“Gratitude is a quality similar to electricity: It must be produced and discharged and used up in order to exist at all.”
- William Faulkner
We asked the Jasper Project Board of Directors and Jasper Magazine Editorial Staff to share what they are most thankful for from the Midlands Area Arts community and here’s what some of them said.
I will be forever grateful to Anastasia Chernoff for encouraging me when I thought "I'm not good enough" and for Bohumila Augustinova's continued encouragement and inclusion in all things art. Columbia has a wonderful arts community with amazing talent and I am happy to know so many of them.
- Diane Hare, Jasper Board Secretary
I am thankful for the USC art department annual holiday art sell - I always get something really cool from the art students and staff.
I am thankful for the restaurants and businesses that let Jasper Galleries show artwork in their spaces. Shout out to: Motor Supply, Harbison Theatre, Sounds Bites, Bourbon, and the Meridian building.
I am thankful for Cindi and Bob who are very generous all year with their time, talents, and donations to keep Jasper Project going for the Midlands.
- Bert Easter, Jasper Galleries and Projects
This is such an easy question that it’s difficult. I am thankful first and foremost for having so many gifted friends who are so easy to admire. Sometimes I forget that not all lives are filled with rich conversations and deep laughter, so I must take this moment to heartily congratulate myself on the quality of my associations. But if I have to be specific, and I feel I do, I must thank Trustus Theatre for opening their arms and hearts and doors to me—doors to opportunity, to a life in the theater, to a wider arts community, to moments of great joy. I’m thankful for Trustus Theatre who continually strives to bring lively and poignant shows to Columbia. I’m grateful for both the ridiculously talented actors who bring these performances to life and to the passionate staff & crew who make Trustus so perpetually welcoming and warm. Without Trustus my life would have been very different and much, much, much smaller. But now, in my second act, it’s Jasper and Muddy Ford Press who have given me a sense of validation and Things To Do that I find worth doing. If you’re reading this—and you cannot deny that you are—you are very likely one of the people who has made my life a good one, and I’m thankful for you.
- Jon Tuttle, Jasper Play Right Series Manager
I am thankful for First Thursdays. Being able to go to a free monthly art and music event is really special.
- Bekah Rice, Jasper Digital Manager, Sundays with Jasper, Projects
I am truly thankful for the vibrant arts scene in Columbia SC which ranges from classical to cutting edge! For a city of this size, the breadth, depth, and quality of our arts and entertainment industry is truly amazing. I am grateful to Jasper Magazine for the way it covers all of what’s going on in this space. And of course, I am grateful that The Palmetto Opera can be part of it all!
- Paul Leo. PRS Community Producer and Opera Liaison
I’m thankful for Trustus Theatre who continually strives to bring lively and poignant shows to Columbia. I’m grateful for both the ridiculously talented actors who bring these performances to life and to the passionate staff & crew who make Trustus so perpetually welcoming and warm.
- Christina Xan, Jasper Board Treasurer, Galleries and Projects
I’m thankful for this job at Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College, a place that allows me to be a creative programmer as well as to support the local arts community. What a gift when your work brings you so much joy.
I’m thankful for Jasper Magazine. Jasper has introduced me to so many new friends and artists. People who I now consider my chosen family. What a gift to have this beautiful publication to showcase the myriad of artists and arts opportunities in the area.
I’m thankful for my latest theatrical opportunity and the NiA Company for taking a chance on me with their production of Riff Raff. What a gift to perform and to challenge yourself as an actor.
- Kristin Cobb. Jasper Board VP, Harbison Theatre ED
I'm thankful for the vibrant and active venues in our local music scene; from the locals-friendly mainstay Art Bar to the seemingly endless supply of touring acts (with local support, yay) that Carlin Thompson has been booking into New Brookland Tavern, the opportunity to see even bigger acts at The Senate and even smaller ones at Uncle Festers, Foxfield, Curiosity Coffee, and more. In my 30 years of being involved in the local scene, I think this may be the most active period I've ever seen.
- Kevin Oliver, Jasper Magazine Music Editor
I’m incredibly thankful for this cohesive community of artists and arts patrons. I especially appreciate three sets of people including the restaurant owners and managers who allow Jasper to hang the art of Columbia-based artists on their walls, which supports both artists and the Jasper mission. Thank you Motor Supply Bistro, Sound Bites, and Bourbon Columbia.
I’m also very thankful for the advertisers in Jasper Magazine who are, in fact, more sponsors than clients. They recognize that advertising in Jasper is less a business decision and more a decision to support our entire community of artists via the work of Jasper. Believe me, we know who our friends are, and we support them as much as we can, too. Thank you, Columbia Museum of Art, Harbison Theatre, Trustus Theatre, Workshop Theatre, Palmetto Opera, and University of SC Department of Theatre and Dance.
Finally, I’m thankful for the friends and colleagues who have gone to the trouble of joining the Jasper Guild. From the Artist Peer level at $25 all the way up to the Hero level at $1000, your support is a vote of confidence for those of us on the Jasper Project Board and the Jasper Magazine Editorial Staff. The money helps us fulfill our mission, yes, but the gesture continues to us keep going and moving forward for the past 11 years.
- Cindi Boiter, Jasper Project ED