We’re now six weeks into the fall semester, and even those of us new to the campus now know first hand how amazing it is to live in the South Loop. There’s art and culture around every corner, and there’s always something new to discover. Columbia Weekend, a celebration that takes place from the 12th to the 14th, serves to celebrate everything that makes Columbia’s community great, from the inspiring murals on the outside of the buildings to the amazing programs housed inside.

The weekend kicks off with The Crawl, a campus-wide art exhibition and an exploration into the many amazing galleries and art installations on campus. The Crawl will feature every kind of work imaginable, all free and all within walking distance of Columbia’s hub. Each department will offer up their own exhibition into what makes their medium great, so be sure to stop by each as many as you can and see what our many talented contributors have to show.

1104 South Wabash will be featuring the work of Puerto Rican artists in Corrosive Like Salt Water, an exhibition on the racial and political complexities of Puerto Rico. The pieces explore themes of cultural identity in a U.S. invaded territory, and the points of view that resulted from the artists’ experiences growing up in Puerto Rico. The 1104 building will also feature a Cinema Slapdown at 7 PM in Film Row Cinema. The panel will discuss the child-parent dynamic of two Roseanne episodes, so be sure to stop by to meet some fellow TV geeks.

624 South Michigan will feature many different departments, including a first-year photography student exhibition in the library, which will feature works curated by Margaret Denny. 618 South Michigan will feature a dance performance at 4, 5, and 6 PM by Columbia’s own Renegade dance trope, as well as SPB’s second annual Drag! show at 7 PM. The show will be starring a few of Columbia’s best drag queens and kings in a glamor extravaganza that’s sure to knock the stockings off of the whole audience.

To see the Art & Art History department’s collaboration with MoCP, head to Ferguson Hall at 600 South Michigan. An eye-opening exhibition titled Say It With Pictures will be on display, and visitors will be able to experience the forgotten works of African American photographers working in Chicago from the 1890s through the 1930s.

If you’re in the mood to see a show, head to 623 South Wabash, where both the Creative Writing department and the Improv Club will be putting on performances. You can hear works-in-progress from creative writing students in WORD!, or see a hilarious long-form improv show at 4 PM. Feeling more hands-on? Join in a pumpkin decorating spectacular lead by Student Organizations in The Workroom at 4 PM. Everything you need to take part in the fall festivities will be provided (as will hot cider and snacks), all you need to do is show up and get creative!

623 also hosts the beginning of The Crawl’s titular activity, the walking tour of the Wabash Arts Corridor. Meet at HAUS on the 1st floor at 5:30 and get ready to see some of the best murals and art pieces that the city has to offer.

In conjunction with Columbia Weekend and The Crawl, the ShopColumbia store is celebrating its 10th anniversary! In the ten years since it opened, the shop has been a vital showroom for some of Columbia’s best student work, and has generated over $350,000 of shop revenue for its many featured student artists. Stop by the store at 619 South Wabash to enjoy refreshments, a photobooth, and a DJ at the reunion of ShopColombia artists and reception for the Spotlight Exhibition: Then and Now. Many Wabash Arts Corridor artist alumni will be in attendance, including Andrea Dunn (’16), Sam Kirk (’05), and JJ McLuckie (’17).

These are only a few of the many exciting and inspiring features during this year’s Crawl. This is every student’s best chance to see what each department has to offer during the fall semester, so grab a friend or two and make sure to explore Columbia’s wonderful campus. More information on each event and exhibition can be found here.

Also, don’t forget that Columbia Weekend also includes Parents Weekend! Visiting parents will enjoy a brunch with Dr. Kim, one-on-one consultations with a variety of student services, a selection of Maker Sessions curated by the departments, and so much more. If your parents are visiting, be sure that they don’t miss the unique opportunity to experience much of what Columbia has to offer during The Crawl!