Third Annual Figure Out: A Figurative Nude Art Show brought to you by Planned Parenthood and Tapp's Arts Center

 

Tapp's Arts Center (1644 Main St.) will continue its partnership with Planned Parenthood South Atlantic by joining with local artists to celebrate the human figure. A fundraiser in its third year, Figure Out will include painting, drawing, sculpture, mixed media, film and photography.

The exhibition will include a special wall of art by Leslie Pierce. Pierce, who passed away earlier this year, was a volunteer and director of adult programming and partnerships at Columbia Museum of Art. She was a beloved supporter of the arts in Columbia who became involved in Figure Out in 2013, as an exhibiting artist and as a committee member.

In addition to special events surrounding the show, Figure Out will be on exhibit throughout the month of September at Tapp’s. This show is curated by Molly Harrell and Billy Guess. Proceeds from art sales support the work of Planned Parenthood South Atlantic.

Figure Out Special Events

•       Wednesday, Sept. 2, 5:30-7 p.m.: Sponsor/ artist reception

•       Thursday, Sept. 3, 6-10 p.m. (during First Thursday on Main): Figure Out opening night.

•       Wednesday, Sept. 16, 12 – 1:30 p.m.: Panel discussion and lunch on Art & Sexuality. A light lunch will be provided for attendees who register in advance by contactingwill.bigger@ppsat.org.

More than 40 artists will participate and have pieces on display as part of Figure Out, including Michaela Pilar Brown, Sarah Madison Brown, Billy Guess, Ron Hagell, Molly Harrell, Whitney LeJeune, Dre. Lopez, Gwynn Pevonka, Kirkland Smith and Dalvin “Mustafa” Spann.

For more information about Tapp’s Arts Center, visit www.tappsartscenter.com or call (803) 988-0013.

About Tapp’s Arts Center Tapp’s Arts Center is the premier contemporary art center in downtown historic Columbia. Tapp’s is a gathering place for creative exploration and is dedicated to bridging connections in creativity by offering workshops, classes, affordable studio rentals, exhibition space and cultural events to help artists and art enthusiast create, learn and grow.

About Planned Parenthood South Atlantic Each year Planned Parenthood South Atlantic serves thousands of women, men, and teens. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic provides high-quality, nonjudgmental, reproductive healthcare and medically accurate, age-appropriate sexuality education. Our services include vital life-saving cancer screenings, STD/STI prevention, testing and treatment and access to safe, legal and ethical abortion services.

A Poem for Leslie from John Starino

Like so many who make a difference by their humility and presence, Leslie Pierce was just such a person.  Here is a poem dedicated to her which appears in my second book Onion Season Pt. 2.  Because of her I participated twice in Frisson at the Columbia Museum of Art.  In my preparation by talking with her, this poem ensued.  - John M. Starino i come to do homework

frisson prepare cma the light plays a different way inconsequential of the lens

this muse this day setting, tenor articulation

leslie pierce brown hair exhibit brown eyes alive today i peruse even remark how vibrant you are

do you ever wish any one to sit down be at eye level that you do not have to look up to

since in essence i look up to you your difference is so obvious not like mine

and in further essence a difference only in appearance

entreat to enjoin compassionate, intelligent demonstrative, adept

so in this essence of humankind you are the standard that has been raised

astride your chariot every day

CMA Jazz on Main kicks off September 12th with Noel Freidline

The Columbia Museum of Art presents the first concert in the new, world-class jazz series, "CMA Jazz on Main," under the artistic direction of internationally renowned band leader Noel Freidline on Friday, September 12, 2014, at 7:30 p.m. The two-concert pilot season last year was a phenomenal success. With the generous support of Dr. Serbin and his partners at Family Medicine Centers of South Carolina, the Museum is proud to present the exciting new series bringing amazing, hot jazz performances to the elegant setting of the DuBose-Poston Reception Hall.

"We are very excited about the coming season of Jazz on Main," says Leslie Pierce, CMA director of adult programs. "The concerts transform the ambience of the Museum into the feel of a cool, laid-back jazz club with soft lighting, a snazzy bar, and wine bottles at nice table seating that really puts the audience in the right mood for exceptional jazz music. The night almost has a velvet feel to it."

The inaugural concert features Nelson Rangell joined by the acclaimed Noel Freidline Trio for an amazing evening of contemporary and straight ahead jazz. Jazziz magazine writes that Nelson Rangell is "an artist of depth, a master of song, and an improviser nonpareil." The Times of London notes "his extraordinary facility on a range of instruments and his undoubted virtuosity," adding that Nelson is "one of fusion's most accomplished exponents."

Such praise is a confirmation of what contemporary jazz fans have known since the Denver-based saxophonist emerged in the late 80s: that Rangell is one of the most exciting and diverse performers in the genre, equally adept at soprano, alto, and tenor saxophone, as well as being a genuine virtuoso on flute and piccolo.

"I'm embarking on a new chapter in my career," says Rangell. "I've been very blessed to have been a participant in the contemporary jazz scene for the past 30 years. The modern and 'popular' jazz scene is undergoing a lot of change. I think for the better. I believe it will be a creative and exciting period for many artists. I hope my performance at 'CMA Jazz on Main' with the excellent Noel Freidline Trio will be a reflection of this. I thank my friend John Baker for bringing me to Columbia for the first time."

Pianist, vocalist, composer, arranger, and educator, Noel Freidline has led his own band since 1992. He is currently a lecturer in music at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, is the director of the Lake Norman Big Band (Mooresville, NC), and the artistic director of the new Center City 6th & Tryon Jazz Series in Charlotte, NC.

"I couldn't be happier with how well this series has been received," says Freidline. "And to have the ability to kick off the new season with an artist such as Nelson Rangell is an absolute privilege. The description 'world-class' gets thrown around a lot these days, but Nelson Rangell is truly the embodiment of that phrase. His career speaks for itself, but Nelson is unique in the depth and breadth of musicality and diversity that he can bring to a bandstand. Respect amongst your peers is the hardest-won achievement for performers, and jazz musicians think of Nelson as 'the real deal'."

"I really can't wait to see the 2014-2015 Jazz on Main season unfold," Freidline continues. "We have had such great momentum due in large part to the excellent Columbia audience that has come out and taken part in some spectacular evenings. Every musician who has thus performed has commented to me how great the venue is and especially how wonderful the audiences have been. We simply can't thank Columbia enough for making us feel so welcome."

Based out of Charlotte, N.C., the famous swinging repertoire of Noel Freidline's band mines the best of every genre, from the swing of Duke Ellington to the gritty sincerity of Bonnie Rait, from soulful and edgy reinterpretations of Patti Page to Africanized arrangements of Simon & Garfunkel. Vocally driven, their sound is characterized by sophisticated arrangements that always retain a playful element of spontaneity.

Upcoming concerts in the 2014-2015 season:

• Celebrating the Great American Songbook - Friday, November 14, 2014
• Oscar, Ahmad & George: Three Legends of Piano Jazz - Friday, January 16, 2015
• Tribute to the Swing Bands - Friday, April 17, 2015

Doors open at 7:00 p.m.Concert at 7:30 p.m. Cash Bar.

Season Tickets: $130/ $90 for members

Individual Seats: $35 / $28 for members / $5 students

Premier Table Seating:

$300 6 guests & 2 bottles of wine $200 4 guests & 1 bottle of wine

Tickets and program information can be found at columbiamuseum.org.