This upcoming weekend, April 7th and 8th, Columbia Open Studios will host its annual free driving tour. The event is self led and includes artist studios from the Columbia area, as well as Lexington and Richland counties. 70 artists will be participating this year in the art tour.
The event is a great opportunity to connect the local public with the city’s art scene, all while the tourists will be viewing their studios and interacting with the artists. For artists, it's a chance to increase their visibility and sell their artwork (all of which is for sale).
Open Studios is put on by the 701 Center for Contemporary Art [701 CCA]. The goal of the art center is to promote understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of contemporary art as well as the creative process and art and artists in the community.
The nonprofit runs its gallery & artist-in-residence program at 701 Whaley in Columbia, South Carolina. While the center is primarily focused on visual art, they also encourage the interaction of visual arts and other forms of art.
Columbia Open Studios is having a Preview Party Thursday, April 5 from 7 to 9 p.m. to kick off the event weekend. The artists will be there and available for guest to meet with. There will be light hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar. Tickets are $10 for 701 CCA members and $15 for non-members. While the preview party requires a purchased ticket, the tour itself is free and open to the public.
