Artist M.C. Escher fascinates audiences with his imaginative design, dreamy visions and consummate draftsmanship. First inspired by nature, his work later became submerged into what Escher referred to as “mental imagery,” with a host of subjects influenced by alchemy, mathematics, architectures and the concept of metamorphosis. Take this chance to head to the Midlands for a quick day trip to see the largest private traveling Escher exhibition in the world. Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main St. Wednesday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $10. (803) 799-2810, www.columbiamuseum.org