Collections Jul/Aug 2010 Volume 84

from the executive DIRECTOR Visit columbiamuseum.org Karen Brosius Major Exhibitions Imperial Splendor: Renaissance Tapestries from Vienna May 21 – September 19, 2010 Innovation and Change: Great Ceramics from the Ceramics Research Center May 28 – September 5, 2010 Gallery Installations Columbia Green: Year of the Tree Wachovia Education Gallery May 19 – September 12, 2010 SC6: Six South Carolina Innovators in Clay Mamie and William Andrew Treadway, Jr. Gallery 15 June 16 – September 19, 2010 Upcoming Major Exhibitions I Heard A Voice: The Art of Lesley Dill October 1, 2010 – January 23, 2011 Corolla 2005/2008 rubber, fabric, thread, wire 31 x 25 1/2 in. Who Shot Rock and Roll: A Photographic History February 25 – May 25, 2011 Henry Diltz Tina Turner, taken 1985, printed June 2009 digital print from 35 mm transparency 24 x 20 in. Henry Diltz/Morrison Hotel Gallery © Henry Diltz Cover Image: Imperial Splendor: Renaissance Tapestries from Vienna The Birth of Romulus and Remus, detail, Brussels, Workshop of Frans Geubels, c. 1560, wool, silk, silver, and gold, Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna Currently on view at the Museum are two very distinctive exhibitions highlighting exceedingly skilled art forms: tapestries and ceramics. They reveal exquisite craftsmanship from time periods years apart and places miles apart. The 16th century is alive with the hand mastery of some of the greatest weavers of our time who used an abundance of gold, silk and silver threads to tell the legend of the founding of Rome; the 20th century is brimming with the talents of master ceramicists from throughout America as well as leading artists from Asia and Europe who influenced the Americans. These two exhibitions point to an unique element that makes the Columbia Museum of Art stand out from all other museums in the state – the diversity and range of art we collect and showcase. As the most comprehensive international art museum in South Carolina, we house an important selection of fine and decorative art from around the world and bring exceptional exhibitions to the state. The Museum’s collection, traveling exhibitions, and educational programming focus on the rich and diverse arts from around the world that strengthen the bridge to other countries and cultures for the people of South Carolina and its visitors. From emerging to well known artists, from intimate to large scale shows, and from centuries old and new, exhibitions at the Museum highlight many different art forms. Two exhibitions that stand out in particular are Turner to Cézanne, a hugely popular exhibition of French impressionism we showed in 2009 that had never been seen in the United States, and Carolina Collects, organized by our curatorial department in 2008 that focused on ‘hidden jewels’ from private collectors around the state. Both exhibitions brought much success, prestige and new audiences to the Museum. In addition, our international focus on collecting and exhibitions has come to the fore. Our schedule reflects African, African-American, European and American culture and heritage, Chinese sculpture and Egyptian history, and more. Paintings, photography, glasswork, sculptures, furniture, textiles, accessories, jewelry and rare objects tell intriguing stories and reflect ways of life around the world. Defining movements of art such as Modern and Contemporary, Minimalist and Conceptual, Impressionist and Post-Impressionist, Abstract and Expressionist, and Realism were represented. Many of these themes are reflected in the Museum’s collection. In fact, newly designed galleries are dedicated solely to our growing collection of Asian and American art. The collection houses many artists featured in these exhibitions, as we continually strive to expand our knowledge and expertise of art and artists around the world. Our collection and marvelous assortment of exhibitions would not be possible without the dedication of the Museum’s Board of Trustees and the Commission. The Board and Commission members – 29 strong – go above and beyond every day in their abiding commitment to the Museum. I would especially like to thank Ron Rogers for his dedication as board president over the past three years, which is a year more than the usual two. He has provided constant and caring leadership to the Museum, and we have flourished under his guidance. He and his wife Hannah have been passionately involved in every facet of the Museum, and we thank them for their generosity, loyalty and great humor. I welcome Duncan McIntosh as our new board president, who has served as Vice Chair of the board of trustees and is ready to help the Museum reach its next level of promise. Many thanks go to all of our board members for their belief and vision in the Museum, its members, visitors and staff and the Columbia region. They are making a meaningful difference in the cultural life of Columbia and South Carolina.

Collections Jul/Aug 2010 Volume 84 | Page 2