See the Art

From painted portraits and dynamic theatrical performances to elegant architecture and artisan craftsmanship, there are so many places to experience our city’s art. Check out a few of these local spots where you can discover a rich variety of artistic expressions authentic to Columbia.

Museums What better way to “see the art” than by paying a visit to our state and local museums, where creativity radiates through every brilliant display. Explore local and global perspectives, immerse yourself in dynamic exhibitions, and enjoy a welcoming atmosphere for all ages.

Columbia Museum of Art, South Carolina State Museum, EdVenture

Over The Mantle Gallery This gallery has continuously sought to highlight the amount of fine art accessible to our Columbia community, created by local artists, whose stunning compositions hang “over the mantle.”

Partager Artists and unique retailers come together to fill the walls and studio spaces of Partager, where you can find everything from antique furnishings to hand-painted portraits.

701 Center for Contemporary Art 701 CCA is the state’s largest non-profit art center, complete with unique exhibits and an artist-in-residence program where artists can create and live in the studio.

Soda City Market We would be remiss if we didn’t mention Soda City Market in the topic of local art here in Columbia. The market is enjoyed year-round by thousands of Soda Citizens every Saturday­—getting their fix of artisan artworks, and of course, delicious food!

Murals Art is everywhere in the city. Murals and paintings can be found on the walls of our high rises, restaurants, and our most beloved local establishments. Keep your eye out for some murals around town.

Cromer’s Mural | 3030 North Main St. | Girls Who Paint Murals

The Columbia Map of Infinite Connectedness | Lincoln Street Tunnel | Michael Dantzler and Jeffcoat

Columbia, We’re In This Together! | 2621 Devine St. | Christine Crawford

Dum Spiro Spero | 1227 Taylor St. | Alex Rusnak

The Pursuit of Opportunity: Celebrating African American Business | 1401 Main St. | Ija Charles

Five Points Postcard Mural | 732 Saluda Ave. | Chad Brady

Architecture High rises, legislative offices, and historic homes all fall in the rankings of some of Columbia’s most beautiful architectural displays.

Sheraton Hotel, SC State House, Hampton-Preston Mansion, Robert Mills House

All Good Books Rotating Gallery Exhibit Art is jumping off the pages at All Good Books: their new art gallery features a different local artist every season. Grab yourself an iced coffee or a glass of wine, and peruse the eclectic collection of artworks amongst aisles of colorful storytelling.

Theaters From painted scenes to silver screens, seeing art in our home city is easy thanks to these local theaters who transform their audiences into another world.

Town Theatre, Longstreet Theatre, Koger Center, Trustus Theatre, The Nickelodeon

Featured art: Kelley Pettibone, displayed at All Good Books

Be the Art

Art doesn’t have to live on a canvas. There are countless ways to incorporate art into your personal expression, from hairstyles to tattoos to nails. Go beyond the frame and “be the art” with these Columbia studios, salons, and spas.

Vivid: Color, Cut, Style This Five Points-based salon is known for creating unique hair styles tailored to their clients’ personalities and tastes. From vibrant reds to deep purples, layered cuts to fringe bangs, Vivid is here to bring your hair out of its shell.

Binge Ink This tattoo studio opened on North Main last year, becoming an inclusive hub for imaginative body art. Contact the studio with a concept for your next (or first!) tattoo, and work with your artist to create a one-of-a-kind design. 

Sugar & Lola It’s easy to be the art with the fine jewelry and piercing services courtesy of Sugar & Lola. If you’re looking for some extra ear-bling, this local gem will give you that extra sparkle that you’ve been looking for.

Posh Nail Spa Make your nails the canvas at Posh. Their manicurists marry fine precision with color-popping design, creating manicures that will have everyone asking where you got yours done. You could leave with acrylics painted like cut rubies or a sweet pink ombre—the sky’s the limit!

Ophidian Tattoo Located in the Arcade Mall off Main Street, Ophidian’s portfolio features a wide range of styles, from classic designs with bold coloring to dark botanicals with intricately woven lines. 

Shine Hair Color & Design Studio Local hair salon Shine encourages everyone to be themselves—everyone else is already taken! Embrace your hair’s natural beauty and add a little “shine” to your form of self-expression. 

POUT You don’t have to be going to a grand event to get your makeup done. POUT’s makeup services can give you a brand new look whenever you feel like trying something different. They have multiple beauty packages, including a natural makeup option and a full glam look. 

Pictured: Binge Ink

Create the Art

You don’t have to be Picasso or Monet to create some art of your own. Anyone of all ages, abilities, and skill levels can express themselves in unique, colorful ways. After all, it’s this refreshing diversity in creativity that makes Columbia such a special place to call home! Here are just a few ways you can “create the art” around town this fall.

Columbia Parks and Recreation Center They offer a variety of sculpture, pottery, and art classes for all ages and abilities to participate in! Explore some of their inclusive programs like Community Outreach and Creative Journey.

Richland Library Our library offers more than just books—they host a number of enriching arts and crafts events, accessible for all. Cardholders enjoy access to a variety of studio spaces and equipment dedicated to woodworking, fiber arts, and video and photo production.

Classes and events include Family Storytime and Craft (young children ages 0‑5); Sew Divine:
A Gathering of Crafters; Table-Top Miniature Painting Club; Teen Makers; Crafternoon

The Mad Platter Paint your own ceramic creations at The Mad Platter, where creating art is a breeze. You can reserve their studio for large groups and private gatherings, or pop in for an expressive outlet—everything you need is included! Pictured here.

Art Smart Academy Unleash your creativity at Art Smart Academy, where individuals of all ages and skill levels are inspired to explore their artistic side freely. From canvas to ceramic, clay, or wood artwork, there’s something for everyone without the need for an appointment. Art Smart provides a welcoming space for beginners and seasoned artists alike.

Glassie Ladies If paint and paper aren’t for you, try your hand at glass art. In addition to selling beautiful pieces for your home, Glassie Ladies offers classes in stained, fused, and mosaic glass arts so you can make your very own masterpiece. Established artists can utilize their studio with access to tools and supplies as well.

State of the Art Studio Located in the heart of Cayce, this “state-of-the-art” paint and pottery studio is a creative haven for both novice and pro. Learn from master potter, Levi Wright, via a group class or private lessons. Let your creativity take shape and plan your next SOTA adventure.