Webster says the creative process for the mural wasn’t just his. As he worked on the mural, he took suggestions from longtime business owners, community members, and visitors passing through artists alley.
This mural is actually a variation of a wish tree, a universal custom of using trees to make wishes. During the Tanabata Festival in Japan, which takes place on the 7th day of the 7th month of each year according to the lunar calendar, writing a wish on a piece of paper and attaching it to a bamboo tree is a long-held tradition. Here, various community members submitted their wishes for Webster to paint on the tree’s wish tags.
This mural by Shannon Webster honors our community and its history by enhancing the “togetherness” this courtyard provides—a place that is welcoming to everyone. It’s a meeting place where you can build relationships by reflecting on the past and making wishes for the future. A closer look at the mural reveals reflections of our city and tree supporting wishes for a better tomorrow. Hopefully, you will enjoy finding something new each time you visit.
Shannon Webster is a local Columbia artist with an art studio and gallery located in this same alleyway, just a few steps away. He is best known for his large-scale paintings of cityscapes and landscapes, and as a designer for several national brands and community organizations.
The Wishes and Reflections mural can be found in the Wabash Courtyard, off Artists Ally- behind Dance Arts and near Fretboard Coffee
