Columbia Hosts 15th Annual Open Studios Event

News Summary

The 15th Annual Columbia Open Studios event is set for April 5-6, 2025, bringing together over 60 local artists from Richland and Lexington counties. This immersive experience invites art enthusiasts to explore studios, learn about artistic processes, and purchase local art without commission fees. With previous attendance exceeding 3,000, this year’s event promises growth and excitement, showcasing community support for local talent.

Columbia Gets Creative: 15th Annual Open Studios Event

It’s that time of year again in Columbia, where the streets become bustling with creativity and community spirit! Mark your calendars for April 5-6, 2025, because the highly anticipated 15th Annual Columbia Open Studios is just around the corner, and it’s all about celebrating our talented local artists. This year, over 60 artists from the vibrant Richland and Lexington counties will open their studio doors, inviting art enthusiasts and curious visitors to peek into their creative worlds.

Explore a World of Art

This unique event allows participants not just to view the incredible works from local talent but also to step inside their studios, making it an immersive experience. Whether you’re an art aficionado or just looking for something fun to do, you’ll have the chance to explore diverse artistic styles and perhaps even make a purchase to support local creators. The event warmly encourages attendees to buy local art, steering clear of commercial options that might loom large online.

A Place for New Beginnings

One of the artists to look out for this year is Steven Whetstone, who has returned after a break and is ready to showcase his art in a new studio space that used to belong to a local favorite, Rob Shaw Gallery. Nestled on State Street in West Columbia, Whetstone’s studio promises to offer something special as he welcomes the community into his artistic sanctuary. For him, this event is not just about showcasing art, but also about networking with fellow artists and meeting potential clients who can appreciate his work. Plus, there’s no commission fee on sales during the festival, which is excellent news for artists looking to engage directly with buyers.

Excitement at Gemini Arts

Another exciting part of the upcoming Open Studios is the participation of local artist Rebecca Horne. She is set to unveil her brand-new studio at Rosewood’s upcoming Gemini Arts. Horne has spent years creating her art in her kitchen, and now she’s ready to share her work in a dedicated space, filled with textures and imaginative pieces. This marks a monumental step for her as she invites the public to come in and experience an entirely new artistic environment.

Get Ready for a Jump in Attendance

Last year’s event was a fantastic success, attracting over 3,000 attendees, which more than doubled the numbers from 2023. The buzz continued to build, creating a sense of enthusiasm about supporting local artists. The marketing team is hopeful about keeping this positive momentum rolling as community interest in local art flourishes.

Find Your Way with the Open Studios Map

Getting around will be a breeze thanks to the Open Studios map, which will be featured in the April 2 issue of Free Times. This handy resource will help you navigate through different artist studios and plan your art-filled adventure.

A Community Celebration

The Columbia Open Studios event is organized by the 701 Center for Contemporary Arts, with generous support from Richland County and tax grants from the City of Columbia. This collaboration reflects a community that genuinely values and invests in its local artists, fostering an environment of creativity and support.

So gather your friends, family, or fellow art lovers and prepare for a weekend filled with inspiration! Experience the charm of local art and support the creative minds right in your backyard. You never know what treasures you might find that you can’t resist bringing home with you!

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Additional Resources

• Post and Courier: Columbia Open Studios
• New York Times: Upstate Art Weekend
• Columbia Metropolitan: When Form Follows Function
• The State: Local Arts News
• Google Search: Columbia art events

Author: HERE Lexington