We’ll be sending you our newsletter for the next five days, but if you’re not feeling it after that, we’ll call it quits — no action required. If you like what you see, click any link in this email, and each morning, we’ll keep sending the most relevant news, events, and updates from around Greenville. Our newsletters are completely free to receive and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Q+A: Inside the CMA’s newly reimagined collection galleries
Presented by Columbia Museum of Art
Behind the scenes at CMA — Senior Curator Michael Neumeister shares insights on the new gallery while standing by the scaled-down planning model. | Photo provided by the Columbia Museum of Art/Victor Johnson
The Columbia Museum of Art has reinstalled its collection galleries, blending beloved works with fresh acquisitions and bold curatorial choices. Senior Curator Michael Neumeister shares how the collection galleries are organized, what’s new, and what visitors can expect.
Tell us about this new installation and how the art is organized. How is it different from previous versions?
The new galleries are organized around American, Asian, European, and modern + contemporary art. Historical displays are occasionally interrupted with contemporary works to highlight dialogue across time.
Thematic galleries explore still life, landscape, and architecture, and three solo exhibitions feature South Carolina artists Jasper Johns, Richard Samuel Roberts, and Winston Wingo. About a third of works on view have never been exhibited or haven’t been shown in decades. The installation balances thematic, chronological, and dynamic approaches to feel fresh without losing sight of the museum’s history.
How many objects are in the CMA Collection vs. how many are on view? Was it difficult to choose what to display?
The museum has 7,000+ objects, with about 320 on view. Curators focused on the collection’s most significant works while seeking unexpected perspectives. Important gifts, like Renaissance and Baroque pieces from the Samuel H. Kress Foundation, are highlighted alongside works that offer new surprises.
In this new installation, are all works in the CMA Collection?
Several works are on loan from museums across the country, including modern and contemporary pieces from the National Academy of Design. Artists like Jaune Quick-to-See Smith, David Diao, and Richard Hunt appear in CMA galleries for the first time.
Tell us about an object in this installation that you are excited about and why.
Two recently conserved Sam Gilliam paintings, each nearly 10 feet tall, are shown side-by-side for the first time, creating a dramatic moment in the galleries.
Without giving too much away, are there any surprises in store for visitors who have seen your collection galleries previously?
The CMA’s first-ever Georgian England period room and the largest Asian art gallery yet offer fresh perspectives, new acquisitions, and dynamic arrangements.
What do you want people to take away from their gallery experience?
I hope visitors feel inspired and enriched, and that Columbia residents feel proud to host a world-class museum built by 75 years of community support.
Dynamic installations, rare loans, and never-before-seen works make the CMA’s galleries a chance to experience both its history and its next chapter.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire™ in Concert | 1 p.m. | Peace Center | $43+ | With the GSO performing Patrick Doyle’s thrilling score live, this one-of-a-kind cinematic experience will leave fans of all ages spellbound.*
As growth continues in Greenville, the Greenville-Pickens Area Transportation Study is launching its once-a-decade, 25-year transportation plan. Hotspots likely include Fork Shoals Road, Georgia Road, and corridors near Greer, Powdersville, and Roper Mountain Road, with public meetings planned later this year. (The Post and Courier Greenville)
Coming Soon
Two is better than one. Trendy drive-thru coffee spot Dutch Bros will open in Mauldin near the corner of Main Street and East Butler Road. It joins a location coming to North Pleasantburg Drive, which was announced in September. We’ll share an opening date as soon as we know.
Number
800+. That’s how many runners are expected to hit Main Street for the 47th annual Greenville Journal Run Downtown 5K road race on Saturday, Jan. 17. Lace up and sign up. (Greenville Journal)
Trending
Pinterest is predicting a pen pal renaissance in 2026. Online searches for cute stamps, letter inspo, and snail mail gift ideas have all seen a recent increase as folks look for new ways to create meaningful connections in an increasingly digitized world. Find some inspo of your own with these local stationery brands.
Gallery
GE Vernova Park is taking shape at BridgeWay Station with the installation of the scoreboard underway. Take a look at the latest photos of the Greenville Triumph and Greenville Liberty’s future home, with its first matches slated for this year.
Coming Soon
The Creperia’s second location will open on Highway 101 (near the Barnyard Flea Market) soon. We’re excited to hit the drive-thru, something its first location doesn’t have, for our crepes and lattes.
Wellness
Interested in a THC or CBD journey in 2026? Women-owned and operated brand TribeTokes is offering 15% off with code DRYJAN15, plus a free CBD/CBG tincture when you spend $40. Try pineapple THC gummies or mini THCA prerolls for some California sober fun during dry January.†*
Today’s POD is an exclusive sneak peek at the brand new Wine House, which is makin’ its way downtown with a new location coming this spring to the Daniel Building.
The wine bar and bottle shop will be the third for the local business, joining its spot on Haywood Road and its forthcoming Hartness location.
Click the GIF above to see the full video for a closer look at the new space, which we’ll all get to toast in just a few months.
In other wine bar news, Camino Wine Merchant is now also Camino Cafe, serving coffee and pastries Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. The shop will feature a rotation of roasters and teas from around the world, and I can’t wait to try.
}})
