Q+A: Inside the CMA’s newly reimagined collection galleries
Presented by Columbia Museum of Art
Behind the scenes at CMA — Senior Curator Michael Neumeister shares insights on the new gallery while standing by the scaled-down planning model. | Photo provided by the Columbia Museum of Art/Victor Johnson
The Columbia Museum of Art has reinstalled its collection galleries, blending beloved works with fresh acquisitions and bold curatorial choices. Senior Curator Michael Neumeister shares how the collection galleries are organized, what’s new, and what visitors can expect.
Tell us about this new installation and how the art is organized. How is it different from previous versions?
The new galleries are organized around American, Asian, European, and modern + contemporary art. Historical displays are occasionally interrupted with contemporary works to highlight dialogue across time.
Thematic galleries explore still life, landscape, and architecture, and three solo exhibitions feature South Carolina artists Jasper Johns, Richard Samuel Roberts, and Winston Wingo. About a third of works on view have never been exhibited or haven’t been shown in decades. The installation balances thematic, chronological, and dynamic approaches to feel fresh without losing sight of the museum’s history.
How many objects are in the CMA Collection vs. how many are on view? Was it difficult to choose what to display?
The museum has 7,000+ objects, with about 320 on view. Curators focused on the collection’s most significant works while seeking unexpected perspectives. Important gifts, like Renaissance and Baroque pieces from the Samuel H. Kress Foundation, are highlighted alongside works that offer new surprises.
In this new installation, are all works in the CMA Collection?
Several works are on loan from museums across the country, including modern and contemporary pieces from the National Academy of Design. Artists like Jaune Quick-to-See Smith, David Diao, and Richard Hunt appear in CMA galleries for the first time.
Tell us about an object in this installation that you are excited about and why.
Two recently conserved Sam Gilliam paintings, each nearly 10 feet tall, are shown side-by-side for the first time, creating a dramatic moment in the galleries.
Without giving too much away, are there any surprises in store for visitors who have seen your collection galleries previously?
The CMA’s first-ever Georgian England period room and the largest Asian art gallery yet offer fresh perspectives, new acquisitions, and dynamic arrangements.
What do you want people to take away from their gallery experience?
I hope visitors feel inspired and enriched, and that Columbia residents feel proud to host a world-class museum built by 75 years of community support.
Dynamic installations, rare loans, and never-before-seen works make the CMA’s galleries a chance to experience both its history and its next chapter.
According to AVLsk8, the Carrier Park velodrome is back open. While the inner rink remains closed and fenced off, the track is open for skating.
Featured
Asheville High announced the 26-member inaugural class in its Asheville High School Athletic Hall of Fame. Recognized athletes include Charlie “Choo Choo” Justice, who later played in the NFL. An induction ceremony will be held between the girls’ and boys’ basketball games on Friday, Jan. 16. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Sports
For the first time since 2017, the Carolina Panthers have made the NFL playoffs. The Panthers will host the Los Angeles Rams at 4:30 p.m. this Saturday, Jan. 10. Cheer them on from Bank of America Stadium or from one of Asheville’s sports bars.
Active
Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s annual Winter Hiking Challenge is back for 2026. To complete the challenge and earn a special commemorative patch, you must walk, run, or hike 60 miles by Sunday, March 1. The $25 registration fee directly supports SAHC’s conservation work.
Regional
NC’s ski industry is focused on recovery this year, trying to bounce back from the effects of Helene last season. Despite economic changes and workforce challenges, resort staff believe this season of good snow will bring people to the mountains — find six resorts within two hours of Asheville. (Carolina Public Press)
Pets
Asheville Humane Society’s Adoption Center is now open seven days a week, ready to help you find your new furry friend. Explore the cats, dogs, and barnyard pets currently in need of a loving home.
Seasonal
Mark your calendars, Asheville. This week at the Asheville Yards Holiday Ice Rink includes: half-price skating on Tuesday; live music on Wednesday, and “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” on the big screen on Thursday. Plus, all non-skaters enjoy free admission to the winter wonderland.*
Health
Did you apply for health coverage through the healthcare marketplace and now you’re paying too much? Or, maybe you avoided the marketplace + still need health insurance. No matter your situation, locally owned Cory’s Health Insurance can help. Get a free consultation.*
Community
Novant Health is showing up across Western North Carolina — partnering with local nonprofits, supporting students, and sponsoring community events. From cancer care collaborations to mental health support, these efforts reflect a commitment to meeting people where they are and building long-term relationships that strengthen community health. Learn more.*
Wellness
Interested in a THC or CBD journey in 2026? Women-owned and operated brand TribeTokes is offering 15% off with code DRYJAN15, plus a free CBD/CBG tincture when you spend $40. Try pineapple THC gummies or mini THCA prerolls for some California sober fun during dry January.†*
City Guide
New year, new hobbies
Explore your creative side through screenprinting at Print House. | Photo by Nicole McConville
A new year is a clean slate — especially when it comes to filling your free time. So if the question “what do you do for fun?” still leaves you scrambling, Asheville has plenty of classes, clubs, and groups ready to help you pick up a new hobby in 2026.
Be creative
Gather Studio | Join the Gather Craft Club to work on projects from beaded keychains to collages with other crafty folks.
Local Cloth | Get acquainted with the fiber arts — fabric dying, stitched collages, even paper making.
Print House | Explore all there is to create with ink, with classes covering all kinds of screenprinting.
Explore the outdoors
Blue Ridge Audubon | Serving Buncombe and Henderson counties, this Audubon Society chapter offers talks, special events, and bird outings to both members and nonmembers.
Wild Abundance | Work with your hands and understand a little more about the ecosystem with classes in foraging, carpentry, holistic gardening, and permaculture, and even an online gardening class.
After a very jolly holiday season, Show & Tell’s pop-up shop at the Asheville Mall is hosting an end-of-season sale, with items up to 70% off. Shop local art, crafts, vintage goods, display pieces, and last-of-the-batch treasures this weekend through Sunday, Jan. 18.
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