A Day in Aiken

During a recent visit to Aiken, SC we drove through its tree tunnel on South Boundary Avenue.

Then we headed to the Hopeland Gardens.

A place for live oaks lovers.

There is a variety of lovely sculptures in the park.

Pretty blooms are here to enjoy.

A swamp garden with cyprus trees and knees is here too. Knees are those bits of trees popping up through the water.

There is an outdoor amphitheater and stage for shows and events.

A large pond caters to the turtles.

From a distance, it looks like an odd rock sculpture in the water but at close view it is just a bunch of turtles not social distancing. They are swimming around everywhere too.

Downtown has its charm with eateries and shops.

The old police station entrance remains, becoming a piece of art.

Charming landscaping is here and there.

Have a marvelous day/evening (wherever you are on the clock)! ~Val

Current Exhibits at the Columbia Museum of Art

There are three great temporary exhibits currently going on at the Columbia Museum of art in South Carolina.

First is 22 South Carolinians (thru May 22, 2022) featuring black artists in the state who explore their past, present and future states of blackness. The result is stunning.

This piece is by Ija Charles, a young woman whose art I have already admired since she has painted building murals in the city for everyone to enjoy.

Bridge City, 2021 (mixed media, acrylic, foam board)

Next is by Tonya Gregg. This wonderful piece, in the artist's words, portrays "the inevitable struggles humans have with life and death." With the message of "enjoying one's own cultural interest, authenticity and overcoming a complex world."

A Holistic World View, 2017 (acrylic on linen)

The most inspiring piece for me was by J. Renee. It is very personal telling the story of the artist's fourth great grandmother who was a midwife delivering babies for mothers of slaves as well as white babies. This woman was given as a gift by the owner of the Davis Plantation in SC to his daughter. The piece highlights her strength as well as that of her husband who remained on the plantation but visited her each week by bravely walking the streets in the 1800s. This region is filled with such poignant stories but also equally moving.

Red Riding Hood of Ogun and the Gatekeepers, 2021

Another exhibit is titled 30 Americans (Thru January 17, 2022) featuring black artists over the last few decades. These works explore a wide variety of emotions.

I tend to gravitate towards the more uplifting works like this by Kerry James Marshall. Although at second glance the artist "chose to paint the hearts pink specifically to emphasize the disconnection between the overtly romantic imagery in the foreground and the historical and political imagery in the background. "

Vignette #10, 2007 (acrylic on fiberglass)

This piece below is by Mickalene Thomas. Thomas created this to "portray the beauty and sexuality that I see from women that I grew up with." The use of enamel and rhinestones made this piece so eye catching!

Baby I am Ready Now, 2007 (diptych, acrylic, rhinestones and enamel on wooden panel)

Robert Colescott created the next striking painting titled Ode to Joy. This was inspired by abstract expressionism. There was no blurb about its meaning. I suppose it is simply an ode to joy to gaze and smile at.

Ode to Joy, 1997 (acrylic on canvas)

The third visiting exhibit is Venezia by Michael Kenna through March 13, 2022. This series of photos taken over the period between 1980 - 2008, using extended exposure at night and developing in black and white, creates an eerie effect on this sinking city. These being behind glass capture my unintended selfie!

Rubbish Bins, Piazza San Marco, 2008

Palazzo Ducale Reflection, 1987

Column, Piazzetta San Marco, 1987

White Boat, Fondamenta Zattere ai Saloni, 2006

I hope you enjoyed this sampling! Each exhibit was unique and entertaining to peruse. 

Have a marvelous day/evening (wherever you are on the clock)! ~Val

Second Wave Coffee

 Second Wave Coffee is located in Lexington, South Carolina.

This coffee with a purpose is run by the Arc of the Midlands. Its mission statement is The Arc promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.

The coffee house provides employment for those with special needs. The inside is charming with its inviting order window. Besides an assortment of coffee beverages, there are light bites and alcoholic beverage options.

There are various rooms and spaces for peace and quiet.

Eclectic mismatched furniture is a must for any coffee house.

There are numerous areas outside for enjoying your treat.

The property drops down to an enchanting wooded creek with even more places to hang out.

There was an event here the night before and there were plenty of citronella candle about to keep the bugs away.

There is even a trail through the woods with overhead lighting. This must be fun for the kids when there are evening events!

Definitely better than your typical coffee house experience! Perfect for a date too. I love that there is a great organization behind this one too.

If you go, Second Wave is located at 529 S Lake Drive in Lexington, SC.

Open

8am - 9pm Monday thru Saturday

9am - 6pm Sunday

website 

Have a marvelous day/evening (wherever you are on the clock)! ~Val

Riverbanks Outing

These are some adorable photos taken a while back. The baby gorillas have grown slightly larger since I took these.  This family has 2 youngsters at the Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, South Carolina.

Daddy is quite large!

He often hangs out right by the glass so visitors get an amazing view within inches!

The drama of the white rhinos continues.

Bill (the newest resident) is in front. Next to him is Winnifred. Bill is 17 and Winni is 4.

This little girl now likes Bill! Progress!

She is playful with him even though this looks like a violent scuffle.

Now Kande is off to the right. I believe in between their ages. There was a zoo keeper next to us filling us in on their entertaining stories.

Kande still does not care for Bill so she is not happy with Winni's developing relationship with him. She broke up their fun.

This is tricky since the plan for is Kande and Bill to make a baby since they are both of breeding age.  So the saga continues!

This cutie was busy munching on her eucalyptus but was kind enough to strike a pose for the camera. 

This black footed cat (smallest cat species in the world) is not often seen active, being a cat and all. However we got lucky one day seeing him lively.

Not the cutest animals at the zoo, but I find it amusing that the baboons can be given a Budweiser box for fun.

My favorite faces at the zoo are the meerkats. They LOVE the camera.

Some of the tortoises seem enjoy modeling too.

If you go, the zoo is located at:

500 Wildlife Parkway in Columbia, SC. 

open 7 days a week from 9am - 5pm.

website

Have a marvelous day/evening (wherever you are on the clock)! ~Val