Schedule for Color Columbia at First Thursday on Main Street, Thursday July 4
5-9 PM: Mural Creation (open to the public from 6-9 PM)
8-9 PM: Voting
shortly after 9 PM: Awards

On July 4, artists from across South Carolina will paint murals directly on Main Street as part of a statewide temporary mural competition produced by Pocket Productions. The competition will present opportunities for South Carolina artists to share their ideas for murals in the city, opening opportunities to be awarded privately and publicly funded mural commissions.

The artists have been selected for the first round of the competition!

Congratulations to the following artists, who have been selected to create murals on Main Street for Color Columbia on the Fourth of July: B.A. Hohman, Amanda Ladymon, Sarah Flowe, Roy Pascal, Red, McClellan Douglas, Cedric Umoja and Michael Krajewski.

B.A. Hohman has been creating murals professionally for over thirteen years in both the private and commercial sectors. She received a BFA in Studio Painting at Ohio University, and has taught art at all levels in public schools. Ms. Hohman's work has been published in Lake Murray Magazine, the State newspaper, and Columbia Metropolitan Magazine. She also creates mixed media pieces, paintings on canvas and stained glass.

Amanda Ladymon is a mixed media artist who exhibits around the southeast and internationally. She received her MFA in Studio Art in 2009 from USC, and is currently an adjunct professor at the University of South Carolina and Columbia College. Mrs. Ladymon is also the founder and owner of Ladybug Art Studios, and is the Event and Exhibitions coordinator for S&S Art Supply.

Sarah Flowe is a freelance artist who focuses on murals and illustrations. Her formal art training includes the South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts residential summer program and a degree in fine arts from Brigham Young University. She also won second place in Charleston's Exhibiting Member Show for the Charleston artist guild. Ms. Flowe has been creating murals professionally for eight years.

Roy Pascal was born and raised in South Carolina, and his work is primarily inspired by the beauty of nature. He worked for many years as a forensic artist, and his paintings portray realism and honesty, while drawing heavily on the natural world. Roy is an active collaborative artist, and was commissioned to create for Art on the Trail in 2012.

Red has created murals in Hawaii and Columbia, SC. Her work can be found in a variety of locations throughout Columbia, and she has had solo exhibitions at USC, Gallery 80808, House Coffee, and Cool Beans. Red received her formal art training at USC in painting and photography, and has also worked in stop-motion animation.

Mclellan Douglas is a self-taught artist and a professional muralist in Columbia. His work has been featured in the State newspaper, the Carolina Reporter, and the Columbia Star. Mr. Douglas has a very diverse background in art, and is experienced with everything from food art to ice sculptures. His privately funded murals can be seen throughout Columbia.

Cedric Umoja is a local artist and one of the founding members of Izms of Art. His work has been showcased in galleries and venues in Columbia, SC, Charlotte, NC, Atlanta, GA, and at SC State University. His work was featured in the Post Graffiti display at the Columbia Museum of Art in 2010. Mr. Umoja was recently commissioned by Cirque du Soliel to create temporary murals directly on the sidewalk for Quidam. www.izmsofart.com

Michael Krajewski is a local artist whose work has been showcased in galleries in Columbia, SC, Charleston, SC and Greenville, SC. Krajewski has exhibited several solo shows, is an active collaborative artist in the community, and was featured in the Post Graffiti display at the Columbia Museum of Art in 2010.

The chosen Color Columbia finalists will be included on the list of approved artists invited to submit proposals for future public art commissions as funding becomes available. A committee including art professionals and artists will decide on which artists and designs to commission for murals in the city.

Come out to Main Street on the Fourth of July as the eight artists create 10x10 foot murals using temporary paint directly on Main Street. Bring the whole family to the City of Columbia's first outdoor temporary mural display. Enjoy the many other exciting events planned for First Thursday on Main Street, including live music, gallery openings and a car show to end all car shows. Sidewalk chalk will be available so that members of the Columbia community can create works of art as well as the mural artists work on their magnificent creations.


Prizes will be awarded on the day for public choice and best in show, among others. Representatives of One Columbia for Arts & History and the City of Columbia will be present at this event to see the finalists’ skills in action.