Scraps of paper, forgotten photographs, old magazines – these are the things that make Julie Umberger’s eyes light up. She knows she can take these bits and pieces and turn them into astounding creations. Each find is an opportunity to tell a story and spark inspiration for her viewers. Julie graduated in 2009 with her BFA in studio art and spent many years expressing herself through painting. About a year and a half ago, feeling…
Read More
Human Hair From Two Sisters, Two Rattlesnake Tails The first thing that caught my eye was the 25 ft. pile of furniture—painted purple and orange and stacked into a mountain against a far corner of the gallery. Tufted, wingback chairs, plastic answering machines, and keyboards interspersed with shadeless lamps and colored lights. The piece was installed by artist, Brittany M. Watkins. She’s the 2022 South Carolina Fellow, one of nine on display at the Bo…
Read MoreFollowing a 12-month, multi-city tour along the east coast, the acclaimed exhibition will make its final stop in Thomas’ native Columbus, where it will be on view from July 1 – September 25, 2022. This amazing exhibition, offers a compelling overview of Thomas’ trajectory from childhood to international recognition. With more than 150 objects, from her rarely seen marionettes to her well-known abstract paintings. “Sharing Alma Thomas’ passion for fostering education and creativity and for…
Read More
Cities such as Atlanta, Albany, Montgomery, and Birmingham often dominate discussions of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. However, the Chattahoochee Valley has been the site of regular cycles of civil rights activism, allyship, and backlash throughout the past century. Advances in civil rights that proved significant at the national and state levels happened from the 1940s through the 1970s, and vibrant activism continues in the community today. Journey Toward Justice, a new exhibit…
Read More
Artist Eddie Owens Martin, known as St. EOM, changed the world of art as we knew it when he shared his vision through the wonderland of Pasaquan. An entire world of its own, Pasaquan features Eddie’s work, ideas, stories, music, and spirit. The seven acre site located in Buena Vista has been restored by the Kohler Foundation and preserved by Columbus State University and is an off-campus extension of the university’s programs as well as…
Read More
When entering the Woodcrafter’s shop at colorful Historic Westville, one is engulfed with the pungent aroma of wood chips, followed by the dazzlingly bright smile of interpreter Lee Gilford. There are no power tools, batteries, electricity, or other 20th-century comforts. Just primitive, yet effective woodworking tools from the mid to late 1800s. Here, Lee is in his element, and his energy and joy are instantly contagious. He moves from station to station with ease and…
Read More
It’s still and quiet outside, a beautiful golden afternoon. The sunlight filters lazily across the grass. Big, humming carpenter bees wobble across the edge of the tree line, hunting for the clover flowers that have blossomed in the spring. It’s a calm day, a fine day. It’s also the middle of a pandemic. The guidance from the CDC, from our health experts, from our leaders, from our friends and colleagues, is to keep distant, to…
Read More
Since its inception in 1928, Historic Westville has been a unique place to experience 19th Century southern life. It is the third-oldest living history museum in the country, according to its website. Established by Colonel John West, it began as ‘The Fair of 1850’ in Jonesboro, Georgia. When Colonel West died, the historic village was moved to Lumpkin, Georgia and renamed Westville Historic Handicrafts in honor of its founder. The name was changed again in…
Read More
There’s a great community here,” Katie says, “and coming home, I felt how strong it is. Everyone that I’m surrounded with wants this place to grow. It’s encouraging and it’s fun.”
Read More
Again and again, all signs pointed Dee Dee Tebeau to 2nd Avenue. Dee Dee was first drawn to the North Highland neighborhood by the example of Rob and Carrie Strickland, who help bring housing and educational opportunities to the area through their Truth Spring ministry. As the months went by and Dee Dee brought her son to Godwin Creek Golf Course to play, the question recurred, “how can I help the neighborhood?” She did not…
Read More