July Events

Stormwater Studios Closed July 2–6

Stormwater Studios will be closed to the public from Wednesday, July 2 through Sunday, July 6. We will resume normal gallery hours on Wednesday, July 9 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Draw, Paint, and Connect with the About Face Group at Stormwater Studios – Tuesday, July 7 & 21!

Mark your calendar for an evening of artistic exploration with the About Face Drawing Group on Tuesday, July 7 and 21, 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.

Jasper Project Presents: The Degenerate Arts Project 

The Jasper Project invites the Columbia community to The Degenerate Arts Project, a bold, multidisciplinary exhibition and event series taking place from Wednesday, July 9 through Sunday, July 13, 2025, at Stormwater Studios in Columbia’s historic Congaree Vista.

This weeklong initiative offers a platform for local artists to respond to the country’s current socio-political climate through powerful visual and performance art. The project features an invitational exhibition by over 20 Midlands visual artists, along with special nightly events including poetry, music, and community activism.

About the Project

The project title, The Degenerate Arts Project, is a deliberate and localized reflection on the infamous 1937 Entartete Kunst (Degenerate Art) exhibition staged by the Nazi regime in Munich, where works by artists such as Picasso, Chagall, Klee, and Kandinsky were mocked and condemned. The Jasper Project reclaims this narrative—providing space for resistance, expression, and unity in the face of contemporary challenges.

The purpose of The Degenerate Arts Project is threefold: to provide a platform for Midlands artists to protest and express themselves through art; to foster solidarity within Columbia’s arts community during turbulent times; and to preserve this moment of creative resistance for the historical record on the Jasper Project website.

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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

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Schedule of Events

Opening Reception & Artist Talk
Wednesday, July 9 | 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Kick off the week with an evening of powerful art and conversation. Meet the artists, explore the exhibition, and hear directly from creators about their work and inspirations.

Protest Poetry – Hosted by Evelyn Berry
Thursday, July 10 | 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Join Columbia poet Evelyn Berry and guest poets for an electrifying night of protest poetry, exploring themes of resistance, justice, and empowerment.

Activism Resource Fair
Friday, July 11 | 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Engage with local organizations, create activist art, and discover new ways to make a difference. Enjoy speakers, free materials, and family-friendly activities.

Closing Party: Music, Art & Action
Saturday, July 12 | 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Celebrate the spirit of resistance with live performances from Alyssa Stewart, Daniel Machado, and more. Explore the exhibition, take part in a drum circle, and collaborate on creative activism projects.

For updates and more information, visit the Jasper Project online or follow Stormwater Studios on social media.

Building Bridges Through Art Exhibition with the American Civil Liberties Union

Immerse yourself in the world of art and ideas at Stormwater Studios with Building Bridges, a community-centered series that highlights diversity, fosters understanding, and promotes unity. This initiative connects artists whose work or stories align with the mission of featured nonprofit organizations, inspiring meaningful connections and shared experiences.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is committed to fair housing and just evictions, with a focus on ensuring the right to legal representation for tenants, combating discriminatory housing practices, and addressing the long-term impact of evictions on vulnerable populations. Their work centers on protecting the rights of those disproportionately affected by housing instability, including domestic violence survivors and people of color. The ACLU challenges harmful policies—such as those that deny housing based on arrest or eviction records—and advocates for protections like the right to counsel in eviction cases. They also highlight racial disparities in eviction rates and support eviction-sealing laws to help reduce systemic barriers to stable housing.

This exhibition highlights the work of the ACLU, featuring artwork by Jody Concah, Marlanda Dekine, Danielle Jackson, Flavia Lovatelli, Carolina Mascarin, and Keith Tolen. The exhibition will be on view from Wednesday, July 16, through Sunday, July 27, at Stormwater Studios Gallery. Visit during gallery hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Join us for the opening reception on Thursday, July 17, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Art is the bridge that has the power to unite us all. Be part of this inspiring journey. Together, let’s build connections, foster support, and strengthen the fabric of our local community. Through the power of art and purpose, we can create a space where creativity and action come together to make a meaningful difference.