Community partnership celebrates public art, neighborhood investment and the continued evolution of Columbia’s premier Arts & Entertainment District
(Columbia, SC) – The Vista Neighborhood Association (VNA), in partnership with the Congaree Vista Guild and One Columbia for Arts and Culture, unveiled a new public sculpture, “Traverse,” by artist Clark Ellefson on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, on the south side of the Lincoln Street Tunnel.
City of Columbia At-Large Councilman Tyler D. Bailey gave remarks at the unveiling, along with representatives from the Vista Neighborhood Association, the Congaree Vista Guild and One Columbia for Arts and Culture. District III Councilman Will Brennan and At-Large Councilman Sam P. Johnson were also in attendance to celebrate the unveiling, the growth of the City’s artistic footprint and the continued collaboration among the City, neighborhoods, hospitality districts and One Columbia for Arts and Culture.
“The Vista Neighborhood Association continues its long-standing commitment to supporting artwork that contributes to the vibrant beauty, art-centered culture and identity of the Vista,” said Carolyn LeeDecker, President of the Vista Neighborhood Association. “‘Traverse,’ the VNA’s Lincoln Tunnel public art project, creates a striking and welcoming gateway for all visitors to Finlay Park and the City.”
Designed to celebrate the history, character and creative spirit of the Vista, “Traverse“ serves as a striking gateway connecting the Vista, Finlay Park and the surrounding downtown area. As public art continues to shape vibrant, walkable destinations throughout Columbia, the installation reflects the neighborhood’s investment in welcoming public spaces that enrich the visitor experience. Positioned along a key connection between Finlay Park, Main Street and the Vista, “Traverse“ honors the district’s industrial heritage while reinforcing Columbia’s identity as a city where arts, culture and community thrive, while supporting the district’s continued evolution as one of South Carolina’s premier Arts & Entertainment Districts.
“I have the pleasure of chairing the Arts, Historic Preservation and Philanthropy Committee for the City of Columbia, where we have the distinct honor of partnering with organizations like the Vista Neighborhood Association that share our commitment to keeping Columbia beautiful, creating vibrant spaces and enhancing the quality of life for everyone who calls our city home,” said Councilman Bailey during the unveiling ceremony.
The sculpture was commissioned by the Vista Neighborhood Association, with support from the Congaree Vista Guild, and administered through One Columbia for Arts and Culture, which works alongside the City of Columbia, community organizations and private partners to commission, maintain and promote public art throughout the city.
“The Vista continues to be one of Columbia’s most vibrant and creative districts, and public art plays an important role in shaping that experience,” said Abby Anderson, Executive Director of the Congaree Vista Guild. “This new sculpture captures the historical significance of our district and is appropriately placed at one of our most notable sites.”
Since launching its public art fundraising efforts in 2016, the Vista Neighborhood Association has invested approximately $60,000 in beautification and public art initiatives throughout the district. Those investments have included wrapping 24 utility boxes throughout the Vista, commissioning murals at Trustus Theatre and, most recently, “Traverse.” Collectively, these projects have enhanced the neighborhood’s visual identity while creating memorable public spaces that contribute to Columbia’s reputation as a creative, welcoming and dynamic capital city.
“I think this project was successful because of the teamwork among the Vista Neighborhood Association, the Congaree Vista Guild, the City of Columbia and all of the artists involved in the creation and installation of the sculpture. It is truly reflective of the community,” said Pamela Zeljak, Public Art Administrator at One Columbia for Arts and Culture.
The City of Columbia is proud to support partnerships that enhance public spaces through creativity, collaboration and community investment. Projects like “Traverse“ demonstrate how neighborhoods, nonprofit organizations and civic partners can work together to create welcoming places that celebrate Columbia’s unique character, strengthen community pride and improve the quality of life for everyone.
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