The gamecock. (Columbia, S.C.) 1908-2006, May 01, 2000, Discover Carolina, Page 24, Image 24
McKissick Museum: cornerstone of art, culture
by Kevin Langston
Journalism Senior
Serving as the geographical centerpiece of the University of South
Carolina’s Horseshoe, the McKissick Museum also serves as the
centerpiece of the university’s celebration and art and culture.
McKissick Museum’s art collections range from some of the finest
examples of regional folk art to one of the most extensive natural
science collections in the Southeast.
Quilts, ceramics and baskets illustrate the rich traditions of South
ern craftsmanship, while the museum’s historical collection contains
artifacts detailing the region’s cultural and political heritage.
The decorative and fine arts collections are composed of art glass
and poetry, paintings, drawings and works on paper. As a university
museum, McKissick also holds pieces relevant to the academic and
social history of USC since the school’s founding in 1801.
In addition to its role as an art center, McKissick offers educational
programs throughout the year that provide opportunities for both adults
and children to explore the rich cultural and natural history of the
Southeast. Either through the annual “Fall Fblklife Festival,” “McKissick
Mornings”_summer camps for young people, lectures, symposia or
workshops, people are sure to find the program that suits their inter
ests.
The exhibitions program is based on the latest scholarship and
research, providing the university and the greater Columbia area with
10 to 15 exciting presentations each year.
Focused on the art, material culture, history and natural history of
the Southeast, McKissick Museum’s past exhibits have ranged from
early 19th century pottery to a multicultural view of the natural his
tory of the South from 1560 to 1860. The museum’s exhibits take a
broad, interdisciplinary view, demonstrating
the diversity and richness within the South’s
artistic, cultural and natural heritage.
The museum’s Folklife Resource Cen
ter was created in 1985 as a repository for vi
sual, audio and printed fieldwork document
ing Southern folklife. Since that time, several
major studies of the region’s folklife have been
conducted. Traditions surveyed include sweet
grass and split oak basketry; bluegrass and
gospel music; quilt making; African-Ameri
can celebrations; alkaline-glazed, Catawba
and Jugtown pottery; as well as net-making
and iron working. All materials housed in the
Folklife Resource Center are available for re
search and educational purposes.
McKissick Museum’s diverse calendar of
events offers a wide-range of volunteer op
portunities in which their volunteers put their
expertise to work, meeting interesting peo
ple and gaining knowledge along the way. No
formal training is necessary, only the desire
to share their time.
The McKissick Museum has garnered a
reputation for hosting friendly and stimulat
ing gatherings throughout the year. Contact
the museum at 777-7251 for more informa
tion.
Photo By Sean Rayford
The McKissick Museum actually served as library for USC before the construc
tion of the Thomas Cooper Library.
Apply now to join our team!
The Russell House University Union
has positions available for the 2000-2001 academic year
for undergraduate students. Our positions are among the
top paying jobs on campus and provide opportunities
to meet more people, to learn more about your university,
and gain excellent work experience!
Approximately 35 positions
available during Fall and Spring:
- Building Attendant
- Information Center Attendant
- Theater Projectionist
- Graphics Designer
Student applicants
must exhibit:
- a tremendous work ethic
- a very positive attitude
- a willingness to learn
- a personable nature
Work study is preferred, but not required. For more details,
contact us at 777-3196 or stop by the Information Center
in the 2nd floor lobby of the Russell House!
6ET MVOlUl! I
(JSC Student Government
Student Senate
Executive Cabinet
Freshman Council
University Committees
Pick up an application in Russell House room 110
Phone: 777-2654 • Email: stgou@guim.sc.edu
Http://u> uuu.sa.sc.edu/sga/sg.htmJ