Artists Rise Up with Neighborhood Art Shows & Bohumila Augustinova Tells Us Why

Given that the Jasper Project is a full-blooded grass roots arts organization with a penchant for do-it-your-selfers and folks who say screw the system that we didn’t design and take problem solving into their own hands, we love and celebrate the, now, many community-based art shows on the calendar these days.

These events have grown organically from the hearts and environs of the artists themselves and been nurtured by their neighbors who know the value of having artists who live next door or just down the street. Those artists tend to live life intentionally, prioritizing beauty and finding their own versions of gods in the tiniest details of their lives. They tend to be kind and respectful of shared spaces. Or they may keep to themselves unless they are needed. In any case, having artists as neighbors usually means lovely yards and porches that bother no one and enhance the world around them, so why wouldn’t non-artist neighbors enjoy participating and encouraging neighborhood arts events like the Cottontown Art Crawl, Melrose Art in the Yard, Keenan Terrace Art in the Yard and more?

Jasper is here to cheer on our local artists as they brave the chilly days ahead and gather under tents (and probably blankets) to show the rest of us how their spirits have manifested into the beautiful art they’ve created and have for sale. We love the lack of a middle person. We love that the artists are turning over the temple tables for themselves. We love the purity of this kind of exchange – value for value. And we love that the artists said We have art for sale, and we need somewhere to sale it, and solved that problem for themselves.

Here's a look at some of the al fresco arts events coming to a neighborhood near you.

THIS SUNDAY 11/20/22

According to their social media, “Historic Melrose Art in the Yard held the first art event in 2020 at the beginning of the pandemic. The idea was to provide local artists and artisans with a safe place to show and sell their wares while also showcasing the historic neighborhood. The event drew hundreds of people to explore the neighborhood. … The November 20th AITY will be the eighth time the event has been held. This event is entirely outdoors and spread over several city blocks.”

Melrose Art in the Yard welcomes more than 80 artists to show and sell their original work in the historic, downtown Columbia neighborhood. The event also features food and a concert by Admiral Radio, starting at 4:30 pm.

NEXT SATURDAY 11/26/22

Hosts Bohumila Augustinova and Bekah Rice invite you to join them for the third annual Keenan Terrace Art in the Yard with 16 artists selling their handmade, one of a kind creations.


Artist participating in this event include Lucas Sams, Gina Langston Brewer, Adam Corbett, Ginny Merett, Diane Hare, Barbara Howes-Diemer, Michael Krajewski, Wayne Thornley, Valerie Lamott, Flavia Lovatelli, Jennifer Hill, Stan Cummings, Elisabeth Donato-Owens, Ellen Fishburne, Tennyson Corley, and. of course, Bohumila Augustinová.

Bohumila Augustinova Chats About Why She Loves Pop Up Outdoors Art Shows

I was part of Melrose Art in the Yard. It was their second or third year and I was set up next to couple of  my friends. We loved the event. I have a big front yard, so we decided that maybe we could do our own version of the event. Just with all of the artists in the same area.  

Starting the event wasn’t all that difficult. I organized plenty of art events before, so this may have been the easiest event I ever organized. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still a lot of work. Just not as stressful.  

There are few things I really like about it. First, I love and adore working with local artists, so showing my work right by their side is always a pleasure. I love that neighbors come on foot, with their dogs and kids. It has a true community feeling to it. I get to know some artists that live right in my neighborhood and so many of my friends come to support the event.  

We have a few artists that been with us since the beginning and few new faces as well. 

We have Michael Krajewski, who’s been selling his work at this event since the beginning. He brings his smaller works of art and sell them at amazing prices. Michael is also a collector of vintage toys, so he always entertains us with different toys he brings.  

This year for the first time Tennyson Corley is bringing her amazing ceramic sculptures. They are really humorous and charming.  

Wayne Thornley, he’s been one of my favorite local artists for years and a good friend. He’s dangerous to me, because I know I’m going to want to buy more of his work. He brings paintings and his wish boxes, and I have the feeling I need another one of those. 

I’m excited because Liz Donato who was my first ever pottery teacher will be joining us. Her pottery is so beautifully made. 

Ellen Fishburne is one of our neighbors and she does amazing watercolor paintings and notecards.  

We are doing this once a year. We settled on the Saturday after Thanksgiving because it’s “shop local day.” 

The only tricky part of this event is that even though our front yard is big, it’s not big enough to grow. We can only have about 17 artists. At this point, the only call for artist we do is on the neighborhood facebook page.

Mark Your Calendars for Another Melrose Heights Art in the Yard coming up in April

From our friends in the Historic Melrose Community …

The Historic Melrose Art in the Yard will welcome nearly one hundred artists and artisans to show and sell their original work in the historic, downtown Columbia neighborhood. The event will be held on Sunday, April 10, 2022, from noon to 5 pm with art, food and entertainment for visitors.

Historic Melrose Art in the Yard (AITY) held the first art event in 2020 at the beginning of the pandemic. The idea was to provide local artists and artisans with a safe place to show and sell their wares while also showcasing the historic neighborhood. The event drew hundreds of people to explore the neighborhood. Based on this success and the demand for local art, AITY has become a regular event. The April 10th AITY will be the seventh time the event has been held.

“The Historic Melrose neighborhood is looking forward to welcoming visitors and supporting the local arts scene on April 10th,” said organizer Lila McCullough.  “We will showcase a wide variety of artists and artisans in yards throughout the neighborhood and we will have something for everyone,” said McCullough. 

This event is entirely outdoors and spread over several city blocks, but social distancing and masks are encouraged.

Due to the success of the past events, this one will feature more artists and more food vendors than previous events. The event will also be followed by live music starting at 5 pm. The event is FREE and open to the public. Information and maps will be available on Facebook and Instagram. 

Melrose Heights Art in the Yard Epitomizes Grass Roots Arts Organization - Sunday, October 4th

all photos courtesy of Lee Ann Kornegay

all photos courtesy of Lee Ann Kornegay

JASPER loves nothing more than grass roots arts organizing, so we’ve been watching from behind our masks as MELROSE ART IN THE YARD has grown from its first small gathering of neighbors in need of sharing their art to an almost-but-not-quite full fledged arts festival.

The heart-child of Lee Ann Kornegay, Harriet Green, and Lila McCullough, Melrose Art in the Yard held its first gathering of artists in May when, after 6 weeks of sheltering in place, the women and their neighbors were beginning to not only experience cabin fever, but to yearn for the unique kind of mental and spiritual stimulation that viewing a collection of art can offer. With COVID-sponsored safety and social distancing being a top priority, the neighbors made use of the shared resource they have in abundance - the streets and yards that connect them. Melrose Art in the Yard was born.

“My motivation was that I really wanted to have something my elderly parents could participate in and look forward to,” Kornegay says. “Knowing we had many artists in the area, we picked a date and had a handful of folks participate. We brought in a food truck and invited the neighbors to get out with their families and stroll the historic community as a distraction from the lock down.” 

“People loved it,” she continues, “and now we are on our third event with over 30 participants.  Most actually live in the neighborhood while other artists have asked to join in, not having very many options at this time to show their work in a safe environment.”

Participating artists are spread throughout the neighborhood with most of the activity centered around Shirley, Hagood, and Gladden Streets. The list of artists includes but is not limited to Betty Kornegay-Kaneft and Jack Kaneft, Julie and Larry Webster, Betsy Kaemmerlin, Alex Ruskell, Bob Waites and Jenks Farmer, Rubin Garcia, Laura Ray, Melissa Ligon, Kathryn Van Aernum, Flavia Novatelli, Bohumila Augustinova, Valerie Lamott, Diko Pekdemir-Lewis, Jane Dillard, Laura Rav, and Rob Shaw. Elaine Delk and Hope McClure will have antiques and vintage items. Columbia City Ballet soloist Anna Porter will prove she is as talented in the kitchen as she is on the dance floor with her baked goods. And, in addition to Kids’ Tables, Historic Columbia and the League of Women Voters will be there along with noshes from Mary’s Arepas, Brown Sistaz Island Vibz, and Lick Pops.

Artist - Angela Hughes Zokan

Artist - Angela Hughes Zokan

Artist - Krissy Walters Militello

Artist - Krissy Walters Militello

There will even be music in the streets! Preach Jacobs will spinning from 3 - 5 pm on Melrose Street and The Defenders, featuring Rhodes Bailey and Jake Erwin, will perform on the corner of Hagood and Melrose from 5 - 7.

There is no admission to attend and Jasper isn’t sure if there will be potties available. Don’t count on being able to use your credit cards either, though some folx may have that capacity. This is truly grass roots, y’all. But we do know that hand sanitizing stations will be situated throughout the area and SOCIAL DISTANCING AND MASKS WILL BE REQUIRED.

Congratulations to all involved for this inspiring example of problem solving, cooperation, and community spirit. Let us know about other opportunities to enjoy the arts in the area and we’ll do our best to share the news.

Don’t miss a single chance to read about the

cool stuff going on

in the

Columbia area art community!

SUBSCRIBE to

WHAT JASPER SAID

today!