August 2025 Events

I Am Still Here — An Exhibition by Nina Rastgar

Nina Rastgar, the 2025 University of South Carolina Post-MFA Resident Artist at Stormwater Studios, presents their solo exhibition, I Am Still Here, on view until Friday, August 15, at Stormwater Studios.

Through materiality, Rastgar translates thoughts and tensions into visible form. Her choice of materials carries social, cultural, and political weight—speaking not only to what is seen, but to lived experiences that hold both personal and collective meaning.

This body of work begins with a simple yet profound question: What kind of environment am I living in? From that inquiry, Rastgar explores forms and materials that align with her values and actions. She is drawn to those that help shape a language of poetic resistance—forms that reside in the space between care and action, between memory and the urgency of the present.

Having moved through the world as an outsider, Rastgar has come to understand how systems define which lives are valued and which remain unseen or ungrievable. This awareness drives her interest in exploring the connections between objects, the body, and the structural violence enacted upon individuals.

In I Am Still Here, Rastgar emphasizes the interconnectedness of militarism, ideology, and patriarchy. The concept of “perpetuated ground”—how built environments, notions of humanity, and cultural assumptions are inscribed onto bodies and landscapes—emerged from the form of a droplet. A symbol that is at once soft and nurturing, yet capable of piercing the earth like a missile.

Stormwater Studios is located at 413 Pendleton Street in Columbia’s Congaree Vista District. Gallery hours are Wednesday–Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Congaree Vista District. Our gallery hours are Wednesday through Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Draw, Paint, and Connect with the About Face Group at Stormwater Studios – Monday, August 18!

Mark your calendar for an evening of artistic exploration with the About Face Drawing Group on Monday, August 18, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Stormwater Studios.

This dynamic session will feature two live models, one for figure drawing and one for portrait work, offering a unique opportunity to sharpen your skills in a welcoming, creative atmosphere. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or picking up a pencil for the first time, this session is open to all experience levels.

Bring your favorite materials—sketchpad, paints, brushes, or even your easel—and get ready to dive into a night of creativity and community. Admission is just $15, and first-timers attend free!

Want to stay in the loop? Reach out to Jordan Johnson at [email protected] or follow the group on Instagram: @about_face_drawinggroup.

Join this group for an inspiring night of drawing, painting, and artistic connection.

Building Bridges Through Art: Exhibition with Planned Parenthood

Step into a space where art inspires connection, conversation, and community. Building Bridges is a vibrant, community-centered exhibition series at Stormwater Studios that brings people together through the transformative power of creative expression.

This special installment, presented in collaboration with Planned Parenthood, celebrates identity, challenges barriers, and encourages thoughtful dialogue around justice, equity, and reproductive rights.

Rooted in the belief that art and advocacy go hand in hand, this exhibition invites visitors into a welcoming and supportive environment—one where everyone is encouraged to engage, learn, and connect. Attendees can explore community resources, discover opportunities for collaboration, and take part in conversations that spark meaningful change.

Planned Parenthood is a non-profit organization committed to providing comprehensive sexual and reproductive healthcare, including birth control, STI testing and treatment, cancer screenings, and abortion services. As a national leader in sex education, it also advocates for reproductive rights and equitable access to healthcare for all. Globally, it works with partners to expand access to reproductive health services and education.

The exhibition will be on view from Wednesday, August 20, through Friday, September 5, with an opening reception on Thursday, August 21, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

This special evening offers the chance to meet Vicki Ringer, Director of Public Affairs, and the exhibiting artists; connect with community members; and learn more about the impactful work of Planned Parenthood. From 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Ringer will share insights into the organization’s mission, the impact of their work, and how to get involved in the community.

Featured Artists:

• Raymond Burton
  
• Amy Chalmers
  
• Kalah Crawford
  
• Andre Griffin
  
• Mitra Kavandi
  
• Flavia Lovatelli
  
• Shabnam Miri
  
• Nina Rastgar
  
• Mina Rezghian
  
• Nora Williams
  
• Ellen Yaghjian
  
• Grace Yan
  

Join us as we celebrate creativity, build bridges across differences, and strengthen the fabric of our community through the power of art.