Andy Witt, member of board, and Claire Fort, Richland/Lexington Cultural Council Board chair It was almost sensory overload.

More than 300 brightly dressed art lovers enjoyed a balmy April 23 night at the First Citizens Center courtyard plaza, surrounded by art forms of all kinds, eclectic music, and tasty food as the Cultural Council of Richland and Lexington Counties held its sixth annual Color the Arts event.

Described as a “colorfully casual mini–arts festival event celebrating the diversity and quality of arts in the greater Columbia region,” the evening featured an art exhibition and sale, live music, performances by members of Columbia City Jazz, and a silent auction.

“This is the largest attendance we’ve had in our six–year history,” said Cultural Council board chair Claire Fort. “You could not have found a better evening or a better venue.”

Sharon Bramlett, attendee, and Scott Shockley of Lamar Advertising “This is the best outdoor party of the year,” said Andy Witt, who is also on the board of the Cultural Council. “We are very pleased with our attendance and our artists.”

Local visual artists included Erica Mallery– Blythe, Jennie Branham, Sam Compton, Trahern Cook, Bonnie Goldberg, Karen Langley, Tommy Lockart, Sue Martin, Barbie Mathis, Becky Age Miller, David Phillips, William Sander, Suzy Shealy, Taryn Shekitka, and Mark Woodham.

Also, on display were the winning entries in the Cultural Council’s Street Gallery billboard contest, six pieces that Lamar Advertising will continue to rotate on billboards around the city for the next year. Reproductions of the pieces were auctioned off to a lucky bidder in the silent auction.

Other auction items included a five–course dinner for 10 people provided by Smoke Barbecue, tickets to USC sporting events, VIP tickets to a Tom Petty concert in Atlanta, and a threeday, two–night mountain getaway in Brevard, N.C.

Mark Woodham and Tommy Lockhart with examples of their glass art Witt said the public’s support at venues such as Friday night’s is critical to keeping art alive and thriving in Columbia.

“We are like the United Way of the arts,” Witt said. “This year we will support more than 100 organizations associated with the arts and award more than $300,000 in grants.”

Kelly Shockley, the marketing advisor for the Cultural Council, said she was thankful for the board members and sponsors who continue to support the group’s mission.

“We appreciate all the people who come out to see and support visual arts and performing arts and musical arts in Columbia,” Shockley said. “Attendance was up by at least a 100 over last year.”

Founded in 1984, the Cultural Council has contributed more than $10 million to support the arts in the two–county area. For more information, call 799- 3115 or visit www.SmartArts. info.