Artistic crosswalk 'creating a patchwork pathway' in Columbia Arts District

Jay Powell, Columbia Daily Herald
City leaders and artist Whitney Herrington, third from left, unveil Columbia's first artistic crosswalk at South Garden and Depot Streets, an area of the city's Arts District which recently completed a streetscape project to upgrade the roadway and create space for art.
City leaders and artist Whitney Herrington, third from left, unveil Columbia's first artistic crosswalk at South Garden and Depot Streets, an area of the city's Arts District which recently completed a streetscape project to upgrade the roadway and create space for art.

Columbia Arts Council has unveiled its first artistic crosswalk within the city's arts district, with city leaders describing the project as "a vibrant testament to the local talent and the city's thriving arts scene."

This project, originally pitched by the Columbia Arts Council in 2019, was partially funded by an Arts Build Communities (ABC) Grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission.

The idea for the project was to "bring a splash of color and creativity to the heart of Columbia," according to a press release.

Creating a 'Patchwork Pathway'

The new crosswalk is located at the intersection of South Garden and Depot Streets and was created by local artist Whitney Herrington.

Whitney Herrington paints a new mural in Centerville, which was part of eight murals selected as part of 'Walls for Women,' a statewide project celebrating the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote.
Whitney Herrington paints a new mural in Centerville, which was part of eight murals selected as part of 'Walls for Women,' a statewide project celebrating the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote.

Herrington has been a staunch advocate for local Maury County arts for many years, both as a teacher and creating multiple murals and public art pieces throughout the region, including the "Mule Queen" on East 6th Street, "Muletown Gothic on West 7th St. and the "Columbia Mural" on North Garden Street. Her South Garden/Depot crosswalk is being called "Patchwork Pathway."

“I am honored to be the artist behind this project. Having the opportunity to add art pieces to our budding arts community makes my heart full and hopeful for the future of the district,” Herrington commented. “This project was inspired by quilt blocks and Turkish tile designs. It connects our city with the colorful arts district. The crosswalk entices pedestrians to crossover into the arts district and see what hidden gems can be found.”

Columbia's new artistic crosswalk, located in the Columbia Arts District at the intersection of South Garden and Depot Streets, was recently unveiled. The crosswalk was designed and completed by local artist Whitney Herrington.
Columbia's new artistic crosswalk, located in the Columbia Arts District at the intersection of South Garden and Depot Streets, was recently unveiled. The crosswalk was designed and completed by local artist Whitney Herrington.

The crosswalk's location is also significant, given it is where the city's recent South Garden Street streetscape project was completed, providing a greater visual aesthetic while drivers and pedestrians enter the arts district. This also included creating stations for future public art, upgrading the sidewalks, parking spaces and providing a great location to christen the artistic crosswalk project.

"This artistic crosswalk, a first in our community, is a vibrant symbol of Columbia's commitment to the arts," said Mayor Chaz Molder. "It's a testament to the power of public art to transform our spaces and ignite creativity within our community. How fortunate we are to have both talented artists and supportive corporate partners right here in our own backyard."

More: South Garden streetscape nears completion, creates new inviting gateway Arts District

Molder added that he hopes that, while celebrating the first artistic crosswalk is a great accomplishment and a step forward for the arts district's continued progress, he's looking forward for more opportunities like this to come.

"We're grateful to the Tennessee Arts Commission for this grant opportunity which helped bring the first, but hopefully not our last, artistic crosswalk to Columbia," Molder said. "Thanks to local artist Whitney Herrington for her colorful design and artistic abilities, to Swarco, Inc. for their contribution to the project, and our Public Works Department who always answers the call of creative service."

A new way to engage, foster appreciation

Artistic crosswalks have become a staple in many communities, aiming to provide certain benefits beyond creating a visually appealing addition to the places people gather.

It's also the kind of project that isn't accomplished alone.

"An eye-catching crosswalk like this is more than just a place to cross the street; it's a canvas for artistic exploration and an invitation to engage with art in a new and interactive way," the City of Columbia press release states. "Beyond the talented artist and the vital grant funding, the city of Columbia would like to recognize and thank the other local partners it took to complete this project including the Columbia Arts Council, Swarco, and Columbia Public Works.

Columbia's new artistic crosswalk, located in the Columbia Arts District at the intersection of South Garden and Depot Streets, was recently unveiled. The crosswalk was designed and completed by local artist Whitney Herrington.
Columbia's new artistic crosswalk, located in the Columbia Arts District at the intersection of South Garden and Depot Streets, was recently unveiled. The crosswalk was designed and completed by local artist Whitney Herrington.

"This artistic endeavor helps foster a deeper appreciation for the arts, spark creativity in everyone, and further establish Columbia as a cultural hub in Tennessee. So next time you're strolling through the Columbia Arts District, take a moment to experience the vibrant new crosswalk and let it ignite your imagination."

Jay Powell is a general reporter for The Daily Herald. Get up-to-date news in your inbox by subscribing to The Daily Herald newsletter at www.ColumbiaDailyHerald.com.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Herald: Crosswalk 'creating a patchwork pathway' in Columbia Arts District

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