This six-week class helps students experience will gain an understanding of the elements of design, learn to properly use brushes, develop a color palette and problem solve for composition. | Photo via City Art
Hobbies have no pressure attached to them — by definition, they’re purely for enjoyment and expression. You can’t always say the same about life, which is why having a creative outlet (dare we say escape) is so important.
With just a little time and effort, you can learn a new skill — or pick up where you left off on a past passion no matter how long it’s been. Though the list of hobbies you can pursue in Columbia is long, here are some ideas to get you started.
Painting
From City Art to the Columbia Museum of Art, there are plenty of opportunities to brush up on your artwork and add a splash of color to your palette. Learn acrylic painting with Alicia Leeke, explore plein air painting with Mark Conrardy at City Art, or discover gel printing with Cicely Hill at the CMA.
Birding
If you can’t get enough of the outdoors and love being more in-tune with the natural world, get an eye out for an opening at one of Historic Columbia’s birdwatching tours. The Columbia Audubon Society hosts regular walks + works to build a community that protects birds and their habitats.
Cooking
Sugar, butter, flour — find the ingredients for a lifetime of making yummy treats by taking a class with The Sweet Shop SC. Want something more savory? Keep an eye out for a Dorsia Pasta Class so you can make your noodles from scratch.
Pottery and ceramics
Get ready to fire up that kiln. The Art Center from Columbia Parks and Rec offers classes from throwing clay to advanced slab building with instructor Sylvia Potts. Educational experiences are also available at State of the Art and Half Moon Pottery, offering classes in painting ceramics and wheel classes for all ages.
Richland Cty Master Gardener Assoc Plant & Garden Treasure Sale Fundraiser | Friday, April 19 | 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. | Sandhill Farmers Market Site, 900 Clemson Rd., Columbia | Free | Participate in this annual community education fundraiser to support high school and college scholarships focused on agriculture and horticulture education.
Southern Discomfort Roller Derby Tournament | Friday, April 19-Sunday, April 21 | Columbia National Guard Armory, 1225 Bluff Rd., Columbia | $5 | Gear up for three days of hard hitting roller derby featuring Columbia Roller Derby teams taking on squads from across the country.
Trailblazing Women of Country: A Tribute to Patsy, Loretta, and Dolly | Friday, April 19 | 7:30 p.m. | Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College, 7300 College St., Irmo | $35-$40 | With their unprecedented success Patsy, Loretta, and Dolly wove threads of contemporary womanhood throughout the tapestry of country music.
Saturday, April 20
John Mellencamp: Live and In Person | Saturday, April 20 | 8 p.m. | The Township Auditorium, 1703 Taylor St., Columbia | $47-$147 | Come hear that ditty about Jack and Diane, along with a few more.
Artista Vista | Saturday, April 20-Sunday, April 21 | The Vista, 902 Gervais St. Ste. F, Columbia | Free | With five events over three days and plenty of public art, immerse yourself in a kaleidoscope of creativity while celebrating local talent.
Sunday, April 21
Free Sundays at the Robert Mills House | Presented by Richland County | Sunday, April 21 | 1-4 p.m. | Robert Mills House, 1616 Blanding St., Columbia | Free | The third Sunday of the month, residents of Richland and Lexington counties are invited to tour of one of Historic Columbia’s house museums for free.
This year’s Spoleto Festival has a stacked lineup, including Jason Isbell (above), Yo-Yo Ma, Old Crow Medicine Show, and more. | Photo provided by Spoleto Festival USA
Picture this: 100+ live performances over 17 days spanning dance, theatre, opera, classical music, jazz, and concerts, all taking place in atmospheric and historic venues in beautiful downtown Charleston.
A life-changing experience for every arts-lover, this year’s Spoleto Festival USA will feature world-renowned talent from Yo-Yo Ma and LA Dance Project to Old Crow Medicine Show and Jason Isbell.
Mark your calendars —it’s all happening May 22-June 9.
The Lower Richland community celebrated the groundbreaking of the new Hopkins Park pool that’s been closed since May 2023. The beloved local pool, where generations have learned to swim, is slated to reopen this September. (WLTX)
Arts
The City of Columbia and OneColumbia are transforming a former police substation into art studios. The initiative aims to cultivate local talent and provide sustainable career opportunities for emerging artists. Applications will open soon. (The Post and Courier)
Concert
Steel Hands Brewing’s Nashville Nights concert series is back for a fourth year, bringing live performances from some of the Music City’s finest singer/songwriters. Hosted by Michael Haney, the performances will happen every Friday from June 7 through Aug. 16.
Sports
Dawn Staley and the Gamecocks received heartfelt congratulations from Beyoncé, complete with a letter, gifts, and a bouquet from a local flower shop. Staley shared her gratitude in a video, highlighting Bey’s support throughout their championship season.
Legacy
Woody “With the Goodies” Windham, a beloved figure in SC radio, has passed away at 83. For 61 years, his voice graced the airwaves playing shag dancing anthems + beach music. Windham’s legacy also includes raising over $1 million for charity through his broadcasts and community involvement. (The State)
Listen
Is Dawn Staley now on the Mt. Rushmore of women’s basketball? Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Gamecocks women’s basketball team with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Looking to eat plant-based? Purple Carrot delivers plant-based meals right to your door. This month’s chef-prepared meal kits are spring-themed, filled with seasonal ingredients, and 50% off.*
Considering hiring a financial advisor? Here’s what you need to know beforehand. | Photo provided by SmartAsset
A financial advisor could help you best determine if you’re on track to meet your long-term financial goals. This expert could help you establish a plan that factors your assets and taxes into your overall retirement and estate-planning goals.
How much money should you have before hiring a financial advisor? Find out the level of liquid assets at which an advisor’s benefits potentially outweigh the costs.
If your next hobby is picking up a musical instrument you should check out Freeway Music, Columbia Arts Academy, or Sims Music. I picked up playing the guitar in middle school and still love to unwind in the afternoons by fingerpicking some tunes.
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