Binder Podcast

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 muse

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.