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Arts
Columbia-born artist brings first Southeastern solo exhibition to CMA
Presented by Columbia Museum of Art
Rodney McMillian. Mississippi Appendectomy, 2020. Ink, acrylic, latex, and vinyl on paper mounted on canvas, 53 x 90 in. Hammer Museum, Los Angeles. Purchased with funds provided by Susan and Larry Marx. AH.2021.8.1. | Photo by Brica Wilcox
Columbia-born artist Rodney McMillian is taking the Southeast by storm with his first solo exhibition in the region, hosted by the Columbia Museum of Art. Known nationally and internationally, McMillian collaborates closely with the museum to present a show that debuts new work alongside signature pieces exploring the cultural, political, and physical landscapes of the Deep South.
Exploring the deep south
The exhibition spans multiple media, including painting, video, and works assembled from industrial materials and household discards. Much of McMillian’s work examines how Southern histories and landscapes resonate within our homes and bodies, particularly Black bodies, creating a provocative dialogue between environment, identity, and memory.
An immersive experience
Visitors can expect a deeply immersive experience, engaging both the senses and the intellect, as the show challenges viewers to consider the intersections of place, culture, and self.
This collaboration marks a major moment for Columbia’s art scene, providing audiences the chance to encounter an artist whose work shapes conversations on contemporary life and the South’s legacy.
Come experience this groundbreaking exhibition in person.
Rain Barrel & Compost Bin Sale | 8-10 a.m. | Hampton-Preston Mansion & Gardens | $75+ | For a limited time, snag a discounted 50-gallon Ivy Rain Barrel and/or 65-gallon compost bin — available for pre-order or at Historic Columbia’s Fall Plant Sale, while supplies last.*
Plus, there are multiple YMCA locations across Columbia for convenient access to camp programs. | Photo provided by YMCA of Columbia
Summer at the YMCA of Columbia means adventure, friendships, and nonstop fun. YMCA Summer Camps keep kids active, engaged, and making memories all season long.
Campers enjoy:
Sports and swimming
Creative arts and STEM activities
Outdoor exploration and field trips
Exciting weekly themes
With traditional, specialty, and teen leadership camps available, there’s something for every age and interest. Serving families across Lexington and Richland Counties, YMCA camps offer a safe, supportive place where kids build confidence and friendships.
Happy (belated) 240th birthday, Cola. On March 22, 1786, lawmakers chose Columbia as SC’s capital for its central location. It was just a small river outpost before becoming the capital city in 1805.
Sports
South Carolina baseball coach Paul Mainieri is stepping down after 80 games. Monte Lee has been named interim head coach as the program moves in a new direction.
Opening
Chopt Creative Salad Co. will open tomorrow, March 25 at Trenholm Plaza in Forest Acres, marking the chain’s first SC location. The fast-casual salad spot is taking over a former Chipotle space. (The Post and Courier)
Outdoors
Old Mill Rentals opened in Lexington, offering kayak rentals on the Old Mill Pond. The business, located on East Main Street, provides hourly rentals with equipment included and online booking options.
There’s still time to join Startup Sprint, set for Friday, March 27, 5:30-8 p.m., and Saturday, March 28, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Boyd Innovation Center. Participants team up to build and test startup ideas with mentor support.
Edu
An A.C. Flora High School senior has become the first Richland One student to earn an esports scholarship. Trey Jackson will play Rocket League at Lander University after competing on Flora’s championship-winning team. (WLTX)
Featured Deal
Spring cleaning, simplified.Ford & Sims Pressure Washing is offering 20% off when you bundle all three services — gutter cleaning and removal, lawn care, and driveway or walkway pressure washing. It’s an easy way to give your home’s exterior a fresh start for the season. Learn more.*
Real Estate
Big changes are coming to Hope Plaza in Lexington. A full renovation — new facade, modern lighting, updated signage, fresh landscaping, and a resurfaced parking lot — wraps this April. Suites from 1,000–2,400 sqft are available as new tenants get ready to open. Explore leasing opportunities.*
Category
Festivals
📘 Bookish fun
The entire main branch will be activated for the annual book festival. | Photo by Read Freely Fest
Book it to Richland Library this weekend to check outRead Freely Fest as it returns for year two.
The festival runs Friday, March 27 through Sunday, March 29, activating every corner of Richland Library Main — inside and out — with a full weekend of author talks, panels, live music, and a zine fair.
Overdue
Kickoff the weekend on Friday, March 27, at 7 p.m. with Overdue, an 18+ after-hours celebration with live music from Admiral Radio and 2 Slices.
Author talks
The schedule is packed with more than 20 sessions throughout the weekend, including headliners:
Kennedy Ryan — Saturday, 2:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m., outdoor main stage
A customizable body pillow for head-to-toe comfort. Seamlessly adjust the fill to your ideal level for plush, full-body support all night long. Plus, it’s machine washable + never loses its shape and softness after multiple washes.
From pool haul to pizza pies, Blue Pizza in Five Points is on the move. The pizza spot is moving even closer to campus on the short section of Devine Street off South Main Street. You won’t miss the new sign, it’s where the old Varsity Billiards was.
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