CMA's Binder Podcast: Recent Episodes
Columbia Museum of Art
Binder podcast is art for your ears. Binder uses art as a catalyst to talk about big ideas, bringing people together through complex conversations and personal stories to create the connections that lift our entire community. Hosted by CMA writer-in-residence Ray McManus and produced by the Columbia Museum of Art, Binder brings you audio storytelling with writers, artists, scholars, curators, and more. New episodes every month. Learn more about the museum, exhibitions, and programs at www.columbiamuseum.org
Production and editing by Drew Baron
The (Un)Settled Podcast is a multipart special presentation of the Binder Podcast dedicated to the traveling exhibition (Un)Settled: The Landscape in American Art.
From natural wonders to the open road, the landscape has long been a muse in American art. (Un)Settled questions the shaping of national identity through objects from the colonial era to present. The variety of media and makers helps to redefine whose view is considered and expands on landscape’s relevance and resonance in art.
In today's episode, host Drew Baron interviews the collaborators of the American South Consortium to learn more about how this partnership started before taking a deep dive into the themes of and inspiration for this exhibition. Featuring interviews with Erin Monroe, Laura Leonard, Glenna Barlow, Michael Neumeister, Margaret Lynn Ausfeld, Emily Stuart Thomas, John Carfagno, and Stan Hackney.
This is one in a series of American art exhibitions created by the American South Consortium. Led by the Wadsworth Atheneum, the consortium brings together institutions from three distinct geographic regions including the Columbia Museum of Art (Columbia, SC), the Mobile Museum of Art (Mobile, AL), and the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts (Montgomery, AL).
This multi-year, multi-institutional exhibition partnership was formed by the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art as part of the Art Bridges Cohort Program.
Director of Art and Learning Jackie Adams returns to host an episode dedicated to the artist Darrel Ellis (1958–1992). Over the course of his career, Ellis developed a distinct studio practice that merged the formal vocabularies of drawing, photography, painting, and printmaking to redefine Black male identity and family within the constructs of art history and mainstream culture.
First, Jackie sits down with producer Drew to chat about Ellis' innovative artistic approach, drawing parallels to traditional art-making tools from the 16th Century. Then Darrel Ellis: Regeneration co-curators Antonio Sergio Bessa (The Bronx Museum of Art) and Leslie Cozzi (Baltimore Museum of Art) join Jackie to talk about the exhibition, Ellis' life and family, and the contemporary significance of his work.
Ray McManus returns to the hosting seat for an episode dedicated to the CMA's latest exhibition, Interior Lives: Modern American Spaces, 1890–1945. First, producer Drew drops in to talk about some of his personal possessions and what they say about him. Then Ray welcomes senior curator Michael Neumeister to the program to discuss Interior Lives and how these objects are both a reflection of and counterpoint to the socioeconomic and technological shifts happening in the early 20th century. After the break, writer David Joy stops by to talk about the enduring relevance of the exhibition's themes and how he incorporates these ideas into his own work.
In celebration of National Poetry Month, producer Drew sits down with writer-in-residence and podcast host Ray McManus to discuss his latest book, The Last Saturday in America. Set in a nation on the precipice of great change, this book of poetry is an examination of suburban neighbors, bullies, gun violence, and vasectomy appointments. McManus draws a portrait of American masculinity in the face of political division, pandemic, and cultural warfare.
For the third season of More Than Rhythm: A Black Music Series, Dr. Birgitta Johnson returns with musicologist and Miami University Distinguished Professor of Music Dr. Tammy Kernodle to talk about Kernodle's musical project “She Sang Freedom,” chronicling the journey of Black women as the producers of great music over the last four centuries. The two discuss the lasting relevance of freedom music, the importance of women as cultural workers, and the impact of contemporary female musicians like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift. Featuring excerpts from a live performance recorded at the Columbia Museum of Art in February 2024.
In celebration of Sergio Hudson: Focused on the Fit, CMA Director of Art and Learning Jackie Adams hosts the team behind the exhibition and the iconic fashion brand for a series of exclusive interviews.
Up first, community curator Megan Pinckney Rutherford stops by to talk about the origins of the exhibition and her love for South Carolina's hometown hero. Then Sergio Hudson co-owner Inga Beckham and co-creative director Charles Lynch join Jackie to talk about the Sergio Hudson Collections' humble beginnings and what it takes to operate one of the top up-and-coming luxury brands in the United States. After the break, Megan returns to talk with her friend and famed creative director and designer Sergio Hudson about the fashion industry, working with his museKeke Palmer, the "Michelle Obama moment," and how it feels to have an exhibition of his art in his home state.
In today's episode, Director of Art and Learning Jackie Adams sits down with artist and photographer Ann Ray, whose work is featured in the current fashion and photography exhibition Rendez-Vous. For 13 years, she was the only photographer permitted to document the behind-the-scenes culture of Alexander McQueen's runway shows and atelier. Ann shares her memories of working with the iconic fashion designer along with insight into her artistic practice in this extended interview.
Lee Alexander Mcqueen and Ann Ray: Rendez-Vous is organized and produced by Barrett Barrera Projects.
Engagement Specialist Dana Witkoski takes over the Binder studio with her friend and longtime CMA collaborator Patti O'Furniture to talk about drag performance as an art form and as a civil service, plus what makes Columbia special.
Party on, Ray! Today's Binder podcast is all about the museum's biannual block party, Arts & Draughts. Manager of Engagement Wilson Bame drops in to talk about what it takes to put on this signature event, unsanctioned activity with fountains and birthday cake, and what to expect for November 10. After the break, Ray gets this party started in a montage of guest interviews recorded in March 2023 at the last Arts & Draughts.
Crank your speakers to 11 and check out this curated spotify playlist of musical performers featured at Arts and Draughts events from 2019 to 2023: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/249v1TAwpAZx1twcdRTvdF
Cheers to volunteers! In today's Binder podcast, Ray takes some time to honor those who donate theirs in an episode dedicated to volunteerism. Deputy Director Joelle Ryan-Cook drops in to tell her CMA origin story and reflect on her time as a member of the museum's Docent Corps before docent and music instructor Emily Creedle stops by to chat about gallery tours, relating music to art, and what it's like to share art with others. After the break, Jennifer Bartell Boykin joins Ray to share her poem "Leaves Like Prayer" and talk about what it's like to be Columbia's new poet laureate and how giving back runs in her family.
Director of Art and Learning Jackie Adams is joined by Resurgence and Renaissance curator Brittany Taylor Driggers to talk with archeologist Steve Baker about his experiences working to create the 1973 Catawba pottery exhibition at the Columbia Museum of Art and what has changed in the 50 years since.
This episode of Binder podcast is funded in part by SC Humanities, a state program of the National Endowment for the Humanities. This episode is also funded in part by the South Carolina Arts Commission which receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Tina Williams Brewer weaves ideas related to African diasporic history, spirituality, migration, and shared heritage into vibrant, hand-stitched quilts. Today's episode explores her exhibition Tina Williams Brewer: Stories of Grace. Ray sits down with exhibition curator Michael Neumeister to talk about creating this exhibition and what makes Brewer's work stand out among quilters today. Later, producer Drew chats with the artist to learn about why gathering community lore is so important to her process.
Tαnakɛ! Producer Drew goes back on the road to visit the Native American Studies Center in Lancaster, SC. Joined by NASC director Stephen Criswell, assistant curator Sharon Simmers-Norton, artist and designer Alex Osborne, and storyteller and language historian Beckee Garris, Drew learns more about the art, history, and culture of the Catawba in honor of the exhibition Resurgence and Renaissance: Art of the Catawba Nation Since 1973.
This episode of Binder podcast is funded in part by SC Humanities, a state program of the National Endowment for the Humanities. This episode is also funded in part by the South Carolina Arts Commissionwhich receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts.
This episode features excerpts of a performance by the Catawba Men's Drum Group recorded on October 2022, courtesy of the Native American Studies Center.
Binder podcast is a production of the Columbia Museum of Art. You can learn more about CMA exhibitions, programs, membership, and more at www.columbiamuseum.org
"The American Songster" Dom Flemons joins series host Dr. Birgitta Johnson for the season finale of More Than Rhythm. The two talk about sourcing music from archives, the lasting influence of folk and roots music, and the importance of storytelling. Featuring excerpts from Flemons' live performance at the Columbia Museum of Art in June 2023.
The new episode of Binder is going off script. Host Ray McManus and producer Drew have a casual conversation in the recording studio about fitting in at an art museum, living in the South, and free admission. Later in the episode, hear a reading of McManus' poem "Empty Church" inspired by CMA Collection piece Grey Conception #2 by Jerry Okimoto.
The South's got something to say in the latest Binder Podcast. Producer Drew joins Ray to introduce the exhibition Our Own Work, Our Own Way: Ascendant Women Artists in the Johnson Collection before taking a road trip up to Spartanburg, SC, to chat one-on-one with The Johnson Collection's chief operating officer, Sarah Tignor, about the collection, the South, and women in the arts. After the break, USC professor Julia Liz Elliott returns to the podcast to talk about her formative experiences with Southern women writers and what that label means today.
CMA Deputy Director Joelle Ryan-Cook drops in to host a special edition of Binder Podcast all about chamber music. First, she chats with CMA Chamber Music on Main Artistic Director Andrew Armstrong about the concert series, how Chopin helped heal his heartbreak, and having a sense of humor. After the break, Armstrong returns with Grammy Award-winning violinist James Ehnes to talk about practice, passion, and how to tell a joke.
South Carolina Lowcountry soul musician Mahoganëë joins Dr. Birgitta Johnson to talk about her unique style of “Funky Organik Soul,” and her latest album Textures of a Southern Soul (a Gullah Geechee Soul) Vol. 1. Featuring excerpts of a performance by The Mahoganëë Xperience.
Ray sits down with founder of the nonprofit organization Bullets and Bandaids Robert LeHup to talk about veteran affairs, healing emotional scars, and how art can build a bridge between the military and civilian world through dialogue. After the break Robert is joined by Afghan interpreter Zia Ghafoori, poet Ed Madden, and artist Dre Lopez to discuss the Bullets and Bandaids project and the weight and responsibility of interpreting the stories of veterans.
Binder is a production of the Columbia Museum of Art.
Resources:
National Center for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder website: https://www.ptsd.va.gov/
Disaster Distress Hotline: Call or Text 1 (800) 985-5990
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1 (800) 273-8255 or Chat Online
Binder is back! On today's episode, producer Drew chats with CMA commissioner and docent Nancy Tolson about why she loves Black art, and Forward Together collector Patrick Diamond stops by to talk about the "magic carpet ride" of collecting it. Later, enjoy an excerpt from a conversation with art historian Dr. Frank Martin and acclaimed South Carolina artist Dr. Leo Twiggs.
Binder is a production of the Columbia Museum of Art.
Violinist-arranger-composer-conductor and Columbia native Nicole Neely joins series host Dr. Birgitta Johnson to talk classical music, the Black church, and arranging for artists such as Lauren Hill and Beyoncé. Featuring excerpts of a performance by Neely's string quartet, The Black Exchange.
This new Binder Podcast has the Kress to impress. Ray gets a crash course in Renaissance and Baroque art with the University of South Carolina's Anna Swartwood House. After the break, poet Libby Bernadine stops by to talk spirituality, art, and her new book House In Need Of Mooring.
In this special presentation of Binder podcast, producer Drew and Columbia Design League liaison Jackie Palmieri celebrate the CDL's 25th anniversary. Then Jackie joins current CDL board president Anna Sveinbjornsdottir for a preview of what's next for the design league. After the break, CDL founders Tom Savory and Adrienne Montare stop by to discuss the group's history and some of their favorite memories.
Learn more about the Columbia Design League: https://www.columbiamuseum.org/belong/affinity-groups/columbia-design-league
Binder podcast is a production of the Columbia Museum of Art
Face your fears with an all-new episode of Binder podcast, just in time for Halloween! Producer Drew drops in to help Ray overcome his phobia of snakes with a new game. After the break, Jamieson Ridenhour and Hayley Heninger of the narrative horror podcast Palimpsest stop by to talk about their show and embracing the things that haunt us.
Binder is a production of the Columbia Museum of Art. Get more information about exhibitions and programs at www.columbiamuseum.org
Dr. Birgitta Johnson sits down with South Carolina native and globally recognized blues musician Adia Victoria to talk about the blues' past and present, representation within the art form and Adia's latest album A Southern Gothic. Featuring excerpts of an intimate performance by Adia Victoria and her creative partner Mason Hickman recorded at the Columbia Museum of Art in August of 2022.
Producer Drew embarks on a journey to learn more about Shades of Life artist Sigmund Abeles with the help of John Quirk and Graham Duncan of the South Caroliniana Library at the University of South Carolina.
Binder is a production of the Columbia Museum of Art
Browse the library's digital collections at: https://digital.library.sc.edu/
Producer Drew sits down with Vanesha Perrin, new board president of the Friends of African American Art and Culture, to learn more about her personal art experiences, Delores Logan, and the acquisition of Monotype IV by Oliver Lee Jackson.
Binder podcast is a production of the Columbia Museum of Art. www.columbiamuseum.org
And just like that, Binder podcast turned one! On today's episode, Producer Drew brings Ray a few surprises to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the podcast before CMA Chief Preparator and Exhibition Designer Mike Dwyer stops in to illuminate Ray on the world of art preservation. Later, the museum's newest curator, Michael Neumeister, sheds some light on his first art installation at the CMA, Modern Rhythms.
Producer Drew interviews CMA's education and engagement coordinator, Jackie Palmieri.
Binder Podcast is a production of the Columbia Museum of Art
Birgitta returns with consciousness-raising Lowcountry musician Benny Starr to dive into the influences and upbringing that inspire his unique brand of hip hop. Featuring excerpts of a recent performance by Starr and his band the Four20s live in concert at the Columbia Museum of Art. This episode contains some adult language.
More Than Rhythm: A Black Music Series is presented by the Baker & Baker Foundation. This program has been made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy demands wisdom. This program is supported by Richland County Government.
An extended interview with writer and naturalist John Lane.
Binder podcast is a production of the Columbia Museum of Art.
Binder is en plein air this month as Ray catches up with Jackie Adams about the CMA's latest exhibitions and their relationship with the natural world, and artist Amanda McCavour stops by to talk about her latest series of installation work, Bright Little Day Stars. After the break, Ray chats with writer and naturalist John Lane about rivers, roadkill, and the real outdoors.
Binder is a production of the Columbia Museum of Art. Produced and edited by Drew Baron.
Enjoy this bonus conversation with host and ethnomusicologist Dr. Birgitta Johnson, guest musician Mimi Jones, and assistant professor of jazz at UofSC Dr. Colleen Clark. Recorded live during last April's More Than Rhythm concert.
More Than Rhythm: A Black Music Series is presented by the Baker & Baker Foundation. This program has been made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy demands wisdom. This program is supported by Richland County Government.
Birgitta is back, and this time she is joined by jazz musician, educator, and filmmaker Mimi Jones. They explore the history, present, and future of jazz music set to the soundtrack of Mimi Jones' Black Madonna Project live in concert.
More Than Rhythm: A Black Music Series is presented by the Baker & Baker Foundation. This program has been made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy demands wisdom. This program is supported by Richland County Government.
The Binder Podcast is a production of the Columbia Museum of Art. Edited and recorded by Drew Baron.
Art for your ears. Hosted by CMA writer-in-residence Ray McManus and produced by the Columbia Museum of art, Binder brings you audio storytelling with writers, artists, scholars, curators, and more.
Host Ray McManus returns to get a feel for the current exhibition, Rodin: Contemplation in Dreams, with CMA's Curator of Education Glenna Barlow before hitting the galleries to check out the new museum touch tours. After the break Ray is joined by poet Ann Chadwell-Humphries to talk about her process, inspiration, and senses as she navigates the world as a person with a visual disability.
Binder is a production of the Columbia Museum of Art. Produced and edited by Drew Baron.
In this special presentation of Binder podcast, More Than Rhythm host and ethnomusicologist Dr. Birgitta Johnson interviews Dr. Tony McNeill, leader of the Heritage Celebration Chorale, an aggregation of choral music educators, enthusiasts, and vocal artists from the Carolinas and Georgia. They discuss the history of the Black sacred music tradition and its role in American music culture today.
More Than Rhythm: A Black Music Series is presented by the Baker & Baker Foundation with programmatic support provided by the Friends of African American Art & Culture. This program has been made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy demands wisdom.
Music in order of appearance:
"Ezekiel Saw De Wheel" - Fisk University Singers
"The New York Glide" - Ethel Waters with Albury's Blue and Jazz Seven
Performed by the Heritage Celebration Chorale:
"Lift Every Voice and Sing" - James Weldon Johnson and J. Rosamond Johnson
"Nia" (Purpose) from The Nguzo Saba Suite, Op. 14, No. 5 - Glenn Edward Burleigh
"The Beatitudes" - Arr. Gale Jones Murphy
"Our God Who Art in Heaven" - Tune: NETTLETON, Text: Tony McNeil
"I Done Done What You Told Me to Do" - Arr. Uzee Brown
"We Shall Overcome" - Arr. Uzee Brown
"Amazing Grace" - Tune: NEW BRITAIN, Arr. Evelyn Simpson Curenton
Host Ray McManus seeks out answers on how art makes it into the collection with help from CMA affinity groups and the museum's executive director, Della Watkins. Featuring interviews with Chase Heatherly of the Contemporaries, Adrienne Montare of the Columbia Design League, and Therese Griffin of the Friends of African American Art and Culture.
Image Detail: Untitled (Chandelier), 2009-2010 by Dale Chihuly. Blown and hot-worked glass, steel armature, plastic-coated steel wire.
Host Ray McManus and producer Drew chat about being the new guy and the CMA’s upcoming exhibition Anila Quayyum Agha: Let A Million Flowers Bloom, before being joined by the artist herself to talk about identity, religion, gender politics, and her massive, illuminated sculptures. In the second half, Ray catches up with his good friend, poet, and Director of Women's and Gender Studies at the University of South Carolina, Dr. Ed Madden.
Image Detail: This is NOT a Refuge! 2 (2019) by Anila Quayyum Agha
Installation at the Toledo Museum of Art, Toledo, OH, 2019
Laser-cut, Resin Coated Aluminum, Light Bulb
H 93” x W 58” x D 72”
Credit for Photo: Image by Justin Camuso, courtesy of the Toledo Museum of Art
Digital artist and martial artist Isaac Udogwu joins Producer Drew for an extended interview. They talk about his roots in Nigeria and South Carolina, digital art, NFTs, spirituality, and so much more. 22 South Carolinians is on view through May 22, 2022.
The Binder podcast is a production of the Columbia Museum of Art
The CMA's latest exhibition, 22 South Carolinians, is now on view. Director of Art and Learning Jackie Adams drops by to tell Ray all about it before she's joined by artist J. Renee. In the second half, Ray chats with artist, chef, poet, and SC Arts Commission Artist Development Director Ce Scott Fitts about her work and the state of art in South Carolina.
Image Detail: Red Riding Hood of Ogun and the Gatekeepers (2021) by J. Renee
The Binder Podcast is a production of the Columbia Museum of Art. Produced and Edited by Drew Baron. Hosted by Ray McManus.
Ray dives into some oddities of the CMA Collection with help from museum staff. The strangeness continues when author and UofSC professor Julia Liz Elliott drops in to share her thoughts on why weird is wonderful.
Binder is a production of the Columbia Museum of Art.
Binder is back, and this time we are talking all things 30 Americans. In the first half, CMA Director of Art and Learning Jackie Adams interviews Jannie Harriot of the South Carolina African American Heritage Commission about her life, career, and impressions of the CMA's latest exhibition. Next, Ray chats with his "cousin," Alabama's Poet Laureate Ashley M. Jones, on her appointment as poet laureate and her latest book, Reparations Now!, available through Hub City Press. 30 Americans is on view through January 17, 2022, at the Columbia Museum of Art.
You can learn more about museum exhibitions and programs at www.columbiamuseum.org.
Image Detail: Lorna Simpson, Wigs (Portfolio), 1994. © Lorna Simpson. Courtesy Rubell Museum, Miami.
In the season one finale of Binder podcast, host Ray McManus chats with freelance photojournalist Thomas Hammond about empathy, working on assignments overseas, and Columbia's "riot day." Later, poet Sunshine Dempsey sheds some light on the role of allies in the national climate and premieres her new poem, "Memory History Dysphagia." Hindsight 2020 is on view at the Columbia Museum of Art through November 21, 2021.
You can learn more about museum exhibitions and programs at: www.columbiamuseum.org
Image Detail: Million Man March, June 2020 by Thomas Hammond
Thomas Hammond is a freelance photojournalist living in Columbia, South Carolina and is a winner of multiple South Carolina Press Association Awards including Photojournalist of the Year for 2020 in the all weekly division. See more of his work at thomashammondphoto.com
In today's episode, host Ray McManus is joined by photojournalist Sean Rayford to chat about his occupation and the repercussions of that work for the historical record. Later the shop talk continues when poet and organizer Al Black stops by to premiere his new poem, "How Black Lives Pose Matters." They talk verbs, nouns, and what ekphrasis really means. Hindsight 2020 is on view at the Columbia Museum of Art through November 21, 2021.
You can learn more about museum exhibitions and programs at: www.columbiamuseum.org
Sean Rayford is a freelance photojournalist and commercial photographer in Columbia, SC working with Getty Images, The Associated Press, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, NPR, Time, the ACLU and more. See more of his work at www.seanrayford.com
Check out Al Black's published books I Only Left for Tea and Man with Two Shadows both available via Muddy Ford Press. Learn more about Mind Gravy via their Facebook page
In today's episode, Ray sits down with community organizer and photographer Héctor Vaca Cruz to talk about police aggression, the immigrant story, and essential workers. After the break, poet power couple Loli Molina Muñoz and Jesus Redondo Menendez stop by to premiere two poems, "ALMA" and "Witness" ("Testigo"), and chat with Ray about responding to Cruz's work and the challenges and opportunities of writing poems in English versus Spanish. Hindsight 2020 is on view at the Columbia Museum of Art through November 21, 2021.
Image Detail: Essential 2 by Héctor Vaca Cruz
You can learn more about museum exhibitions and programs at: www.columbiamuseum.org
You can see more of Héctor's work on his website: www.hectorvacacruz.com
All music for today's episode was provided by Artlist.io
Today’s episode photographer and musician Catherine Hunsinger chats with Ray about the big impact of small moments during the protests of 2020. Later, poet Michele Reese premieres her new poem “On the Complexity of Symbols” and talks about taking time to process trauma and the role education can play in helping with that. Hindsight 2020 is on view at the Columbia Museum of Art through November 21, 2021.
Image Detail: Photograph by Catherine Hunsinger
You can learn more about museum exhibitions and programs at: www.columbiamuseum.org
You can follow Catherine's work on her Instagram @catherine_rene
Today's episode features music by the band Rex Darling check them out @rexdarlingmusic on Instagram
All other music for today's episode was provided by Artlist.io
Audio of the 2020 protests used in this episode was provided by Aaron Smalls
On today's episode we sharpen our focus onto the work of photojournalist Crush Rush. Host Ray McManus talks with Crush about video games, danger, and of course, 2020. On the second half of the show Poet Len Lawson premieres the new work "Hypotenuse" inspired by Crush's photography. Binder is a production of the Columbia Museum of Art. Recorded and edited by Drew Baron.
Thumbnail Image: Catch 22, May 2020 by Crush Rush
You can learn more about museum exhibitions and programs at: www.columbiamuseum.org
See more of Crush's photography at: www.crushinthecity.com
See more of Len's published works at: www.lenlawson.co
Music for today's episode is provided by Artlist.io
In this pilot episode of the Columbia Museum of Art's brand new podcast Binder, host and CMA writer-in-residence Ray McManus speaks with deputy director Joelle Ryan-Cook, curator Catherine Walworth, and curator of art and learning Jackie Adams about an art museum's role in the modern day and current CMA exhibitions The Ironic Curtain and Hindsight 2020.
Thumbnail Image: Stalin Figurine by Tengiz (1943 - 2008) Tengis Mirzashvili