If you’ve ever been to Columbia’s North Village Arts District, you’ve probably seen more of Lisa Bartlett’s work than you realize. As a co-founder of the NVAD, Bartlett has helped shape a creative community that has experienced growth and success for more than 17 years. While many know her as an artist and gallery owner, […]
Art From the Inside: Exploring Lisa Bartlett’s Creative Footprint Read More »
Self-Taught Artist Rick “Gumby” Brummet Has an Eye for Whimsy If you’ve ever driven down Green Meadows Road in Columbia, chances are you’ve spotted one of the coolest yards ever. Who in the world lives here, you ask? Rick Brummet, better known to many around Columbia as “Gumby,” has one of those larger-than-life personalities
If you were in and around Columbia in 2014, at Roots N Blues or around the art scene, you might remember a giant garden gnome floating about town. Well, that was me. At the time, I was just creating stuff because I liked creating stuff. I had no clue that goofy giant garden gnome would
Studio San, featured as a “Closer Look” in the January 2025 issue of COMO Business Times, has set roots — at least for now — in the old Breeze Bridal & Prom storefront. Owner Shreya Bhola, originally from New Delhi, India, first opened her shop in her home in 2024, with the goal of relocating
Columbia’s Trent Rash is our main guide for finding your art and culture fix in the community. Trent has been the executive director of The Missouri Symphony (MOSY) since August 2019. Here are his curated picks for upcoming events. ASSASSINS, 111 Orr Street, October 23-26, 2025 Trent’s Take: This Sondheim musical, presented by the ever-ingenious
Trent’s Picks: The Best of COMO’s Local Art Scene Read More »
Every family leaves a legacy, whether through heirlooms, land, or the values passed on to children. The Community Foundation of Central Missouri exists to make sure part of that legacy can also strengthen local nonprofits and communities. As billions of dollars shift from one generation to the next, the foundation is working to ensure more
SPIDER’S WEB, Columbia Entertainment Company, 1800 Nelwood Drive. 7:30 p.m. September 25-27 and 2 p.m. September 21 and 28. Trent’s Take: This play, directed by Dr. David Crespy, is based on the book by acclaimed writer Agatha Christie. Clarissa, wife of a diplomat, is adept at spinning tales of adventure, but when a murder takes
Trent’s Picks: Get your art and culture fix in COMO Read More »
Columbia native Shelby Ringdahl has graced a lot of stages in her 33 years, whether performing in Les Miserables at the Muny in St. Louis or competing in the 2013 Miss America Pageant at the PH Live Theater in Las Vegas. Currently based in St. Louis and New York City, the performer, entrepreneur, and erstwhile
Shelby Ringdahl Retraces Her Theatrical Journey From Columbia Read More »
A legacy is the long-lasting impact of events that occurred in the past. As Columbia’s oldest, continuous arts nonprofit, the Columbia Art League (CAL) certainly has left its legacy in our community. Formed in 1959 as a grassroots movement by amateur artists who began meeting in each other’s homes to discuss their artwork, the organization
Columbia Art League: Anchoring Our Art Scene for 50 Years Read More »
As COMO Magazine launches The Scene, a new e-newsletter and magazine department, bringing that initiative to life called for someone with boundless energy and unwaivering passion for Columbia’s art and culture scene. That someone is Trent Rash. Trent assumed the position of executive director of The Missouri Symphony (MOSY) in August 2019. In that position,
Setting the Stage: Columbia’s Art and Culture Dynamo, Trent Rash Read More »
