News Summary
Columbia Open Studios is returning on April 5-6, 2025, celebrating its 15th year with over 60 local artists showcasing their work. Attendees can visit artists’ studios, engage in conversations, and even purchase art directly from the creators. After last year’s success, with over 3,000 attendees, the event aims to further promote the local artistic community. Be sure to grab the Open Studios map on April 2 to plan your visit and discover local talent.
Exciting Times Ahead for Columbia: Columbia Open Studios Set for April 2025
Get ready, Columbia! The annual Columbia Open Studios is back for its 15th iteration on April 5-6, 2025, and it’s shaping up to be quite the celebration of local creativity. This highly anticipated event boasts participation from over 60 talented artists, showcasing the rich artistic community right here in Richland and Lexington counties. If you’re looking to explore some unique artwork, make connections, or even start your own collection, this is definitely the weekend to mark on your calendar!
Step Right Inside the Artist’s Studio
What makes Columbia Open Studios so special is its open invitation for you to step right into the very studios of the artists. You’ll have the opportunity to mingle and truly experience the atmosphere where these local creatives do their work. It’s a rare chance to witness their processes, get a behind-the-scenes look at their inspirations, and perhaps even purchase a piece of art that speaks to you—all without any commission fees for the artists. That’s right! The event allows artists to sell their work directly, ensuring that they get the full benefit of their hard work.
Meet the Artists and Discover Unique Talents
This year, you’ll discover artists like Steven Whetstone, who has recently moved to a new studio location on State Street. Whetstone highlights the importance of personal engagement with potential clients during the weekend. It’s not just about showcasing art; it’s about forming connections with the people who truly appreciate the work. Can you imagine chatting with the artist while standing next to their latest masterpiece? What a wonderful opportunity!
Another artist to look out for is Rebecca Horne, who has made an exciting transition from working in her kitchen to a dedicated art space found within Rosewood’s upcoming Gemini Arts. Horne is thrilled about finally having a studio dedicated to her passion and is eager to engage with the community after years of creating art in the comforts of her home.
Growth and Community Support
Last year, the Open Studios event was a huge success, drawing in over 3,000 attendees, more than double the number from the previous year! The growth is encouraging, and the marketing team is hopeful that interest in supporting local artists will continue to increase in the years to come. It’s heartening to see the community come together to celebrate artistic expression!
Get Your Open Studios Map
For those eager to explore the event, a handy Open Studios map will be published in the April 2 issue of the local Free Times. Be sure to grab a copy to plan your route and make the most of your studio visits. This map will guide you to all the hidden gems that you absolutely won’t want to miss.
A Thriving Artistic Community
The Open Studios event is organized by the 701 Center for Contemporary Arts, a hub for nurturing creative talent, and is funded through tax grants from Richland County and the City of Columbia. It’s heartwarming to see such support for the arts, emphasizing the importance of community in fostering local talent.
So, whether you’re an art enthusiast, a casual observer, or someone just looking for a fun weekend activity, make sure you join in on the excitement at the Columbia Open Studios. Immerse yourself in an inspiring atmosphere and support your local artists—you won’t regret it!
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Columbia Open Studios Art Event
- New York Times: Upstate Art Weekend Review
- Columbia Tribune: Studio Fire Displaces Artists
- Google Search: Columbia Open Studios
- New York Times: Upstate Art Weekend Review
- Wikipedia: Art in the United States
Author: STAFF HERE IRMO
The IRMO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIrmo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Irmo, Lexington and Richland Counties, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Irmo Okra Strut Festival, Harbison Community Events, and local sports tournaments at the Palmetto Health Credit Union Foundation Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission and the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, plus leading businesses in retail and healthcare that power the local economy such as Village at Sandhill and Lexington Medical Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
