News Summary
An art installation featuring seven stainless steel columns in Spartanburg has sparked community interest and discussions about its purpose. Created by Mark Byington, the columns were previously part of an LED light display. While some residents inquire about their functionality, the columns are not meant to create sound. With plans for other cultural projects, including the unveiling of the Southside Cultural Monument, Spartanburg is witnessing a blending of art and history that fosters community engagement.
Spartanburg – An art installation featuring seven stainless steel columns at the corner of Drayton and Heywood avenues has recently sparked interest and discussion within the community. The artwork, created by Mark Byington, has garnered attention on social media, particularly following inquiries from residents about the columns’ functionality. A member of the Ask Spartanburg Facebook group asked if the columns make any noise, and Byington clarified that they were not designed to create sound.
Originally, the columns were part of a colorful LED light display before being converted into their current form. The installation was unveiled in 2012 and was commissioned by the Pacolet Milliken investment firm, which continues to own the property. The Milliken family has a notable history in Spartanburg’s textile industry, and the installation reflects a modern vision for the evolving Drayton area rather than honoring past traditions.
The project was funded by the Group of 100, a private collective of Spartanburg residents. Dick Crenshaw, a leader within this group, described the columns as modern and eclectic, encouraging local residents to form their own interpretations regarding the artwork’s significance. Despite the columns’ initial reception, Crenshaw expressed disappointment in the installation’s current state, indicating that the lights are non-operational, and some columns appear to be leaning. It’s important to note that the Group of 100, while instrumental in funding the project, does not own the property and therefore does not maintain the installation.
Mark Byington, a landscape architect residing in Tryon, NC, conveyed that he enjoyed the collaboration with structural engineers and metal fabricators on the art installation, creating a fusion of art and engineering.
Complementing the art installation, another major event is set to take place in Spartanburg. State Representative Rosalyn Henderson-Myers is scheduled to unveil the Southside Cultural Monument on Saturday, June 14, at 10 a.m. This monument aims to honor the Black history and culture of the Spartanburg community and will be located at the corner of South Converse Street and Hudson Barksdale Boulevard. It features panels that highlight influential figures and landmarks from the Southside area.
Henderson-Myers hopes the monument will catalyze efforts to revitalize the Southside neighborhood, inspired by her visit to a similar monument in Columbus, Ohio. The state allocated $940,000 for the development of the Southside Cultural Monument. The African American Heritage and Cultural Committee of Spartanburg City played a crucial role in contributing to the content and design of the monument.
The artwork for the monument is being handled by artist Jessica Scott-Felder, who emphasized the importance of equal representation within public artwork. In addition to the monument, plans include an outdoor classroom and a booklet that details the history of the Southside community to further educate residents and visitors.
The unveiling event for the Southside Cultural Monument is open to the public and will feature remarks from community leaders as well as musical performances aimed at celebrating the local culture and history. Furthermore, the Spartanburg Art Museum, located within the Chapman Cultural Center, continues to offer free admission and engage families and individuals with a variety of art programs.
As these significant cultural projects unfold, the local community of Spartanburg is witnessing a blending of art, history, and community engagement, fostering a deeper appreciation for the area’s diverse heritage.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
90-Year-Old Man with Dementia Found Safe in Union County
Community Foundation of the Lowcountry Awards $618,427 in Grants
Calls for Removal of Commerce Secretary Over Social Security Remarks
JINYA Ramen Bar Opens New Location in Charleston
Police Raids on Bolsonaro’s Properties Spark Legal Drama
Technical Troubles at a Popular News Website
Community Mourns Loss of Three Los Angeles County Deputies
Nationwide Protests Honoring the Legacy of John Lewis
Trump’s New Tax Bill Reshapes Deductions and Credits
Timber Industry Crisis Hits South Carolina Hard
Additional Resources
- Greenville Online: Steel Columns Discussion
- Go Upstate: Southside Cultural Monument
- WSPA: Juneteenth Art Exhibition
- Kidding Around Greenville: Spartanburg Art Museum
- Fox Carolina: Public Art Installation in Spartanburg
- Wikipedia: Spartanburg
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Spartanburg
- Google Search: Spartanburg art community
- Google Scholar: Spartanburg historical monuments
- Google News: Spartanburg public art
Author: STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG
The SPARTANBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESpartanburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Spartanburg, Spartanburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spartanburg International Festival, Spartanburg ArtWalk, and motorsport events at Spartanburg Speedway. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Foundation, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and textiles that power the local economy such as BMW Manufacturing and Milliken & Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
