 324 State Street in West Columbia, will host a reception to…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: on-the-move, the-arts
CMA Chamber Music on Main premieres November 7 with all-star lineup
October 27, 2022
The Columbia Museum of Art announces the triumphant return of CMA Chamber Music on Main, the critically acclaimed, intimate concert series in which music and art blend together to create…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: music, non-profit, on-the-move, the-arts
Local collectors loan works by iconic African American artists to the CMA
October 21, 2022
Forward Together: African American Art from the Judy and Patrick Diamond Collection now on view The Columbia Museum of Art announces new exhibition Forward Together: African American Art from the…
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Old Island Haunts
October 20, 2022
By Tom Poland Add Hazel’s Café to the List Old island haunts. The fever to develop islands didn’t destroy all of them. In a few instances, someone decided, “Not…
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The 2023 Cottontown Art Crawl artist application is now available
October 19, 2022
The beautiful, historic neighborhood, Cottontown, in downtown Columbia will be hosting its fifth annual Art Crawl on Saturday, March 11, 2023 from 10 am to 4 pm. The rain date…
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ColaJazz Co-hosts 90th Birthday Celebration and Concert for Drink Small
October 19, 2022
The ColaJazz Foundation (ColaJazz) is co-hosting “A Shot of the Blues, Drink Small: 90 Proof” to celebrate Drink Small’s 90th birthday at the Koger Center for the Arts on Wednesday,…
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