Columbia Celebrates Local Art with Roefs-Waddell Collection Exhibition at 701 Center for Contemporary Art

Columbia’s Art Scene Shines Brightly with Roefs-Waddell Collection

Columbia is buzzing with excitement as an extraordinary art exhibition opens its doors at the 701 Center for Contemporary Art. Titled “Eye to Eye: the Roefs-Waddell Collection Exhibit“, the display runs from October 24 until the end of the year. It serves not only as a celebration of art but also as a heartfelt tribute to the late Wim Roefs, a beloved figure in the local arts community.

Weather Forecast: Sunny and Warm

As art lovers flock to the center, Columbia is basking in near record high temperatures. Today’s forecast calls for a delightful high of 86°F with light and variable winds. So, if you’re headed out to the exhibition, grab some shades and enjoy the beautiful weather! But keep an umbrella handy, as there’s a 30% chance of rain this evening, with cloudy skies expected overnight and a low of 59°F.

A Glimpse into the Roefs-Waddell Collection

The collection, built over nearly three decades, is a remarkable blend of personal and public artistic journey. Eileen Waddell, Wim’s wife and companion in art collecting, shared her insights on what makes this collection so special. “I can walk from piece to piece and kind of remember when I got it, maybe even how much I paid for it,” she said, reflecting on the many memories tied to each artwork.

It all began in 1996 when Eileen and Wim first moved in together. Their shared passion for art transformed into a collection acknowledged as one of the largest private collections in South Carolina. Eileen vividly remembers their first piece and how it sparked a flame of inspiration. The couple often followed up on their favorites, contacting artists like Mike Williams to revisit that one piece they couldn’t shake off their minds.

Not Just Art, But Life Stories

Waddell describes the collection as an “idiosyncratic story of arts collecting” and emphasizes the sheer joy it brought them. Featuring local talents like Tyrone Geter and Laura Spong, the collection carries an eclectic mix of styles and media, showcasing a wide-ranging snapshot of contemporary art movements.

A Collaborative Effort

The exhibition has been lovingly curated by Harriett Green, another founding member of 701 CCA, alongside Waddell. Green noted that Roefs often talked about opening their home for art tours, which sadly never came to pass. “There are many different styles and equally many different media represented,” Green explained. “I wouldn’t describe it as a particularly focused collection, but rather an encyclopedic one.” She believes it perfectly reflects Roefs’ artistic vision and the couple’s dedication to their collection.

Understanding the Artistic Influence

Waddell also highlighted a delightful aspect of the collection: many pieces are by less-prominent artists that they discovered through personal connections. This gives the collection a unique charm, bridging the gap between less-known talents and established names. “We have a lot of things in our collection that may never sell in a gallery but perfectly fit our taste,” she remarked.

Schedule Your Visit!

If you’re an art enthusiast or just someone looking for a lovely outing, the “Eye to Eye: the Roefs-Waddell Collection Exhibit” offers a rare chance to connect with both art and the heartwarming story of a couple whose lives were intertwined with creativity. The exhibition is open for visits at 701 Center for Contemporary Art until December 31. For gallery hours or more information, check out the center’s official site.

As you step into this vibrant exhibition, remember that you’re not just viewing art; you’re walking through the cherished memories and deep love that filled the lives of Wim Roefs and Eileen Waddell.