McKissick Museum

The McKissick Museum is located at the University of South Carolina.

It is a small museum, but quite enjoyable.

This display shows fool's gold next to real gold.

Jim and I enjoyed the extensive mineral and gem collection most.

I enjoyed seeing some of the stones I work with on a daily basis in their organic form, like rhodocrosite and fluorite.

The state gemstone is amethyst and smokey quartz is prevalent here too. This massive piece below is both together.

Also included in the natural science collection are animals along with gorgeous bits from the sea.

We were here on the last day of Swag and Tassel: The Innovative Stoneware of Thomas Chandler.

Chandler was in innovative potter in 19th century who had a lot of influence working at the Phoenix Factory in the Edgefield District in South Carolina.

This later became the Trapp-Chandler Factory.

The hand painting and handmade forms lacking perfection are gorgeous.

My favorites were the harvest vessels with the whimsical faces.

Other exhibits here include a folk life resource center, fine art, material culture and university relics.

My favorite from material culture is this art quilt.

From folk life is this vase this created from pine needles.

I hope you enjoyed this glimpse of the museum.

If you go, the museum is located at 
816 Bull St, Columbia, SC

Free of charge.
Monday-Friday: 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Saturday: 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Closed Sundays 

Thank you for stopping by! ~Val

University of South Carolina Campus

Jim and I headed to the University of South Carolina to check out the McKissick Museum on campus. 

However it was closed being the week of the 4th. Oops. All was not lost though. We discovered a wonderful place for a summer morning stroll full of shade!

The campus features beautiful trees including live oaks.

Lovely pathways guide the students from one building to the next.

This huge area, called the Horseshoe, surely is a place to hang out under nature's canopy. Dormitories and classrooms border this campus section.

Beautiful 19th century buildings dot the campus along with some younger structures.

The school was established in 1801 (originally South Carolina College). 

I love how the trees are showcased by the buildings.

This is Cocky, the football team mascot.

There are gorgeous nooks throughout.

Plenty of places to relax from the stresses of college.

This pool is a soothing place to read a book while tuning into the sounds of the fountains.

The Torch Bearer, by sculptress Anna Hyatt Huntington, was installed outside the gymnasium in 1965.

Perhaps the most important building on campus. This modern one below that houses Starbucks and Barnes and Noble. Definitely where I would have spent a lot of time in college!

I hope you enjoyed our campus stroll. We will be back here again soon when the museum is actually open!

Thank you for stopping by! ~Val