CMA exhibition celebrates deep connection between craft and body

PRESS RELEASE

August 11, 2026

Body Matters opens Saturday, August 22

Columbia, S.C. – The Columbia Museum of Art presents featured exhibition Body Matters, on view August 22, 2026, through January 3, 2027. Organized by the CMA, this exclusive exhibition explores the reciprocal relationship between craft objects and the people who make and use them. Opening day festivities include a Member Morning as well as an afternoon conversation between CMA Curator Sadé Ayorinde and featured artist Judy Moonelis.

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 bodies or to assist in nourishing them. Building on that foundation, this exhibition presents works made of such materials as wood, ceramics, glass, textiles, and sweetgrass, and foregrounds their bodily resonance in terms of method-making as well as subject matter.

The roughly 70 objects — drawn largely from the CMA Collection and bolstered with institutional loans — range from an Egyptian headrest (1650–1550 BCE) to a new museum acquisition, a mixed-media installation from artist Jordan Sheridan (b. 1989) created this year and specially commissioned for this exhibition. Other highlights include a video installation from David Cushway (b. 1966), ceramics from Judy Moonelis (b. 1953), and a blanket of quilted condoms from Drunell Levinson (b. 1951). 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 inside and outside the galleries.

The 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 Opening Day Programs:

Body Matters Member Morning with Executive Director Laura Mueller
Saturday, August 22 | 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Calling all CMA members! Be among the first to view new featured exhibition Body Matters and meet the CMA’s new executive director, Dr. Laura Mueller. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect, say hello, and get to know our new leader in a relaxed and welcoming setting. Plus, get an exclusive first look at the new exhibition during the first hour before the galleries open to the public at 10:00 a.m. Free. Members only. Registration encouraged but not required. Coffee and light refreshments provided. Member Morning brought to you by Nothing Bundt Cakes Forest Acres and Piecewise Coffee.

Body Matters Opening Day Discussion
Saturday, August 22 | 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Celebrate opening day of featured exhibition Body Matters with a conversation between CMA Curator Sadé Ayorinde and featured artist Judy Moonelis. Together, they discuss themes from the exhibition and reflect the ways Moonelis’ practice and approach to art-making connect to craft, material, and the body. Free with membership, SC residency, or admission. Registration required as space is limited.

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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.

Image above: Bob Trotman (American, b. 1947). Person of Interest, 2008. Wood, tempera, wax. Gift of Bob Trotman 
and the Kohler Foundation, Inc. CMA 2023.7. Photo courtesy Drew Baron / The Columbia Museum of Art.