Degenerate Art Project
July 9, 2025 - July 13, 2025
The Degenerate Arts Project is an endeavor of the Jasper Project to provide a concerted opportunity for Columbia’s artists to express their responses to our country’s
current socio-political situation. Taking place Wednesday, July 9 to Sunday, July 13 at Stormwater Studios in Columbia’s historic Congaree Vista, the project will feature an invitational exhibition of visual art throughout the week with one-off multidisciplinary arts events, such as Protest Poetry and Protest Music, scheduled on specific evenings.
The title of this project, Jasper’s Degenerate Arts Project is a contemporary and SC-localized reflection of the Nazi Party’s 1937 Entartete Kunst (Degenerate Art) exhibition in Munich at which more than 650 pieces of Modernist art were haphazardly displayed alongside graffiti and mocking text labels to denigrate and ridicule the art and artists that the Nazi party disapproved of, including the work of Picasso, Mondrian, Chagall, Kandinsky, Klee, Dix, and others.
The purpose of this project is threefold: To provide a platform for expression and/or protest via art for Midlands area artists; to bring our local arts community together both physically and in spirit during this challenging time to support and encourage one another; and, to preserve for posterity, via the Jasper Project website, Columbia, SC’s artistic interpretation and response to our country’s current socio-political situation.
Stormwater Studios gallery hours are 11 am to 3 pm from Wednesday to Sunday.
Participating Visual Artists
- Robert Ariail
- Eileen Blythe
- Pam Bowers
- Lauren Casassa
- Heidi Darr-Hope
- Corey Davis
- Laura Garner Hine
- Dominique Hodge
- Michael Krajewski
- Christopher Lane
- Susan Lenz
- Dre Lopez
- Cait Maloney
- Perry McLeod
- Jeffrey Miller
- Emily Moffitt
- Lindsay Radford
- Kirkland Smith
- Keith Tolen
- Marius Valdes
- Thomas Washington
- Olga Yukhno
Schedule of Events
Degenerate Art Exhibition: Opening Reception & Artist Talk
Wednesday, July 9, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Join us for the opening reception of the Jasper Project’s latest art exhibit featuring new works created by over 20 Midlands artists in response to today’s socio-political climate. Meet the artists, hear them speak about their work, and help us kick off an awesome week of events.
Protest Poetry Hosted by Evelyn Berry
Thursday, July 10, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Join Columbia-based poet Evelyn Berry for a night of protest poetry! Berry will host a group of poets as they share their original works, all centered around the ideas of protest and social justice.
Activism Resource Fair
Friday, July 11, 4:30 – 7:30 pm
Join us for a family-friendly afternoon of action and community! Connect with local organizations, pick up free educational materials, and get inspired. Write to your representatives and work alongside local artists at our postcard making station, hear from powerful speakers, and explore creative ways to get involved. Whether you’re a seasoned activist or just getting started, this event offers something for everyone.
Jasper Degenerate Art Project Closing Party
Saturday, July 12, 4:00 – 9:00 pm
A night of music, action and community! Checkout the exhibition, work alongside local artists at our postcard making station, join in on a drum circle, and enjoy live musical performances by Alyssa Stewart, Daniel Machado, and more.
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