MEDIA KIT

REPORTER: 0:00

The Columbia Art League is a local art studio dedicated to helping artists locally and nationally learn and grow through their creative passions. Ryan Cohen is here with more.

The Columbia Art League was founded in 1959 as a place for people who enjoy the arts to gather. Today, it remains a place where artists can display their work for the community.

They hold about 20 exhibits a year and many of the art pieces are put up for sale. Executive Director Kelsey Hammond explains all of the different types of art that can be found at the League.

Kelsey Hammond INTERVIEW: 0:19

“I mean we do all sorts of things like embroidery, painting –– all different mediums, drawing, pastel, fibers’ classes –– making baskets, that sort of thing.”

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The League not only features art exhibits, but they also foster an educational environment by holding art classes for those at any age who want a space to create art.

Karen Shortt-Stout is the education and outreach director who teaches all of the classes.

Karen Shortt-Stout INTERVIEW: 0:43

“We have beginners –– young people, students, retirees –– as well as professional artists, I mean who are exhibiting work on a national stage, incredibly talented people, and they are all in the same space.”

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Hammond hopes that the League can continue to be a place where all artists can feel accepted and valued for the work they create. She also wants to incorporate more diversity within the studio.

Hammond said the League is going to continue to cultivate an appreciation for art and support artists by showing them that what they do is important.

Karen Shortt-Stout INTERVIEW 2: 1:16

“If you want to take a class and learn more, if you have been dabbling and you think you want to put something out there and just see how it goes, I mean there is just no better place to kind of get started.”

REPORTER TAG: 1:25

Reporting for J1400, I’m Ryan Cohen.