How I go Columbia: Amber Schneider
Amber Schneider is in the know about what you see at the Columbia Museum of Art. As museum registrar, she is charged with keeping track of works, whether in the building on Main Street or elsewhere. Her job also involves contracts, insurance, loans, the museum database and collections management. She was responsible for getting the Andy Warhol exhibit here and inspecting its pieces upon arrival. Originally from Dallas, she joined the museum staff about 18 months ago. Away from the job, Schneider, 30, lives in West Columbia. And she likes to show off the museum to friends.
EAT: “My current favorite place is 116 State – I’ve loved everything that I’ve had there. My girlfriends and I love going to brunch at Cafe Strudel. For lunch, I like Olive Grill because everything is always so fresh. I go there so often that the owners know my usual order. However, my hands-down favorite place is Sweet Cream. The owners are super friendly, and the flavors are unlike anything that I’ve ever had. My boyfriend and I go there probably more than we should!”
DRINK: “I really like the Honey Habanero latte from Drip because it has such a unique taste. For cocktails, the Hendricks Lemonade from 116 State or any of the margaritas from Cantina 76.”
PLAY: “Of course I would have to say Arts and Draughts (at the museum), but I’m a bit biased. I love that it seems to have something to appeal to many different interests. I’ve known people who have never set foot in an art museum before coming to Arts and Draughts. First Thursdays is also a lot of fun, especially when they have live music. During the summer, I want to be outdoors as much as possible, so I like jogging along the Riverwalk or tubing down the (Congaree) river with my friends.”
SEE: “Obviously, the art museum! We have some rare and unique pieces, such as the only Botticelli fresco outside of Italy. I also like taking people to Rooftop Bar (at the Sheraton on Main Street) because it’s one of the best views of Columbia. Of course, it’s also fun to walk around the Vista.”
Tim Flach