FIRST THURSDAY (OCTOBER 2014)

What a really pleasant evening for the arts in downtown Columbia last night, temperate breezes under clear skies. Accompanied by my youngest, I wandered about Main Street in search of beauty and fun. Popped in to a poetry reading/musical performances ala Mind Gravy at Free Times. Chilled with two different djs at their respective posts. Enjoyed a little sorbet (although I thought the mango flavor a bit week, almost wondering if they hadn't scooped some sort of melon). Really liked the young rock band performing near COWBOY. Saw lots of friends and others I know, and that is always nice. My son looked up at me and asked, "You know all these people?" Had a lovely chat with one of the Flannigan twins, Pat. Got to meet Imp's brother (owned by Desirae). Several coworkers were in attendance. It seemed like there was a good crowd, and the restaurants seemed full for the most part, while many folks I talked to said they went to nearby places and walked over.

Gripes? Yeah, I got those too. I really did not like anything about the Tapps art show this night. I kept thinking. . ."Are they celebrating homeless eight-year-old artists this week?" Very underwhelmed was I. Even Chimo said he hated it. But hey, different tastes, right? I also was a little bummed by the close proximity of musical performers, their sounds bleeding into one another, in some cases becoming almost co0mpeting duets. I often had to maneuver so I could block out one group so I could concentrate on another. They really need to spread them out; I felt crowded. Maybe move the jewelry and other items venders to the middle of the street, or shut off the street and push people to walk more down the center of the street. And prettier lighting would be nice.

USC SHOW

Attended tonight First Thursday activities in downtown Columbia, especially the USC faculty show at Tapps. Some of the pieces were nice, especially the photography, but overall I was pretty disappointed in the work displayed. Nothing caught my attention and made me say "Wow." I was particularly bothered by most of the paintings, particularly a small grouping in which the canvasses were the size of stamps, held in frames the size of large postcards, which showed almost no effort or skill. As anyone who reads my stuff (two or so), you know I am not a fan of modernist art for the most part, unless it displays some level of obvious effort and skill. All I could think was "fraud." The ceramics for the most part were not that impressive either. I kind of liked the silvered overlay on carp, when you stepped back from it. The graphics guy had some cute zoo animals, that would appeal to kids. Still, it was nice to wander around and take in the sights. Didn't stay for any music.

SHORTENED FIRST THURSDAY

Unfortunately, because a history lecture started one hour after the beginning of the monthly First Thursday in downtown Columbia, I was able only to see the exhibit of art at Tapps. But it was well worth my time to drop in and see many examples of beautiful and hard work produced by South Carolina students (primarily from Richland and Lexington counties, but others were also represented). High and middle school students were featured, but some of it was produced all the way down to elementary level. The professionalism of some pieces was startling and encouraging. Some photography was especially good. It is great to see that art still thrives in the state's schools and that First Thursday provides another opportunity for these artists to showcase their talent. As an aside, the art produced by my sons over the last few years is every bit as good as most of what I saw tonight. Yeah, I am biased, but you should see what they have done: come to my office!

FIRST THURSDAY: JANUARY 2013

Approaching the downtown area usually dedicated to the monthly arts festival that is First Night in Columbia, all I saw was quiet and dampness, and worried that organizers had canceled the event. But lights were on at Tapps (the bedrock facility for the event) and inside dancers of the Columbia Classical Ballet were preparing to perform. And they delivered a nice program of short dances, featuring an interesting mix of traditional and modern, to the appreciative, cozy crowd. It was nice to see these young artists up close. I am sure women in the audience were especially delighted with the "Magic Mike" orientation of the Japanese male dancers. Sasha and Lauren were just about the only dancers I knew from the older company, and they performed well in the more traditional opening piece (featuring two pairs). Unfortunately, Zoltan was nowhere to be seen. One Japanese male dancer wearing a long skirt did a really interesting modern piece that was beautiful; he was followed by a peppy Japanese ballerina doing a quirky and delightful piece. The only drawback was the uncooperative cd player; you'd think they would have a better sound system there. But the dancers carried on nevertheless. I wish I knew this young company as well as I did their immediate predecessors, but I think they are a wonderful and beautiful company. The Korean (I think) ballerina who dances is striking and precise, but would love to see her smile a little more (that was one thing I loved about Akari dancing, she just seemed to enjoy every minute out there). I am glad the CCB got to showcase some of their talent and hope there is a good turnout for the upcoming LIFECHANCE (26 January). This event was like a small tasty appetizer, whetting our appetite for the coming attractions. It was also nice to chat with Radenko and Myra for a little bit. I would like to see more dance as part of future First Night events, maybe setting up a larger outside stage (perhaps right on the street) where less-constrained dances can be offered.

There wasn't too much new art, and fewer venues were showing off stuff, which was sad. I did like some photography on display. My friend Fred showed up. The crowds were sparse, especially in comparison to last month, but I hope that does not discourage the artists or sponsors. We need more events like this and we definitely need to support the arts.