April 2025 Events

Rites of Spring: Stormwater Studios Resident Artist Exhibition

Stormwater Studios is excited to present Rites of Spring, the annual Resident Artist Exhibition, running from Wednesday, April 2 to Sunday, April 13, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

As winter’s cocoon unravels, spring bursts forth with a vibrant energy that awakens all our senses. The dazzling colors and fresh growth of this season breathe new life into our surroundings, offering visions of hope, renewal, and boundless creativity. Spring’s arrival stirs the soul, filling us with joy, vitality, and a touch of playful mischief.

The resident artists of Stormwater Studios invite you to celebrate this season of renewal through Rites of Spring, an exhibition exploring what it means to feel truly alive within the world around us. From paintings and drawings to sculptures and mixed media, their work captures the magic of daydreaming, the thrill of wandering, and the promise of new beginnings. Step into a world where creativity flourishes and inspiration blooms.

Join us for the opening reception on Friday, April 11, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., as part of the Artista Vista Art Gallery Crawl. This event is free and open to the public.

Our gallery is open from Wednesdays to Sundays from 11 am to 3 pm. Stop by Stormwater Studios located at 413 Pendleton Street, Columbia, SC. Make sure to visit our neighbors, Lewis & Clark and One Eared Cow Glass, will also be open during the opening reception. 

Acts of Attention Exhibition

“Acts of Attention” will be on view in the SVAD Studio at Stormwater Studios from Thursday, April 3 to Sunday, April 13, with an opening reception on Thursday, April 3 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

This exhibition brings together photographic works and writings from eight photographers, eight poets, and their instructors, all currently engaged in the Photopoetics course, co-taught by Ed Madden (English) and Kathleen Robbins (Art). The course explores the dynamic relationship between poetry and photography, encouraging writers and photographers to work alongside one another, exchange creative insights, and discover new ways of seeing and interpreting the world.

While poetry and photography are distinct forms, poets and photographers share the ability to capture moments, evoke emotions, and shape perception. The exhibition showcases the culmination of this interdisciplinary collaboration, featuring poetry and photography created throughout the semester. The reception will also include PechaKucha performances—a dynamic storytelling format that highlights the creative dialogue between words and images.

Gallery Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 11 AM – 3 PM

Featured Artists & Writers:

Alexander Arquette, Gracie Belk, Amy Chalmers, Josh Kendrick, Katy McCormack, Nneoma Ohale, Ciara Orness, Ricardo Rodriguez, Audrey Savage, Fiona Schrier, Sarah Stoddart, Ceara Tellez, Daniel Wartham, Lauren Wickham, Nora Williams, Madison Yoest, Ed Madden, and Kathleen Robbins.

Columbia Open Studios at Stormwater Studios

Stop by Stormwater Studios during Columbia Open Studios on Saturday, April 5, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, April 6, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Columbia Open Studios is a self-guided, weekend-long, free tour of artists’ studios throughout the Greater Columbia, South Carolina area, including all of Richland and Lexington Counties. This event offers a unique opportunity to explore the workspaces of local artists, learn about their materials and technique, and discover the inspiration behind their pieces.

The following Stormwater Studios Resident Artists will be participating:

• Heidi Darr-Hope
• Michel McNinch
• Pat Gilmartin
• Quincy Pugh
• Stephen Chesley

For more information about this event, please visit Columbia Open Studios. https://www.columbiaopenstudios.org/ 

Stormwater Studios is located at 413 Pendleton Street in Columbia’s Congaree Vista District, near artisan businesses like One Eared Cow Glass and Lewis + Clark Studios.

Native Plants for Pollinators Series – Creating a Pollinator Garden

Join us for the Native Plants for Pollinators Series at Stormwater Studios on Sunday, April 6, from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. for Creating a Pollinator Garden, led by Master Gardeners Linda Doggette Suber and Meghan Ellis, alongside Stormwater’s own Gardener and Master Naturalist Karen Murphy. 

Discover how to create your very own pollinator garden with expert guidance as this workshop takes you through every step, including choosing the perfect site, planning and designing your garden, preparing the soil, selecting and planting native plants, and mastering watering and ongoing maintenance.

Experience Stormwater’s extensive pollinator garden during an exclusive tour and gain inspiration from seasoned local gardeners. Learn not only how to start your garden but also how to connect with a nationwide community dedicated to supporting wildlife habitats.

As we watch the decline of butterflies, birds, and bees, this workshop is a chance to make a difference. Discover how your garden can provide the nectar, pollen, and shelter these essential creatures need to thrive.

Stormwater Studios, located at 413 Pendleton Street in Columbia’s Congaree Vista District, invites you to explore the natural beauty of its garden and discover how to support pollinators in your own space. Nestled behind One Eared Cow Glass and Lewis & Clark Studios, this serene venue offers a perfect setting to connect with nature.

This free event is open to all, with donations gratefully accepted to support the native plant garden. Proudly sponsored by the Richland County Conservation Commission (RCCC).

Unleash Your Creativity with About Face Group – Monday, April 7 & 21!

Join the About Face Group on Monday, April 7 and 21, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Stormwater Studios for an inspiring evening of life drawing and painting. The session features two live models—one figure model and one portrait model—giving you the perfect opportunity to elevate your artistic skills in a supportive, creative environment. Whether you’re an experienced artist or just starting out, this session is ideal for all skill levels.

Bring your sketch pad, drawing or painting supplies, and even your own easel if you prefer. Participation is only $10, and first-time attendees can join for free! To stay updated on future sessions, email Jordan Johnson at [email protected] or follow the group on Instagram at @about_face_drawinggroup.

Stormwater Studios, located at 413 Pendleton Street, Columbia, SC 29201, in the heart of the Congaree Vista District, offers the perfect setting to fuel your creativity. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to create and connect!

Join Stormwater Studios for an Evening of Art at the 33rd Annual Artista Vista Art Gallery Crawl!

Celebrate the opening reception of Rites of Spring, our annual Resident Artist Exhibition, on Friday, April 11, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., during the 33rd Annual Artista Vista Art Gallery Crawl in the Congaree Vista District of Columbia, SC—an official South Carolina Cultural District.

Our resident artists invite you to experience Rites of Spring, an exhibition that embraces the spirit of renewal and the beauty of transformation. Through paintings, drawings, sculptures, and mixed media, their work captures the magic of daydreaming, the thrill of wandering, and the promise of new beginnings. Step into a world where creativity flourishes and inspiration blooms.

Artista Vista begins Friday night with the Gallery Crawl throughout The Vista District from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Stroll through our neighborhood’s distinctive galleries and artists’ studios, including Coal Powered Filmworks, One Eared Cow Glass, Mike Brown Contemporary, SoulHAUS, PhotoSC, Lewis & Clark, Stormwater Studios, and City Art.

From 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., visit Artista Vista’s Juried Exhibition – Rooted at Richland Library Main. Curated by Artista Vista committee member and Richland Library Artist-in-Residence, Brittany Watkins, this inaugural juried exhibition showcases work from over 40 talented artists from across the Midlands. Witness the unveiling of the exhibition winner, who will receive a special cash prize!

Make a night of it! Begin your evening at Stormwater Studios at 413 Pendleton Street. Don’t forget to check out our neighbors, Lewis & Clark and One Eared Cow Glass, who will also be open during the reception.

This event is free and open to the public. All are welcome to join us for a wonderful evening of art. We can’t wait to see you there!

Fluttering Colors: Butterfly Release and Art Day Celebration at Stormwater Studios

Stormwater Studios is thrilled to announce a captivating celebration of art and nature in honor of Art Day on April 12, 2025. This vibrant event invites visitors to enjoy a Pollinator Garden Tour at 10:00 a.m., a Butterfly Release overlooking the picturesque Kinsler Creek at 11:30 a.m., and a Cyanotype Sun Prints demonstration at 1:30 pm. Guests are encouraged to join us from 10:00 am to 3:00 p.m. for a day brimming with creativity, beauty, and environmental appreciation.

The Butterfly Release event is free of charge, and attendees are welcome to bring their families, friends, and cameras to capture these magical moments.

Nestled within the tranquil surroundings of Stormwater Studios, the Butterfly Release offers a mesmerizing experience for all ages. Against a backdrop of vibrant artwork and the gentle sounds of Kinsler Creek, visitors will witness the graceful release of butterflies into their natural habitat at 11:30 am—a symbolic celebration of the harmony between art, nature, and community.

“The Butterfly Release embodies our commitment to fostering connections between art and the environment, offering visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the beauty of both,” says Michel McNinch, artist at Stormwater Studios.

Throughout the day, guests can explore the dynamic artistic offerings of Stormwater Studios, including open studio visits, interactive demonstrations, and exhibitions by local and regional artists. From paintings to sculptures, the studio’s vibrant atmosphere promises to inspire creativity and spark the imagination.

Join us at Stormwater Studios on April 12, 2025, as we celebrate Art Day and release the butterflies into their new home along Kinsler Creek. Let’s embrace the beauty of nature, the power of art, and the spirit of community together. Stormwater Studios is located at 413 Pendleton Street, Columbia, SC. Nearby studios, Lewis & Clark and One Eared Cow Glass, will also be open during the event. For more information, please visit www.stormwaterstudios.org.

This event is sponsored in part by the Vista Guild and The Richland County Conservation Commission, and Stormwater Studios is sincerely grateful for their support.

Unspoken: A USC Photography Exhibition

The University of South Carolina’s School of Visual Art and Design – Photography Department proudly presents Unspoken, a captivating photography exhibition exploring the power of imagery to convey stories words cannot express. The exhibition will be on display at Stormwater Studios from Tuesday, April 15, through Sunday, April 20, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with an opening reception on Thursday, April 17, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Unspoken features an extraordinary collection of works by talented photographers and mixed media artists, each delving into themes that transcend verbal communication. Through a diverse array of styles and subjects, the exhibition invites viewers to reflect on the countless ways visual storytelling captures emotions, ideas, and experiences that often remain unspoken.

Featured Artists:
Reece Bell, Sydney Brandenberg, Eunica Custis, Anna Easley, Gabe Frasier, Mary Jo Gebrosky, Keven Guerra-Martinez, Josh Kendrick, Sydney Oates, Ricardo Rodriguez, Sydney Sommers, Nora Williams, and Grace Van.

Join us at the Opening Reception on Thursday, April 17, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., to celebrate these talented artists and their compelling work.

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the unspoken stories waiting to be discovered! Visit Stormwater Studios at 413 Pendleton Street, Columbia, SC.

Native Plants for Pollinators Series: Birding at Stormwater

Join us for a morning of bird watching in Stormwater Studios’ lush pollinator gardens and nature trail, led by members of the Columbia Audubon Society on Sunday, April 26, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. These vibrant gardens provide vital food and shelter to birds, creating a thriving habitat for wildlife.

After the birding walk, enjoy light refreshments in the gallery and share your sightings with fellow nature enthusiasts.

The Columbia Audubon Society is dedicated to preserving biodiversity through education, environmental study, and habitat restoration. Don’t miss this inspiring opportunity to connect with nature and support its conservation!

Stormwater Studios, located at 413 Pendleton Street in Columbia’s Congaree Vista District, invites you to explore the natural beauty of its garden and learn how to support pollinators in your own space. Nestled behind One Eared Cow Glass and Lewis & Clark Studios, this serene venue offers the perfect setting to connect with nature.

This free event is open to all, with donations gratefully accepted to support the native plant garden. Proudly sponsored by the Richland County Conservation Commission (RCCC).