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News from The Columbus Museum

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When the Columbus Museum reopened in May as “COMU,” community was the focal point of its rebrand. Now, the museum has secured more than $35,000 in funds to help with its mission.

The money comes from the Bridge Grant and an Arts Education Grant through the Georgia Council for the Arts.

The Columbus Museum was awarded a Bridge Grant and an Arts Education Program Grant from the Georgia Council for the Arts.

The Georgia Council for the Arts is a strategic arm of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, totaling over $35,000 for fiscal year 2025.

In this episode, Libba chats with Kristen Hudson and Rebecca Bush from The Columbus Museum in Columbus, Georgia. They engage in a great discussion about the city of Columbus, the starts of their careers in the museum field, the founding of The Columbus Museum in 1953 and the exciting new renovations and exhibits currently on display.

With current exhibitions dedicated to women artists of the 20th century, local blues and folk music legends, and the whimsy of Andy Warhol, there are plenty of good reasons to visit The Columbus Museum this summer.

But the best reason of all? To check out the "reimagined" museum itself, which just went through its first major renovation in 35 years.

Big things are happening in Columbus. From headline-making baseball news that will create a “mini-Truist Park” in the city to a major industrial expansion and the complete reimagination of a museum, Columbus’ spot on the state map is turning into a star.

Yesterday, the community had the chance to see the reimagined Columbus Museum. The doors opened Saturday morning for the public to view the newly renovated space that promised more than just artifacts and history.
From Interactive activities, Columbus History, Vibrant painting, and more, The Columbus Museum reopened to the public with something for all to see.

The Columbus Museum's ribbon-cutting ceremony was May 4, 2024. The museum had various activities, such as a scavenger hunt, collaborative art-making, performances from local ensembles and a “silent disco” dance party. Here are a few of our favorite photos from the day.

The Columbus Museum (COMU) is a local gem, and a recent "polishing" has refreshed its brilliance. After five years of planning, fundraising, construction, and big dreams, COMU is ready to open its doors, revealing dazzling results.

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — A local museum is back and, according to staff, better than ever. After more than a year of updates, the Columbus Museum will officially reopen Saturday, May 4 with a totally new look

Yesterday, the community had the chance to see the reimagined Columbus Museum. The doors opened Saturday morning for the public to view the newly renovated space that promised more than just artifacts and history.

From Interactive activities, Columbus History, Vibrant painting, and more, The Columbus Museum reopened to the public with something for all to see.

It’s the same location and the same size — and admission still is free — but when the 71-year-old Columbus Museum reopens to the public, people will see essentially a new facility. “We reconceived pretty much everything from top to bottom,” museum director Marianne Richter told the Ledger-Enquirer. “… It really is a transformative change. … It’s going to be a completely different feel.”

Calling all art enthusiasts! After a $25 million renovation — The Columbus Museum is ready to reopen its doors. A Grand Reopening Celebration is coming up so you can explore the new and improved space.

After more than a year’s worth of efforts, the reopening of the Columbus Museum is just weeks away. Although members will have the opportunity to celebrate early with a sold-out gala, the museum also has unique opportunities for guests who would like to visit on opening day.

Columbus Museum reopens after being closed 18 months for a $25 million renovation, folks will see essentially a new facility. Sure, the museum still displays American art and regional culture and history, but it’s done in different ways in a revamped building with additional amenities.

Columbus Museum’s Reimagined Space –
Since 1953 The Columbus Museum has opened its doors to the community, offering an array of artifacts relevant to American art and regional history. One of the largest museums in the Southeast, the Columbus Museum showcases both permanent collections and temporary exhibits, and is always free and open to the public.

As summer approaches, Columbus GA parents are on the lookout for fun and educational activities to keep their kids engaged. Enter the best summer camps – filled with tons of activities like sports, art, STEM, academics, and more! Whether your child is an aspiring artist, a budding scientist, a burgeoning athlete, or an adventurous spirit longing for outdoor escapades, Columbus GA’s summer camps offer a plethora of opportunities to explore, learn, and grow.

In various ways, all articles mentioned in this review meet the expectations of ‘The Public Historian” editorial policy. Each one of them demonstrates the vital role public history plays in discovering more evidence of past events by using oral history or archeology to support suppressed public topics or giving marginalized groups a voice. All these contributions are providing a deeper understanding of the field of public history.

It’s been nearly a year and a half since The Columbus Museum closed its main location on Wynnton Road and moved into a temporary building due to renovations, but in just a few months they’ll be hosting their grand reopening with some exciting additions.

The Columbus Museum (COMU) officially launches its vibrant new branding today, coinciding with the eagerly awaited grand reopening of the Museum. This exciting development heralds a new era for the institution, elevating its status as a regional cultural hub. The brand launch marks the beginning of a two-phase process for COMU’s anticipated refresh. Phase two will see the rollout of a new website, providing visitors with a digital experience that mirrors the energy of the renewed physical space.

The Columbus Museum and Chattahoochee Valley libraries joined forces to celebrate a Georgia artist and civil rights icon as they talked about his legacy and showed his documentary; all a part of Black History Month.

“All Me: The Life and Times of Winfred Rembert,” produced by New York filmmaker, Vivian Ducat was shown Thursday at the Columbus Public Library to not only tell, but keep the story of Cuthbert, Georgia native, Winfred Rembert alive. Rembert is known for his artwork on leather canvases.

The Columbus Museum announced it is set to reopen to the public by summer. The news comes after the museum closed over a year ago for extensive renovations to modernize the building and make it more appealing to younger audiences.

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - The Columbus Museum will host multiple events in grand reopening celebration.
On Friday, Apr. 26, The Columbus Museum will host a “Reopening Gala” from 6 p.m.- 11p.m.

The Columbus Museum is excited to announce its grand reopening celebration, inviting visitors to explore creativity and culture through the experience of American art, regional history, tranquil gardens, and more. As a destination for people of all ages and interests, The Columbus Museum has something for everyone - all in a reimagined space.

It’s the season for awkward photos, from families in matching pajamas to kids screaming on Santa’s lap. And a current exhibit at The Columbus Museum collects some of the most awkward family photos ever, all displayed in period-appropriate frames for a truly hilarious trip down memory lane.

A strong desire to celebrate history and art in Columbus, GA, has always been part of what makes this city unique. With deep roots in theater, music and literature, Columbus continues to pay tribute to some of its most significant artists.

Hannah Israel, professor of art at Columbus State University and director of the university’s Illges Gallery, sees art history as key to understanding the present.

Success in business begins with effectively recruiting talented employees. For some of Georgia’s best-known businesses, having their headquarters in Columbus gives them a competitive advantage.

Some family photos are just so awkward, they deserve to be in a museum.

The Columbus Museum in Columbus, Georgia is hosting an exhibit brought to the public by AwkwardFamilyPhotos.com. Through Jan. 7, visitors can explore more than 200 blown-up portraits that bring laughter, nostalgia, and a celebration of the wonderfully imperfect moments that define family life," according to the museum's website.

ave you started your holiday shopping yet? If not, no worries - WTVM has your back!
On Tuesday, November 21 at 7 p.m. EST, WTVM is airing a Holiday Shopping Guide - where we will take you on a holiday shopping trip all over the Chattahoochee Valley!
Features include many local businesses such as:
Uptown Columbus
Studio Aesthetics in Old Town
Callaway Gardens
Minick Interiors
Watson Brothers Patio and Hearth
Columbus Museum
Wolf Creek Plantation Winery
The Dime Store and Coffee Club
The City of Opelika
The city of Americus
The Maze Antiques

Rich natural landscapes characterised by coastal beaches, expanses of farmland and imposing mountains, together with the historic significance of being among the first states to secede from the Union in 1861, ensure no shortage of inspiration for filling Georgia’s museums and cultural institutions with enticing exhibitions. If you’re planning to visit Georgia over the coming winter months, here are 10 to look out for.

Awkward Family Photos, a lighthearted and family-friendly exhibition, is now open through Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, at The Columbus Museum.

"This unique show promises to bring laughter, nostalgia, and a celebration of the wonderfully imperfect moments that define family life,” said Kristen Hudson, the museum’s director of marketing and public relations.

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, gathering with family is top of mind for many of us, and the Columbus Museum has a new exhibit focused on families, especially those awkward moments.
The “Awkward Family Photos” exhibit promises to bring laughter, nostalgia and a celebration of imperfect moments that define family life.

The Columbus Museum is excited to announce the opening of its newest lighthearted and family-friendly exhibition, Awkward Family Photos, open from Tuesday, November 14 through Sunday, January 7. This unique show promises to bring laughter, nostalgia, and a celebration of the wonderfully imperfect moments that define family life.

A Columbus native and recent UGA honors graduate has 5,000 reasons to celebrate.
Artist, Temple Douglass won second place in AXA Art Prize, winning a cash prize of $5,000.
Douglass’ passion for art did not develop overnight; even after securing a prize from the New York art contest, Douglass points towards her parents expressing thankfulness that her parents supported her devotion to art.

The Columbus Museum, in Columbus, Georgia, is hosting the ‘Awkward Family Photos’ traveling exhibition from November 14th through January 7th.
The exhibition has been on the road since 2012 and the stop at the Columbus Museum will be its Georgia debut.
Described as a “lighthearted, family friendly” exhibition, ‘Awkward Family Photos’ features over 200 photos, each framed in vintage, period appropriate frames and including ‘Behind The Awkwardness’ stories from the families in each photo.

As The Columbus Museum continues to undergo a massive renovation, all of the Museum's exhibitions are on rotation with local partners across town. The latest is a collection of drawings presented in partnership with the W.C. Bradley Museum located at 1017 Front Ave.

The past few years, awkward family pictures have inspired contemporary photoshoots, questionable fashion choices and, now, even an art exhibit. The Columbus Museum is set to open its “Awkward Family Photos” exhibition on Nov. 14, bringing a little bit of fun to the holiday season.

The Columbus Museum on tour has opened up a new exhibit at the W.S. Bradley Museum. Flora and Fauna features drawings from around 30 artists from Columbus as well as other renowned artists from across the nation.

Director of Marketing and Public Relations at The Columbus Museum Kristen Hudson talks about the Flora & Fauna Exhibit at the W.C. Bradley Museum. This exhibit will be on display until December 8th.

Columbus is the second largest city in the state of Georgia in terms of population. It hugs the state line between Georgia and Alabama and is separated from Phenix City, Alabama, by a bridge over the Chattahoochee River. That river is home to the Chattahoochee Whitewater Park, which is among the top 12 manmade adventures in the world, according to USA Today.

Kristen Hudson, Director of Marketing, talks with Maureen Akers on WTVM's Business Break. Kristen speaks about the most recent exhibition, "Flora & Fauna: Drawings from The Columbus Museum."

Amy Sherald captures the modern black American experience through her captivating and personal portraits. These representations often overlook the experiences of black people, including artists and families. Amy sought to change this paradigm. She aimed to bring acknowledgement to the integral role of black people in public and politically charged narratives, encouraging viewers to engage in nuanced discussion in the depiction of race. In humanising the black experience by portraying her subjects in settings both historically recognisable and every day, she immortalises them and reintegrates them into the canon of art history. But just how does she manage to infuse her distinct artistic flair into the lives of everyday people? This is the story of Amy Sherald and how her revelatory paintings defied expectations…

Columbus Public Library is hosting a free Americans and the Holocaust exhibit brought to you by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
The exhibit is on a national tour of all fifty states and Columbus Public Library is one of two places it will be held in Georgia.

Columbus City Council passed the annual crime prevention grants during Tuesday’s meeting. The grants totaling $750,000 were spread out among 44 agencies in the city. A group of city councilors led by Charmaine Crabb attempted to delay the disbursement of funds. That effort failed when the vote was inconclusive.

In need of some travel inspiration?
Why not consider Georgia?
As a Southern gem, it boasts a rich tapestry of history, gorgeous landscapes, and distinct attractions that beckon travelers globally.

The next generation of nationally honored Columbus artists has emerged, and Temple Douglass and Jack Flournoy are leading the way.

WRBL is joined by Kristen Hudson from the Columbus Museum, who gives us an insight of the tour throughout the Chattahoochee Valley. Facts and Figures is the most recent expedition, which highlights Contemporary Realism and style development. This show is anchored in the work of local and national artists, explore something new and fun with family and friends for free!

Upcoming events hosted by the Columbus Museum come in an array of forms. In a press release posted July 5, the museum announced a trivia night, charcuterie workshop, dance performance and more open-to-the-public events, all set to occur within the next four weeks.

The Columbus Museum’s newest “on tour” exhibition opened this week at the Bo Bartlett Center in uptown Columbus, Georgia. Facts & Figures: Contemporary Realism from The Columbus Museum presents the very best of the style’s paintings from the holdings of the Museum’s permanent collection. Anchored by the work of beloved local artist Bo Bartlett, the selection fans out from other local practitioners like Lamar Baker, Henry Nordhausen, and Dale Kennington as well as nationally recognized painters Wes Hempel, Janet Fish, and Steven Assael.

Artist Dawn Williams Boyd refers to her work as “occasionally humorous and warm-hearted. More often controversial, forceful, bitter, and heart-wrenching.” Through the creation of ‘cloth paintings,’ Boyd establishes powerful, unblinking socio-political narratives that make a commentary on the past, present, and future of the world. The works reflect on the urgency of our politically polarized world, inspecting the way humans treat each other and the planet—for the worse.

Close to Atlanta, Columbus offers quite a mix to fill out any visitor’s itinerary. This ranges from a wealth of history to an abundance of arts and culture to plenty of options for outdoor recreation.

“Nowhere in Georgia can you raft the longest urban whitewater course in the world, zip line over the Chattahoochee River to Alabama and back, cycle on miles of bike trails, and when you’re finished you’re just steps away from your hotel,” said Shelby Guest, executive vice president at Columbus Convention & Visitors Bureau.

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