Look around West Columbia and art is everywhere. From the West Columbia Riverwalk Amphitheater, to the alley connecting State Street to the Interactive Art Park on Meeting Street, to Triangle City, and Sunset Boulevard, there’s work by several artists on display. The latest are the Lacey Hennessey mural at Creative Sewing Machine Center and the Maria DeFelice mural on the wall of Carpet One, 1061 Sunset Blvd. 

There is also a large colorful mural on the inside wall of the Brookland Development at State and Meeting streets. West Columbia Mayor Tem Miles has described the mural as “stunning.” Brian Tull is the artist who painted it.

Lainie Lewis owns State Street Trading Co. at 132 State Street. She said she sells a lot of local artwork by Kristin Holzer and Jim Cheatham. Artwork of the (Gervais Street) Bridge sells well, Lainie said. She said the paintings in her shop of the WECO sign on Meeting Street and Savage Craft Ale Works are popular. “People like local art,” she said.  

Other artists who have painted public works of art in West Columbia include: Christine Crawford; Ija Charles; Trahern Cook (Easel Cathedral); Laura Day; Michael Cassidy and Girls Who Paint. Their art can be seen in the Interactive Art Park or on the sides of West Columbia Sanitation Department trucks. Their art subjects range from children playing, to a butterfly and wildlife scenes and the bridge. 

There are also many art pieces for sale at The Warehouse at 312 State Street. The art on the walls of Café Strudel at 300 State Street is for sale, too.

There’s a new studio in town.

Artist Steven Whetstone opened the Steven Whetstone Fine Art Gallery at 324 State Street in August of 2024. His first year in West Columbia has been a good one. 

“I’ve been very busy,” Steven said. “We’re getting established and we’ve had a good first year.” 

Steven said he is commissioned to create pieces of art, including portraits and personalized landscape scenes. He also produces pieces for an interior design firm. “I always have a project,” he said.

Much of the art Steven creates is hanging on the wall at his gallery. 

Another talented West Columbia artist

West Columbia Artist Christopher Lane has presented his work at the Koger Center Upstairs Nook Gallery.  Christopher was also juried into Piccolo Spoleto at City Gallery in Charleston, with his oil painting, My Muse. This exhibition ended June 8.

In West Columbia, art abounds. It brightens up public spaces and local artists sell their work to adorn the walls of homes with scenes from West Columbia. Go out and enjoy the art around you, or buy something for your home. 

Buy art in West Columbia at:

• State Street Trading Co. – 132 State Street
• Steven Whetstone Art – 324 State Street
• The Warehouse – 312 State Street
• Café Strudel – 300 State Street

Artists Below: Steven Whetstone; Christine Crawford; Ija Charles; Christopher Lane; Easel Cathedral; Kristin Holzer; Laura Day; and Michael Cassidy.