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CMA posts education + engagement job opening

The Columbia Museum of Art is seeking an education and engagement coordinator to facilitate and support the daily operational, administrative, and programmatic functions of the Education & Engagement Department.

According to the job description, the person in the role serves that department in three primary areas:
  1. support for and work developing education programs and interpretation projects,
  2. general departmental administrative functions, and
  3. assistance with assigned EE program(s).
Major job areas include:
  • 75% Coordinate logistical and technical aspects of CMA’s tours, trainings, and education programs and assist with development of educational and interpretive initiatives, in concert with the Curator of Education
  • 15% Manage general departmental administrative functions
  • 10% Provide support for assigned Education & Engagement program(s)
This is a full-time, 40 hours per week, non-exempt position. Occasional evening and weekend hours required. A bachelor's degree or equivalent experience is required. For the full job description and other information about the role, please visit this link. (Ed. note: A deadline to apply was not provided.) Please email cover letter and resume to Jeanna Dixon-McCray, at JDixon-McCray@columbiamuseum.org with “Education & Engagement Coordinator Position” in the subject line.

Jason Rapp

Carolina Panthers, Lenovo donate to Columbia arts school

Surprise check arrives at Columbia Arts Academy

[caption id="attachment_47678" align="aligncenter" width="599"] Carolina Panther Captain Munnerlyn watches Columbia Arts Academy students jam during his visit to the school. ColaDaily.com image.[/caption]

Based in Charlotte (until a looming move of headquarters to York County), the Carolina Panthers take great efforts to ensure they represent both Carolinas.

This week they did so again to the benefit of Columbia Arts Academy, according to reporting by ColaDaily.com:

"The Carolina Panthers teamed up with Lenovo for the company's Empowering the Carolina's Program, where fans nominated their favorite small business for the chance to win a $100,000 advertising package with the Panthers during the NFL season. There were more than 300 nominations, and Columbia Arts Academy was the only business in the Midlands that was named a Top 10 finalist.

Former University of South Carolina football player and Carolina Panthers legend Captain Munnerlyn traveled to the academy to deliver the news with a check in hand for $5,000 and a free Lenovo laptop..."

The best part might be that it was a complete surprise to the school's director, Marty Fort. Read Karamie Hallman's story to find out more.

Jason Rapp

Chad Henderson heads to S.C. Philharmonic

Accepts marketing + comms director position

Chad Henderson, most recently the executive director at Trustus Theatre, is joining the South Carolina Philharmonic as its new director of marketing and communications, the orchestra announced today.

According to a news release, "Henderson’s passion for music, experience in promoting events in Columbia, and his desire to work for an established team of professionals makes him a winning fit" for his new position as he leaves one performing arts field for another in the same city. “I am a longtime fan of the South Carolina Philharmonic and its programming, and am thrilled to have the opportunity to join their team,” Henderson (right) said. “The leadership at the South Carolina Philharmonic has an amazing track record and tenure, and the board of directors has been exemplary in it support of the staff and moving the organization forward. I had the pleasure of talking with various members of the Philharmonic’s artistic family over the past few weeks, and I am so delighted to be able to work for this amazing arts organization.” A Spartanburg native, Henderson, came to Columbia in 2003 as a student of the South Carolina Honors College. He started his studies as an aspiring professional percussionist at the school of music but later transitioned his minor in advertising to a major with a new minor in theatre. Henderson served as Trustus' marketing director for eight years starting in 2007, was artistic director for 5 years, and the organization’s executive director throughout the past year—which included the theatre’s closure due to the pandemic and its return to live performance. He resigned from the theatre just more than a week ago on July 29. On Aug. 16 he will bring 14 years of experience promoting nonprofit arts programming in Columbia to the S.C. Philharmonic as it prepares to launch its 2021/2022 concert season with live and virtual performances. “I have known Chad since his early days at Trustus and have always admired his creative drive and commitment to the arts in Columbia. As colleagues we have often turned to each other for guidance, and I am delighted that we can now work together to advance the mission of the South Carolina Philharmonic," Executive Director Rhonda Hunsinger said.

Jason Rapp

Trustus Theatre conducting search for new executive director

Trustus Theatre is searching for a new executive director.

The executive director will serve as the chief operating officer responsible for managing the human and financial resources of Trustus Theatre according to the policies, strategic direction and mission formulated by the board of directors. He or she will provide direct oversight of all financial, operations, resource development and public relations objectives. The executive director will report to the Board of Directors through the Board President and will advise the Board on all matters that may be of benefit in achieving the theatre’s objectives.

The successful candidate will have a demonstrated ability to lead and manage the operations of a creative nonprofit organization that seeks to enrich the lives and deepen the experiences of artists and patrons.

The successful candidate will possess the following leadership competencies:
  • Demonstrated successful fundraising expertise. It is critical for the future of Trustus Theatre that funding be secure. The executive director must have the ability to establish and strengthen community relationships, cultivate new sources of revenue, lead fund solicitation to include grant and proposal writing, secure program and season sponsors, and assure donor stewardship. Grant management experience is also necessary.
  • Strong community engagement and collaboration skills. The executive director must be a good listener, strategist and collaborator. He or she will be able to engage with long standing stakeholders and also build relationships with a wider group to build strong connections that are mutually beneficial to Trustus Theatre and the community. Able to build strong community and civic leader relations to leverage good will and financial support. Relates well to people of diverse backgrounds and exhibits genuinely warm and approachable behavior.
  • Strategic thinker with visionary leadership. The executive director will be a strategic thinker, able to engage Trustus Theatre staff and board in a strategic, thoughtful process of growth. The executive director will inspire confidence and provide leadership and vision to ensure a promising future for Trustus Theatre. He or she will demonstrate honesty, sincerity and respect for individuals while modeling organizational values, inspiring trust in and from others.
  • Personnel and financial management. The executive director will be an experienced and effective manager of people. He or she will be able to build an effective staff team working together toward a common vision. The executive director will have the ability to engage, manage, motivate and unite staff around common goals and strategies, and to drive teamwork and results across functions and work groups. He or she will have strong financial acumen and demonstrate fiduciary responsibility, ensuring generally accepted accounting principles are continually adhered to and related to all budget and financial matters.
The successful candidate will have experience working in a leadership management role, with preference given to experience with a theatrical or other creative arts organization. Specific qualifications also include:
  • Proven business acumen, with a track record of effective management and budgeting.
  • Bachelor’s degree in a related and appropriate discipline and a minimum of five years’ experience, with at least three (3) in a leadership role.
  • Must be able to work a flexible schedule.
  • Must be proficient in Microsoft Office, QuickBooks, Google Suite and Slack.
Trustus Theatre is an equal opportunity employer. Interested applicants should submit their resume (cover letter optional) and salary requirements to the Search Committee by emailing trustus@trustus.org.
Trustus Theatre was opened in 1985 by Kay and Jim Thigpen. For 35 years Trustus Theatre has given talented and visionary theatre artists a home where they can be innovative and creative. It has also been home to adventurous theatre-goers who seek out contemporary stories and feel at home as members of a vibrant, cohesive community. Located in the Congaree Vista in Columbia, the theatre boasts two performing venues with the Thigpen Main Stage seating 132, and the Trustus Side Door Theatre seating 50. The underlying principle of Trustus has always been to bring the best of the newest and original plays to an audience craving professional theatre in a setting that is comfortable and unique. Success is measured by a commitment to collaboration and innovation, while impact is measured by the creation of a more diverse and vibrant Columbia.

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SC Philharmonic accepting applications for two openings

Marketing/Communications + Education/Community Engagement positions open

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Friday, August 20, 2021

The SC Philharmonic is accepting applications for two full-time positions on its administrative staff.

The Columbia-based orchestra has been recognized lately for its leadership in incorporating virtual presentations (see #9) to stay connected to audiences during the pandemic. Just after performing a sold-out concert on a baseball diamond this month, they renewed Music Director Morihiko Nakahara's contract through the 2024/2025 season. - Ed.
UPDATE: This position has been filled as of Aug. 9.
Marketing & Communications Director
The South Carolina Philharmonic seeks an experienced arts marketing and communications professional to continue the momentum achieved with recent advances in its communication strategies, with a goal to make symphonic music fresh and relevant to a broad, contemporary audience. The person who holds this post will work collaboratively with the music director and staff to advance the artistic vision of the organization.

Qualifications, Skills, and Attributes

  • 5+ years’ experience in marketing at another non-profit organization, preferably in the arts-and-culture sector, demonstrating proficiency and success in managing subscription and single-ticket campaigns and organizational communications
  • Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent
  • Excellent verbal presentation and written communication skills
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, and to respond thoughtfully, calmly and with excellent judgment to shifting priorities and urgent situations
  • Comfortable in a fast-paced, team-driven, results-oriented environment
  • Commitment to providing world-class, patron-centric customer service in all patron interactions
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, e-newsletter programs such as Mailchimp, and graphic design software such as InDesign and Illustrator
  • Respect for and ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information
  • Availability to work evenings and weekends as driven by events
  • Click here to apply: https://www.scphilharmonic.com/meet-our-family/employment-opportunities/
Education & Community Engagement Director
The South Carolina Philharmonic seeks an experienced arts and education professional to lead its work in education, community outreach and lifelong learning to ensure meaningful and effective engagement in Columbia and throughout the Midlands. The orchestra is dedicated to expanding its work in these areas as part of its strategic plan and looks to reach and inspire audiences of all ages, and through a greater level of equity, diversity and inclusion. The person who holds this post will work collaboratively with the music director and staff to ensure that education and engagement programs are following the artistic vision of the organization."

Qualifications, Skills, and Attributes

  • 5+ years’ experience in arts education teaching and/or administration
  • Strong knowledge of how to navigate the public school system
  • Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent
  • Excellent verbal presentation and written communication skills
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, and to respond thoughtfully, calmly and with excellent judgment to shifting priorities and urgent situations
  • Comfortable in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and comfort with database software
  • Respect for and ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information
  • Availability to work evenings and weekends as driven by events
  • Enthusiastic and Engaging personality with a knowledge and passion for music
  • Click here to apply: https://www.scphilharmonic.com/meet-our-family/employment-opportunities/

Both positions have an application deadline of Friday, August 20, 2021

Jason Rapp

S.C. Phil renews Morihiko Nakahara

Contract extension runs through 2025

[caption id="attachment_47491" align="aligncenter" width="600"]Nakahara, wearing a neon yellow Columbia Fireflies jersey, conducts the orchestra at the Fireflies' ballpark at dusk. Nakahara and South Carolina Philharmonic musicians perform to a sold-out concert at the Columbia Fireflies' Segra Park July 3, 2021. Provided photo.[/caption]

South Carolina Philharmonic Music Director Morihiko Nakahara has renewed his contract with the organization through the 2024/2025 season.

Nakahara joined the S.C. Philharmonic as conductor and music director in 2008. “I am thrilled to continue making music with our committed and talented musicians and sharing that music with listeners throughout the Midlands and beyond. The COVID-19 pandemic of the last 15 months cemented my belief that the [South Carolina] Philharmonic is a special organization. Our musicians, staff and board members have navigated these challenging times with innovation, determination and an open mind. Music connects us and brings us together, and I look forward to playing my part to connect our orchestra with more South Carolinians over the next few years,” Nakahara said. "We are so pleased and privileged to have Morihiko Nakahara continue as our Maestro for the South Carolina Philharmonic. His leadership is an unequivocal success,” said Concertmaster Mary Lee Taylor Kinosian. “His work, along that of our wonderful executive director, Rhonda Hunsinger, has put us into a whole new sphere of musical achievements." Immediate Past Board President Lynn Hodge praised Nakahara. “We are very excited to announce Morihiko Nakahara’s contract renewal. His charismatic personality, imaginative programming and dynamic performances have earned him widespread acclaim and a loyal following in the Midlands. The Philharmonic Board greatly values Nakahara’s artistic vision and commitment to ongoing excellence.  We look forward to his continued leadership in taking the Philharmonic to new heights,” Hodge said. A passionate baseball fan, he and the orchestra recently played to a sold-out crowd of around 5,000 at the Columbia Fireflies' Segra Park. The patriotic and Americana-themed concert was performed on the ballpark's infield and concluded with a large fireworks display set to music. Today's news coincides with the recent announcement of the orchestra’s 58th season to begin this fall. The opening Masterworks concert is Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021 at the Koger Center for the Arts.

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Office manager arts job open in Columbia

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Friday, July 31, 2021

One Columbia for Arts and Culture is hiring for the position of office manager.

  • Location: Columbia, SC
  • Employee Type: Full Time
  • Salary Range: $32,000-35,000 based upon experience

Position Scope and Objectives

One Columbia for Arts and Culture, a 501(c)3 organization that promotes collaboration and celebrates the arts and historic preservation community in Columbia, seeks an office manager for a paid, full-time position. The selected candidate will perform administrative duties including email messaging, social media, daily financial and organizational record keeping, event calendar moderation, project administration and volunteer coordination. Other duties may be required as assigned by the executive director. This is a moderately supervised position and supervisor will provide on-the-job training regarding specific duties.

Necessary Skills and Expertise

  • Bachelor’s degree, Associate’s degree and 2 years of experience, or a high school diploma and 4 years of experience
  • Strong administrative skills including typing, writing, and editing
  • Ability to effectively communicate with the general public and provide positive customer service
  • Excellent verbal presentation, written communication and organizational skills
  • Experience with Microsoft office, including Word and Excel required.
  • Email messaging, social media, HTML, Adobe Creative Suite and Quickbooks experience required
  • Experience in non-profit organizational operations preferred
  • Grant writing and grant administration experience is a plus
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and to thoughtfully respond to shifting priorities
  • Respect for and ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information
  • Availability to work some evenings and weekends
  • An understanding of and appreciation for art and history

Application process

Send cover letter and resume to jobs@onecolumbiasc.com by July 31, 2021. One Columbia for Arts and Culture does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, class, creed, physical or mental disability.

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UofSC Koger Center for the Arts accepting applications for stage manager

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Friday, July 16, 2021

The Koger Center for the Arts, a division of the University of South Carolina School of Music, is accepting applications for a full-time stage manager.

The stage manager is responsible for the successful production of all events held at the venue and for the staffing, training, and supervision of a P/T production crew. This staff member is also responsible for the general maintenance of the staging area, including but not limited to flooring, lighting, dashers and other items. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in related field and 3 years experience in radio or TV programming, production or engineering; or high school diploma and 7 years experience in radio or TV programming, production or engineering. Preferred Qualifications Assoc. or Bachelor’s degree in related field. Minimum 5 years experience in an entertainment venue setting to include staging, lighting, and sound production. Click here to learn more and apply.

About the Koger Center for the Arts

As the gateway to the Vista, Columbia’s vibrant hub of dining and entertainment, the Koger Center for the Arts has been a focal point of the cultural landscape since it first opened its doors in 1989. With remarkable acoustics, state-of-the art sound, lighting and live-streaming capability in the 2,256 seat Gonzales Hall, the Koger Center presents local performing arts groups, but also hosts large-scale shows, such as Broadway’s Wicked and well-known artists like Sarah Vaughn and James Taylor.

Jason Rapp

Announcing the FY22 SCAC Fellows

for immediate release

Four South Carolina artists exhibiting hard work and exceptional ability in visual art, craft, and media production and screenwriting are recipients of fiscal year 2022 South Carolina Arts Commission fellowships.

The South Carolina Arts Commission (SCAC) Board of Directors approved four $5,000 fellowships among several other FY22 grant awards to be announced on a later date. The SCAC’s four fellows are:
  • Kristi Ryba of Charleston County in visual art,
  • Clay Burnette of Richland County for craft,
  • Sherard “Shekeese” Duvall of Richland County for media production,
  • and Triza Cox of Florence County for media screenwriting.
Individual artists residing in South Carolina full-time were invited to apply last fall for a fellowship in any of the four categories represented in this cycle. Out-of-state panelists were recruited from each of those disciplines to review applications. Starting with this cycle and going forward, applications are no longer anonymous and awards no longer made solely on artistic merit. The panelists also considered achievements and commitment to the discipline in which artists apply, which can be more than one if separate applications are submitted. Panelists then recommend recipients of each $5,000 fellowship. “Fellowships recognize and reward the artistic achievements of exceptional South Carolina individual artists. Recognition from a fellowship lends artistic prestige and can often open doors to other resources and employment opportunities,” SCAC Executive Director David Platts said. “We will no doubt hear more from these amazing artists, and we congratulate them on this honor.”

About the FY22 Individual Artist Fellowship Recipients

Kristi Ryba | Visual Arts | Charleston County Winner of the 2020 South Arts State Fellowship for South Carolina and a 2018 ArtFields second place award, Ryba’s work has been touring the Southeast in painting and printmaking exhibitions since 1990.  A Magna cum laude graduate of the College of Charleston, Ryba also studied at Vermont Studio School and Studio Camnitzer in Valdotavvo, Lucca, Italy, and has her Master of Fine Arts from Union Institute and University, Vermont College. She has won various awards and scholarships. A founding organizer of Print Studio South, Inc., she served as its president and on its board and has taught locally in both adult and children's programs. Ryba was one of 10 artists featured in a 2002 Piccolo Spoleto exhibit and was invited to exhibit in Contemporary Charleston 2004 and in Helping Hands: an artist's debut among friends in 2005. Her work was featured in the 2018 Biennial in Columbia. Ryba also exhibited at Silo in New York City and her work was in the 2007 SOHO20 Chelsea show honoring The Feminist ART Project. Clay Burnette | Craft | Richland County Clay Burnette is a self-taught pine needle basketmaker who has been coiling longleaf pine needles with waxed linen thread since 1977. Burnette’s work is included in numerous public and private collections—including the State Art Collection—and has been included in more than 250 exhibition venues throughout the U.S. and abroad for 40-plus years. He has also been published in numerous international, national, and regional magazines, catalogs, and fine craft publications. Burnette has taught at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg, Tennessee since 2015. Images of his work are available at www.clayburnette.com. Sherard Duvall | Media: Production | Richland County Sherard “Shekeese” Duvall is a film and messaging professional from Columbia, S.C. He specializes in visual storytelling, film education, media strategy, diversity consulting and is an advocate of Hip-Hop culture. He’s produced commercial and documentary projects for VH1, Oxygen, and more. A 2021 Liberty Fellow, a 2016 Riley Fellow, a Leo Twiggs Arts Leadership Scholar and one of the founders of Columbia’s Hip-Hop Family Day: Love Peace & Hip-Hop. A 2001 University of South Carolina grad, Sherard is a product of Richland District One schools. Sherard is the Founder and Executive Producer at OTR Media Group, and the proud dad of his son, Cairo. Triza Cox | Media: Screenwriting | Florence County Triza Cox is a playwright, screenwriter, and theatre artist. She is currently the South Carolina Ambassador for the Dramatists Guild and is an associate member of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers. Her research and creative work center on playmaking using Jungian archetypes, motifs, and symbols of the collective unconscious. Triza holds an MFA in Theatre Performance from the University of Louisville and has trained with Dell’Arte International School of Physical Theatre and the Mandala Center for Change as a Theatre of the Oppressed Facilitator. Her original plays include A Last Supper; The Willing, which recently received a staged reading with Triad Stage in Greensboro, North Carolina; God in the Midst of it All; and Lil’ Bard which was a semi-finalist in NYU’s New Plays for Young Audience 2018 and premiered at Charlotte’s Children Theatre in a staged reading. Triza has received a Kentucky New Voices grant for her playwriting.
A diverse group of panelists reviewed applications from the discipline in which they work. The visual art and craft panelists were Kesha Bruce, a curator and artist programs manager for the Arizona Commission on the Arts; arts consultant and curator Mark Leach based in St. Louis; and Holly Blake, residency manager for Headlands Center for the Arts in Sausalito, California. Reviewing media production applications were panelists Eleanor Savage, activist and program director with the St. Paul, Minnesota-based Jerome Foundation; and Bill Gaskins, (re)director of the Maryland Institute College of Art’s photographic and electronic media graduate program. Writer and producer April Turner of Charlotte was the media screenwriting panelist.
Four fellowships per year are awarded to artists working in rotating disciplines. One artist from each of these fields: prose, poetry, and theatre acting and playwriting will be honored in fiscal year 2023. To be eligible, artists must be at least 18 years old and a legal U.S. resident with permanent residence in the state for two years prior to the application date and throughout the fellowship period. Applications will be accepted later this summer following announcement by the SCAC. For more on discipline rotation, eligibility requirements, and the application process, please visit https://www.southcarolinaarts.com/grant/fel/.
About the South Carolina Arts Commission The mission of the South Carolina Arts Commission (SCAC) is to promote equitable access to the arts and support the cultivation of creativity in South Carolina. We envision a South Carolina where the arts are valued and all people benefit from a variety of creative experiences. A state agency created by the South Carolina General Assembly in 1967, the SCAC works to increase public participation in the arts by providing grants, direct programs, staff assistance and partnerships in three key areas: arts education, community arts development, and artist development. Headquartered in Columbia, S.C., the SCAC is funded by the state of South Carolina, by the federal government through the National Endowment for the Arts, and other sources. Visit SouthCarolinaArts.com or call 803.734.8696, and follow @scartscomm on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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Columbia honors remarkable women with new statue

Unveiled today across from the State House

[caption id="attachment_47306" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Click image to enlarge.[/caption]

At a morning press conference at the northwest corner of Main and Gervais Streets today, Columbia thought leaders and Mayor Steve Benjamin spoke at the official “unveiling” of Architecture of Strength, a brand new monument celebrating the historical accomplishments of women in Columbia.

[caption id="attachment_47308" align="alignright" width="204"] Click image to enlarge.[/caption] Designed to inspire inclusion and honor remarkable women, Architecture of Strength will be a permanent monument to celebrate and honor women in Columbia and is an initiative of Columbia City of Women. The position of the monument confronts the lack of women’s representation in the public sphere and speaks truth to power at the physical intersection of the major power in our community: commerce (Main Street) and government (Gervais Street), across from the State House. Architecture of Strength will inspire the community to learn more about and celebrate the historical contributions women have made to our city, to inspire a more hopeful and inclusive vision of our future. “Women deserve to be seen and heard in this city,” said Ann Warner, executive director of WREN (Women’s Rights Empowerment Network), who spoke at the press conference. “This is a lasting monument to women from the past and present who pushed boundaries, stood up for others, and made Columbia a better place.” Architecture of Strength, by Deedee Morrison, is made of 316 polished stainless steel pipes that are laser-cut and welded to create the sculpture. It is also illuminated for night-time viewing in its prominent location. The form begins with the foundation, a circular pillar of strength. The layering of the lives in meaning and the contributions of these women to Columbia, create the form. The sculpture is a form made up of many parts, the parts of the female that are invaluable in every community. Family, vision, courage, strength, integrity, honor, hope, resilience, intelligence, compassion, steadfastness, determination and drive hold our community together. The faceless, nameless nature of this art represents the idea that it takes all kinds of women, all shapes, all sizes, and beliefs, to build a community. The monument’s front faces the South Carolina State House as a direct statement that though there are a wealth of monuments on the State House grounds, and many of them controversial, none of them celebrate women in any meaningful way. “As one of the most traveled intersections in South Carolina’s capital city, this monument is a daily reminder of women’s strength, perseverance and power,” said Robin Waites, executive director of Historic Columbia, who also spoke at the press conference. Historic Columbia, WREN, and Columbia City of Women steering committee thank former First Lady Rachel Hodges for her vision of Columbia City of Women, Central Carolina Community Foundation with support from the Knight Foundation, and Beth Richardson for fundraising support. Additionally, Dr. Mary Baskin-Waters and Mr. Samuel Waters, Jerry Davis in honor of Judy Davis, Sue Doran and Dr. Lilly and Mr. Bruce Filler invested in the creation of Architecture of Strength. One Columbia and the City of Columbia also provided support for this monument, as did Holder Properties and Hood Construction.

Artist's statement

Architecture of Strength sets a new tone to spark curiosity and awareness of our collective history, simultaneously encouraging bold acts of belonging and inclusion of the underrepresented, marginalized and segregated members of our society. How we choose to honor and remember the past, will always direct the pathway into our future. This is the moment of embarkation for Architecture of Strength She is to honor the original City of Women honorees, but she provides inclusion for all. From this fixed luminous point, we incorporate a broader, more encompassing view of our history and move into a new dimension of thought. One of wholeness and unity and fostering a broader expression of justice and equality. Architecture of Strength gracefully stands,17 feet tall on a circular foundation.  What was once many pieces of stainless steel pipe in varying sizes, is now welded back together, her strength being created from the sum of parts. As I created her I reflected on the many and the nameless who have come before us and shown the way through strength and conviction. I have deep gratitude to the City of Women and Columbia to have been a part of this public art journey with you. Deedee Morrison Architecture of Strength 2021 Columbia, S.C.

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