This past weekend I went on the Columbia, South Carolina Open Studios tour with two other artists, Glenda Keyes and Barbara Yongue.  In the past, I have opened my studio to the public on these tours and was sad that I was not able to visit the other studios, so this year I wanted to support the tour as a  visitor.

We started early at Soda City Market on Main Street for Inda Coffee, microgreens and kale from City Roots, and Sicilian Coast goat cheese from Trail Ridge Farm.  I also found a cute Nana by Sally clutch at the market.  I like how Sally Peek puts together unusual combinations of colors and patterns.  This one has my favorite blue/green gray colors in a bold floral pattern with gray and white stripes inside.

Sophie Clutch
Nana by Sally Peek
Purchased at Soda City Market
Columbia, South Carolina

Interior of Sophie Clutch
Nana by Sally Peek

When the studios opened at 10:00, we started in Cayce at the newly opened pottery studio of John and Venetia Sharpe.  They have a variety of sturdy food-safe serving pieces and decorative raku vases.  I may need to have a party just to use this beautiful bowl….

Food-safe serving bowl
Pottery by John and Venetia Sharpe
Cayce, South Carolina

We visited several other studios along the way.   I’m endlessly fascinated by the way artists make use of tiny outbuildings, vast industrial buildings, repurposed objects, and expensive rare materials to make art.

Near the VA hospital, we found beaded jewelry and a flame working demonstration at the studio of Betty Evans and Carolyn Ramsey. (Do you notice a color theme developing in my purchases?)

Sterling and bead earrings by Carolyn Ramsey
Glass earrings by Betty Evans

Finally, my favorite artist on the day’s tour was Nancy Butterworth in Shandon.    She makes delicate pottery using impressions of leaves of fatsia, collards, and other bold leafed plants with earthy glazes.  In case you missed Open Studios, she’s having another sale this coming weekend.  For more information, contact her at nkbutterworth@gmail.com.  Of course, I have already picked out the best pieces, but she might have a few pieces left for you.

Pottery bowl by Nancy Butterworth
Columbia, SC

I was impressed with the quality and variety of art available on the tour and enjoyed the opportunity to meet and talk to the artists.  It is great fun to come home with unique pieces and the memory of a fun day.

As always, I would love for you to buy my art, but if you don’t buy art from me, BUY ART SOMEWHERE!