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.
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Twitter Hashtag: #ColaOpenStudios
For Immediate Release April 28, 2021 701 Center for Contemporary Art presents