02.21.2024

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62º | 10% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 7:02 a.m. | Sunset 6:13 p.m.
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Culture

A Q+A bouquet with the CMA’s Della Watkins

Presented by a COLAtoday Partner

Della Wakins, Executive Director of the Columbia Museum of Art, wears a floral-patterned dress and talks with three museum guests next to a floral arrangement

We appreciate Della Watkins, Executive Director of the CMA, taking the time to talk to us about this year’s Art Blossoms exhibition and fundraiser, happening March 21-24. | Photo provided by the Columbia Museum of Art

Educator, Virginia native, and executive director of the Columbia Museum of Art Della Watkins moved to Soda City six years ago. One of the many things she’s done since then? Establishing one of the CMA’s newest and most beloved traditions, an annual fundraiser for the museum that combines flowers, art, and an exciting roster of can’t-miss events: Art Blossoms.

While we eagerly anticipate this year’s installment, happening March 21-24, we sat down to pick Della’s brain about all things Art Blossoms. These are excerpts from our conversation:

What does Art Blossoms mean to you?

“I have been very fortunate over my career in museums to participate in these kinds of art exhibitions and fundraisers. And that’s what Art Blossoms is: an exhibition and a fundraiser. I have a huge interest in the symbolism and power of flowers, and what they can do for your mental and physical health. An art exhibition with flowers had never been done at the CMA, so I brought it forth as an idea for a fundraiser. And off we go into our fourth year.”

Several fan-favorite events from previous years are back, and we see some exciting new ones on the schedule as well. Which event are you most looking forward to, personally?

“The foraging walks are new, and I think it’ll be hugely fun to see what’s in our own backyards and parks. Now, the night before is always an exciting time for me, because we kick off with our first-look preview party, the flowers have just moved in, and the museum smells so good. We also have two big speaker events this year I want to tell you about: Floral Flair and Punk Ikebana.”

Event details, the move to March, and more

Asked

What Art Blossoms event sounds the most exciting to you?

A. Classes in floral design, making paper out of plants, and more
B. Speakers like Louesa Roebuck (author of “Punk Ikebana”) and Stephen Ford
C. The Roses and Rosé tastings and tours with Tim Gardner
D. The foraging walks led by Matt Kip of Full Belly Foraging
E. Other (there’s so much to choose from)

I want to begonia to this one

Events

Wednesday, Feb. 21

Gamecock Baseball vs. Queens Royals | Wednesday, Feb. 21 | 4 p.m. | Founders Park, 431 Williams St., Columbia | $12-$15 | Spend your afternoon with at the ball field for this midweek matchup.
Ask the Gardener Happy Hour: Seed Starting | Wednesday, Feb. 21 | Gardener’s Outpost, 1211 Franklin St., Columbia | Free | Ask away to make sure your seeds are successful.

Thursday, Feb. 22

Gamecock Women’s Basketball vs. Alabama Crimson Tide | Thursday, Feb. 22 | 7 p.m. | Colonial Life Arena, 801 Lincoln St., Columbia | $25-$35 | Watch as the team looks to stay undefeated.
Uncle Festers | Writers In The Round - Vol. X | Thursday, Feb. 22 | 8-10 p.m. | Uncle Fester’s Sports Bar, 522 Devine St., Columbia | Hear local songwriters share about their tunes.

Friday, Feb. 23

2024 Irish Ceili Columbia | Friday, Feb. 23 | 6-9:30 p.m. | Corley Mill House & Gardens, 221 Corley Mill Rd., Lexington | $10 | Ceili is an evening of Irish music, dance, food, fun, drink and laughter.
Katt Williams: The Dark Matter Tour | Friday, Feb. 23 | 8 p.m. | Colonial Life Arena, 801 Lincoln St., Columbia | $62-$253 | With a career spanning over 20 years, comedian Katt Williams has earned a worldwide reputation as one of today’s top entertainers.

Calendar events here

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Try This

Prisma Health’s AED and CPR training

Try This: Prisma Health’s AED and CPR training

Presented by a COLAtoday Partner

City Editor David learns how to use an AED machine and hands on CPR at Prisma’s heart hospital. | Photo by COLAtoday

“Ah, ha, ha, ha, stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive” — That’s what I was singing after I left Prisma Health Heart Hospital after a recent education for Hands-Only CPR and how to use an AED (read: automated external defibrillator).

City Editor David here. At 104 beats per minute, “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees is the pace you push when using Hands-Only CPR. The education left me feeling empowered by the knowledge and like I was ready to help save a life.

Heart disease doesn’t discriminate, affecting men and women across the country, but especially here in South Carolina. It’s a sobering thought — one that makes learning CPR and AED use not just useful, but essential.

What we tried:

Dawn Kimura, RN, guided me through our session and debunked the myth that heart attack symptoms are always like what we see on TV. It’s not just about dramatic chest clutching — symptoms can range from shortness of breath and unexpected fatigue to a persistent backache.

Do you know what to do in the case of a heart emergency?

Here's what we learned

News Notes

Coming Soon

The Hollow — a unique wild game restaurant in the Vista — is opening Monday, March 4. The interior features forest-inspired decor and a menu of Southern classics with a twist, like sweet-tea brined fried pheasant, created by Executive Chef Danté Serra. Take a peek inside, thanks to Free Time’s Hannah Wade.

Community

Columbia is closer to creating a “railroad quiet zone” with safety upgrades planned for 14 crossings from Gadsden Street to Beltline Blvd. With final approval expected, safety measures will be created to allow trains to go through town without blowing their horns. (The State)

Eat

929 Kitchen, a Korean restaurant in the Vista, reopened after closing last year for interior renovations. Take a look at the new interior + plan your night out.

Edu

For the fourth consecutive year, USC’s College of Nursing program topped U.S. News & World Report’s online master’s in nursing program rankings. The College of Nursing has placed in the top 10 of the rankings for the past 10 years.

Concert

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Steel Hands Brewing with the Sham Rock Jam, happening on Sunday, March 17. Featuring performances by Adam Knight’s Buried Alive, Electric Sparrows, and Sean Mills, the day of music starts at 1 p.m. with free admission, suitable for all ages.

Sports

Transfer quarterback Robby Ashford is an intriguing newcomer. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Gamecocks with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.

Health

Ever had a cough that just won’t quit? You got over every other symptom of that cold weeks ago, but the cough just keeps sticking around. Here’s what might be causing your lingering cough and how to get relief.*

Finance

AllSouth is introducing a new Premium Checking account in March where you can earn up to 4.00% APY* so you can get rewarded for your everyday banking (APY = Annual Percentage Yield). Learn more.*

Real Estate

Enjoy upscale living, where modern elegance meets everyday functionality, at The Cottages at Devine District. These 3 BD, 2.5 BA meticulously designed townhomes for rent are nestled in the historic Shandon neighborhood. Residents enjoy a pedestrian-friendly lifestyle, and easy access to Columbia’s finest boutiques + eateries. Take a photo tour.*

Drink

The lime-light of the party

Five margaritas to try in the Soda City

Photo by @cantina76

National Margarita Day is on Thursday, Feb. 22, and we rounded up five places where you can celebrate.

Cantina 76, multiple locations | What to order: Strawberry Basil, made with lime juice and triple sec, served chilled with muddled strawberries and basil
COA Agaveria, 823A Lady St. | What to order: Margarita Fresca made withLuna Azul Blanco, citrus, your choice of pomegranate, hibiscus, cucumber, mint, strawberry, or mango
Coco’s and Beer, 4407 Fort Jackson Blvd. | What to order: The Tamarindo Margarita with a Tajín rimmed glass.
Publico, multiple locations | What to order: Jalapeno Margarita, made with jalapeno-infused gold tequila, house made-margarita mix, ginger chile salt.
Tio’s, 921 Sumter St. | What to order: House Margarita (choice of flavors, but we recommend the strawberry.)

The Buy

The Buy 2.21.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

A comfy fit to curl up in while it’s still sweatshirt and hoodie season. We love: this pink + lime crop by East of These and this Blue Ridge Parkway sweatshirt from Burlaep.

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The Wrap

David Stringer wearing a dark button-down shirt

Today’s edition by:
David

From the editor

Panera Bread unveiled its first Next-Generation store in Columbia at 277 Harbison Blvd., featuring advanced digital capabilities and a drive-thru for added convenience. Open now, the new location, formerly at 1007 Bower Pkwy., is built for a quick takeout experience.

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