Community Curator Megan Pinckney Rutherford in conversation with designer Sergio Hudson, along with Inga Beckham, co-owner of the Sergio Hudson brand, and co-creative director Charles Lynch. | Photo by Crush Rush for The Columbia Museum of Art
Born in Ridgeway, SC, Sergio Hudson has become one of the biggest names in the fashion industry — and now, his work is on display at the Columbia Museum of Art.
“Sergio Hudson: Focused on the Fit” was organized with help from Community Curator Megan Pinckney Rutherford. We recently got to speak with Megan about the exhibition and her experience bringing it to the CMA:
Q: We’re excited for a behind-the-scenes look at “Sergio Hudson: Focused on the Fit.” Before we dive in, mind telling our readers a little bit about yourself? A: I was born and raised in Charleston, SC, and as long as I can remember I’ve loved fashion. I started reading fashion magazines in middle school and would spend hours using them to make collages. So I guess it wasn’t so surprising when I ended up in the fashion merchandising program at USC. During my senior year, I competed at Miss USA, and then a few months later started a personal blog. In the 10 years since then, I’ve been able to use my knowledge of the fashion industry to develop a personal brand that uses imagery to market products and services.
Q: You served as a Community Curator for this exhibition — what was that like? A: Unreal! It was a dream that I never knew I had. When I first pitched the idea to the museum, I never saw myself having any other role. But as it developed, it just made sense. And the entire experience felt like one giant internship, which was exciting, because how often do we get the opportunity to learn something brand new as an adult? But the CMA allowed me to work hand-in-hand with Jackie Adams: curating the pieces, choosing the layout, and even having input in colors and text.
Ask the Gardener Happy Hour: Proper Pruning | Wednesday, Feb. 7 | 4-6 p.m. | Gardener’s Outpost, 1211 Franklin St., Columbia | Free | Welcome to a world of tips and tricks, especially as we get ready to trim those roses for Valentine’s Day.
Thursday, Feb. 8
Houseplant Social: A Rare Plant Sale Happy Hour | Thursday, Feb. 8 | 6-8 p.m. | B.B. Barns of Irmo, 2840 Dreher Shoals Rd., Columbia | $20-$25 | Get 20% off storewide, VIP access to unique and rare houseplants, plant giveaways, and a private shop night, and more.
Pups & Pints Adoption Event | Saturday, Feb. 10 | 12-3 p.m. | Bierkeller Columbia, 600 Canalside St., Columbia | Free | Bring a leash, drink a pint, and speed date with the pups.
14th Annual Mardi Gras Columbia Festival | Saturday, Feb. 10 | 12-7 p.m. | City Roots, 1005 Airport Blvd., Columbia | $10 | Celebrate Mardi Gras with Krewe de Columbi-Ya-Ya at this annual parade and festival.
A new 124-room StudioRes extended-stay hotel by Marriott is proposed near Columbiana Centre Mall in the Harbison area. The hotel concept targets longer stays with features like weekly housekeeping. (The State)
Biz
Beulah Roasting Co., founded by Jessica and Jeremiah Sowards in Batesburg-Leesville, has sold over 2,000 coffee bags since opening last October. They plan to open a coffee shop + education center to teach homesteading skills, how to support local farmers, and ethical coffee sourcing. (Lexington Chronicle)
Community
Tickets are on sale for COR’s Crash Course Columbia happening Thursday, March 7-Friday, March 8. The program engages participants with 10 tours across the city aiming to foster community investment and connection.
Coming Soon
Outback Steakhouse is set to open a new location at 5595 Sunset Blvd. in Lexington in the space formerly occupied by O’Charley’s. This is the third Midlands location for the Florida-based chain. (The State)
Cause
Aflac awarded $411,824 to 50 SC nonprofits last year, supporting health, education, and aid for families facing cancer. Since 2016, Aflac has awarded over $2.4 million in grants.
Civic
A special election for an open Town Council seat in Blythewood is scheduled for Tuesday, February 27, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Both Richland and Fairfield County voters can vote at Blythewood Park, 126 Boney Rd.
Finance
Get trusted financial advice with Money Pickle, the service that connects you directly with experienced financial advisors to help with your investment + retirement planning needs (all through a complimentary video meeting). Take control of your financial future in 2024 by scheduling a free consultation.*
Conceptual renderings of what the development could look like. | Provided by Forest Acres
We had 200+ responses on what you’d like to see at the 32-acre development at Richland Mall. Could it be Cola’s first Apple store? A new clothing retailer like H&M? Here are some of your suggestions:
“A building with apartments for independent seniors similar to Merrill Gardens in Bull Street development” — Anna H.
“A high quality, upscale restaurant like PF Chang’s or Cheesecake Factory plus a top tier grocery store or relocate Trader Joe’s or Kroger.” — Arch M.
“Legoland, Levis, Hallmark” — Dawn H.
“A pickleball court or two with a bar and restaurant” — Melissa J.
“I’d love a movie theater! And a Cheesecake Factory!” — Regina H.
“Kids playgrounds” — Tyrone H.
“If the redevelopment lives up to being the new town center for Forest Acres, it will need to have a plentiful supply of trees lining all the roads, bikeways, and pedestrian walkways.” — Jim B.
Sam and I were brainstorming about what foods we’ll make for the Super Bowl on Sunday. Maybe a broccoli cheddar soup in a sourdough bread bowl for the San Francisco 49ers or some Kansas City barbecue sliders for Chiefs fans? Let us know what your go-to Super Bowl dish is.
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