Arts center opens at United Methodist church in Columbia

COLUMBIA—The steeple of Virginia Wingard Memorial United Methodist Church marks the home of the newest performing arts center in the Columbia area.

It’s a fresh role for the 70-year-old activities center in the complex that was the original church.

“Showtune,” a musical revue celebrating legendary Broadway tunesmith Jerry Herman, was the initial show at the Broad River Arts Center in September.

It will be followed by a series of monthly concerts of varying and three more theatrical shows through May. All are open to the public at varying cost. In time, more events and classes will be added.

The center features state-of-the-art lighting, a portable stage and other improvements made possible by more than $330,000 in donations from 126 supporters—including some non-church members—as well as assistance from the Kendall Foundation,

It’s a project that “encouraged our congregation to go beyond our normal routines, to get out of our comfort zones, to be creative and do something special,” said veteran theatre educator Donna Wilson, president of the seven-member board overseeing the arts center.

Church leaders call the center a contribution to community efforts to revitalize the Broad River Road corridor.

“As the St. Andrews area transforms into a family living destination, the church can play a vital part in the transformation,” church council president Barry Walker said.

Use of a versatile multi-purpose facility for theater and arts performances is similar to what’s done in other communities across the nation and in Europe. It’s believed to be the first of its kind in the Columbia area.

Learn about upcoming events online at https://broadriverartscenter.org