Columbia Celebrates Creativity with Philosophy at Five Points
Exploring Big Questions through Art
Columbia, S.C. was buzzing with excitement on Friday evening as the city hosted its second-ever Philosophy at Five Points. This unique event invited guests to delve deep into some of life’s most intriguing questions while getting their hands messy creating their very own artwork. Billed as a “Curiosity Crawl” through the vibrant Five Points district, visitors enjoyed late-night shopping and the chance to engage with local philosophers and artists in a creative frenzy.
Art Installations and Meaningful Interaction
Visitors were greeted by ten unique installations scattered throughout the area, each offering a thought-provoking prompt designed to spark creativity and discussion. From drawing to writing, attendees were able to express their ideas and perspectives in a fun-filled environment.
At All Good Books, the talented University of South Carolina Art History Professor Yarianna Colon Lopez encouraged patrons to respond to the prompts in a creative way. “Our theme is about how people interpret different objects and concepts, depending on the language that you speak. Participants draw or write their own interpretations, which we then add to the wall with all the others,” Colon Lopez explained, showcasing the collaborative spirit of the event.
Over at the Boyd Innovation Center, philosopher Kim Beasley took an interesting approach. Guests were invited to write their thoughts on a tag, which was then attached to a living artist, stressing the deep connection between individuals in a creative community. “I want them to take away the value of community, what it means to collaborate,” said Beasley, reflecting on the stronger connections formed through creativity and sharing ideas.
Positive Reactions from Attendees
The response from those visiting the various installations was overwhelmingly positive. Kati Vaan Aernum, drawn by her curiosity, shared, “I thought it sounded fun. I love artistic things and I like the idea of philosophy. I was very curious about what that was going to be. And it’s super fun. I loved every question in every place we’ve gone to so far.”
Others enjoyed the sense of community the event fostered. Beth Dehart noted, “It’s cool. People are trying new things, getting fun gifts that we’re making. It’s just a really nice moment where people are doing things together.”
Even guests who were new to Five Points couldn’t help but fall in love with the area and the event. Laura Hawksley expressed her delight: “This was my first time down here. It’s beautiful here.”
Looking Ahead to Future Events
Event organizers were brimming with excitement, looking ahead to the future of Philosophy at Five Points. Discussions on how to grow the event even more for next year are already in the works. With the blend of art, philosophy, and community spirit, it’s clear that Columbia has fostered a unique environment where creativity can shine and residents can connect on deeper levels.
The evening ended on a high note, with guests leaving with not just meaningful creations but also fond memories of shared experiences and explorations of thought. Keep your eyes peeled for this colorful event in the future—it’s definitely one you won’t want to miss!
