New Vibrant Mural Painted by Local Artist Depicts Resilience and Growth of Five Points

New Vibrant Mural Painted by Local Artist Depicts Resilience and Growth of Five Points

Five Points in Columbia, South Carolina, has a new vibrant symbol of resilience and growth. Local artist Shelby LeBlanc has created a large-scale mural on the exterior wall of La Bohème at 745 Saluda Avenue.

Beginning her art career while studying at Midlands Technical College, LeBlanc’s early works were drawings on bar napkins. She credits these doodles of beta fish as kicking starts her career in art. Today, this childhood interest in aquatic animals has come to life as a large wall mural titled “A Splash of Color.”

600 hours of work, strength, and patience

Overflowing onto the parking lot behind Saluda’s Restaurant, the vibrant mural, colored with water-based exterior paints, took LeBlanc more than 600 hours to complete spread out over several seasons. She was the sole artist responsible for this masterpiece and had to overcome intense weather conditions, insects, and physical exertion to complete the piece.

LeBlanc’s dedication to the piece was further fueled by the support, encouragement, and patience of the Five Points Association staff and board. This backing from the community has led to a visual representation that embodies the spirit of Five Points.

Symbolic Artwork Reflecting Five Points

The mural features floating goldfish, images of resilience inspired by the ones LeBlanc used to draw during her bar study sessions. The artist sees the fish as signifying growth and adaptability based on their environment, creating an analogy to how Five Points has developed over the years.

The mural also showcases local flora like waterlilies, which LeBlanc describes as being a representation of the journey to stand out, starting from the dirt and muck to blossom beautifully on the surface with grace.

Welcoming change and growth

“A Splash of Color” was initially slated to commence in 2020. However, the COVID-19 pandemic forced a delay in the project, along with LeBlanc undergoing two wrist surgeries. Despite these challenges, the mission of creating an avenue to express vibrancy and resilience among struggles remains the mural’s main theme.

Embracing diversity and community

Fully unveiled during a ceremony on July 13, the colorful artwork is not only a celebration of Five Points’ resilience and growth but also an invitation for community bonding. From college students to families, the mural is a fun, interactive, and welcoming space for everyone in Five Points.

More of LeBlanc’s works can be found in Saluda’s Restaurant, Aloft Hotels, Harrison James Salon, and Contemporaries events throughout the year, symbolizing her connection with the city of Columbia.