News Summary
Monique Dove, a local artist, organized a successful fundraising event called ‘Money Where Your Mouth Is’ in Five Points to support herself while living out of her car. The event featured her artwork and included contributions from community members, raising essential funds to help her during this difficult time. Friends rallied together to create an inviting atmosphere, underscoring the importance of community support for local artists. Dove’s story highlights the struggles many creatives face and the positive impact of community engagement in the arts.
Columbia, South Carolina – Local artist Monique Dove hosted a fundraising event on July 31, 2025, at Proof, situated in the former Claussen’s bakery in Five Points, to support her living situation while she faces the challenge of living out of her car for nearly a year. Titled “Money Where Your Mouth Is,” the event aimed to sell Dove’s artwork, with all proceeds going directly to her. Attendees had the opportunity to purchase multi-medium, multi-layered art pieces ranging in price from $200 to $1,000.
As an artist who has struggled to create new work in her current living conditions, Dove expressed both the importance of the financial support and the emotional affirmation received from the community. The evening included a cocktail bar, Mediterranean food, and an art giveaway, contributing to a supportive atmosphere. Friends of Dove, including Jared Johnson and Julie Tuttle, helped organize the event after learning about her situation, underlining community solidarity and support for local artists.
By the end of the event, Dove had successfully sold several pieces of her artwork, attracting buyers from both local areas and out of state. The funds raised are crucial for Dove as she navigates her living situation and aims to resume her artistic pursuits. While she admitted seeking help is a challenge, she articulated her gratitude for the support offered to her during the event.
Living Situation and Community Support
Dove’s living conditions have significantly impacted her ability to create art over the past ten months. Despite the difficulties of maintaining hygiene while living in a car, including bathing in a secluded creek in nearby Cayce, she’s consistently worked to stay clean and focused on her art. The community response to her struggles has been overwhelming, providing not just financial aid but also emotional encouragement.
Upcoming Initiatives and Local Art Advocacy
Johnson and Tuttle, inspired by the success of Dove’s event, plan to organize more fundraising initiatives aimed at supporting local artists in Columbia. Their objective is to foster a mindset shift among patrons toward purchasing art from local creators, which they believe will enhance the region’s cultural richness. Johnson compared the potential impact of such support to the influential Medicis of Renaissance Italy, highlighting the transformative power of patronage in the arts.
Dove’s Artistic Journey
Monique Dove has built her artistic career on multi-medium approaches, but her recent struggles have curtailed her productivity. Nevertheless, she expressed a strong desire to return to creating new works, invigorated by the connections made during the event and the support from her community. Potential art buyers and supporters are encouraged to connect with Dove through her Instagram profile @pg3sntransit.
The event ‘Money Where Your Mouth Is’ exemplifies how community involvement can make a tangible difference in the lives of artists facing hardships and underscores the importance of local support for the arts. Contributions, whether through direct purchases of art or participation in community-based fundraising efforts, can significantly impact the lives of creatives in the region.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Monique Dove Fundraising Event
- HT May Funeral Home: Heather Harvey
- Wikipedia: Columbia, South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Columbia, South Carolina
- Google Search: Local Artists Columbia SC
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
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