Sunday is final day for O’Keeffe, 5 other exhibits at Columbia Museum of Art

For those waiting to see some of the Columbia Museum of Art’s popular exhibits, today is the day.

It’s the final day for several exhibits at the museum, including “Georgia O’Keeffe: Her Carolina Story.”

Other exhibits ending today are “Independent Spirits: Women Artists of South Carolina,” “The Art of Joseph Norman,” “Original Spirits: Women Artists of South Carolina,” “Our Independent Spirit: Celebrating the Life and Art of Leslie Pierce,” and “CMA Docent Collective.”

The Georgia O’Keeffe exhibit, with 14 works, is the first exhibition to explore her time in Columbia. It celebrates the 100th anniversary of O’Keeffe’s time teaching at Columbia College.

“In 1915, Georgia O’Keeffe radically redefined herself as an artist,” said CMA chief curator Will South. “She found her voice with a series of black and white charcoal drawings she collectively titled, ‘Specials.’”

These were the drawings that ignited O’Keeffe’s career.

The “Independent Spirits: Women Artists of South Carolina” exhibit shows a selection of 30 works by women from across the state, celebrating the creativity of contemporary women artists.

“Whether they work in painting, sculpture, assemblage, ceramics, or installation, these artists represent the undeniable role that women play in shaping the future of arts,” said exhibition curator Victoria Cooke.

“The Art of Joseph Norman” is an exhibit by African-American artist Joseph Norman, a Chicago native whose lithographs “mesmerize the viewer with an exploration of dark human emotion and raw commentary on black life in America,” said South. “While Norman’s work is said to be concerned with social injustice, inequality, and conflict, it is equally about love, transformation, and self-reflection.”

“Original Spirits: Women Artists of South Carolina,” is a collection of work that exemplifies the talent and accomplishments of artists in South Carolina who staked a claim for the role of women not only in the arts, but other cultural and political endeavors.

“Our Independent Spirit: Celebrating the Life and Art of Leslie Pierce,” focuses on a woman who was with the Columbia Museum of Art for nearly 20 years before passing away this summer. The exhibition showcases Pierce’s artistic talents, her sense of humor, and the impact she had on those around her.

The “CMA Docent Collective” is a collective work of many of the museum’s docents, and includes artistic talents from oil paintings to recycled material dress designs.

There are several ways to enjoy these exhibits on their final day. You can drop in and get a guided tour or browse solo. You can make group reservations for a docent-led or self-guided tour of the exhibition, which can include lunch, or wine and cheese.

Art Explorer Backpacks are available, and includes a sketchbook with colored pencils, a pair of binoculars, a compass, and hands-on activities that relate to the theme of the backpack chosen. There is also a free opportunity to create art (“Passport to Art: Winter White”) from noon to 3 p.m.

The museum is open noon to 5 p.m. today, and is located at 1515 Main Street.

Admission to the Columbia Museum of Art is free through Jan. 29. For more information about exhibits, tours or classes visitcolumbiamuseum.org or call 803-799-2810.

Lezlie Patterson, Special to The State

This story was originally published January 9, 2016 at 6:30 AM.