The Congaree Vista Guild has announced that a new public art piece is being installed on the 1100 block of Park Street. Artist David Falter is on site from April 1-10 installing the art. A dedication ceremony will take place as part of the Artista Vista festivities.

The installation was commissioned by the Congaree Vista Guild and is in partnership with One Columbia for Arts and Culture. Falter’s piece helps represent the Vista district and how it has changed over time. The installation was intended to represent the history of the district and its current status as a home for artists. The artist featured in the piece is Columbia artist, Laura Spong.

“This new installation is unique,” said Abby Anderson, Executive Director of the Congaree Vista Guild. “The 13’ x 7’ portrait mural depicts a 19th-century train conductor and a contemporary artist. It truly represents the district’s transition from an industrial area to a South Carolina Cultural District. Laura Spong’s dedication to the arts in Columbia and the Vista will now be shown in the district forever.”

“My passion lies at the intersection of art and technology, where I create engaging visuals that connect with the intended audience,” said David Falter, artist. “I thrive on creative challenges, embracing each project’s unique requirements and creating tailored solutions that visually communicate the desired message.”

The Congaree Vista Guild worked with the City of Columbia and One Columbia for Arts and Culture to help bring this piece to life.

For more information about the Congaree Vista Guild, visit www.VistaColumbia.com or call (803) 269-5946. Follow the Vista Guild on Facebook, X and Instagram: @TheVistaSC. For more information on One Columbia for Arts and Culture, visit OneColumbiaSC.com.

The Congaree Vista Guild has announced Dr. Gail Barnes, Wade Sellers and the Koger Center for the Arts as three recipients of the South Carolina Governor’s Awards for the Arts, presented by The South Carolina Arts Commission (SCAC). The Vista is an official South Carolina cultural district and home to Barnes, Sellers and the Koger Center.

Nominations are solicited every year by the SCAC for people or organizations deserving recognition for outstanding achievement and contributions to the arts in South Carolina. The appointed members of the South Carolina Arts Commission Board of Directors vote on nominees recommended by a panel for the Governor’s Awards for the Arts.

This year, the SCAC board approved the recommendations of Barnes in the Individual category, Sellers in the Artist category and the Koger Center for the Arts in the Government category.

“I’m proud to have made my living as a filmmaker on Lincoln Street in the heart of Columbia and thankful to represent the overwhelming number of talented independent filmmakers in our state with this recognition,” said Wade Sellers. “To be able to work as an artist and support other artists in their work has always been my goal and I have no plans to slow down.”

“The Koger Center for the Arts is pleased to join the ranks of the individuals and organizations that have received the prestigious honor of The Governor’s Award for the Arts, and we are particularly moved to receive this award the same year as Dr. Gail V. Barnes. This is quite an exceptional year for the USC School of Music as we are celebrating our centennial,” said Koger Center Director Nate Terracio.

“We are always proud of our artists and arts organizations here in the Vista,” said Abby Anderson, executive director of the Congaree Vista Guild. “We know how wonderful they are, and we are always grateful when they receive recognition for their talent and hard work.”

A panel appointed by the SCAC Board of Directors reviews all nominations, received during a two-month window every fall. After a rigorous process and multiple meetings, the panel sends the board a recommendation from each category with a nomination for its approval. Serving on the panel in 2025 were Jason Crowley (Charleston), Dr. Minuette Floyd (Columbia), Robin Hallyburton (Irmo), Dr. Sarah Lynn Hayes (Rock Hill), and Meg Reid (Spartanburg).

Recipients of the South Carolina Governor’s Awards for the Arts will be honored during a broadcast presentation of the South Carolina Arts Awards in May on the SCAC YouTube Channel.

About the 2025 Governor’s Award for the Arts recipients

Dr. Gail V. Barnes (Individual Category) is professor of music education and director of the USC String Project. She teaches courses in stringed instrument methods and orchestra literature and believes her greatest contribution to the state of South Carolina are the 150 teachers who have graduated from the program during her tenure. Barnes’s research interests revolve around community and school orchestra programs, with a particular focus on ensuring equitable access to music education for underserved youth. Her research has shed light on the positive impact of parental involvement and a supportive home environment on students’ musical development. Conferences across the United States and abroad benefit from her expertise and research findings, with insightful presentations in countries such as Australia, Italy, China, Greece, Scotland and Brazil. Barnes is a co-author of Measures of Success for String Orchestra (published by The FJH Music Company), a method book for young string players. In her role as director of the USC String Project, Barnes continues to work with student-aged musicians. She has conducted all-state orchestras in South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Alabama and Michigan. Barnes earned her bachelor’s and master’s of music from the University of Michigan and her doctorate from The Ohio State University.

Wade Sellers (Artist Category) is an independent filmmaker in Columbia who produced his first film within months after graduating from USC in media arts. As the South Carolina Arts Commission’s first media intern, Sellers assisted with the Southeastern Media Institute where he later became an instructor. He became an in-demand lighting director and gaffer on commercials and corporate projects. His short film Gordon’s Ride was featured at the Independent Feature Film Festival. Sellers co-founded the non-profit Hybrid Films in 2002 to function as fiscal agent for underserved filmmakers in the region. Hybrid Films’ largest accomplishment was the Beg and Grovel Film Festival, the first true independent film festival in Columbia. His first Southeastern Emmy Award nomination came with South Carolinians in World War 2, a project he was commissioned to direct for South Carolina ETV. Sellers formed his production company, Coal Powered Filmworks, collaborating with local filmmakers and promoting independent filmmaking in South Carolina. In 2013 he founded the 2nd Act Film Project, helping 84 films be created by S.C. filmmakers solely for screening at 2nd Act. He has supervised more than 25 interns from USC and Benedict College since 2008, lectured and taught in the USC media arts department and was named a distinguished alumnus from the USC School of Visual Arts and Design in 2020. He has served as the board president for The Jasper Project since 2019.

The Koger Center for the Arts at the University of South Carolina (Government Category) supports exceptional art by hosting and presenting transformational experiences that enlighten, educate, entertain and inspire. The Koger Center adds value to people’s lives by providing opportunities for creative programming, new experiences and education all while providing the best possible patron experience. From the opening on Jan. 14, 1989, the University of South Carolina made it clear that local community needs would be addressed by establishing a mission of inclusion to support the programming and technical requirements of local arts organizations. Planned as a home to all the arts, the Koger Center houses a large permanent display of visual art as well as a revolving series of art exhibits in several gallery spaces. The 2,256-seat main auditorium is used regularly by local performing arts organizations, but also hosts large touring shows such as Broadway’s Wicked and Hamilton, the Philharmonic Orchestra of London and well-known artists like Alice Cooper and James Taylor. More than just a rental facility, the facility hosts seasons of performances by the USC School of Music, USC Department of Theatre and Dance and Koger Center Presents series and educational performances by local and touring companies. The Koger Center has expanded how the building is used turning the Grand Tier lobby into a 150-seat music venue, incorporating a permanent stage into the plaza in front of the facility and transforming the rehearsal hall into a Black Box Theater.

The Vista Neighborhood Association (VNA) and the Congaree Vista Guild are hosting the 3rd Annual Alley Golf Tournament in the Vista on Saturday, April 12. Proceeds from the event go 100% towards Art projects in the Vista.

The event is from 1-6 PM and has 3 mini golf holes in a tournament format which will be set up at Steel Hands Vista - 705 Gervais St. Players will have a chance to win 1st and 2nd place prizes and also win prizes through random drawings.

Players purchase a scorecard for $20, play each hole, and turn in their scorecard. Live updates will be shown at Steel Hands Vista. VNA will also randomly draw winners from completed score cards, regardless of the total score.

Door size winners do not have to be present to win. Prize event is for 18-years-old and up.

Steel Hands will run the shuttle to and from Cayce/The Vista on April 12.

Come out and have some fun all for a good cause!!

Thanks to our Hole Sponsors for the event:

Garvin Design Group

Pro Swing

BP Skinner

Steel Hands Vista Distilling and Brewing

Coldwell Banker - Peggy Metze

Thank you to our additional sponsors:

Adluh Flour Mills

Arnold Companies

Farmers Market Xchange

Grace Outdoor

Koger Center for the Arts

Maynard/Nexsen

Woodlands Country Club

For more information about participating in the event, please reach out to Jim Colwell with the Vista Neighborhood Association at (864) 616-8836. View all details of the event here. 

The Congaree Vista Guild will host its 39^th annual Vista Lights on Thursday, November 21 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The family-friendly holiday event is presented by Prisma Health and will offer entertainment for visitors of all ages.

Performances by local groups will take place on the Montessori School of Columbia Stage near the corner of Gervais and Lincoln Streets beginning at 6:00 p.m., followed by the lighting of the Vista tree at 7 p.m. After the tree is lit, the Station Seven Band will take the stage. A new feature this year will be the Vista Lights Artisan Market with 11 local vendors.

New this year, the Vista Guild and Blue Marlin are hosting a toy drive to benefit families in Western North Carolina. The public is asked to support families affected by Hurricane Helene by dropping off a new, unwrapped toy in the trailer outside Blue Marlin during the week of November 18.

Santa Claus will be on site in the 94.3 The Dude Kid’s Zone on Lincoln Street. Meanwhile, The Palmetto Carolers will stroll through the Vista entertaining visitors and Easel Cathedral will be on site painting the event live.

Presenting sponsor, Prisma Health will have their Mobile Clinic on Lincoln Street for blood pressure screenings and health information.

Throughout the evening, participating Vista businesses will open their doors for dining and shopping. Several new restaurants will be open this year including Dulce Bakery and Café and Steel Hands Vista. Additionally, visitors are encouraged to check out items from upcoming businesses, like Taco Mundo. For a complete list, visit VistaColumbia.com in the coming weeks. A full map will be published on the website in November.

Gervais Street will be completely closed from Assembly to Gadsden Streets for the event as well as Park Street from Lady to Senate Streets and Lincoln Street from Lady to Senate Streets.

A big thank you to our sponsors: City of Columbia, Experience Columbia SC, Prisma Health, NURTL Vodka Seltzer, Stella Artois, Montessori School of Columbia, Mackey Realty, 94.3 The Dude, 93.1 The Lake, Cola Daily, Hyatt Place Vista and Outdoor Lighting Perspectives.

The Congaree Vista Guild held the grand opening and ribbon-cutting for Dulce Bakery and Café at 1213 Lincoln Street Tuesday, September 17 at 11:00 a.m.

Located in the former space of Cupcake Down South, owners Iris Perea and Sharisa Boyle have moved their bakery, Cake Collection Boutique, to the Vista from their Irmo location and rebranding. In this new location, they will offer sweet treats such as cupcakes, cake slices, tres leche and brownies as well as savory breakfast sandwiches and coffee.

City dignitaries attended the event as well as Congaree Vista Guild board members and Vista business owners.

Dulce Bakery and Café owners plan to eventually offer a cafe during lunch hours with soups and sandwiches and a dessert bar at night.

The Congaree Vista Guild will host “Kickin’ It in the Vista”, a special summer concert event Friday, August 2 at Columbia Craft, 520 Greene Street, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The concert is free and open to the public. It’s taking place in conjunction with the Rivals in Red soccer match between Liverpool F.C. and Manchester United.

The line-up for the concert includes Eric Paslay, The Vegabonds and MackMartin.

Eric Pasley is a Platinum-selling, GRAMMY-nominated songwriter, artist and performer from Texas who has collaborated with Amy Grant, Dierks Bentley and Charles Kelley, among others.

The Vegabonds are an alternative southern rock group from Nashville, with high energy, crowd-favorite songs like Georgia Fire, Shaky Hands, Partying with Strangers and Heartache.

MackMartin is an alternative country duo from Texas and South Carolina influenced by Eagles, Rascal Flatts, The Chicks and Chris Stapleton.

South Carolina United is partnering with the Vista and will have soccer games for the whole family. Columbia Craft will offer its craft beer selections, and Rita’s will be on-site with Columbia’s favorite cold selections.

Liverpool F.C. and Manchester United will compete in their international soccer match, part of the Rivals in Red Tour, on Saturday, August 3 at 7:30 p.m. at Williams-Brice Stadium. There will be shuttles from Colonial Life Arena to Williams-Brice on Saturday, so plan to spend your weekend in the Vista.

The Congaree Vista Guild has announced the election of new board members for 2024-2027. The organization has a 13-member board, six of whom are selected by the current board members, six are elected by the membership of the Vista Guild and one seat is for the president of the Vista Neighborhood Association.

Newly elected board members by business members are:

• Annie Linn Johnson- LS3P
• Joseph Kendrick- Columbia Music Festival Association

This group is joining current board members:

• Rosie Craig- M Craig & Co.
• Clark Ellefson- Lewis + Clark
• Beth Frost- Cohn Construction
• Guy Jones- River Runner Outdoor Center
• Dale Marshall- Architrave
• Hal Stevenson- GRACE Outdoor
• Ariel Brady- Motor Supply Co. Bistro
• David Erbacher- Hyatt Place Vista
• Cheryl Swanson- Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center
• Chip Wade- Koger Center for the Arts
• Carolyn Leedecker- Vista Neighborhood Association

The Congaree Vista Guild has announced that $12,000 in donations will be made to local performing arts groups using proceeds from the recent Live on Lincoln event. The annual event, presented by LS3P, was the finale to the 3nd Annual Artista Vista.

“We’re really pleased with the results of this year’s Artista Vista,” said Congaree Guild Executive Director Abby Anderson. “We hit or exceeded many of our goals for the various events and are so grateful for the community’s support. We welcomed more visitors than ever to the district and raised critical funds for our performing arts groups.

Some of the highlights noted were:

- More than 11 galleries welcomed visitors for the annual gallery crawl

- 11 lantern-making workshops were held at which more than 150 lanterns were created for the Lights and Lantern Parade presented by Architrave

- 56 artists and creators participated in the first Live Art Mart

- $12,000 was raised for local performing arts groups at Live on Lincoln

Artista Vista is scheduled for Friday, April 11-Sunday, April 13, 2025. Events throughout the weekend will include a gallery crawl on Friday; Art Day on Saturday; Live Art Mart on Saturday with local artisans and craftsmen; and a light and lantern parade Saturday evening. Live on Lincoln will again serve as the finale on Sunday afternoon.

The 5th annual Live on Lincoln event, presented by LS3P, has been postponed until Sunday, April 28 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. due to weather concerns. The Friday and Saturday activities for Artista Vista will go on as scheduled.

Tickets for individuals are $100 and private party tables are $1000. Proceeds from the event will benefit local performing arts organizations. For tickets, visit https://tickets.coladaily.com/events/live-on-lincoln. Seating is limited.

Live on Lincoln was founded by the Koger Center for the Arts in 2020 and is now a signature event for the Congaree Vista Guild. The dinner will be catered by Blue Marlin on the cobblestones of Lincoln Street and will feature performances from Columbia’s finest performing groups.

The Congaree Vista Guild has announced that a rededication ceremony will take place for The Gong, a commemorative piece created to celebrate the late Marvin Chernoff. The Gong was stolen earlier this year but has since been recovered and repaired. The ceremony will take place Tuesday, April 16 at 3:00 p.m. at 1100 Lincoln Street.

“We are so relieved that The Gong was recovered and that it’s been restored to its original state,” said Abby Anderson, Executive Director of the Congaree Vista Guild. “We felt like a rededication was important for such a treasured piece of public art.”

The Gong was created by Clark Ellefson and Matthew Kramer to honor the late Marvin Chernoff, a public relations executive with offices in the Vista. Chernoff was known for using a small, desk-sized gong to symbolize a job well done and a way to create closure before moving to the next project.

Lee Ann Kornegay, a film maker, arts organizer and former employee of the late Chernoff initially brought the idea to One Columbia in the early 1980s and recommended a less traditional sculpture. One Columbia for Arts and Culture commissioned the piece with donated funds from the community and with Chernoff’s personality in mind. They oversee the maintenance of the artwork and received a donation to assist with the repairs to the Gong.

One Columbia works with the City of Columbia, community organizations, and private entities to bring public art to the community by commissioning, administering, maintaining, and marking public art throughout the city.
 

The Vista site for The Gong was chosen to recognize Chernoff’s early involvement in the development and repurposing of the former warehouse area and is located near the first office renovated by Chernoff and his business partner, Rick Silver.

For more information about the Congaree Vista Guild, visit www.VistaColumbia.com or call (803) 269-5946. Follow the Vista Guild on Facebook, X and Instagram: @TheVistaSC. For more information on One Columbia for Arts and Culture, visit OneColumbiaSC.com.

The Vista Neighborhood Association (VNA) and the Congaree Vista Guild are hosting the 2nd Annual Alley Golf Tournament in the Vista on Saturday, April 6. The event is from 2-6pm and has 3 mini golf holes in a tournament format which will be set up in 3 different Vista alleyways (see below for details). Players will have a chance to win 1st and 2nd place prizes and also win prizes through random drawings.   

Also this year there is a 4th location --- the 19th hole at Saki Tumi, where you can play to win prizes by putting a hole in one! Open from 4-7pm.

Players purchase a scorecard for $15 ($20 on April 6) and can play each hole in any order they choose. Players turn in the scorecard and score after playing 3 holes. 
VNA will also randomly draw winners from completed score cards, regardless of the total score. Winners do not have to be present to win. Prize event is for 18-years-old and up. 

The 3 locations are:
The Hyatt Place – 819 Gervais Street
Grill Marks – 705 Gervais Street
Old Chicago – 802 Gervais Street

19th hole is at Saki Tumi - 807 Gervais St  

Thanks to our Hole Sponsors for the event:

Hyatt Place 

BP Skinner Clothiers

Garvin Design Group

For more information about participating in the event, please reach out to Jim Colwell with the Vista Neighborhood Association at (864) 616-8836. View full details on the event here.

The 4th annual Live on Lincoln event, presented by LS3P, will be held on Sunday, April 21 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets for the dinner and performance experience will go on sale Friday, February 16 at 10:00 a.m.

Live on Lincoln was founded by the Koger Center for the Arts in 2020 and is now a signature event for the Congaree Vista Guild as part of Artista Vista weekend. The dinner will be catered by Blue Marlin on the cobblestones of Lincoln Street and will feature performances from Columbia’s finest performing groups.

Tickets for individuals are $100 and private party tables are $1000. Proceeds from the event will benefit local performing arts organizations and sponsorships are available. For tickets, visit https://tickets.coladaily.com/events/live-on-lincoln. Seating is limited and tickets are expected to sell quickly.

Live on Lincoln is the finale of Artista Vista that takes place from Friday, April 19-Sunday, April 21. Events throughout the weekend will include a gallery crawl on Friday; Art Day at the Huger Street Arts campus on Saturday; Live Art Mart on Saturday with local artisans and craftsmen; and a light and lantern parade Saturday evening. For Live on Lincoln sponsorship information and Artista Vista event information, visit https://www.vistacolumbia.com/special-events/artista-vista.

The Congaree Vista Guild will host its 38th annual Vista Lights on Thursday, November 16 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The family-friendly holiday event is presented by Prisma Health and will offer entertainment for visitors of all ages.

Performances by local groups will take place on the main stage near the corner of Gervais and Lincoln Streets beginning at 6:15 p.m., followed by the lighting of the Vista tree presented by Cool Care Heating, Air, Plumbing & Refrigeration at 7 p.m. After the tree is lit, there will be performances by Prettier Than Matt and the Soda City Brass Band.

Santa Claus will be on site at the 94.3 The Dude Kid’s Zone on Lincoln Street as well as the giant, interactive snow globe. Meanwhile, The Palmetto Carolers will stroll through the Vista entertaining visitors. Easel Cathedral will be on site painting the event live as well.

Presenting sponsor, Prisma Health will have a mobile unit on Lincoln Street for blood pressure screenings.

Throughout the evening, participating Vista businesses will open their doors for dining and shopping. Several new restaurants will be open this year including The Dragon Room, Cava and Farmers Market Xchange. Additionally, visitors are encouraged to check out items from upcoming businesses, The Hollow and Bitty & Beau’s Coffee. For a complete list, visit VistaColumbia.com in the coming weeks. A full map will be published in the Free Times on November 15.

Gervais Street will be completely closed from Assembly to Gadsden Streets for the event as well as Park Street from Lady to Senate Streets and Lincoln Street from Lady to Senate Streets.

The Congaree Vista Guild has announced the election of new board members for 2023-2026. The organization has a 13-member board, six of whom are selected by the current board members, six are elected by the membership of the Vista Guild and one seat is for the president of the Vista Neighborhood Association.

Newly elected board members are:

• Ariel Brady- Motor Supply Co. Bistro
• David Erbacher- Hyatt Place Vista
• Cheryl Swanson- Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center
• Chip Wade- Koger Center for the Arts

This group is joining current board members:

• Rosie Craig- R. MacFarlane Craig Real Estate
• Clark Ellefson- Lewis + Clark
• Beth Frost- Cohn Construction
• Annie Linn Johnson- LS3P
• Guy Jones- River Runner Outdoor Center
• Joseph Kendrick- Columbia Music Festival Association
• Dale Marshall- Architrave
• Hal Stevenson- GRACE Outdoor
• Carolyn Leedecker- Vista Neighborhood Association

Two celebrations will take place in The Vista the weekend of May 19th – River Runner Outdoor Center anniversary and Congaree National Park’s synchronous fireflies celebration.

River Runner Outdoor Center in The Vista marks its 40th anniversary Saturday, May 20th with coffee and biscuits at 10 a.m., ice cream and cake at 3 p.m., special artwork by Susan Lenz made from kayak shipping material, Congaree National Park watercolor exhibit by Stephen Chesley and 40% off many River Runner items. Owner Guy Jones founded the shop for paddle sports products and services in 1983, after a background with environmental organizations that included promoting canoe trips on the Saluda River.

"I feel very fortunate to have experienced 40 years of developing and operating a small business that many people seem to really appreciate," said Guy. "What I enjoy the most is sharing a passion for experiencing beautiful natural areas through paddling a kayak or canoe. Cedar Creek in Congaree National Park is my favorite place to paddle. There is magic in the dark waters slowly flowing under huge trees - the cypress and tupelo canopy just pulls you into a different world."

The weekend is also the Vista’s annual partnership with Congaree National Park and its celebration of the synchronous fireflies.

Every year the fireflies at Congaree National Park synchronize their glow for a few weeks in the spring. These species of fireflies, Photuris frontalis, are one of only three North American fireflies that behave in such a way.

“We are excited to partner with a local treasure: Congaree National Park. The work the park does to bring such a wonderful asset to our community is unmatched,” said Vista Guild Executive Director, Abby Anderson. “With the lottery to see the fireflies in place, we wanted to create a way that more members of our community could still get together to celebrate these creatures.”

Personal flashing lights can be picked up at various Vista businesses during the week of May 15, including the Columbia SC Visitor’s Center, Boku Kitchen and Saloon, PAG Marketing, Rita’s Italian Ice, City Art, Integrity Ink and Sweetwaters Coffee and Tea. Integrity Ink will give $25 off a tattoo on May 19 and 20 when you mention the fireflies and 15% will be donated to the Congaree National Park! The community is encouraged to bring the lights back to The Vista on the evenings of May 19 and May 20 to celebrate the fireflies at Congaree National Park.

For more information about the Congaree Vista Guild, visit www.VistaColumbia.com or call (803) 269-5946. Follow the Vista Guild on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @VistaColumbiaSC.

For more information about Congaree National Park, go to www.nps.gov/cong/fireflies.htm.

For more information about River Runner Outdoor Center, visit ShopRiverRunner.com.

Artista Vista returns to the heart of Columbia’s historic Vista District for an art-filled weekend on April 14th - 16th. This weekend-long art extravaganza emphasizes local artists and galleries, live performance, community engagement, and the rich culture of South Carolina’s capital city.  

The event will kick off with a free Art Gallery Crawl from 6-9 PM on Friday, April 14th spanning across The Vista District. Event-goers are also invited to enjoy live music from Ed Stephenson and the Paco Band outside of Blue Marlin on Lincoln Street, courtesy of Grace Outdoor Advertising. Live demonstrations, music, art vendors, and more will also be present in the Huger Street Cluster of art galleries. 

Offerings continue on April 15th for Art Day, a free event located at Stormwater Studios, Lewis + Clark, and One Eared Cow (1001 Huger Street/413 Pendleton Street). Visitors will enjoy a day of live music while viewing collections and live demonstrations by esteemed local artists. 

Additionally, the Light and Lantern Parade will take place later that evening from 8-9 PM. Beginning at the entrance of the Lincoln Street Tunnel, participants will stroll through The Vista with hand-made lanterns in tow while Partly Cloudy leads the public through the streets. Participants are strongly encouraged to visit one of the “creation stations” during the day at either Stormwater Studios or the Richland Library, or on Lincoln Street that evening to construct their own lanterns and enjoy music from a local DJ before the parade begins. 

Artista Vista concludes on Sunday, April 16th with two offerings. Crafty Feast, a free juried craft fair, takes place from 11AM-4PM on the corner of Lincoln and Lady Streets (1300 Lincoln Street), where art-lovers can purchase local art and other gifts from local makers. The weekend rounds out with Live on Lincoln from 5-8PM. This beloved finale event includes a fantastic dinner by Blue Marlin paired with a one-of-a-kind live performance of song and dance on the cobblestones of Lincoln Street. Tickets are required for Live on Lincoln.

In addition to this weekend-long affair of artistic celebration, local artist, Brittany Watkins, will create multiple outdoor, public art installations using found objects in various locations throughout The Vista including the Columbia Visitors Center and near the Lincoln Street Tunnel.

Members of the community are strongly encouraged to participate in Artista Vista ‘23 and follow The Vista on social media for more information, updates, behind-the-scenes, and more at @vistacolumbiasc on Instagram and fb.com/vistacolumbiasc. The event schedule and more can be found on The Vista’s official website, vistacolumbia.com.

The Vista Neighborhood Association (VNA) and the Vista Guild (VG) are hosting the 1st Annual Alley Golf Tournament in the Vista. The event has 3 mini golf holes which will be set up in 3 different Vista alleyways. Players will have a chance to win 1st and 2nd place prizes and also win prizes through random drawings.

Thursday April 6, 2023 during Masters Week. 4PM until 8PM. 
Players purchase a scorecard for $10 and can play each hole in any order they choose. Players turn in the score card and score after playing 3 holes. 
VNA will also randomly draw winners from competed score cards, regardless of the total score. Winners do not have to be present to win. Prize event is for 18-years-old and up. 

The 3 locations are:
The Hyatt Place – 819 Gervais Street Headquarters for this event 
Twisted Spur – 705 Gervais Street
Old Chicago – 802 Gervais Street

Thanks to our Hole Sponsors for the event:

Hyatt Place 

BP Skinner Clothiers

Vista Property Management 

For more information about participating in the event, please reach out to Jim Colwell with the Vista Neighborhood Association at (864) 616-8836. View full details on the event here.

The Congaree Vista Guild has announced the dedication of a new urban canvas art installation in the Vista. On Thursday, February 23 at 4:00 p.m., the canvas will be dedicated outside the Art Bar at 1211 Park Street.

The urban canvas is part of an ongoing exchange between artists in Columbia and sister city, Kaiserslautern, Germany. The late Wim Roefs was a key supporter of this partnership and was instrumental in heralding public and private art projects. There will be a toast to Roefs immediately following the dedication.

Contributing artists on this project from Kaiserslautern include Gela Steinmacher, Roland Albert, Klaus Hartmann, Reiner Mährlein, Jörg Heieck and Sylvia Rudolf. Columbia artists include David H. Yahjian, Eileen Blyth and Stephen Chesley.

 This art is made possible through funding provided by the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Atlanta and 701 Center for Contemporary Arts. Coordination and support have been provided by local artist and owner of Mike Brown Contemporary, Michaela Pilar Brown.

The Congaree Vista Guild will host a holiday-themed Third Thursday event on December 15 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event will feature open art studios throughout the area as well as some pop-up local artists perfect for holiday shopping. 

Stormwater Studios will offer a Tibetan Bazaar Tuesday through Friday, December 13-16, as well as the creation of the Medicine Buddha Sand Mandala. Guests can stop by throughout the week, including Third Thursday, to witness the progression of the mandala which is a Drepung Loseling Monastery Production. Sales from the Tibetan Bazaar will support the mission of the monastery.  

Other participating studios include Lewis & Clark, which will host pop-up artists (including local artist Cait Maloney), Mike Williams Art and One Eared Cow Glass. Gifts of art by local artists will be available at all participating studios. 

The 37th annual Vista Lights presented by Prisma Health will have a new feature this year – a toy drive for Toys for Tots in partnership with Dumpster Mule. From 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., a festively decorated dumpster will be located in the Kids Zone on Lincoln Street for new, unwrapped toys.

“Our hope is that by the end of the evening, the dumpster will be completely full of new toys for local children in need,” said Trevor Bowers with Dumpster Mule. “People want to help others during the holidays, and we wanted to make it easy for them. Having the drive at Vista Lights was the perfect solution.”

In addition to the toy drive, Santa Claus will be in the Kids Zone for visits with children and photos. The Carillon Carolers will also be strolling throughout the area entertaining guests.

The annual tree lighting will be on the main stage near the corner of Gervais and Lincoln Streets at 7 p.m. After the tree is lit, there will be performances by Prettier Than Matt and the Soda City Brass Band.

Participating Vista businesses will open their doors for dining and shopping. For a complete list, visit VistaColumbia.com in the coming weeks and a full map will be published in the Free Times on November 16.

Gervais Street will be completely closed from Assembly to Gadsden Streets for the event as well as Park Street from Lady to Senate Streets and Lincoln Street from Lady to Senate Streets.