Stories

January 31, 2023

Enjoy Black History Month programs at the CMA

Press Release: The Columbia Museum of Art is offering a slate of programming celebrating Black History Month this February, including art talks, films, and a celebration of soul with the popular More Than Rhythm: A Black Music Series.

January 28, 2023

FAAAC presents A Storytelling Celebration

Storytelling is an age-old tradition and source of inspiration for art from around the globe, but art can also inspire the stories shared by today’s raconteurs. Join CMA affinity group the Friends of African American Art & Culture (FAAAC) for a storytelling event celebrating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as well as the exhibition The Art of Elizabeth Catlett: From the Collection of Samella Lewis. Recorded January 16, 2023

January 6, 2023

Exhibition of 20th-century women artists with ties to the South coming to the CMA

Our Own Work, Our Own Way: Ascendant Women Artists in the Johnson Collection opens January 21 PRESS RELEASE January 6, 2023 Columbia, S.C. – The Columbia Museum of Art announces featured exhibition Our Own Work, Our Own Way: Ascendant Women Artists in the Johnson Collection, on view Saturday, January 21, through Sunday, May 21, 2023. Presented by the Johnson Collection, Spartanburg, South Carolina, the exhibition brings together 42 female artists of the 20th century who had connections to the South — including Emma Amos, Beverly Buchanan, Elaine de Kooning, Zelda Fitzgerald, Gwendolyn Knight

January 6, 2023

Mixing Oil Paints: It's a Process

Oil painters love to mix things up. Cheap puns aside, artists who work in oils are truly modern-day alchemists, carefully blending powdered pigments with oils and other solutions to create vivid color palettes for their work. But how did the oil painters of yesteryear, for whom picking up a tube of pre-mixed oil paint at a craft supply store simply wasn't a possibility, mix their paints? And how do the oil painters of today abide by, or diverge from, that same practice? Let's dive in and find out. Oil painting: origins and process Though most of the iconic oil painting works in western art

December 15, 2022

A Conversation with Curators

CMA Curator Michael Neumeister and Bill Bodine, former CMA deputy director and chief curator discuss the history of Kress collections in museums throughout the United States. During Bodine’s eight years at the museum, from 1994 to 2002, he oversaw the CMA Collection’s relocation from the Taylor House on Senate Street to its current home on Main Street. He and Neumeister discuss the thrill of moving and housing the Kress collection, their favorite works in the European Splendors exhibition, and the care and interpretation required to maintain such a collection. Neumeister joined the museum as

November 22, 2022

Current and former CMA curators reflect on Kress collection

Thursday, December 15 | Happy hour at 6:00 p.m. | Conversation 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Columbia, S.C. – 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 15, at 7:00 p.m. CMA Curator Michael Neumeister and Bill Bodine, former CMA deputy director and chief curator, discuss the history of Kress collections in museums throughout the United States and specifically the CMA’s own holdings, much of which is currently on view in the exhibition European Splendors

November 17, 2022

More Than Rhythm: A Black Music Series returns with Nicole Neely and The Black Exchange

November 11, 2022

The CMA Gala serves cocktails, creativity, and community on December 3

Celebrate and support the arts at the museum’s largest fundraiser of the year Columbia, S.C. – The Columbia Museum of Art is honoring creativity and community with a night of cocktails, conversation, dancing, and more at the CMA Gala, an annual black-tie affair to celebrate and support the arts, on Saturday, December 3, from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. The public is invited to come bust a move, serve a look, and make some memories in support of their museum. The evening features libations from Black Tie Bartending and heavy hors d’oeuvres from Southern Way, including wagyu beef bites, brown butter

October 27, 2022

CMA Chamber Music on Main premieres November 7 with all-star lineup

Columbia, S.C. – 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 an unforgettable evening. The 2022–2023 season kicks off with a bang on Monday, November 7, as pianist and series artistic director Andrew Armstrong welcomes an all-star lineup of magnificent musicians to the stage: Dominic Desautels on clarinet, Beth Guterman Chu on viola, Arnaud Sussmann on violin, and Alice Yoo on cello. Throughout the night the quintet will grace concertgoers with the

October 21, 2022

Epic museum party Arts & Draughts returns November 11

Live music, stand-up comedy, art experiences, and lots more Columbia, S.C. – The Columbia Museum of Art announces the return of Arts & Draughts, Columbia’s most creative party, on Friday, November 11, from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. Held twice a year in the fall and spring, Arts & Draughts is a great opportunity to have fun with friends and community creatives while exploring the CMA in a party atmosphere. This time it’s on Veterans Day and features a fantastic lineup of live music, stand-up comedy, food, libations, art activities, and art experiences from the booming Columbia cultural scene and

October 20, 2022

Local collectors loan works by iconic African American artists to the CMA

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 Judy and Patrick Diamond Collection, on view in the Focus Gallery from Wednesday, October 19, 2022, through Sunday, April 2, 2023.Drawn from the esteemed collection of Judy and Patrick Diamond, this exhibition highlights a remarkable selection of works by some of the most significant African American artists of the last century: Benny Andrews, Radcliffe Bailey, Romare Bearden, Elizabeth Catlett

October 19, 2022

CMA Staff Picks: Visitor Experience Associate Maggie

“Sky Window by Gene Davis is my favorite piece on view in the CMA Collection galleries. The contemporary art gallery is filled with a variety of pieces, but this painting stands out to me with its massive size, bright colors, and geometric lines. The almost pastel pinks, oranges, blues, and greens look as if they are running down the raw canvas only to stop cleanly inches above the bottom edge. The juxtaposition of the fluid and busy paint application with the simple rectangular shapes creates this easy movement that stirs of joy for me. I could honestly get lost in it for hours.”

October 6, 2022

Elizabeth Catlett survey coming to the Columbia Museum of Art

Exhibition on iconic 20th-century artist opens October 14 Columbia, S.C. – The Columbia Museum of Art announces featured fall exhibition The Art of Elizabeth Catlett: From the Collection of Samella Lewis, on view Friday, October 14, 2022, through Sunday, January 22, 2023. Organized by Landau Traveling Exhibitions, Los Angeles, California, and the August Wilson Center for African American Culture, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the exhibition celebrates Elizabeth Catlett (1915–2012), a sculptor and printmaker widely considered to be one of the most important African American artists of the last

September 23, 2022

Columbia Museum of Art traveling exhibition to make hometown stop

European Splendors: Highlights from the Kress Collection opens October 1 Columbia, S.C. – The Columbia Museum of Art announces featured fall exhibition European Splendors: Highlights from the Kress Collection, on view Saturday, October 1, 2022, through Sunday, January 1, 2023. The exhibition offers occasion to reconsider Renaissance art through the lens of the CMA’s remarkable holdings — largely off view since 2017 — in a luxurious new way. With a focus on the Italian schools, it reveals the artistic innovations in Europe from the late 13th century through the Baroque period. “From the early

September 16, 2022

Columbia Museum of Art’s Binder Podcast Wins Gold

Southeastern Museums Conference technology award received in recognition of innovative use of media production Columbia, S.C. – The Columbia Museum of Art is pleased to announce it is a recipient of the 2022 Southeastern Museums Conference Gold Award for Media Production for its podcast, Binder. The SEMC Technology Competition recognizes excellence in the use of technology within Southeastern museums and celebrates the accomplishments of innovative work. Launched in 2021 and currently in its second season, Binder podcast uses art as a catalyst to talk about big ideas, bringing people together

August 4, 2022

Adia Victoria opens season of More Than Rhythm: A Black Music Series

Season 2 features blues, classical, soul, and old-time folk music Columbia, S.C. – The Columbia Museum of Art announces the second season of More Than Rhythm: A Black Music Series, hosted by ethnomusicologist Dr. Birgitta Johnson and kicking off Friday, August 26, with a special performance from South Carolina native and globally recognized blues musician Adia Victoria. More artists featured this season include Nicole Neely and The Black Exchange, Mahoganëë, DJ Lady Marauder, and Dom Flemons. “Last year, we launched More Than Rhythm with the sacred roots of Black music, and this month we will

July 28, 2022

Columbia Museum of Art’s board of trustees adds eight new members

Talented local leaders bring their skills to the museum Columbia, S.C. – The Columbia Museum of Art announces eight new members elected to serve on its board of trustees for the 2022 – 2023 term. They are: Leighton Lord, chairman of Nexsen Pruet, LLC Chelsey Allen Malloy, assistant director of development in the College of Education at the University of South Carolina Rene McCall, creative director at Nephron Pharmaceuticals Ben Rex, president of Cyberwoven Dr. Jandrette Rhoe, family medicine specialist at MUSC Health Primary Care Beth Richardson, partner at Robinson Gray Stepp and Laffitte

May 26, 2022

More Than Rhythm: A Black Music Series returns with Benny Starr

Celebrate Black Music Month with a free talk and concert at the CMA Columbia, S.C. – The Columbia Museum of Art presents More Than Rhythm: A Black Music Series with Benny Starr, the third program of More Than Rhythm: A Black Music Series, on Friday, June 3, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. with galleries and bar open at 6:00 p.m. The evening features guest artist Benny Starr, S.C. Lowcountry native, consciousness-raising hip-hop artist, and recent US Water Alliance Artist-in-Residence. After a sit-down with Dr. Birgitta Johnson, ethnomusicologist and series host, Starr performs with full band The

May 19, 2022

The Friends of African American Art & Culture celebrates first-ever art acquisition

Honor a major milestone at FAAAC presents Modern Rhythms on June 2 Columbia, S.C. – CMA affinity group the Friends of African American Art & Culture (FAAAC) announces their first-ever art acquisition — Oliver Lee Jackson’s Monotype IV (2006) — recently gifted to the museum in memory of D. Delores Logan and now showcased in Modern Rhythms, a new gallery featuring works on paper from the CMA Collection. This major milestone will be celebrated on Thursday, June 2, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m., with the program FAAAC presents Modern Rhythms. “We’re delighted about this special event where we will

May 13, 2022

Vibrant summer shows use different approaches to explore the natural world

Enjoy American Impressionism and stunning fiber installations at the CMA Columbia, S.C. – The Columbia Museum of Art announces two fresh summer exhibitions, both organized by the CMA, that offer complementary expressions of perspective, technique, and the natural world. In the Shadow of Monet: Giverny and American Impressionism, opening Saturday, June 11, features the work of over 40 American artists who traveled to Giverny at the turn of the 20th century to explore the avant-garde art movement of Impressionism. Amanda McCavour: Bright Little Day Stars, opening Saturday, June 18, features

May 10, 2022

Columbia Museum of Art receives Connected Communities Grant Award

The Columbia Museum of Art (CMA) announces it has been selected as a recipient of a Connected Communities grant from Central Carolina Community Foundation (CCCF).

April 19, 2022

Mimi Jones jazzes up More Than Rhythm: A Black Music Series

Close out Jazz Appreciation Month in style at the Columbia Museum of Art Columbia, S.C. – The Columbia Museum of Art presents More Than Rhythm: A Black Music Series with Mimi Jones, the second program of the newly launched More Than Rhythm: A Black Music Series, on Friday, April 29, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. with galleries and bar open at 6:00 p.m. The evening focuses on America’s first global pop style in honor of Jazz Appreciation Month. Guest artist Mimi Jones speaks with Dr. Birgitta Johnson, ethnomusicologist and series host, and Dr. Colleen Clark, assistant professor of jazz at UofSC, about

March 31, 2022

Arts & Draughts is back

Beloved museum party returns to the Columbia Museum of Art Columbia, S.C. – The Columbia Museum of Art announces the epic return of Arts & Draughts, Columbia’s most creative party, on Friday, April 22, from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. A great opportunity to have fun with friends and community creatives, this Arts & Draughts — the first in-person one since 2019 — is held on Earth Day and features a fantastic lineup of live music, performances, food, libations, art activities, and art experiences from the booming Columbia cultural scene and beyond. Pylon Reenactment Society are the evening’s headliners

March 14, 2022

Gail Morrison honored with the CMA’s 2022 John Richard Craft Leadership Award

Columbia, S.C. – The Columbia Museum of Art is proud to have presented the 2022 John Richard Craft Leadership Award to Dr. Gail M. Morrison. Well-known in Columbia as a philanthropist and long-term supporter of the arts, Morrison epitomizes the values the CMA recognizes each year with the Craft Award. CMA Board President Cathy Love, CMA Board Member Dr. Suzanne R. Thorpe, and CMA Executive Director Della Watkins presented the award to Morrison at an elegant appreciation dinner celebrating her service on Tuesday, March 1. The Craft Award, named for the museum’s first director, is the highest

February 14, 2022

Sculpture shows from Auguste Rodin and Anila Quayyum Agha shine at the Columbia Museum of Art

Spring exhibitions offer two unique, radiant visions Columbia, S.C. – The Columbia Museum of Art will soon be aglow with two dynamic exhibitions of radiant sculpture from brilliant artists of international renown, both opening Saturday, February 19. Rodin: Contemplation and Dreams / Selections from the Iris & B. Gerald Cantor Collections, organized and made possible by the Iris & B. Gerald Cantor Foundation, features over 40 bronze works from Auguste Rodin (1840–1917), the legendary French artist whose innovative practices and revolutionary style ushered in modern Western sculpture. Anila

February 8, 2022

Black music series to launch at Columbia Museum of Art

More Than Rhythm, hosted by Dr. Birgitta Johnson, debuts March 5 Columbia, S.C. – The Columbia Museum of Art announces the launch of More Than Rhythm: A Black Music Series, hosted by ethnomusicologist Dr. Birgitta Johnson and debuting Saturday, March 5. The series, which offers free admission for students, premieres with a sampling of diverse sacred choral textures that exist in the Black sacred music tradition. Black music represents one of the oldest and broadest rivers that pours into America’s sonic ocean. Whether it be in pop or rock, classical or hip-hop, the history that the music of

January 31, 2022

Rodin and more coming to the Columbia Museum of Art this year

2022 exhibition schedule announced Columbia, S.C. – The Columbia Museum of Art announces its schedule of featured exhibitions for 2022, a broad assortment of exclusive, house-organized shows as well as traveling exhibitions, including concurrent sculpture shows from artists Auguste Rodin (1840–1917) and Anila Quayyum Agha (born 1965) opening in February. “This year’s exhibitions are uniquely positioned to move people,” says CMA Executive Director Della Watkins. “Visitors can meander among luminous sculpture and hovering textile installations, connect to human experiences at home and abroad

October 15, 2021

Gramophone Artist of the Year headed to the Columbia Museum of Art

Season premiere of CMA Chamber Music on Main features violinist James Ehnes Columbia, S.C. – 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 an unforgettable evening. The 2021–2022 season kicks off with a bang on Monday, November 1, as pianist and Artistic Director Andrew Armstrong welcomes back his frequent collaborator and one of the most sought-after violinists on the international stage, James Ehnes, who recently won the 2021 Classical Music Artist of

September 20, 2021

Acclaimed 30 Americans headed to the Columbia Museum of Art

August 12, 2021

Columbia Museum of Art launches Binder podcast

First season features Hindsight 20/20 photographers and poets Columbia, S.C. – The Columbia Museum of Art announces the launch of Binder podcast, an original podcast produced in house and hosted by CMA writer-in-residence Ray McManus, who talks with writers, artists, photographers, and curators about what they create, why they make it, and what it means. The pilot episode premiered August 10, with new episodes available each Tuesday. “I think doing the podcast, it embodies the mission of the Columbia Museum of Art,” says McManus. “Taking what is going on with the programming inside the walls

July 30, 2021

Friends of African American Art & Culture introduces new board members

Columbia, S.C. – The Friends of African American Art & Culture (FAAAC), an affinity group of the Columbia Museum of Art (CMA), is pleased to welcome four new community members to its board of directors for the 2021–2022 fiscal year. “I am personally delighted to welcome these new members to our board of directors,” says Therese Griffin, president of the FAAAC. “We are proud to have a diverse group of professionals in leadership positions to serve on our team. They represent a range of experience from a variety of fields. One of the things that they all have in common is a love for African

July 28, 2021

Columbia Museum of Art’s board of trustees adds eight new members

Columbia, S.C. – The Columbia Museum of Art announces eight members elected to serve on its board of trustees for the 2021 – 2022 term: Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, Joseph Bruce, Suzanne Hulst Clawson, Hamilton R. Grant, Therese Griffin, Cathy Love, Darrin Thomas, and Julian R. Williams. Artis has served as president of Benedict College since June 2017. A prolific speaker, critical thinker, and fierce advocate for educational access, Artis has been recognized for her work locally and nationally and is frequently engaged as a mentor, lecturer, and catalyst for strategic transformation. Bruce enjoyed

August 11, 2020

Columbia Museum of Art receives National Endowment for the Humanities award

Columbia, S.C. – The Columbia Museum of Art announces it has been selected as a recipient of a CARES Act economic stabilization grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). The $150,000 award will support public programming associated with the upcoming major exhibition Visions from India: 21st-Century Art from the Pizzuti Collection. “I am pleased that the Columbia Museum of Art has received funding allocated through the CARES Act,” says Congressman James E. Clyburn. “The museum serves as a community center, art studio and entertainment venue. We must continue to support them as

July 10, 2019

See Van Gogh and His Inspirations this fall at the Columbia Museum of Art

Original, CMA-exclusive exhibition debuts October 4 Columbia, S.C. – The Columbia Museum of Art proudly announces the major exhibition Van Gogh and His Inspirations, on view Friday, October 4, 2019, through Sunday, January 12, 2020. Organized by the CMA and presented by the Blanchard Family, Van Gogh and His Inspirations is an original exhibition that brings the work of one of the most beloved artists in the world to Columbia, South Carolina, alongside a variety of handpicked paintings and drawings that shaped his vision. “Van Gogh and His Inspirations represents an exhilarating high-water

February 28, 2019

New Boyd Plaza to open during March First Thursday on Main

Free opening celebration courtesy of the Darnall W. and Susan F. Boyd Foundation Inc. Thursday, March 7 | Gates open at 5:00 p.m. | Celebration 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Columbia, S.C. – Located at the corner of Main and Hampton Streets, Boyd Plaza is in the final stages of an extensive renovation project, a gift to Columbia from the Darnall W. and Susan F. Boyd Foundation Inc. The Columbia Museum of Art announces a free party — also courtesy of the Boyd Foundation — to celebrate the completion of the new Boyd Plaza on Thursday, March 7, during First Thursday on Main. “The renovation of Boyd Plaza is

November 15, 2018

Luther Battiste honored with John Richard Craft Leadership Award

Columbia, S.C. – The Columbia Museum of Art is proud to have presented the 2018 John Richard Craft Leadership Award to Luther J. Battiste III. A community leader, philanthropist, and public servant, Battiste epitomizes the values the CMA recognizes each year with the Craft Award. Executive Director Della Watkins and Board of Trustees President Rachel Hodges presented the award to Battiste at an elegant appreciation dinner celebrating his service on Wednesday, November 14. The Craft Award, named for the CMA’s first director, is the highest honor the museum bestows. “Luther Battiste is a

October 29, 2018

Jasper Johns' Gifts to CMA

The Columbia Museum of Art is proud to announce the exhibition Midcentury Masters: Jasper Johns’ Gifts to the CMA, a varied collection of 35 prints gifted to the CMA by Jasper Johns himself and shown in its entirety for the first time, on view Friday, November 16, 2018, to Sunday, February, 24, 2019. With several prints by Johns as well as the work of such postwar heavyweights as Robert Rauschenberg, Josef Albers, Roy Lichtenstein, Ellsworth Kelly, and Andy Warhol, plus archival materials documenting Johns’ time living and establishing his artistic identity in Columbia, this unique exhibition provides insight into the mind of South Carolina’s most famous artistic son.

August 7, 2018

Do you feel like Katie Pell does?

The Columbia Museum of Art announces the major exhibition Something’s Happening: The Big Art of Katie Pell, on view from Friday, August 17, through Sunday, October 28, 2018. Organized by the CMA, Pell’s first solo museum exhibition is an irreverent rite-of-passage narrative that uses the artist’s own life to explore the ordinary side of icons, the exceptional side of ordinary people, and the power of identifying your story.

May 25, 2018

Powerful exhibition shines light on Latino immigrants of South Carolina

The Columbia Museum of Art is proud to announce Ecos: Resonancias de Historias Latinas de Carolina del Sur (Echoes: Resonances of South Carolina Latino Stories) a collaborative multimedia art exhibition featuring the stories of Latino immigrants in the low country interpreted by 19 select Latino South Carolina visual artists, on view in the Community Gallery through Sunday, July 22, 2018.

March 16, 2018

Ray McManus selected as writer-in-residence at the Columbia Museum of Art

New residency program launches April 8 with special reading in galleries Columbia, S.C. – The Columbia Museum of Art announces the launch of its inaugural Writer-in-Residence program, with award-winning poet Ray McManus selected to fill the titular role. Over his three-year term, McManus is charged with creating programs that promote literary art as a way to contemplate and connect with visual art. “Visual art doesn’t exist in a vacuum, and we don’t experience it that way either, so anytime we can connect the art on view with other disciplines like music or writing, it’s a win,” says Joelle

Enjoy Black History Month programs at the CMA

FAAAC presents A Storytelling Celebration

Exhibition of 20th-century women artists with ties to the South coming to the CMA

Mixing Oil Paints: It's a Process

A Conversation with Curators

Current and former CMA curators reflect on Kress collection

More Than Rhythm: A Black Music Series returns with Nicole Neely and The Black Exchange

The CMA Gala serves cocktails, creativity, and community on December 3

CMA Chamber Music on Main premieres November 7 with all-star lineup

Epic museum party Arts & Draughts returns November 11

Local collectors loan works by iconic African American artists to the CMA

CMA Staff Picks: Visitor Experience Associate Maggie

Elizabeth Catlett survey coming to the Columbia Museum of Art

Columbia Museum of Art traveling exhibition to make hometown stop

Columbia Museum of Art’s Binder Podcast Wins Gold

Adia Victoria opens season of More Than Rhythm: A Black Music Series

Columbia Museum of Art’s board of trustees adds eight new members

More Than Rhythm: A Black Music Series returns with Benny Starr

The Friends of African American Art & Culture celebrates first-ever art acquisition

Vibrant summer shows use different approaches to explore the natural world

Columbia Museum of Art receives Connected Communities Grant Award

Mimi Jones jazzes up More Than Rhythm: A Black Music Series

Arts & Draughts is back

Gail Morrison honored with the CMA’s 2022 John Richard Craft Leadership Award

Sculpture shows from Auguste Rodin and Anila Quayyum Agha shine at the Columbia Museum of Art

Black music series to launch at Columbia Museum of Art

Rodin and more coming to the Columbia Museum of Art this year

Gramophone Artist of the Year headed to the Columbia Museum of Art

Acclaimed 30 Americans headed to the Columbia Museum of Art

Columbia Museum of Art launches Binder podcast

Friends of African American Art & Culture introduces new board members

Columbia Museum of Art’s board of trustees adds eight new members

Columbia Museum of Art receives National Endowment for the Humanities award

See Van Gogh and His Inspirations this fall at the Columbia Museum of Art

New Boyd Plaza to open during March First Thursday on Main

Luther Battiste honored with John Richard Craft Leadership Award

Jasper Johns' Gifts to CMA

Do you feel like Katie Pell does?

Powerful exhibition shines light on Latino immigrants of South Carolina

Ray McManus selected as writer-in-residence at the Columbia Museum of Art

Upcoming Exhibitions

Our Own Work, Our Own Way: Ascendant Women Artists in the Johnson Collection

Reverent Ornament: Art from the Islamic World

Resurgence and Renaissance: Art of the Catawba Nation Since 1973