Friends of Aaron announce memorial mural project at Hunter Gatherer on Main Street
October 9, 2019
Friends of Aaron and Hunter Gatherer on Main are partnering to create a mural in commemoration of Aaron Graves, a beloved member of the Community who passed away June 5, 2019 of brain cancer. The mural will be completed in the coming weeks and will be fundraised through local music events and percent nights at Hunter Gatherer. The mural will be designed by local artists and friends of Aaron, Lauren Andreu and Claude Gilbert and facilitated in partnership with One Columbia for Arts and Culture.
Aaron was an active member of the local indie music scene, skateboard community, and St. Martin’s In-the-Fields Episcopal Church. He was known for his big heart and monthly community potlucks where he and his wife, Jessica, opened their doors to anyone without need for personal invitation. The mural will feature iconic images representative of Aaron’s personality and life.
Please see the Facebook Page for more details on how to contribute: “Aaron Graves Mural Benefit.” – https://www.facebook.com/events/1006509463025090/
About the Artists and Organizer
Lauren Andreu is a South Carolina artist and muralist covering 1000+ square feet of wall and including over 350 people in the process of design and execution. She grew up with Aaron doing the regular kid stuff like having dinners with his family and passing notes back in forth in school. She was honored to witness Aaron carry out his last years with grace and humor.
Claude Gilbert is a South Carolina Illustrator specializing in graphic design and print media since 1972. He owned and operated is own business called Darkroom Graphic Arts Studio for 35 years. Aaron played in a band and was best friends with Gilbert’s son, Thomas Gilbert, since their middle school years. In the last days of Aaron’s life, he spent time at Gilbert’s home writing and making music.
Heather Parsons is a yoga teacher and metalsmith living and working in Columbia, SC and has been doing event work for roughly 10 years. She’s booked a previous benefit show for Aaron to help raise funds for his medical bills. Friends since 12 years old, Heather continues to work to uphold Aaron’s loving communal legacy.
About One Columbia for Arts and Culture:
One Columbia for Arts and Culture is a non-profit organization that works to promote collaboration among citizens, the cultural community, and city government through celebrations of Columbia’s arts and historic treasures. Its goal is to enhance the quality of life for our residents, attract tourist dollars to our city, and further build our vibrant community, particularly through the facilitation of new public art projects throughout the Midlands. Visit the One Columbia website (http://onecolumbiasc.com) for a continuously updated master list of art and cultural activities occurring throughout the city.
