Arts, Historic Preservation and Philanthropy Committee
Regular MeetingColumbia, SC · September 23, 2025
Minutes
ARTS, HISTORIC PRESERVATION & PHILANTHROPY COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2025
CALL TO ORDER
The Arts, Historic Preservation, & Philanthropy Committee conducted a meeting on
Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at City Hall (Mayor’s Conference Room), 1737 Main
Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29201. The Honorable Tyler D. Bailey, Chair called
the meeting to order at 10:15 a.m. and the following members were present:
Attendee Name Title Status Arrived
Tyler D. Bailey Chair Present
Edward H. McDowell Member Present 10:19 a.m.
Tina N. Herbert Member Present
Upon a motion made by Ms. Herbert and seconded by Mr. Bailey, the Committee
voted unanimously to amend the agenda to include the Lincoln Tunnel North
Entrance Mural Project as Item 3.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. August 5, 2025 Arts, Historic Preservation & Philanthropy Committee Meeting
Minutes
Upon a motion made by Ms. Herbert and seconded by Mr. Bailey, the Committee
voted unanimously to approve the August 5, 2025 Arts, Historic Preservation &
Philanthropy Committee Meeting Minutes.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
2. Vista Neighborhood Association's Public Art Placement Project - Mr. Barton
Walrath
Mr. Barton Walrath, Vista Neighborhood Association provided an overview of the
Lincoln Street Tunnel art project, which envisions a three-block art walk between
Lady Street and Taylor Street, with one block being the tunnel itself. The project
aims to create a welcoming gateway at the south entrance for pedestrians and
cyclists coming from the Vista and heading toward Finlay Park and the Vista
Greenway. Approximately $200,000 has been committed to public art installations
over the next one to two years. The project is being developed in collaboration with
local artist Clark Ellison.
Page 1 of 2
ARTS, HISTORIC PRESERVATION & PHILANTHROPY COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2025
There was discussion about preferences between chain-link fencing and an
archway; public safety concerns related to emergency access; the importance of
including the Vista Guild in ongoing conversations; site limitations due to
underground utilities; and coordinating the design to match the tunnel entrances.
3. Vista Guild North Tunnel Entrance Project – Ms. Abby Anderson, Executive
Director / Vista Guild
Ms. Abby Anderson, Executive Director / Vista Guild described the murals planned
for the north entrance of the Lincoln Street Tunnel. In August, a meeting was held
with One Columbia to discuss issuing a Request for Qualifications and collaborating
with various artists, including the artist selected for the Finlay Park mural in order
to develop a cohesive design. This project aims to visually connect the upcoming
Rainbow Forest light installation through Finlay Park to the tunnel.
Ms. Pamela Zeljak, Public Art Administrator for One Columbia explained that three
local artists have been invited to submit bids and are currently developing their
concepts for the project.
Upon a motion made by Mr. McDowell and seconded by Ms. Herbert, there was
consensus of the committee to endorse the Vista Guild North Tunnel Entrance
Project for City Council’s consideration.
There was discussion about the cohesiveness of upcoming public art projects and
ongoing conversations with artists.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 10:39 a.m.
Respectfully submitted:
Erika D. Moore Hammond, MMC, CPM
City Clerk
Page 2 of 2
Agenda
ARTS, HISTORIC PRESERVATION & PHILANTHROPY COMMITTEE
MEETING AGENDA
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2025
The Arts, Historic Preservation & Philanthropy Committee will conduct a
meeting on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at City Hall
(Mayor's Conference Room), 1737 Main Street, Second Floor, Columbia, SC
29201. Members of the public may view the meeting online at
www.columbiasc.gov. Please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (803)545-
3045 or cityclerk@columbiasc.gov if you have questions regarding this
meeting.
The Honorable Tyler D. Bailey, At-Large
The Honorable Edward H. McDowell, Jr., District II The Honorable Tina N. Herbert, District
CALL TO ORDER
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. August 5, 2025 Arts, Historic Preservation & Philanthropy Committee Meeting
Minutes
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
2. Vista Neighborhood Association's Public Art Placement Project - Mr. Barton
Walrath
ADJOURNMENT
Page 1 of 1
Packet
ARTS, HISTORIC PRESERVATION & PHILANTHROPY COMMITTEE
MEETING AGENDA
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2025
The Arts, Historic Preservation & Philanthropy Committee will conduct a
meeting on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at City Hall
(Mayor's Conference Room), 1737 Main Street, Second Floor, Columbia, SC
29201. Members of the public may view the meeting online at
www.columbiasc.gov. Please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (803)545-
3045 or cityclerk@columbiasc.gov if you have questions regarding this
meeting.
The Honorable Tyler D. Bailey, At-Large
The Honorable Edward H. McDowell, Jr., District II The Honorable Tina N. Herbert, District
CALL TO ORDER
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. August 5, 2025 Arts, Historic Preservation & Philanthropy Committee Meeting
Minutes
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
2. Vista Neighborhood Association's Public Art Placement Project - Mr. Barton
Walrath
ADJOURNMENT
Page 1 of 1
1
MEETING DATE: September 23, 2025
DEPARTMENT: City Clerk
FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk
SUBJECT: August 5, 2025 Arts, Historic Preservation &
Philanthropy Committee Meeting Minutes
FUNDING SOURCE &
ORIGINAL BUDGET:
ATTACHMENTS:
#a: AHPP_MN_080525 (DOCX)
Updated: 9/19/2025 2:37 PM Page 1
Packet Pg. 2
1.a
ARTS, HISTORIC PRESERVATION & PHILANTHROPY COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2025
CALL TO ORDER
The Arts, Historic Preservation, & Philanthropy Committee conducted a meeting on
Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at City Hall (Mayor’s Conference Room), 1737 Main Street,
Columbia, South Carolina 29201. The Honorable Tyler D. Bailey, Chair called the
meeting to order at 10:07 a.m. and the following members were present:
Attendee Name Title Status
Tyler D. Bailey Chair Present
Edward H. McDowell Member Absent
Tina N. Herbert Member Present
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. Approval of the December 10, 2024 Arts, Historic Preservation & Philanthropy
Committee Meeting Minutes – Approved
Upon a motion made by Mr. Bailey and seconded by Ms. Herbert, the Committee
voted unanimously to approve the December 10, 2024 Arts, Historic Preservation &
Philanthropy Committee Meeting Minutes.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
2. Persimmon Peace Pole Project - Ms. Elaine Frick, Columbia Peace Pole Initiative
– Endorsed for City Council consideration
Ms. Pamela Zeljak, Public Art Administrator for One Columbia shared that an
endorsement letter for the Persimmon Peace Pole Project has already been
submitted. She noted that the selected artist, Olga Yukho, has prior experience with
public art installations, and One Columbia is confident the sculpture will be both
visually appealing and durable. The Columbia Parks and Recreation Department has
already had conversations with the Columbia Peace Pole Initiative.
There was discussion about the design and location of the sculpture.
Page 1 of 2
Packet Pg. 3
1.a
ARTS, HISTORIC PRESERVATION & PHILANTHROPY COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2025
Ms. Elaine Frick, Columbia Peace Pole Initiative announced that August 6, 2025 will
mark the 35th Annual Columbia Hiroshima Day of Remembrance. She shared details
of the planned Persimmon Peace Pole, which will feature the phrase “May Peace
Prevail on Earth” surrounded by cherry blossoms, with imagery symbolizing the
nuclear threat. Trees will also be planted by the Forestry and Beautification
Department.
There was consensus of the committee to endorse the Persimmon Peace Pole Project
for City Council’s consideration.
3. Vista Greenway at Taylor Street Public Art Project - Ms. Abby Anderson,
Executive Director / Vista Guild – Received as information.
Ms. Abby Anderson, Executive Director of the Vista Guild shared plans for the Vista
Greenway at Taylor Street Public Art Project, which is set to be unveiled in Spring
2026. Inspired by the idea of continuity from the Blue Marlin Restaurant to Finlay
Park, the project aims to add murals and vibrant color to an otherwise barren area.
There was discussion about completion of the mural and artist selection.
There was consensus of the committee to endorse the project and it will be referred
to One Columbia for Arts and Culture for review.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 10:19 a.m.
Respectfully submitted:
Erika D. Moore Hammond, CMC, CPM
City Clerk
Page 2 of 2
Packet Pg. 4
2
MEETING DATE: September 23, 2025
DEPARTMENT: City Clerk
FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk
SUBJECT: Vista Neighborhood Association's Public Art
Placement Project - Mr. Barton Walrath
FUNDING SOURCE &
ORIGINAL BUDGET:
ATTACHMENTS:
#a: VNA Public Art Application (PDF)
Updated: 9/19/2025 2:35 PM Page 1
Packet Pg. 5
2.a
Packet Pg. 6
2.a
Packet Pg. 7
2.a
Packet Pg. 8
2.a
Packet Pg. 9
2.a
Packet Pg. 10
2.a
Packet Pg. 11
2.a
Packet Pg. 12
2.a
Packet Pg. 13
2.a
Packet Pg. 14