Parks and Recreation is proud to provide a very diverse cultural arts program to the citizens of Columbia with many activities, classes and  events all designed to create a positive art experience.

The Art Center is Parks and Recreation’s home for cultural arts. It is the center of multiple opportunities for adults and children alike, as it houses classes, workshops and open studio for participants to explore and learn about the visual arts. Many of the classes are for pottery but we also offer some mixed media classes as well as specialty classes and workshops.

Two of our programs, Community Outreach and Creative Journey, are designed to provide art access to other populations in the community. Non-profit groups may qualify for the Community Outreach program. Creative Journey is an art rehabilitation program for the Wounded Warrior Transition Unit at Fort Jackson. Volunteers interested in Creative Journey must attend an Orientation Session.

Open Studio Membership is available to those potters who need a space to work in. The Open Studio Members pay $70 per session to join the Studio. Each Open Studio member receives one bag (25 pounds) of clay per session.  Additional bags are available up to 100 pounds for $15 per bag. Members may come for Open Studio during any of the hours the Art Center is open.

  Classes             Workshops            Art Camp            Fairs & Festivals             Special Programs

  Spring Break Art Camp

Hours of Operation                                     

Mon-Thurs.  9 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Friday          9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Saturday      10 a.m. – 5 p.m.  

Session 1 – January/February

Session 2 – March/April

Session 3 – May/June

Session 4 – July/August

Session 5 – September/October

Session 6 – November/December

Parks & Recreation Department | 1111 Parkside Drive, Columbia, SC 29203