701 CCA Columbia Open Studios returns the weekend of May 15 and 16 in a Covid-sensitive  format, with virtual and physical options for visiting local artists’ studios

701 CCA is delighted to announce that 2021 Columbia Open Studios returns this year in an  innovative dual format that features virtual and in-person options for meeting local artists  and viewing their work. During the third weekend of May, the public is invited to visit artists’  studios throughout the City of Columbia and Richland and Lexington Counties. They can do  so either virtually through 701 CCA’s event platform and app, or in many cases in person with  artists who choose to open their studios for physical visits. These options allow both the  public and the artists to interact according to their social distancing preferences. Visitors can  spend two full days hopping virtually or physically from studio to studio, with free admission  for all.  

701 CCA has been presenting Columbia Open Studios since (YEAR), with increased artist  participation and artist sales each year. This art weekend provides the public with an intimate  view of the local art scene. Art enthusiasts, collectors and people from all walks of life can  talk one-on-one with a wide variety of practicing artists and observe them as they work.  This year’s virtual option allows the public to visit artists’ studios from their own computer or  device. The virtual experience of hopping from one studio to the next intentionally replicates  the physical experience of past COS weekends. Visitors can view art, observe the art-making  process, chat with artists via video, participate in workshops, watch demonstrations, or make  appointments for in-person visits. The public can easily see which artists are open for  physical visits as well through the new platform and app, which replaces the printed map this  year. Artists’ contact information and website links allow the public to make purchases  directly from the artists.  

This vibrant community event will take place on Saturday, May 15, 2021, 10 am – 6 pm and  Sunday, May 16, 2021, 12 – 6 pm. The public can register through the Columbia Open Studios  site (https://www.columbiaopenstudios.org) or through Eventbrite (Need more info here.) 

The weekend-long tour of artists’ studios will: 

Expose the public to the wealth of fine artists in the capital city and those working in  Richland and Lexington counties. 

Create new opportunities for the public to purchase art, while artists retain 100% of all sales. Generate excitement about area artists among seasoned collectors and first-time buyers. Further establish and promote Columbia, S.C. as a vibrant regional cultural tourism  destination. 

Support 701 CCA exhibitions and other programming. 

Contact: Michaela Pilar Brown 

Website: www.701cca.org and www.columbiaopenstudios.org

Phone: (803) 319-9949 

Email: [email protected] 

About 701 CCA 

701 Center for Contemporary Art is a nonprofit visual art center that promotes understanding,  appreciation and enjoyment of contemporary art, the creative process and the role of art and  artists in the community. 

701 CCA also encourages interaction between visual arts and other art forms. Admission to  all exhibitions is free. 701 CCA is located at 701 Whaley Street, 2nd Floor, Columbia, SC  29201. During exhibitions, hours are Wed-Sat, 11-5; Sun, 1-5. For more information visit  https://www.701cca.org. 

Like us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/701CCA 

Follow @701CCA on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/701CCA 

Twitter Hashtag: #ColaOpenStudios

For Immediate Release April 28, 2021 701 Center for Contemporary Art presents 

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