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Did you know that the Mill District is a great place to engage with local Columbia artists? Hosting two art spaces at 701 Whaley and a community-wide Art Trail, the Mill District is one of the premier places to enjoy local art in the Columbia area. 

February is bringing two great events to the Mill District to celebrate art.

Local AfroFuturist artist Thomas Washington, known professionally as thomas the younger, presents a new narrative exhibit LOVE QUEST, set to open at 701 Whaley’s Hallway Community Art Gallery on Feb. 11 with a reception from 3-5 p.m. Light refreshments will be served at the event.

Washington experiments with a wide variety of media including acrylics, clay and colored pencils. He takes inspiration from many different artists as well as people and events throughout his life that have impacted him, both positively and negatively. 

He envisions his subjects as a sort of “knights in a daze,” those waiting in the wings for their heroic moment but unsure of what their mission is. All of his subjects are connected through “The One Project” universe which Washington describes as a web that’s continuously being woven among all of his pieces.

Washington’s exhibit at 701 Whaley is sponsored by The Jasper Project who are also hosting a Valentine’s Day event called Infamous Lovers. 

The event will be headlined by local Fleetwood Mac cover band Big Love and will also feature a performance by Tiny Coven Dance. Chef Joe Turkaly will provide heavy hors d’oeuvres and the event will also feature a 70s costume contest. 

Infamous Lovers is a fundraiser for The Jasper Project’s spring 2024 issue of the Jasper Magazine which is distributed for free to over 100 locations in the Midlands. VIP and group tickets are still available.

Read more about Thomas Washington and explore some of his work here and be sure to come out this month to see the new art exhibit and have some fun at 701 Whaley!