First Thursdays on Main

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 30, 2012
First Thursdays on Main-January 3, 2013
Main Street Columbia SC
firstthursdaysonmain.com

Frame of Mind
FOM Series presents Green and Blue Extended: Featuring Kirkland Smith and Chris Carney
January will be the last chance to enjoy this intricate and living installation…FOM has never been SO green! Get ready to enjoy this two-month FOM Series focused on how an artist has turned consumer waste into fine art! These items destined for landfills have found new life in 3-D paintings. And, we’ve never been SO blue. What lies beneath will fill our gallery for your viewing pleasure. Water…everywhere!

Columbia artist, Kirkland Smith, will present a two-part exhibition of work created almost entirely from post-consumer materials collected from friends and family.

During the December FOM Series, she is asking the community to participate in an assemblage she will create by donating eyewear that they no longer need. She plans to unveil the new work as a part of the January FOM Series during First Thursdays on Main.

Kirkland Smith, a classical painter, began creating contemporary Assemblages from post-consumer materials when she entered an environmental art contest in 2008. Using discarded objects as her “paint,” she found an evocative way to deliver the message of the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling.

Her work offers an entertainment value, but also reveals the impact consumerism is creating on our environment. “Each Assemblage is a little piece of our history. It is the story of us today. What we throw away says a lot about who we are, but what we choose to cherish and protect says even more in the end.”

Without this determination to cherish and protect our community, our state, our nation, our planet by reducing, reusing, and recycling, we won’t be able to enjoy the waters which refresh and sustain us. So, as a fitting complement to Kirkland’s recycled art, Frame of Mind is proud to introduce you to the work of one of Columbia’s favorite alternative performers and renowned local grower of coral, Chris Carney. He describes his plans for this two-part FOM Series this way, “There is another world beneath the skin of the ocean. A place that covers more than half of our planet still remains a mystery. This is what I strive to capture. Vignettes of a place many will never see with their own eyes and few will be able to describe. These are not glass boxes; these are snapshots to a world I love, a place I’d like you to know. Dive in, explore.”

A graduate of the University of South Carolina’s Marine Sciences program, Chris owns A Fish Store, a full-service fish and aquarium shop specializing in saltwater fish/aquariums, freshwater fish/aquariums, corals, ponds, design/fabrication/installation/maintenance services. He is also an assistant SCUBA instructor with Wateree Dive Center. For the FOM Series installations and exhibits, he plans to showcase mostly tank-raised livestock/corals. His work will be available for purchase, but custom options are available as well.

http://www.facebook.com/events/487646797940686

S&S Art Supply
Resolution:  Art by Alex Smith
We’re starting the New Year’s First Thursday at S & S off with one of Columbia’s most unique, eclectic artists. Alex Smith has created a series of 365 individual paintings and drawings on pages from a 100-150 year old copy of the 2nd volume of Shakespeare’s completed works, along with possibly some other “ballyhoo” as he puts it. We will also have the lovely musical stylings of Bob Benjamin inside, doing his acoustic arrangements.

The point is that there are a wealth of resolutions laid end to end in one tiny space, and you should look at them closely…perhaps one is yours. The works are intimately sized, approximately 10.5′ wide by 14″ tall. There may also be some video installation works as well.

“‘I’ is another.” -Arthur Rimbaud

Alex Smith refuses to decide. He produces, acts, designs, and directs for the stage; acts in, writes, produces directs, shoots, scores and edits film; is an accomplished and prolific visual artist; has published a book of his poetry; and (given the right circumstances) has been known to sing every now and then. His recent endeavors included a solo show at The Gallery at Trustus in August 2012, ‘guest-curating’ The Jam Room 25th Anniversary show at Anastasia & Friends Gallery, and contributing regularly to Jasper Magazine, where he is a staff writer. He is preparing to portray Jack Kerouac in the short film PRETTY PITIFUL GOD.

http://www.facebook.com/events/300954463355038

Anastasia & Friends
Airbrushed: by Morey Weinstein
For the month of January, Anastasia & Friends is excited to present the art of Morey Weinstein. This exhibition will feature large scale, air brushed paintings which incorporate references from art and popular culture, using acrylic on canvas.

Originally from Long Island, New York, Morey attended the Philadelphia College of Art and the Maryland Institute of Art in Baltimore. His first job was constructing models to showcase designs for clients for a trade-show design firm, which included freelance airbrush illustration for various advertising agencies in Manhattan.

After great success at product rendering and artwork for point of purchase displays, his work generated so much interest, he was offered a full-time illustrator position in Greensboro, North Carolina, which led to more freelance work illustrating tobacco industry artwork with R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company.

Then, life led Morey to Florida, where he painted custom designs on motorcycles. Morey currently lives in Columbia, South Carolina, where he spends most of his day painting in his home-studio, and caring for his elderly mother.

The exhibition will run from January 4th through 11th at the gallery on Main Street, then, move to Motor Supply Co. Bistro at 920 Gervais Street in Columbia, as a part of the Anastasia & Friends Eat With Art series from January 14th through February 28th.

For more information, please contact Anastasia Chernoff at 803 665 6902 or via email at stasia1825@aol.com.

https://www.facebook.com/events/310662589051413

Tapp’s Art Center
Classical Ballet at Tapp’s Art Center: New dance for a New Year
Several members of the international Columbia Classical Ballet company will perform a sampling of contemporary works at the First Thursday on Main of the New Year.  Yukiro Tae Kim of South Korea,  Yukihiro Tamura, Tamako Miyazaki and Nana Yamatani of Japan and Christopher Miro of Cuba will dance at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. in the performance space at Tapp’s Arts Center, 1644 Main St.  Among the pieces will be On The Way by Dai Jian and a brand new tango-inspired dance choreographed by Miro. The performance will provide a sneak peek at the company’s LifeChance:  Gala of the Stars taking place Jan. 26 at the Koger Center.

About the dancers:
Last year was Tamako Miyazaki’s first with the Classical Ballet and she made a huge mark performing principal roles in Le Corsaire and The Nutcracker. Among her awards are First Prize in the Youth America Grand Prix competition in New York City and Japan, Silver Medal at the World Ballet Competition and Second Place in the All Japan Ballet Union Competition. After studies in Japan, she was awarded a scholarship to the La Scala Ballet Academy in Milan, Italy, and was with The Washington Ballet Studio Company.

Now in his third season with the company, Miro began flamenco dance training at age 7 and moved on to ballet two years later at the suggestion of teachers who recognized his potential. He attended the National Ballet School of Cuba in Havana. In 2006 he won the bronze medal at the International Ballet Competition of Havana and two years later took the gold medal. He was a member of the National Ballet of Cuba and since moving to the U.S. has danced with North Carolina Dance Theatre and Columbia City Ballet.

At Tapp’s, Christopher Miro will unveil portions of a new ballet work inspired by tango that will performed at LifeChance.

New company member Yukihiro Tamura has a won a string of awards including second place at the 2012 Boston International Ballet Competition, first place at the Junior Men’s Youth Ballet Competition in Japan, first place at the 2008 NBA Ballet Competition, and first place in contemporary dance at the Tanzolymp Berlin Competition. He was a guest artist to the 2011 International Ballet Festival of Miami.

Nana Yamatani, also in her first year with the Classical Ballet, has won First Place at the Youth America Grand Prix in Japan and Third Place at the World Ballet Competition in Orlando, Florida. She began her ballet training at 3 in Japan and later studied at the Kirov Academy of Ballet in Washington D.C. In the fall she danced the role of lead role of Nikiya in La Bayadere with the Classical Ballet.

Tae Seok Kim, of South Korea, studied at Korea National University of Art He has been a finalist in the Beijing International Ballet Competition, Boston International Ballet Competition and Varna International Ballet Competition. This is his first season with Columbia Classical Ballet.

Trustus: Working Rehearsal for Their Upcoming Show
Trustus will be having a working rehearsal for their upcoming show in the fountain room. Everyone will get a behind the scenes look at how plays are put together and the creative process that occurs during rehearsals.

https://www.facebook.com/events/387770711317209/?suggestsessionid=7773650141357054208

Paradise Ice
Bring in the New Year at Paradise Ice with fabulous new flavors! Not only will we be bringing out new flavors this First Thursday but we will be introducing our new ice cream sandwich of the month. Warm up with our amazing hot chocolates, hot teas and locally roasted Turtle Creek Coffee.

Wine Down on Main
Wine Down on Main is excited to present the collective works of Andrew Thomas. ”Sehnsucht is a German term that describes a feeling of unfulfilled nostalgia that has no rational foundation. It is sometimes used to refer to a craving to have a different place in the universe. This sensation can be brought on by a familiar smile or a passing thought; or when the season turns and releases a thousand memories. Everyone experiences this at some point in time.

These works attempt to capture this uncertain desperation, but never to explain it. They reach for an inaccessible future while holding firm to an imperfect past. They are frantic expressions of unfounded reflection. Each one offers a depiction of the indescribable. In other words, these works are solutions waiting for a problem.”

H. Andrew Thomas was born in 1985. He studied Literature and History at the University of South Carolina.

Also featured at the Wine Down, Amelia Mau will be playing classical guitar.

Columbia Museum of Art Gift Shop
The Museum Shop will be open with a great sale on all items for this month’s First Thursday event.  Members enjoy 30% off sale all day and evening, while non-members will save 20%.  Stop by and take a peek at the beautiful new inventory!

Mast General
First Thursday, January 3- Major to Minor – 6 pm to 7:30 pm- Kanika (Kay Kay vocals Mario McClean vocals keyboard and guitar) and Alderman Douglas, vocals and cello are Major to Minor.   Their style offers a beautiful blend of soulful vocals, heartfelt harmonies and smooth sounds from the guitar and cello. The beauty of their incredible combination extends beyond their sound and into the feeling of each song. Whether the song is an original or a cover they make it their own.

Something Special Florist
Join us at Something Special Florist for the best collection of floral offerings available in the Midlands!  We’re celebrating the New Year in style…as usual. Come and check out our newest goodies!

First Thursdays on Main is Columbia’s monthly art crawl and streetfest hosted by the Main Street merchants on the first Thursday of every month from 6 to 9 pm.  This event showcases the revitalized Main Street community and includes our merchants from the Capital to City Hall.

You may contact Mark Plessinger by calling (803)988-1065 or via email at frameofmindsc@gmail.com. Please also visit our website for additional info and happenings at www.firstthursdaysonmain.com.

###

Tonight, WE MINGLE AND JINGLE! The word has been out for a little while now about all of the fabulous artists, openings, performances, vendors…however, there is some stuff that will be going on that you may NOT have heard of…including:

-2 Fat 2 Fly
-KC’s Hot Dogs
-Crepes & Croissants
-Cowboy-outdoor food service
-Paradise Ice-holiday flavors
-Michel’s Drugs (vinyl records for sale!)
-Main Street Crit table with info on sign up
-World Beer Festival table with info on the event
-DeModa table (jewelry and gifts)
-K&K Sweets table (sweet treats for the holidays)
-Stuart James jewelry table
-Roasted and custom nuts table (to enjoy on the spot or for later or for gifts)
-free hot chocolate compliments of CMA and USC
-Wedding 101 will be open from 6-8pm with a wine tasting by Vidalco International LLC-Wine Distributors! Also, have some photo fun from The Traveling Photo Booth!

The following food folks will be out, so come hungry and enjoy:

-2 Fat 2 Fly
-KC’s Hot Dogs
-Crepes & Croissants
-Cowboy-outdoor food service
-Paradise Ice

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 26, 2012
First Thursdays on Main-December 6, 2012
Main Street Columbia SC

firstthursdaysonmain.com

Frame of Mind

FOM Series presents Happy Holidays, Mother Earth! Featuring Kirkland Smith and Chris Carney

FOM has never been SO green! Get ready to enjoy this two-month FOM Series focused on how an artist has turned consumer waste into fine art! These items destined for landfills have found new life in 3-D paintings. And, we’ve never been SO blue. What lies beneath will fill our gallery for your viewing pleasure. Water…everywhere!

Inside:  Columbia artist, Kirkland Smith, will present a two-part exhibition of work created almost entirely from post-consumer materials collected from friends and family.

During the December FOM Series, she is asking the community to participate in an assemblage she will create by donating eyewear that they no longer need. She plans to unveil the new work as a part of the January FOM Series during First Thursdays on Main.

Kirkland Smith, a classical painter, began creating contemporary Assemblages from post-consumer materials when she entered an environmental art contest in 2008. Using discarded objects as her “paint,” she found an evocative way to deliver the message of the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling.

Her work offers an entertainment value, but also reveals the impact consumerism is creating on our environment. “Each Assemblage is a little piece of our history. It is the story of us today. What we throw away says a lot about who we are, but what we choose to cherish and protect says even more in the end.”

Without this determination to cherish and protect our community, our state, our nation, our planet by reducing, reusing, and recycling, we won’t be able to enjoy the waters which refresh and sustain us. So, as a fitting complement to Kirkland’s recycled art, Frame of Mind is proud to introduce you to the work of one of Columbia’s favorite alternative performers and renowned local grower of coral, Chris Carney. He describes his plans for this two-part FOM Series this way, “There is another world beneath the skin of the ocean. A place that covers more than half of our planet still remains a mystery. This is what I strive to capture. Vignettes of a place many will never see with their own eyes and few will be able to describe. These are not glass boxes; these are snapshots to a world I love, a place I’d like you to know. Dive in, explore.”

A graduate of the University of South Carolina’s Marine Sciences program, Chris owns A Fish Store, a full-service fish and aquarium shop specializing in saltwater fish/aquariums, freshwater fish/aquariums, corals, ponds, design/fabrication/installation/maintenance services. He is also an assistant SCUBA instructor with Wateree Dive Center. For the FOM Series installations and exhibits, he plans to showcase mostly tank-raised livestock/corals. His work will be available for purchase, but custom options are available as well.

Outside:  For our outdoor entertainment, we’re so proud to feature Columbia’s own DJ Deft Key of Entropy Studios, Raymond Howard. Deft Key’s shows are full of the energy and sounds of global beats and dubstep, and this month, we get to hear some holiday themed tunes, as well! For a sampling, check out his music onhttp://soundcloud.com/deftkey

. His CD is available for purchase at our December event. Entropy studios is a recording/production studio that was founded in the fall of 2011 by Raymond Howard, Timothy Miller, and Jeramie Conrad. A unique type of studio with services ranging from simple recording/tracking to full production including song creation, adding audio to film, voice overs and foley, their mission is to provide a fully operational studio capable of facilitating any and all audio needs for musicians, film producers, theatrical directors, and voice actors both regionally and internationally. Their menu of services include: recording, tracking, mixing, mastering, voice-overs, composition, songwriting, foley, DJ services, live sound/lighting, post-production audio for film and video, album art, logo design, photography services, merchandise design, band photos, business cards, and flier design. Please visit Deft Key on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/deft.key.3?fref=ts or Entropy Studios on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheEntropyStudios?fref=ts .

Food Outdoors: your favorites and a few new additions!
Paradise Ice-sweet treats/organic ice custard and Italian ice Cowboy Brazilian Steakhouse-outside service, 2 Fat 2 Fly Food Truck, Bone-In Artisan Food Truck, KC’s Hotdogs, NNB Barbeque, Crepes and Croissants, and J Gumbos

First Thursdays Cruise In

Come check out what has become a signature piece of First Thursdays on Main’s activities, the official Cruise In. The 1500 and 1600 Blocks of Main Street get taken over by classics and customs of all types, shapes, and age. For December’s First Thursday event, the classic Christmas theme will abound. As always, First Thursdays Cruise In is brought to you by Curran Stone/Cartoys Auto Spa and Mark Plessinger/Frame of Mind.

Christmas Tree/Sculpture

It is getting to be our Main Street tradition…at tree for the holidays by local artists. This year’s tree is a creation of and brought to you by Curran Stone of Car Toys Auto Spa. It is a splendid work of metal you won’t want to miss.

S&S Art Supply

Flux: Paintings by Whitney Lejeune

For First Thursday’s Mingle & Jingle event, we are super excited to have Whitney LeJeune back for another solo exhibition. We also have the very talented DJ B spinning tunes out front. Additionally, we have the Jonathan Lovett Trio, a jazz ensemble featuring two student musicians and a professional musician performing on keyboard, drums, and bass. The trio are representing Project Design, a student lead initiative on a mission to redesign and maintain the USC School of Music.

Whitney’s work is more than beautiful – it transcends the sensual and feminine quality of the human form onto another plane of artistic freedom and colorful tranquility. Believing that the female form is the essence of worldly beauty, her inspiration in her paintings flow from spontaneity. These timeless and universal truths beat from the depths of her artistic heart.

“Flux is a constant state of change….Flux celebrates the marriage of my ever changing eye with my constant heart.”

Whitney says her work is all about bringing passionate art into peoples’ lives . . . and “putting emotions on canvas that bring pleasure and intellectual energy into homes, public places, and work places is what I love to do.”

She opened her first studio in 2009, began painting full-time in 2011, and hasn’t slowed down since. “I took the leap of faith – it’s demanding but I love it. I‘ve been blessed that so many people, especially women, have embraced my work.”

She works to serve-up enjoyment on an emotional and an intellectual level, mating form, color and the power of suggestion in every effort. “I’m most satisfied when I’ve said a lot with a just a few strokes of paint”.

Whitney’s work is influenced by her early childhood home, Austin, Texas, the elegance she draws from her family’s Southern roots, and a love of pushing herself to try new approaches to her subjects. She’s a 2009 graduate of SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design, BA, Painting). Her work includes the female form, portraiture, landscapes, architecture, and cover art for published novels.

Anastasia & Friends

For the month of December at Anastasia & Friends, get ready to Mingle & Jingle! The gallery will be FILLED with art in all types of mediums, perfect for holiday gift giving at affordable price ranges by some of Columbia’s favorite artists. Our opening reception is Thursday, December 7th from 6:00 to 9:00, and we’ll even have special weekend hours that will coincide with the Soda City Farmers Market on Saturdays, from 8 am to 1 pm.

A few of the participating artists include, Bohumila Augustinova, Leslie Bennett, Jarid Lyfe Brown, Katherine Elliott, Nathan Fiveash, Michael Krajewski, Susan Lenz, and Lindsay Wiggins and more!

Tapp’s Art Center

Our December featured artist is Suzy Scarborough. Expect A BRAND NEW SHOW full of interior landscapes for your visual enjoyment.  That is all we’re going to say; come and see for yourself!
In the Skyline Room:
Holiday Crafters Fair offering all handmade holiday items for purchase

In the Fountain Room:
USC Portfolio Showcase

Paradise Ice

Tis the season for wonderful winter flavors! This First Thursday, we will be unveiling our new delicious holiday flavors like Eggnog, Peppermint, & Gingerbread. Don’t forget to try our new decadent made-to-order flavored hot chocolates. Luna Trix Arts will be here painting faces, and Evolution Through Chocolate will be here selling their holiday chocolate collection. Let’s Mingle & Jingle Baby!

Wine Down on Main

Wine Down on Main is excited to present the collective works of Andrew Thomas. ”Sehnsucht is a German term that describes a feeling of unfulfilled nostalgia that has no rational foundation. It is sometimes used to refer to a craving to have a different place in the universe. This sensation can be brought on by a familiar smile or a passing thought; or when the season turns and releases a thousand memories. Everyone experiences this at some point in time.
These works attempt to capture this uncertain desperation, but never to explain it. They reach for an inaccessible future while holding firm to an imperfect past. They are frantic expressions of unfounded reflection. Each one offers a depiction of the indescribable. In other words, these works are solutions waiting for a problem.”  H. Andrew Thomas was born in 1985. He studied Literature and History at the University of South Carolina.

And of course, we will have our table outside selling beer and wine!

 Columbia Museum of Art Gift Shop

The last of the popular sidewalk sales for 2012…here is what we’re up to!  Enjoy a stroll down Main Street and stop by The Columbia Museum of Art Shop and check out our sidewalk sale! All items outside the shop are 50% OFF from 5 to 8:30 pm… items like accessories, purses, jewelry, posters, and children’s stuff.

PLUS – CMA members will enjoy 30% inside the shop all day long!

 Whig/Jasper Studios in the Arcade

We’ve decided that the one block that separates Jasper Studios and the Whig is just too far, so we’re teaming up to get down in the Arcade Mall for December’s First Thursdays on Main.

Chef Joe Turkaly will be serving up BBQ on the cheap, bring your appetite. GCSPS Spinning records all night, bring your dancing shoes. Enjoy the dancers of Tribe SK at 7:30pm and listen to The Mobros at 9:30pm.  Bring all your friends for this massive FTOM party!.

 Mast General

Mast General Store will host band members from the TRI-M society of Hand Middle School, an honorary society for band members.  Trios will be playing holiday music to lead us into the season. Hand Middle School is a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence and a recipient of the Carolina First Palmetto’s Finest Award.

Enjoy Hot Spiced Cider and Raspberry Jalapeno preserves over cream cheese as you visit with friends and enjoy the beautiful holiday music.

Something Special Florist

Our Christmas Open House was such a success in November that we are doing it all over again in December at Something Special Florist for Mingle and Jingle On Main! Please stop by for some holiday cheer, a glass of wine and holiday treats! Come join us and get into the spirit of the holidays with ornaments by December Diamonds, Katherine’s Collectibles, custom quality wreathes, garlands, arrangements and that perfect gift for the hard to please on your shopping list!

For this Open House, all ornaments and decorations will be marked 25% to 50% OFF for one night only! Be sure not to miss out on these great deals!

 Sheraton Rooftop

Just in time for First Thursdays on Main, Preach Jacobs will be spinning the best in indie hip-hop, soul, funk and more at Sheraton’s Rooftop (1400 Main St.).  To make it even better, Brian Stockard/The Cigar Box will sponsor the event for all the cigar aficionados out there with special deals and prizes. The Sheraton will offer wine, beer and liquor tastings to compliment your cigar.  Enjoy the evening on the rooftop at one of the most coveted partying spots in Columbia.  For more info contact: preach@preachjacobs.com

 City of Columbia: Ice Skating Rink on Boyd Plaza

Boyd Plaza in downtown Columbia has a cooler look and feels since the city opened the new ice skating rink is at the corner of Hampton and Main Streets!  City of Columbia and Magic Ice U.S.A., Inc. have partnered to bring a 50’ X 63’

synthetic ice- skating rink to the plaza, located in front of the Columbia Museum of Art. The rink will be open seven days a week. Hours of operation will be Monday – Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to10 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. The rink will be closed on Christmas Day.  Skating fees will be $10 for adults and $6 for children ages 12 and under. Special senior and military discounts will be offered. Reservations will be taken for large groups planning to visit the rink.  The rink will remain open until January 6, 2013.  For more information on the new ice skating rink, contact City of Columbia Parks and Recreation at (803) 545-3100.

First Thursdays on Main is Columbia’s monthly art crawl and streetfest hosted by the Main Street merchants on the first Thursday of every month from 6 to 9 pm.  This event showcases the revitalized Main Street community and includes our merchants from the Capital to City Hall.

You may contact Mark Plessinger by calling (803)988-1065 or via email at frameofmindsc@gmail.com. Please also visit our website for additional info and happenings at www.firstthursdaysonmain.com.

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 29, 2012

First Thursdays on Main-November 1, 2012

Main Street Columbia SC

firstthursdaysonmain.com

Frame of Mind

FOM Series presents Finding Romanticism Among Grunge: Evelyn Wong and Shannon Purvis

Inside:  FOM is pleased to present our November artist, Evelyn Wong, and her show “Finding Romanticism Among Grunge” for your viewing delight. We’re also welcoming another of our favorite artists back as Evelyn’s partner in the November installation. Shannon Purvis has prepared a custom collection of lush, intricately designed terrariums, which will be available for perusal and purchase. Evelyn’s FOM Series work originally began around 2009 after she decided that she wanted to redefine herself as an artist.

“Having spent much of my life doing research on many different subjects, I found that not only am I naturally geared towards a more scientific approach, I truly enjoy research as a means to gaining as much understanding and knowledge as possible. This has manifested itself in the series of works in “Finding Romanticism” through the many hours spent on documenting the various plants in Columbia, SC—observing and studying my subjects from many different angles to gain an understanding of their growth patterns and habits—before I embark on the final portrait of each specimen.

Each of the completed works in this series reflects the nature of the environment in which the subject grows. It is important to me to document growth and change of each of the plants in relation to their respective environments because things change, and nothing is truly permanent. What is there today may not be there many years (or possibly even days) from now. My hope is that with this series, the viewer will join me in learning about and appreciating the beauty of the subtleties in nature, and follow me on my journey through wind, rain, and shine.”

Outside:  For our outdoor entertainment, we’re so proud to feature Columbia’s own DJ Deft Key of Entropy Studios, Raymond Howard. Deft Key’s shows are full of the energy and sounds of global beats and dubstep. For a sampling, check out his music on http://soundcloud.com/deftkey. His CD is available for purchase at our November event. Entropy studios is a recording/production studio that was founded in the fall of 2011 by Raymond Howard, Timothy Miller, and Jeramie Conrad. A unique type of studio with services ranging from simple recording/tracking to full production including song creation, adding audio to film, voice overs and foley, their mission is to provide a fully operational studio capable of facilitating any and all audio needs for musicians, film producers, theatrical directors, and voice actors both regionally and internationally. Their menu of services include: recording, tracking, mixing, mastering, voice-overs, composition, songwriting, foley, DJ services, live sound/lighting, post-production audio for film and video, album art, logo design, photography services, merchandise design, band photos, business cards, and flier design. Please visit Deft Key on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/deft.key.3?fref=ts or Entropy Studios on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheEntropyStudios?fref=ts .

Food Outdoors: your favorites and a few new additions!

Paradise Ice-sweet treats/organic ice custard and Italian ice (both their location on the 1600 block and their cart on the 1500 block), Cowboy Brazilian Steakhouse-outside service, 2 Fat 2 Fly Food Truck, Bone-In Artisan Food Truck, KC’s Hotdogs, NNB Barbeque, Crepes and Croissants, and J Gumbos

First Thursdays Cruise In

Come check out what has become a signature piece of First Thursdays on Main’s activities, the official Cruise In. The 1500 and 1600 Blocks of Main Street get taken over by classics and customs of all types, shapes, and age. As always, First Thursdays Cruise In is brought to you by Curran Stone/Cartoys Auto Spa and Mark Plessinger/Frame of Mind. Check out this event on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/422885264431718/.

FOM Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/546093025404752/?fref=ts

S&S Art Supply

Whiskers & Tails: Photographic Works by Forrest Clonts

S & S Art Supply’s First Thursday on Main for November presents a collection of new works featuring the animals of Wescott Acres Pet Rescue, along with an eclectic mix of other photographic pieces by Forrest Clonts. For the evening’s musical entertainment, starting at 5:30 pm we have “The Boom Room presents…hosted by FatRat Da Czar”. He will be in front of S & S with other artists from 5:30-8 pm. Artists include Brandi Code, Lalisa, Los Caus, Gritz, Vo Norris, Ali-Rah, DJ Kingpin (NonStop HipHop Live), with sound provided by The Jam Room Studio.

Cats, dogs, puppies, and kittens. These are the adorable beasts that fuel the internet, and rightly so. There is no deeper meaning hidden in this collection of work. They are simply pieces created to appreciate these animals for what they are. Every animal here is a rescue animal that has either already found a home, or is waiting to find one. Clonts worked with Wescott Acres Pet Rescue to document their rescues and all proceeds from the artist’s sales go directly to their rescue efforts. In light of this special exhibition, we welcome you to bring your pets along for the event!

Forrest Clonts is a photographer born and raised in the Columbia area. He graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Media Arts where he built the foundation of his photography knowledge with chemical trays and silver gelatin. He is a working commercial and event photographer and the photo editor for Jasper Magazine. Forrest and his wife, Liz, are the proud owners of three rescues, Hemingway, Fitzgerald “Fitz,” and Roosevelt “Rosie.”

Notoriously famous local performer, Fat Rat da Czar needs no introduction. Performing countless dates at countless venues, and making certified authoritative music throughout the nineties and early millennia, Fat Rat da Czar kept moving forward but remained humble. Rooted from humble beginnings in Virginia and then onto Hopkins, SC, his lyrics and song structure are still heavily influenced from his early days.”Not just another gun-toting street guy”, Fat Rat is a proud father and family man, and all around nice guy with loads of talent.

Musical performances by artists: Brandi Code, Lalisa, Los Caus, Gritz, Vo Norris, Ali-Rah
DJ: Kingpin (NonStop HipHop Live)
Sound provided by: The Jam Room Studio

S&S Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/364902516927600/

Anastasia & Friends

The Narrative Figure

For November’s First Thursday opening, Anastasia & Friends presents The Narrative Figure, an exhibition of figure-related, mixed media paintings by Wayne Thornley and Lisa Gray.

Wayne Thornley’s impressionistic figures were inspired by his father’s descent into Alzheimer’s disease. When asked to describe the body of work he’ll show, Thornley states, “The figure is a form that frequently emerges in my work, usually surfacing in response to some personal experience or to convey something more universal. My latest paintings and drawings focus on the figure as vessel – one that carries and protects the memories, emotions and experiences that shape the individuals we become as we navigate through life.

As witness and companion to my father’s descent into Alzheimer’s disease, I experienced the weight and importance of memory and how it defines us. The beliefs, relationships and dreams we collect along the way define us. With these things, we live, explore and move forward. Without them, we become wanderers in an unfamiliar landscape.

These works are dedicated to the memory of my father.”

Artist Lisa Gray’s highly layered work is a combination of acrylic paint, watercolor, ink, oil pastels and varied mediums such as molding paste. Lisa describes her current body of work by stating,

“I create based on the emotions I am feeling, whether it relates directly to myself, the people in my life, or the world around me. I build upon the surface by adding texture through the application of paint and medium. The layering is part of a dominant feature in my paintings, creating dimensions of color and texture. Through this process, I am creating a mood with a sense of movement in each painting.”

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of Wayne Thornley’s art will be donated to the S.C. Alzheimer’s Association. Anastasia & Friends art gallery is open to the public from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday. For more information, contact Anastasia Chernoff at 803 665 6902.

anastasia & Friends Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/372962902782980/

Tapp’s Art Center

(HELD OVER!!!!) Suzy Scarborough

Our November featured artist is Suzy Scarborough. Expect huge beautiful portraits, oils on canvas and collages. The artist describes her upcoming show and work on her website as such:

“I am currently working on three distinct bodies of work: collage abstracts, gold leaf geometrics, and figures. Although they differ in appearance and technique, they are related in thematic content: “inner reality” as opposed to “outer reality;” the natural/organic as opposed to mathematical/abstract; material as opposed to conceptual/symbolic.”

In the Skyline Room:
Native American Film Festival Preview
http://www.cherokeesofsouthcarolina.com/Film-Festival/index.html

In the Fountain Room:
Cancellieri and People Person
http://www.facebook.com/events/425835827465952/

Paradise Ice

Craving sweet potatoes, cranberries & caramel apples? Stop by Paradise Ice this November First Thursday and experience all of our tasty new fall flavors. Enjoy your custard with a hot cup of locally roasted Turtle Creek Coffee or a cup of one of our delicious new teas.

Wine Down on Main

Native Art

Here at Wine Down on Main, there will be approximately 21 Native Art pieces exhibited. The celebration of American Indian culture and intertribal Powwow culture is what these art images depict. Exhibiting will be artists from the “SC American Indian Arts Project”, including ART from various artists from the region…. Artists of the Eastern Cherokee, Southern Iroquois & United Tribes, About Face Artists, Winyah Indian People and area artist Will Moreau which consists of Paintings, Archival photographs, Anthropological photographs, Native American Indian portraits; cultural traditions in action, dancers.

We will also host discussions on the films featured in this year’s festival. For more information on the Native American 15th Annual Film Festival, please visit:http://www.cherokeesofsouthcarolina.com/Film-Festival/index.html

Columbia Museum of Art Gift Shop

First Thursday in November will include a book signing of the newly published 100 SOUTHERN ARTISTS by E. Ashley Rooney with Paula Allen.

Stop into the CMA Gift Shop to pick up your copy.

Artists signing books during First Thursday include:
Patti Brady
Phil Garrett
Mary Walker
Linda S. Young
Toni Elkins
Mana Hewitt
Paula Yanko
Enid Williams
Jeff Donovan
and Don Zurlo

CMA Gift Shop Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/191471157644770/

Jasper Studios in the Arcade

Join us as we celebrate the launch of Don McCallister’s new book, “Fellow Traveler: A Rock & Roll Fable” published by Muddy Ford Press. Don will be reading from 6:30 – 7 pm and signing from 7 – 8 pm, when the party officially gets underway. Cake, drinks, and music will be provided by Stillhouse and Jellyroll & Delicious Dish. This event is free and open to the public.

Jasper Studios Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/402669379800647/

Mast General

Book Signing, Palmetto Portraits Project, Meet contributors Brett Flashnick, Kathleen Robbins, Paul Matheny and Vennie Deas Moore.  The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), in partnership with the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art at the College of Charleston has developed a multi-year collaboration called the Palmetto Portraits Project. Noted and emerging photographers from throughout the state of South Carolina have been commissioned to focus on portraying South Carolinians in the Low country, the Piedmont, and the Upstate—reflecting the full range and diversity of the state’s citizens, occupations, and recreational activities

Timshel - 6 pm - 7:30 pm   Talented Alderman Douglas, guitar cello and vocals will perform his original compositions along with Mike Schaming, Daniel Wilson and Jonas Owens.  Their energy for this acoustical set will delight audiences of all ages.

Food Tasting – Join us as we sample our unique jellies….  Moonshine, Corn Cob, Kudzu, Scuppernong, and Crabapple.

Something Special Florist

We will feature festive arrangements, ornaments, QUALITY wreaths and garlands, unique decorations by December Diamonds gifts, Katherine’s Collectibles, and others for the holidays! Catering by Cowboy Brazilian Steak House, Main St. Columbia SC

Come join us for the FIRST holiday event of the season!

Something Special Florist Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/163899320418001/

Hampton Street Vineyard

This Month the Music is back, and we will be featuring a young artist (Colin Henderson) who will do a live ice sculpture in front of the restaurant. We will also be featuring some seasonal beers for 3:25 and of course our usual fare!

Hope to see all soon!

Sheraton Rooftop

Just in time for First Thursdays on Main, Preach Jacobs will be spinning the best in indie hip-hop, soul, funk and more at Sheraton’s Rooftop (1400 Main St.).  To make it even better, Brian Stockard/The Cigar Box will sponsor the event for all the cigar aficionados out there with special deals and prizes. The Sheraton will offer wine, beer and liquor tastings to compliment your cigar.  Enjoy the evening on the rooftop at one of the most coveted partying spots in Columbia.  For more info contact: preach@preachjacobs.com

The Whig

Tapping of the rare keg festivities: November’s is Ommegang Rare Vos……..It is damn delightful….we’re actually getting two, because we’ve been running out before people can get down here!  Check it out at http://www.ommegang.com/#!beer_vos.

First Thursdays on Main is Columbia’s monthly art crawl and streetfest hosted by the Main Street merchants on the first Thursday of every month from 6 to 9 pm.  This event showcases the revitalized Main Street community and includes our merchants from the Capital to City Hall.

You may contact Mark Plessinger by calling (803)988-1065 or via email at frameofmindsc@gmail.com. Please also visit our website for additional info and happenings at www.firstthursdaysonmain.com.

###

This is a “Thank You” to all of those who participated in First Thursdays on Main for October.  Easily the largest event that has happened yet, it is a great sign of the future of this premiere event for our city!

HUGE thank yous to the following businesses that opened their doors and threw their own parties.  It takes a lot for them to do that and shows their commitment to their street and to the arts community as a whole:

• Eric and Amanda at S&S Art Supply and opening show by Carlleena Person
• Billy and Brenda at Tapp’s and opening show by Suzy Scarborough
• Joe and Jessica at Paradise Ice with opening show by Sean McGuinness
• Isaac, Heather, and Andy at the Nick with feature film of The Jam Room Documentary
• Deb and Ruth at Mast General with music by Chris Compton and the Ruby Brunettes
• Connie at Weddings 101 with samplings from Scott Hall
• David and Grant at Something Special Florist and their Halloween Extravaganza
• Anastasia for letting the Jam Room take over your space at Free Times with opening show by Jay Matheson and Alex Smith
• Patti and Jenna at Wine Down with opening show by Lauren Maurer
• Kyle from Kyle Michel Law Firm
• Bohumila and crew from CMA Gift Shop
• Mark, Dana, and Wendy from Frame of Mind and opening show by PIENSA Art: Sammy Lopez, Dre Lopez, and Robert LeHeup
• Edson, Bruce, and crew from Cowboy
• Phil and crew from The Whig
• Leigh, Michelle, and crew from Hampton Street Vineyard
• Cindi and crew from Jasper
• Sheraton and Preach Jacobs/The Cigar Box Cohiba Thursdays

 
Our appreciation also goes to another group of folks who made First Thursdays on Main sparkle this month:

• Curran Stone of Cartoys Inc for being one of the major contributors to and masterminds of the “First Thursdays Cruise In”
• Chris Carney/LED poi spinning
• Maria Bargas Palacio and the ladies of Serpentine Bellydance
• Gina Wolfe and the crew from Columbia Hoops
• Tribe SK’s Aaron DW White, Lavelle Marshall, Andrew Spencer and crew
• DJ Deft Key/Ray Howard of Entropy Studios for creating a show-stopping set for the crowd and performers of the 1500 block
• Lee Ann Kornegay for setting up and running that magnificent Nick Parade and to all of the fabulous paraders who participated
• DJ B for getting everybody dancing in the 1600 block
• Outdoor food and libations by: Edson and Bruce from Cowboys, Phil from The Whig, Corey and crew from 2 Fat 2 Fly, Scott and crew from Bone In, Alex from KC’s hotdogs, Giles from J Gumbo’s, Rob from NNB BBQ , Patti from Wine Down, and Terri from Famously Frozen
• City Center Partnership (CCP) crew and the much loved Yellow Shirts: the Yellow Shirt team stands ready to support our Main Street community daily.  We can’t say thanks enough for the help with the stage and transport, security, and clean-up…all with smiles! By the time we all opened the next morning, the Yellow Shirts had Main Street looking like not a thing had happened the night before.
• Officer Hall and the Columbia Police Department for their presence and support

 
And, we absolutely must send a super big thanks out to USC PR folks, especially John Valentine, Assistant Director.  John, thanks for thinking of FTOM and Main Street when the crew from ESPN Road Trip show was looking for an evening in the life and times of Columbia SC!  The hosts, Ali and Niki, had a lot of fun traveling up and down the street partying with all of us (as you can see from the piece that was on the show).  To the cast and crew of ESPN U, it was our pleasure to meet all of you and hope you felt right at home in mayhem of Main Street’s celebration!  Thanks for the fantastic footage!

Our final thank you belongs to the community who turned out in the thousands to celebrate with us.  Without you, our event could never happen!  Standing ovation, Columbia!

Once again, our local press is coming on strong to support all the hard work that has been done to build First Thursdays on Main.  Check out both articles (from the Free Times and The State).

FreeTimes article:  http://www.free-times.com/index.php?cat=11001804073474158&ShowArticle_ID=11010310123467967

The State article:  http://www.thestate.com/2012/10/04/2467527/brothers-combine-different-approaches.html#.UG2c-ZjA-So