An article in The State newspaper, that calls into question the City of West Columbia’s support of artistic murals, is evoking a massive response, in support of the mural, on social media.

The article is entitled “Art or ad? Midlands city debates vape shop astronaut as it considers mural program” The article also poses the question: is West Columbia’s public support of art causing a “headache.”

The photo above the headline depicts a colorful astronaut, in shades of blue, orange and fuchsia, that was painted by artist Austin Gee

The mural is on the side wall of a vape shop in Sunset Court, facing Sunset Boulevard.

The comments in support of the mural are a vast majority on a Facebook link to the article on The State newspaper’s website. You won’t be able to read the article unless you pay for a subscription.

There were more than 160 comments regarding the article, around 3 p.m. Tuesday. A sample of a majority of the comments below:

• I LOVE that mural!
• How’s it a headache? That part of west Columbia could use more of this in that area.
• It’s great! Bring on more public art.
• Pretty awesome art. Unsure why anyone would complain about it. I personally would like to see more like it around Columbia
• Headache? Not at all. We need more of this.
• Headache? I literally love love this astronaut.
• Stuff like this is awesome and we need more of it
• I live right around the corner and I love it!
• I love it. One of very few nice things to look at driving down sunset.
• We are drafting a mural for our brick wall at 1538 Sunset Blvd. Austin Gee- would love to have you give us a quote!
• This thing is absolutely amazing. How could anyone see this as a “problem”?
• Best thing I drive by every day on the way to work! I smile everyday.