In this short film by Jasper Project board president Wade Sellers, Sellers talks with family, former students, and colleagues of the late artist, Peter Lenzo, and shares rare art and archival footage of the late artist at work.

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The Jasper Project hosts Peter Lenzo: A Retrospective and Remembrance at Stormwater Studios, honoring the life and legacy of the late artist Peter Lenzo. This exhibition is curated by The Jasper Project in conjunction with Lenzo’s daughter, Roxy Lenzo Douthit.

The exhibition features approximately 30 of Lenzo’s head and abbreviated bust sculptures, many of which will be available for sale. Also on view are select three-dimensional works from Lenzo’s private collection, including unique and rarely seen reliquaries.

The Jasper Project hosts Peter Lenzo: A Retrospective and Remembrance at Stormwater Studios, honoring the life and legacy of the late artist Peter Lenzo. This exhibition is curated by The Jasper Project in conjunction with Lenzo’s daughter, Roxy Lenzo Douthit.

The exhibition features approximately 30 of Lenzo’s head and abbreviated bust sculptures, many of which will be available for sale. Also on view are select three-dimensional works from Lenzo’s private collection, including unique and rarely seen reliquaries.

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Join us for the opening of Jessica Ream's show "Unbinding: A Tale of the Book That Never Was" during First Thursday at Sound Bites

Artist Bio:
Jessica Ream was born in Columbus, Ohio early in the year 1990, but was raised in Carolina suburbia. She attended Savannah College of Art and Design where she graduated with honors and a BFA in Painting. A jack-of-all trades artist, she incorporates her knowledge of painting, photography, print, sewing and sculpture into her mixed media, abstract pieces.

In recent years, she has rediscovered her love of hand binding books. While mainly self taught, she was first introduced to the world of book arts in a workshop she attended while studying abroad. Her hand bound journals are made from a mix of traditional materials and rebound, vintage books.

After spending the time in the High Rockies of Colorado, she and her husband have returned to their southeastern, coastal origins, where they reside with their son and newborn daughter.

Artist Statement:
I seek emotional catharsis.

My work is a visual expulsion of my intimate ruminations. Each piece is a visual confession, infused with an unbridled honesty I find paradoxically terrifying and liberating.

I am a painter, a photographer, a printmaker and a seamstress. I am a sculptor and a habitual collector of discarded objects. I am process driven; the physicality of the material capturing my natural curiosity. This child like act of discovery and alteration allows me to speak about what I cannot say audibly and drives me to create.

March 2026’s featured artist in The Nook is Cait Maloney. Join us for the free opening reception for this exhibit on March 20, 2026, from 5:30 - 7 p.m.!

ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
“I help businesses and individuals visually communicate through thoughtful, engaging and effective design.

I have had a passion for visual communication and carbohydrates as long as I can remember. Growing up in a small town in upstate New York, I was one of few with a serious interest in art and design, but I knew I could make a career of it when one of my early works was stealthily heisted from a maximum security bulletin board in high school. I went on to navigate the waters of art school and earned a BFA in illustration from Syracuse University.

I’m currently based in Columbia, South Carolina, working as senior art director for Flock and Rally while also doing specialty illustration, design and mural projects; creating new things every day and slowly sweating to death.

When I’m not brainstorming a new brand concept or inking a drawing, I’m working on art for myself, reading a magazine on the beach or seeing some live music.”

She has worked nationally and internationally with clients like Abita Brewing Company, Diesel Fragrance, the YMCA, TD Bank and PGA Junior League Golf and locally with clients like the Central Midlands Council of Government, The City of Columbia, Charleston County, and the South Carolina Asphalt Pavement Association. Cait serves on the board of the Columbia Design League, an affiliate of the Columbia Museum of Art. Her mural, “Lady Vista,” was commissioned by the Congaree Vista Guild and is located on the east wall of 916 Gervais Street in downtown Columbia, S.C.

Join us for the opening of Lucas Sams' show "Drawn & Quartered" during First Thursday at Sound Bites

Artist Bio:
Lucas Sams is a multi-disciplinary visual artist and experimental musician with works exhibited locally and regionally in major art festivals, galleries, and alternative spaces; he has been featured in Jasper Art Magazine, the SC State Newspaper, Garnet and Black Magazine, and the Timber Journal of the University of Colorado, Boulder. Born and raised in Greenwood, Sams spent most of his life in the South Carolina until his freshman year in college, where he studied painting in Tokyo, Japan and became heavily influenced by contemporary Japanese Pop Art. A graduate of the SC Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities and the University of South Carolina, his post-graduate work continues explorations of postmodern abstraction and figuration with far-ranging influences, encompassing everything from religious art, alchemy, and the unconscious- to science fiction and anime. He is currently pursuing a graduate degree as an MLIS candidate at the University of South Carolina.

Artist Statement:
This show marks my return to my first and favorite medium, drawing. As I learned from my favorite art teacher in college, everything can be drawing, and everything goes back to drawing. Before entering the world of “fine arts,” I was a comic and manga artist. Learning that painting was just drawing with paint helped me become a “fine artist,” but the core was still drawing. Everything is abstraction; all representation is cartooning. It has brought me infinite joy returning to simple tools at this scale, and a challenge to build the biggest worlds I can in the span of a sketchbook page.

oin The Jasper Project and Harbison Theatre in welcoming Walker Canada and his exceptional art exhibition to the Theatre's gallery space.

The gallery event is free and open to all. His artwork will be available for purchase and remain on display in the Theatre until April of this year.

Artist Bio:
Walker Canada is a graphic designer and illustrator with a lifelong appreciation for fine art, shaped by strong mentorship, family influence, and hands-on creative experience. His artistic foundation was formed at the Kershaw County Vocational Center under the guidance of EJ Ham and Rusty Davis, whose teaching inspired both a career in the arts and a commitment to education. For more than 28 years, Canada has taught Graphic Communications, believing deeply in the transformative power of Career and Technical Education.

Walker holds an associate degree in visual arts from the Art Institute of Atlanta and a bachelor’s degree in Commercial Art from the American College of Arts, with additional teaching credentials earned through Clemson University. Much of his work reflects early influences—particularly a passion for automobiles and racing—often blending technical precision with expressive design. His professional career includes illustration and design work for automotive publications, manuals, community arts organizations, and regional events.
Working primarily in digital vector illustration while also exploring painting, watercolor, and screen printing, Canada finds his greatest creative fulfillment in teaching and mentoring students. Surrounded by generous mentors, family, and colleagues throughout his life, he continues to view art as both a personal pursuit and a means of sharing knowledge, opportunity, and inspiration.

Join us in welcoming our first artist at Motor Supply in 2026, Harry Arnette McFadden! His show runs from January 12th to April 6th.

Artist Bio:
Harry Arnette McFadden is a self-described Afro-Carolinian. He expresses that his calling is to create from an ancestral space within his DNA. A space that serves as an interactive outlet for the viewer. To him, art is not as much about what is on the canvas as it is about what caused it to be there. His calling is southern, rural, Black, and male. His work has been described as provocative, energetic, intriguing, whimsical, and powerful. Harry’s formal education was received in the public schools of Williamsburg County, Francis Marion College 1990, and Lesley University 2006, with a Master of Education in Instruction and Curriculum with a specialization in Teaching Through the Arts. Past shows include Visual Soul-International James Brown Festival Augusta, GA. “Soulscapes” Francis Marion University, Florence, SC, “Celebration” Black Creeks Arts Council, MOJA Festival, and the Pee Dee Boys and Girls Club as an artist in residence.

Artist Statement:
Harry Arnette McFadden emphasizes the importance of cultural heritage and personal identity in his work. He draws inspiration from his own background, incorporating elements that celebrate his roots while also addressing universal themes such as love, struggle, and resilience. By doing so, he creates a dialogue that transcends borders, inviting people from all walks of life to engage in his art. McFadden’s goal is to inspire others to embrace their individuality and use creativity as a means of expression, fostering a deeper understanding of both self and community.

Join us in celebrating the closing of Herrera's show and our last First Thursday reception at Sound Bites Eatery before they close. Her work is up from January 10-February 5, 2026

Artist Bio:

I am originally from Charlotte, NC but have lived in Columbia for the past 17 years. I have volunteered with summer camps at the Columbia Art Center as well as Art Smart Academy. I have instructed adult/children art classes and have attended classes myself at Painting with a Twist studio. I have enjoyed painting and drawing for many years and work mainly with acrylic paint but hope to venture into other avenues of mediums and materials. I love writing and creating expression through art and words. As a full-time teacher, I try to encourage my students to be creative and embrace their uniqueness.

It has been a long wait for this particular First Thursday event and I thank Jaspar Magazine for the opportunity and recognition as well as the continued support from my family, friends and my fellow

artists! It means a lot to be recognized as a local artist in the Columbia area. I hope to continue showing my work within the art community as my artistic knowledge continues to expand and grow throughout this brand New Year.

Join us in celebrating First Thursday and the opening of Regina Langston's show!

Artist Bio:
All her life Regina has been an Indigo child and creative shaman, emboldened by an energy larger than herself and an innate understanding that her place in the world is deliberate and impactful. She is driven to create, share, teach, and touch deeply those around her, not only to imbue their lives with beauty, but to show them how to recognize the beauty that is all around them as well as inside them.

As a member of the Vista Guild Association, the Koger Center for the Arts is proud to partner with the Jasper Project in Third Thursday Art Night. We feature a different artist every month with an opening reception on the Third Thursday of the month — but THIS month we’re hosting our opening reception on Friday, November 21st. Our featured artist of November is Sean Madden.

Artist Bio:

Sean Madden is a multimedia artist who captures landscapes and portraits of Columbia in such a way that makes the images both familiar and fresh at the same time.

Both Madden’s parents were artists, so creating was never foreign to him. His mother was an accomplished oil painter, and his father was a master carpenter, scratch painter, and sculptor. Though art came naturally, it was music that first captured Madden’s interest.

“The influence of my parents came full circle in the early 2000s when I began working for a piano and antique restoration company,” Madden says. “And my knowledge of wood carving and ability to work an artist’s brush proved invaluable.”

However, it was after the loss of his mother in 2019 that Madden was moved to “return to [his] roots” and begin painting once more. This time, it stuck, and he now finds it hard to pull himself from whatever surface he’s sketching on during any free time.

Madden’s inspirations come from all around him, from the world he traverses each day. Though he began capturing these scenes with oil, he embraces all mediums, including gouache, acrylic, watercolor, graphite, and ink.

Join us in celebrating the release of our fall issue! Featuring music by JB Samson, birthday cake for all our Scorpio friends, and more! Check back for more details!

Contributors include:
USC 1080C, Gemini Arts, Jennifer Baxley, Chris Bickel, Cindi Boiter, Steve Borders, Kwasi Brown, William Clay, the Power Company Collaborative, Chapin Theatre Company, Ed Connolly, Carla Damron, George Fetner,Valerie Byrd Fort, Chad Goss, GROW, Brian Harmon, Katy Harrison, Kristine Hartvigsen, Dominique–Jakeem da Dream– Hodge, Jordan Hughes, Degenerate Art Project I and II, Naya Lanai Jackson, Ryan Jenkins, Thaddeus Jones, Peter Lenzo, Roxy Lenzo, Ethan Lopez, Trevor Mawhinney, Tristan McLawler, Emily Moffitt, Steve Nuzum, Kevin Oliver, Kenneth Perkins, Kyle Petersen, Jane Turner Peterson, 2nd Act Film Project, Becci Robbins, Rhy Robidoux, The Runout, JB SamSon, Cory Schwartz, Wade Sellers, April Singletary, Liz Stalker, Alex Steele, Staci Swider, Megan Tapley, Jon Tuttle, Collins White, Christina Xan, and Michael Morris Zamora

Join us in welcoming our artist for the month of November, Judy Maples!

Artist Bio:
What do these things have in common: soil, puff pastry, music, and my abstract paintings?
Layers.

My painting process is based on instinct, intuition, and emotion. The layers in my abstracts reflect my life experiences and the stories I carry with me. When I start a new canvas, I don’t have a clear plan or a specific image in mind. I allow the painting to evolve naturally, letting each layer guide me to the next. This approach allows me to be fully present in the moment, to respond to the colors and textures as they emerge, and to create something that feels authentic.

The first layer often consists of random marks and strokes of bold colors applied with a sense of freedom and spontaneity. Then I add layers and textures that overlap to create depth and complexity. One of my favorite techniques is to apply a layer of paint and then scrape most of it away, revealing glimpses of the layers beneath. As I add layers, I refine the composition to add
depth, complexity, and emotion.

My abstract paintings continue to evolve in the eye of the viewer. Each person sees something different, finds their own meaning in the layers, and adds their own story to the painting. Only then
is the painting finished.

My abstracts, with their many layers and textures, have depth and a sense of history, leaving the viewer to think, “I wonder what’s under that top layer?”

Black Nerd Mafia and The Jasper Project are proud to present the return of Frightmare on Main Street, a FREE night of spooky fun, pumpkins, and prizes!

5:00pm – Horror Movie Trivia
Bring your team and kick off the night with trivia hosted by Black Nerd Mafia.

6:00pm – Jasper’s 3rd Annual Pumpkin Carving Contest
These aren’t your everyday jack-o'-lanterns. Vote on your favorite pumpkins carved by local artists and bid in our silent auction to take one home. All proceeds benefit the Jasper Project and the winning artist takes home a fabulous prize! Candy votes will be available for sale.

6:30pm – Cosplay Karaoke Hosted by Black Nerd Mafia.
Best costume and performance combo takes home a prize! Costumes encouraged by not required.

7:00pm – Winners of the Pumpkin Carving and Cosplay Costume Contest will be announced.

Pumpkin Bidding with close at 7:30pm

The 2nd Act Film Project is a unique take on the indie film team project. Presented by The Jasper Project, its mission is to encourage and promote the growth of independent filmmaking in South Carolina through collaborative and creative projects.

Filmmakers submit their names and examples of work to be considered for participation. A group of South Carolina media professionals and artists will select the final group of 14 filmmakers. Filmmakers are given the 1st and 3rd acts of a short film script. Their job is to write the second act and make the movie.

As a member of the Vista Guild, the Koger Center for the Arts partnered with The Jasper Project to open a new rotating art space, titled The Nook, in celebration of Third Thursday Art Night. This month’s featured artist in The Nook is Colleen Cannon-Karlos.

Artist Bio:

I have studied many forms of art, both formally and informally including painting, drawing, photography, graphic design, fabric design, ceramics, sculpture and jewelry making.

I consider my work an amalgamation of many years of experimentation with different forms of media and creative expression coupled with my philosophical interest in metaphysics as well my love of physics. Over the years I have exhibited in galleries and museums in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay Area, South Carolina, Albuquerque, NM, Hawaii and North Carolina. As both an artist and educator I combine Art and Science in my personal work and have designed a unique STEAM course that I taught at the University of Hawaii, Hilo. The “Art, Science and Technology” course uses scientific principles to explore realms of creativity. Students had the opportunity to work with the Marine Science Department’s Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) to learn about the sub atomic scanning process and creative new forms of art as a result.

Artist Statement:

Inspiration for my work comes from natural phenomenon, particularly microscopic/macroscopic elements, structures and events – Volcanoes, thunderstorms, cosmic activity, birth, the sub-atomic particle dance, etc. I have been fascinated with science and the nature of reality since my childhood. Throughout my adult life I have studied modern theories of physics such as chaos, quantum and string theories.

Join us as we premiere our Fall 2025 artist at Harbison Theatre: Rebecca Horne
Her opening will be held in the lobby of the theatre in the hour before Jennifer Holliday performs at 7:30 (tickets sold separately through Harbison's website; the gallery event is free).

Artist Bio:
In the heart of West Columbia, South Carolina, resides a contemporary abstract mixed media artist whose work transcends the canvas to connect with something divine. Meet Rebecca Horne, a passionate artist whose creative journey is as captivating as her art itself.

Rebecca's love affair with art began in childhood, nurtured by the inspiring presence of her father, an artist himself. From a young age, she explored various mediums, from the vibrant strokes of oil and watercolors to the intricate details of landscapes, still life, and even pet portraits. However, it was in 2018 that Rebecca stumbled upon abstract mixed media art, a discovery that would ignite her creative fervor like never before.

For Rebecca, art is more than just a hobby or a career—it's a calling, a spiritual experience that she feels compelled to pursue. "I'm compelled to make art. It's something I must do," she shares. "It's a spiritual experience for me. I feel like I'm working to connect to something divine and express the experience on canvas."
Embracing abstract mixed media art has provided Rebecca with the perfect avenue to unleash her creativity fully. She revels in the freedom this style offers, allowing her imagination to roam unrestricted as she experiments with textures, colors, and forms. Each piece is a testament to her boundless curiosity and relentless pursuit of beauty and uniqueness.

What sets Rebecca apart is not just her choice of medium but also her distinctive process. She begins by layering texture mediums, sometimes mixing several, and incorporates embellishments while they are still wet. This meticulous approach demands patience and precision, as each layer is carefully crafted to contribute to the overall depth and complexity of the piece. The process can span several weeks, a testament to Rebecca's dedication to her craft.

The result of Rebecca's labor is a collection of multidimensional artworks that captivate the imagination and stir the soul. Each piece exudes a graceful elegance, inviting viewers to explore beyond the surface and immerse themselves in the artist's world. Rebecca's artistic vision has not gone unnoticed, earning recognition on international platforms through juried shows, exhibitions, and publications. Her work serves as a testament to the power of art to transcend boundaries and speak to the innermost depths of the human spirit.

As Rebecca Horne continues to push the boundaries of her creativity, her art serves as a reminder of the profound connection between the artist and the divine. Through her work, she invites us to embark on a journey of exploration and self-discovery, where beauty and meaning intertwine in harmonious expression.

As a member of the Vista Guild, the Koger Center for the Arts partnered with The Jasper Project to open a new rotating art space, titled The Nook, in celebration of Third Thursday Art Night. This month’s featured artist in The Nook is Jeff Amberg.

Artist Bio:

I began this journey at age 12 with my first camera. At 19 the inspiration to concentrate on photographing people in candid situations became a life-long goal. At 29 my first job was at a small coastal resort town newspaper, The Island Packet in Hilton Head, South Carolina. There were influential people from many walks of life, there was sports, nature and wildlife, and most of all the freedom to roam and seek photographs of the indigenous people, their art and lifestyle, all contrasted by the expanding commercial growth and development of the island. My photography was awarded both state-wide and regionally during my years as a Photojournalist. In 1990 I decided to go out on my own, and during the following 29 years, skills were polished as I concentrated on the importance of lighting, both natural and artificial. Portraits have always been my inspiration and remains that way to this day.

Jasper is proud to present a staged reading of the 2025 Play Right Series winning play, Busted Open, by Ryan Stevens. Join us September 14th at 3pm at the Columbia Music Festival Association for the reading followed by Q&A with the writer and cast.

Tickets are $10

The play is directed by Jane Tuner Peterson and features an amazing cast and crew that includes Clayton King, Ella Riley, Kristin Cobb, Allison Allgood, Josh Kern, Beth DeHart, Maggie Baker, and Zanna Mills.
Learn More.

As a member of the Vista Guild, the Koger Center for the Arts partnered with The Jasper Project to open a new rotating art space, titled The Nook, in celebration of Third Thursday Art Night. This month’s featured artist in The Nook is Lori Isom.

Artist Bio:

“It is fair to say that my life has been quite varied as an artist, and all around creative person. Years of my life were dedicated to working as a professional dancer, singer and actress in New York and Los Angeles, and I’ve had several interesting and fun entrepreneurial pursuits along the way, including owning and operating my own baking business! I am predominantly a self-taught artist, however, I studied illustration in high school, and later fine art and fashion design at Parsons School of Design.

I would say that I walk the line between illustrator and fine artist. While I work to tell a story with my art, I also produce paintings that primarily express a particular emotion. Artists like Mary Cassatt, Andrew Wyeth, and John Singer Sargent were ones who greatly influenced my work early on. I suppose that’s how I came to love capturing people.”

As a member of the Vista Guild, the Koger Center for the Arts partnered with The Jasper Project to open a new rotating art space, titled The Nook, in celebration of Third Thursday Art Night. This month’s featured artist in The Nook is Virginia Russo.

Artist Bio

Kara Virginia Russo is a mixed media abstract artist working with watercolor, ink, collage, pencil, and embroidery to create works with layers of meaning and symbol. After recieving her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Converse College in Spartanburg, SC, she lived in Asia and Europe before returning with her husband and two children to settle in Greenville, SC. Her work portrays the essence of things, bypassing realism and portraying what cannot be seen.