Lights are strung across State, with a band playing in the background, as the crowd grows in the street. That will be the scene at the Fifth Annual Art on State. It’s Friday, May 5, from  5:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. in the 100 Block of State Street, West Columbia. The Meeting Street Artisan Market will be open, too. 

The bands for the night are: 20 Ride ~ America’s #1 Zac Brown Tribute Band; Marcus Gullen and Reggie Sullivan.

The City of West Columbia sponsors Art on State. Over the years it has become more and more popular and there’s a lot of excitement for it. 

Kelli Ricard, City of West Columbia Director of Events, is finalizing plans for Art on State. She is enthusiastic about the big night. She said she loves the vibrancy it brings to the community.

“Art on State allows you to relax and immerse yourself in the cool vibe of the area, while enjoying incredible live art and music,” said Ricard. ” The artists love interacting with the community and creating murals on the street that are unique to the event. The River District businesses provide a warm welcome to attendees by opening their doors and making it easy to sip, dine, and stroll. The Meeting Street Artisan Market, evening edition, provides a boutique shopping experience allowing people to mingle with the makers that are as unique as their creations. The night is full of fun, art, music, food, drinks, and good friends.”

William Lynch is the director at McAllister-Smith Funeral Home at 200 State Street. The business held its Grand Opening March 28. It’s in the former Thompson Funeral Home building.

“I’m really looking forward to Art on State,” he said, “It will be our first Art on State. It will help us meet more people of the West Columbia Community. I’m thankful for that opportunity.”

Art on State takes place adjacent to Savage Craft Ale Works, at 430 Center Street. The Savage Craft staff is anticipating a great night for Art on State.

“One of the great things about Art on State is the diversity of the crowd that attends,” said Victoria Porter, Savage Craft’s general manager. “West Columbia has a unique space with the River District and selection of businesses around us. Events like Art on State invites a new vibe to a bustling area of growth. The trend to be a part of this side of the River is growing to a no-brainer for any occasion.”

In addition to the activity on State Street, the Meeting Street Artisan Market will be open. There will be more than 20 artisans presenting their wares during Art on State. 

Live mural art by local artists Painting on the Street:

• Alicia leeke
• Autumn lily leaphart
• Colleen dwyer
• Dylan fouste
• Kristin holzer
• Shaina manuel
• Demonstrations:
• BA Holman
• Laura day
• Conal smith (blacksmith)
• Free caricatures – By Kate Batten (Super cool keepsake)

Live Music

• 20 Ride ~ America’s #1 Zac Brown Tribute Band 
• Marcus Gullen 
• Reggie Sullivan

State and Meeting Street Businesses 

• State Street Trading Co. – 134 State Street – (803) 550-9048
• Tall Oaks Boutique – 128 State St, – (803) 834-4554
• Three Oaks Florist – 142 State St. – (803) 834 -3545
• Old Mill Antique Mall – 310 State St. – (803) 796-4229
• Three Rivers Antiques – 615 Meeting St. – (803) 814-2102
• 763 Meeting Street Antiques – 763 Meeting St. – (803) 796-1516
• Meeting Street Interiors – 614 Meeting St. – (803) 791-0008
• The Warehouse SC – 312 State St. – (803) 834-7557

Food & Beverages 

• Savage Craft Ale Works
• New Brookland Tavern
• WeCo Bottle & Biergarten
• Always Original Bakery
• D’s Wings
• Terra
• State Street Pub
• Black Rooster
• Al’s Upstairs
• Jin Jin’s
• Eggroll Station
• Café Strudel 

Parking

• Carraway Park – 212 Hudson Street
• Free Public Parking Garage – 310 Court Avenue
• Capitol Square – 483 Sunset Boulevard
• Interactive Art Park – 425 Meeting Street
• River District Church – 400 State Street