“What moves men of genius, or rather what inspires their work, is not new ideas, but their obsession with the idea that what has already been said is still not enough.” - Eugene Delacroix
When Columbia-based arts advocate and influencer Jared Johnson decides to take on a project, HE TAKES THAT PROJECT ON, generously investing his wide and varied resources in bringing it to fruition. For the past few weeks Johnson has been working on the not-so-subtly titled MONEY WHERE YOUR MOUTH IS project with a group of individuals he assembled specifically to meet the needs of an artist whose work he’d like to see supported both culturally and financially. The artist is Monique Dove and a celebration of her work will be held Thursday evening, July 31, at 6:30 at 2001 Greene Street, Suite D.
According to Johnson, “The Money Where Your Mouth Is art event is a unique opportunity for Columbia, SC to change its approach to how we support local talent. This city loves the arts and we enjoy going to exhibitions and viewing art, but that love doesn’t always translate into purchasing art. The lack of sales have a direct impact on artists’ survival and ability to live and create more work/art.”
“Money Where Your Mouth Is,” Johnson continues, “aims to change the current narrative of the Columbia art scene. Yes, this event is free and open to the public and there will be free cocktails for guests. But the organizers will also be inviting and reaching out to those who appreciate art and have the means to pay for art. The goal is to work together as a community to sell art. … This event is the first of its kind and the inaugural artist is the talented Monique Dove and her wonderful work will be for sale. with 100 % of sales going to the artist and the hope and prayer is that these funds help her transition out of living in her car to and into safer housing.”
The event is free and open to the public. Drinks and light snacks will be served.
Who: Monique Dove
What: Money Where Your Mouth Is Art Event
When: July 31st, 2025
Where: 2001 Greene Street, Suite D, #ColumbiaSC