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

2021 Year in Review

2021 started off homebound. Then April rolled around and we became eligible for vaccinations. After those seeped through our systems, Jim and I came back to the land of the living! Our highlight was four fantastic, local getaways this year.

Savannah, GA

Greenville, SC

Beaufort, SC

Hilton Head Island, SC

Another highlight of the year was brewery hopping. It was a fun way to explore the area, taste local brewmasters' concoctions, meanwhile supporting these small local businesses. We visited River Rat Brewery, Steel Hands Brewing, Columbia Craft, Twisted Spur Brewing, Hunter-Gatherer Brewery, Angry Fish Brewing, Krafty Draft Brew Pub, Hazelwood Brewing Company and the Old Mill Brewpub. 

I read 14 books. Still on a classics kick, one of my favorites was Poor Relations by Honore de Balzac. Set in the mid 1840s in Paris, this novel involves quirky characters, greed, scheming and other craziness making it an all around entertaining comedy.

Another favorite comedy was The Crime of Father Amaro by Eca de Queiros. Set circa 1871 in a small town in Portugal, young Father Amaro is simply inappropriate in terms of his career. Or is it the church that creates inappropriate rules? It is a comical look at the church and the questionable aspects of it. I would recommend both of these to anyone who enjoys human satire.

This was the first year we attended local holiday events as well as concerts downtown which were fantastic!

It was my first blue grass experience too and realized I have taken a liking to this foot tapping genre. It was fantastic seeing a young lady playing the mandolin with these guys.

This year brought on a huge personal change that meant no longer being a vegetarian after 26 years. This decision was made because it was difficult for me to find healthy choices that agreed with my stomach.

On the business front it was super busy! This year had me improving photos including adding more examples of use of the jewelry findings in my Etsy shop.

I appreciate all of you who still stop by, read and comment on my blog. I am not the diligent blog reader I once was due to how demanding the business has become.

Wishing you all a happy, healthy, fulfilling 2022!

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

Christmas Open House at the Lexington County Museum

One day a year (with the exception of 2020 of course) the Lexington County Museum is open to the public free of charge.

My favorite part of this experience is the holiday decor of past Christmas traditions. The trees are decorated with popcorn and holly for color.

The zero waste method using what is around the area is something we can learn from today.

Simplicity looks most beautiful.

How the holiday table looked back in the day. No fancy centerpiece, just vibrant edibles and branches from nature.

Old socks instead of decorated stockings hung at the mantle.

Special touches in the fireplaces, courtesy of Mother Nature.

Festive gum drops on branches and cloves decorating oranges are also pretty touches.

Holly can be used to provide a jolly pop of color anywhere.

Vines from outside make for an easy garland.

Dried okra pods are used in this arrangement below.

Dried citrus slices and cinnamon sticks are also joyful touches.

Bright red apples are a perfect thing to display for Christmas. Perhaps radishes would be a good idea too!

Merry Christmas everyone!

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

Snowball Festival

We attended the tree lighting in our downtown of Lexington, South Carolina. This is part of the annual Snowball Festival that runs from Thursday to Sunday at the beginning of December.

Along with the tree lighting were singing performances. This is Lexington High School student singing Fleet Foxes White Winter Hymnal. So talented!

 A holiday market was booming!

All sorts of crafts were available.

Inside the pavilion as well as outside.

The weather was incredible that day having reached 79F in the afternoon. The temperature was dropping fast at night though!

It was filled with festive decorations.

All the palmettos were lit green at the top.

The Muppets Christmas Carol was playing for the kids after the stage was cleared. Michael Caine is Ebenezer Scrooge and Kermit is Bob Cratchit. A fantastic, fun version!

Main Street was busy too. Being a mild night there were many alfresco diners. 

The street is magically lit up.

The county offices have their own gorgeous tree along Main Street.

It is our 4th Christmas in South Carolina but our first time attending this event. It was really enjoyable and well organized. We will be back next year!

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