Columbia Museum of Art February Calendar

MAJOR EXHIBITIONS

Renée Cox: Soul Culture
On view through April 22, 2018
Pioneering photographer Renée Cox, stirrer of controversy and breaker of boundaries, debuts her new series of work Soul Culture at the CMA. Cox continues to deconstruct issues of race and gender using the body as central image to promote positivity and empowerment. In this series, Cox transforms her photographic portraits into hypnotic video and mandala-like reliefs that are influenced by Hindu and Buddhist religious art, the visual escapism of 1960s psychedelia, and the use of fractals in African culture. Digitally manipulated images are cut and handwoven into unique kaleidoscopic “paintings.” The artist creates mesmerizing work designed to let our minds go and find meditative peace.

Renée Cox: Soul Culture is presented through the support of our generous sponsors and grantors. Presenting Sponsor: The Contemporaries of the Columbia Museum of Art. Contributing Sponsor: Anonymous. Friend Sponsors: Friends of African American Art & Culture, Ms. Isvara Wilson, and Leslie and Jeff Archie. Patron Sponsor: Katherine and Clarence Davis. Media Sponsors: Free Times, WXRY, and Grace Outdoor. Grantors: Richland County and Central Carolina Community Foundation. Support for the CMA exhibition program is provided by Lipscomb Sponsors: Dr. Lynn Robertson and Mrs. Marcia Stine. This project was supported by a Connected Communities grant from Central Carolina Community Foundation.

Seen & Unseen: Photographs by Imogen Cunningham
On view February 2 – April 29, 2018
American photographer Imogen Cunningham was an extraordinary technician who produced deeply poetic work. In the 1930s she joined the West Coast Group f.64, which included Ansel Adams, Henry Swift, and Edward Weston. Instrumental in the struggle for the acceptance of photography as a legitimate art form, Cunningham was also a social activist, documenting the beat movement of the 1950s and the countercultural revolution of the late 1960s. Throughout her career, Cunningham valued the importance of light, form, and pattern in her compositions. Her pioneering use of platinum printing and often of double exposures are still of interest to contemporary photographers. Cunningham, who died in 1976, remains one of the most popular and innovative photographers in the history of the genre. The exhibition was organized by the Imogen Cunningham Trust in association with Photographic Traveling Exhibitions, Los Angeles, CA.

Seen & Unseen: Photographs by Imogen Cunningham is presented through the support of our generous sponsors and grantors. Friend Sponsors: AgFirst Farm Credit Bank, Theodore and Margaret Anne DuBose, Anonymous. Patron Sponsors: Dr. Jeffrey J. Kline, Mr. Bill Schmidt, and Mr. and Mrs. David E. Dukes. Media Sponsors: Free Times, WXRY, and Grace Outdoor. Grantors: Richland County and Central Carolina Community Foundation. Additional Support by Sheila and Tony DiCioccio. Support for the CMA exhibition program is provided by Lipscomb Sponsors: Dr. Lynn Robertson and Mrs. Marcia Stine. This project was supported by a Connected Communities grant from Central Carolina Community Foundation.

ALSO ON VIEW

bridge/refrain: a short film
On view January 15 – February 25, 2018, in the Caroline Guignard Community Gallery
bridge/refrain is a short film exploring a young woman’s arrival to the land of the ancestors after falling victim to gun violence. Here, she discovers that, though there is healing for her wounds and safety in the arms of benevolent beings, her work is far from done. A beautiful antique vanity serves as a vehicle through which she discovers her charge and her crown — black bodies buckling but not breaking under the weight of American life. She takes her place amongst those who uphold us.

The Crowned Ones.
Death is but a bridge. a refrain.
There is more work to be done, now.

bridge/refrain seeks to honor the feminine energy as both protector and nurturer while confronting the epidemic of all manner of violence against women. In the tradition of photographer Imogen Cunningham, the film honors the woman’s form with a graceful eye, directed by Roni Nicole Henderson and lensed by collaborator Iyabo Kwayana. This project was supported by a Connected Communities grant from Central Carolina Community Foundation.

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

Book a Tour Free with Admission
Gather your friends and make a reservation to enjoy a docent-led or self-guided tour of the galleries at half the price during the renovations. Hungry? Choose the tour with a lunch option, or enjoy wine and cheese after your tour. Details at columbiamuseum.org.

School Tours
Student programs support classroom instruction and meet state standards by providing opportunities to engage with works of art and culture from around the world. Using visual thinking strategies, our docent-led tours encourage the use of 21st-century skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and visual literacy while touching on the three key areas of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate: world class knowledge, world class skills, and life and career characteristics. Hands-on art-making sessions focus on the creative process, introduction to different art materials and techniques, and encouragement of self-expression while connecting to ideas discussed during the tour. For more information, contact us at 803-343-2163 or tours@columbiamuseum.org.

Art Explorer Backpacks and Gallery Hunts
Art Explorer Backpacks are designed to encourage families to have fun in the galleries with interactive activities. Each backpack includes a sketchbook with colored pencils, a pair of binoculars, a picture book, games, and hands-on activities that relate to the theme of the backpack chosen. Themes include: color, line, and the current exhibition(s). Check one out for free at the visitor services desk.

Gallery hunts mean fun for the whole family. Grab one and see what shapes, patterns, and colors you can spot. Available to borrow from the Gladys cart in the CMA lobby.

Gallery Tour: Renée Cox: Soul Culture
Sundays throughout the exhibition | 2:00 p.m.
A guided tour provides an overview of this exhibition deconstructing issues of race and gender using the body as central image to promote positivity and empowerment. Free with membership or admission.

Gallery Tour: Seen & Unseen: Photographs by Imogen Cunningham
Saturdays throughout the exhibition | 1:00 p.m.
A guided tour provides an overview of this exhibition of an American photographer who was an extraordinary technician producing deeply poetic work. Free with membership or admission.

First Thursday on Main at the CMA
Thursday, February 1 | 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Enjoy a 6:00 p.m. gallery tour of Renée Cox: Soul Culture. FUSE Artist Alliance gives a dance performance in the lobby at 6:00 p.m. Have a laugh with an improv show from The Mothers, a sketch comedy troupe from Trustus Theatre at 6:30p.m. Get a sneak peek at 7:00 p.m. of the newest exhibition Seen & Unseen: Photographs by Imogen Cunningham and join us for the opening lecture with CMA curator Will South at 7:30 p.m. Cash bar. Plus, the CMA Shop is offering 15% off all jewelry purchases for Valentine’s Day. Complimentary gift wrap for all Valentine’s gifts. This project is supported by a Connected Communities grant from Central Carolina Community Foundation.

Gladys’ Gang: All in Black and White
Tuesday, February 7 | 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Day and night, black and white. Some works of art are really colorful, and some have only one or two hues. Join us to explore the way photographers like Imogen Cunningham captured different shades as we create our own monochromatic masterpieces. This program includes story time and a creative studio activity related to the art exploration theme. Key topic: opposites. Free. Registration is required as space is limited.

CMA Global Sunday:
Join the CMA as we pair a specially expanded Passport to Art with our Baker & Baker concert series to create a Sunday focused on global music and art. In this program with a unique world perspective, families have the chance to participate in hands-on art projects with their loved ones and enjoy concerts featuring musicians with international style.

Passport to Art: Artistic Expedition
Sunday, February 11 | Noon – 3:00 p.m.
In this month’s expanded Passport to Art, take a journey through the world without leaving Columbia. Get inspired by African fractal design in Renée Cox: Soul Culture and create some scratchboard patterns. Make flower crowns, based on some of the botanicals in Seen & Unseen: Photographs by Imogen Cunningham, and sport them in the “Gone Global” selfie booth. At 1:00 p.m. we’ll take a tour of the photography on exhibition. Don’t forget to make a cyanotype with your family and create photographic blue prints. This drop-in program for families features a new hands-on art project each month. Free.

Baker & Baker presents The ReMINDers
Sunday, February 11 | 3:00 p.m.
Consisting of Brussels-born Big Samir and Queens-born Aja Black, The Reminders are a duo that combines world music rhythm with hip-hop. Big Samir weaves intricate rhythmic patterns with a bilingual French/English flow, displaying his street-smart credibility in both his lyrics and cool demeanor. This is beautifully complimented by Aja Black's confident delivery, diverse cadences, and unique vocal stylings. The two have undeniably magical chemistry. Free.

About Face Drawing Sessions
Tuesdays, February 13 and 27:
Portrait Drawing | 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Figure Drawing | 7:15 – 9:15 p.m.
Meet at 701 Whaley
Looking for a supportive and friendly environment to hone your artistic skills? About Face Drawing Sessions are for you! There's no instructor, but there is a group of inspired artists, representing a wide range of abilities, who love to draw from the live model. Drawing sessions are held at historic 701 Whaley throughout museum renovations. Must be 18 or older to participate. $10 / $8 for members / $5 for students. Includes both sessions.

Film Screening and Talk with Artist Roni Nicole Henderson
Thursday, February 15 | Doors open at 6:00 p.m. with light reception | Film Screening at 6:30 p.m.
Join us for a film screening and artist’s talk with featured community gallery artist Roni Nicole Henderson and her short film bridge/refrain. Henderson’s work explores a young woman’s arrival in the land of the ancestors after falling victim to gun violence. “Here, she discovers that, though there is healing for her wounds and safety in the arms of benevolent beings, her work is far from done,” says Henderson. Program was supported by a Connected Communities grant from Central Carolina Community Foundation. Light reception and cash bar. $5 / free for members.

Studio 54: The Contemporaries’ 2018 Ball
Saturday, February 17 | 7:30 – 11:30 p.m.
Join the Contemporaries as we take a step into the past and recreate the world's most famous celebrity nightclub — Studio 54! Promising to be the most exclusive event at the coolest disco in town, the Studio 54 Ball will feature a silent auction showcasing art from the collections of South Carolina artists, ’70s and early ’80s club music, eclectic event design by the CMA Special Events team, and a more-than-just-a-bar menu from Hudson's Classic Catering. Meet us at the South Carolina State Museum and see the transformation of Eighth Avenue and Broadway in Manhattan come to life! $70 / $125 per couple for Contemporaries and CMA members. $90 / $155 per couple for non-members.

Educator Workshop
Monday, February 19 | 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Learn how visual literacy can enhance your classroom experience. In this workshop, gain a unique perspective by using visual thinking strategies to read artwork and exercise critical thinking. Each educator receives professional development renewal credit. Visit columbiamuseum.org for more information and registration. $30 per person.

CMA Jazz on Main: A Jazz Celebration of the Beatles
Friday, February 23 | Happy hour and galleries open at 7:00 p.m. | Concert begins at 7:30 p.m.
Join us as the Noel Freidline Quartet presents an evening of masterful reimagining of some of the Fab Four’s most well-known songs. John, Paul, George, and Ringo — no last names needed. The Beatles were that iconic, innovative, and influential. In less than ten years, they redefined pop and rock and pointed the way to how music would be created for the next 40 years. Not the least of their contributions may be a lexicon of songs that can stand up to reinterpretation and recasting into most any genre. Their masterful melodies and strong harmonic approach makes their music a perfect jumping off point for jazz musicians. General admission: $35 / $28 for members / $5 for students. Premier Table Seating: $300 for 6 guests and 2 bottles of wine / $200 for 4 guests and 1 bottle of wine.