The Youth Art Month show was held at the Governor's School of the Arts and Humanities in March with 34 participating teachers and 96 student artworks.  David Gerhard, Visual Arts Department chair of the SC Governor's School, served as judge. Winning entries in each grade level category advanced to the state YAM show in Columbia.  Western Region had two winners. First Place Middle School went to Anna Chen of Southwood Academy of the Arts, Joshua Powell, art teacher. Second Place High School went to Sara Ciplickas from Wren High School, Hayden Oliver, art teacher.

The 2020 YAM Western Region art show will also be hosted at the SC Governor's School.  The date will be determined at a later time.

A Western Region Committee was formed with Jennifer Neubaeur, Wendy Jackson, and Carlon Steller serving.  These committee members will be helping with the 2019 state conference in Greenville. A show of local student art is being planned for the conference along with small student-made artworks for the SWAG bags.

Important Information from Secretary Elise Stuck

Make Plans NOW to See Vincent Van Gogh

Vincent Van Gogh is coming to the Columbia Museum of Art October 4, 2019 through January 12, 2020.

Van Gogh and His Inspirations is an original exhibition organized by the CMA that brings the work of one of the most beloved artists in the world to Columbia, South Carolina. The exhibit includes a variety of handpicked paintings and drawings that shaped his vision. From 2001 to 2010, as Steven Naifeh and Greg Smith researched their New York Times bestseller Van Gogh: The Life, they built a collection of over 30 works by artists who influenced Van Gogh's aesthetic thinking. These works join loans from 12 museums across the U.S. to explore the artistic evolution of Van Gogh through the lens of the artists who inspired him.

This exhibition also brings 12 paintings and drawings by Van Gogh, including an outstanding painting of poppy fields from the National Gallery of Art, a sensitive painting of a peasant weaving from The Boston Museum of Fine Art, and the world-famous self-portrait from the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art. Side-by-side with their inspirations, these works offer visitors a window into the mind of Van Gogh. 

Your visit begins by going to https://www.columbiamuseum.org/learn/educators to arrange your field experience with our experienced Education and Engagement staff. Be sure to register to attend CMA's Evening for Educators on Wednesday, October 2, from 4:30-6:30 PM. Educators from across the state are invited to join the CMA for an evening of art, wine, and nibbles as they enjoy a sneak peek of our exhibitions. Chief Curator Will South will be on hand to contextualize Van Gogh and his place in history before previewing  Van Gogh and His Inspirations. Educators are invited to explore the exhibition galleries and learn about new tour scripts and try out lesson plan materials focusing on the latest exhibition and galleries. Attendees will receive documentation for professional development renewal credit.  The event is Free. Registration is required as space is limited.

Be sure to invite your administrators to attend School Administrators' Preview Night on Wednesday, September 18, 2019, from 5:30 pm-7:00 pm. School administrators (principals and above) from across the state are invited to join the CMA for a free preview of our school tour program. Participants will enjoy refreshments before experiencing firsthand both a tour through the recently reorganized collection galleries and the corresponding studio program in our newly renovated studio spaces. Encourage your principals to see for themselves the impact that a visit to the art museum can have on your students. The event is free however registration is required as space is limited.See you at the museum!