News Summary
SoulHAUS gallery in Columbia’s Vista district has announced its closure, ending a vital chapter in promoting Black art and culture. The gallery, founded by Preach Jacobs, provided a platform for Black artists to share their stories and celebrate their identity. Jacob’s commitment to community engagement and authentic artistic expression has resonated deeply, and the closure has sparked significant community support. Despite relocating to a new space at the Koger Center, Jacobs aims to continue promoting Black artistry and fostering dialogue around representation and identity.
Columbia – SoulHAUS gallery, located in the Vista district, has announced its closure after two impactful years of promoting Black art and culture. The closure was officially communicated on July 16, 2025, marking the end of a significant chapter for the Columbia arts scene.
The gallery, owned by Preach Jacobs, has been a vital space that amplified Black voices, engaged in conversations surrounding identity, and celebrated Black joy. Jacobs has highlighted the complexities of being a Black artist in Columbia, where many feel they are frequently exposed yet remain unseen in the broader art community.
Throughout its operation, SoulHAUS showcased a diverse array of talent, featuring works from artists such as Anthony Lewis, Tarah Singh, Atiba Smith, and Dalvin Spann. Many of these artists have expressed feelings of being overlooked and undervalued within the local art scene. SoulHAUS aimed to challenge this narrative, positioning itself as a platform for artists seeking recognition and validation.
Jacobs, who founded the Black Store Tour at just 19, has been dedicated to community engagement and has organized numerous free hip-hop shows in Black-owned businesses to facilitate connection and uplift the community. SoulHAUS was an extension of this mission, fostering a sense of belonging and dialogue among local artists.
In his reflections on his journey, Jacobs has shared personal struggles including experiences with depression, which resonate with many artists navigating the challenges within the creative industry. He emphasized how discussions among artists about their experiences and challenges became a source of camaraderie and insight, shedding light on the often-overlooked narratives surrounding Black artistry.
As SoulHAUS transitions to a new location at the Koger Center, Jacobs is determined to expand the gallery’s initiatives. The upcoming space will include innovative features such as live podcasts and wellness events like yoga, furthering the gallery’s mission to immerse the community in diverse cultural experiences.
The announcement of the gallery’s closure has prompted a significant outpouring of support from the community, with hundreds of messages expressing gratitude and encouragement. This response highlights the deep resonance SoulHAUS has had within Columbia, as it served as a cultural touchstone for dialogue about representation and identity.
Despite the closure of its Vista location, Jacobs is committed to continuing the promotion of Black art and building community connections. He recognizes the importance of authentic artistic expression and reiterates that success should not solely be measured by commercial gains but by the authenticity and impact of one’s work.
The cultural significance of Black art has been explored extensively through the lens of SoulHAUS, showcasing its role in elevating the visibility of Black experiences in Columbia and beyond. The gallery has initiated essential conversations, enabling artists to share their stories and redefine what visibility means for Black creatives in the region.
As the Columbia community bids farewell to SoulHAUS in its current form, the legacy of the gallery will continue through the ongoing promotion of Black artists and their contributions. Jacobs’s vision for the future suggests an evolving narrative surrounding Black identity in art, creating opportunities for more inclusive dialogue in the local arts landscape.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Preach Jacobs Gallery Closing
- Cola Today: 36 Murals in Columbia, South Carolina
- Culture Type: Latest News in Black Art
- Columbia Missourian: The Color Black Art Exhibition
- Travel Noire: Black Travel Guide Columbia, SC
- Wikipedia: Black Art
- Google Search: Columbia South Carolina Art Scene
- Google Scholar: Black Art Representation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Black Art
- Google News: Columbia SC Art Events
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