Columbia Gears Up for a Creative Night Out at the Second Annual Philosophy of Five Points
Mark your calendars, Columbia residents! On November 15th, the vibrant Five Points district will be alive with excitement as it hosts the Philosophy of Five Points, returning for its second year of art, culture, and community engagement. Following a successful inaugural event in 2023, this gathering promises to be a fantastic evening filled with creativity and the spirit of collaboration.
The What and The Why
The Philosophy of Five Points is a fantastic partnership between local non-profit Cola Love, the Philosophy Department of the University of South Carolina, and the charming Five Points district. Nell Fuller, Co-Founder of Cola Love, explains that this event is designed to “foster creativity and conversation.” It’s a perfect way to get involved with the community while indulging in the arts.
Curiosity Crawls and Art Creation
From 5:30 PM to 8 PM, local restaurants and shops will extend their hours, transforming into interactive art spaces for what they’re calling a “curiosity crawl.” This means guests will have the chance to engage with various art exhibits designed to spark their creativity and encourage participation. As Jared Johnson, marketing director for the Philosophy of Five Points, puts it, “It’s a way of exposing people to things they might not have seen or heard yet.”
At the heart of this evening is the unique opportunity for community members to unleash their inner artists. Local talent will be on hand to guide attendees in creating collaborative art pieces. While the artists might kick off the night with some pre-drawn sketches, the final creation will depend significantly on the input and participation of the guests. Johnson highlights this as a golden opportunity: “It is one thing to watch art and appreciate it. People don’t often have the opportunity to contribute.”
Diving Deep into Philosophy
This celebration of creativity isn’t just about painting and crafting; it’s also about meaningful conversation. Johnson notes the importance of discussing philosophical topics, especially when the world feels filled with challenging questions—like we see during election seasons. “I think we all have philosophical thoughts as we move through this election season,” Johnson adds. “So it’s a perfect time for the Philosophy of Five Points, and it’s a perfect time for us to create our own art and think about those meaningful questions.”
Community Connection and Local Support
One of the main goals of the Philosophy of Five Points is to strengthen the bond between locals and their community. Participating businesses like Drip and Papa Jazz will be open to welcome guests and showcase their unique contributions to the local arts scene. Johnson emphasizes the importance of getting to know what happens in Columbia’s oldest shopping district, saying, “This was a way to highlight the Five Points district and have the community get more intimate and familiar with what happens in the city.”
Fun Activities and Afterparty
The evening will include excitement beyond art-making. Get ready for a heart-charm scavenger hunt! As attendees explore the area, they’ll have the chance to collect charms that can later be turned into mementos of the night. As if that’s not enough, an afterparty at Proof at Claussen’s is sure to keep the energy alive. Attendees can look forward to live music, refreshing drinks, and a continued celebration of the evening’s themes: creativity, curiosity, and culture.
Get Involved!
So, whether you’re an aspiring artist, an art lover, or just someone looking for an inspiring evening with friends, the Philosophy of Five Points is where you want to be. Don’t miss out on this exciting event that highlights the essence of community, art, and thoughtful discussion. For a full lineup of activities and to see which local businesses will participate, be sure to visit fivepointscolumbia.com.
