UPDATE (September 15): The exhibit has moved, and is now located between the Claire's and Michael Kors stores near the food court.
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UPDATE (September 1): The grand opening ceremony has been rescheduled for Monday, Sept. 18 at 1 p.m.
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UPDATE (August 29): Due to inclement weather caused by Hurricane Idalia, the grand opening ceremony has been canceled and will be rescheduled.
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Columbia, SC… There are more than 400 children currently in foster care who are legally free and awaiting adoption in the Palmetto State, and the South Carolina Heart Gallery works to match these children with a family by hosting photo exhibits of the children around the state.
In its most ambitious project to date, the Heart Gallery will open its newest exhibit at the Columbiana Centre, located at 100 Columbiana Circle in Columbia, South Carolina. The semi-permanent exhibit will hold its grand opening on Thursday, Aug. 31 at 1 p.m. in the storefront across from Hollister, near the entrance to JC Penney.
The space will be set up like an art gallery with framed photos of children from across the state who are waiting to be adopted. QR codes will accompany each photo where individuals can read a bio, view more photos, and take the first steps to inquire about adoption.
“We couldn’t be more excited about this opportunity,” says Christina Grant, South Carolina Heart Gallery coordinator. “Our exhibits have traditionally been at somewhat smaller venues, such as churches and libraries. But having an actual storefront at Columbiana Centre will give us so much more exposure and help these children find loving families of their own.”
The space is being donated to the South Carolina Heart Gallery through at least August 2024. The idea came from Taryn Trefethen-Boileau, general manager for Columbiana Centre Retail.
“Partnering with the Heart Gallery was an easy choice and being able to share these wonderful heartwarming photos is an honor,” said Trefethen-Boileau. “We hope this interactive mural will help raise awareness of South Carolina's foster care system and encourage families to open their hearts and homes to a child in need.”
Among the speakers at the grand opening will be:
- Amanda Whittle, State Child Advocate and Director, SC Department of Children’s Advocacy
- State Senator Katrina Shealy
- Christina Grant, South Carolina Heart Gallery Coordinator
- Taryn Trefethen-Boileau, General Manager, Columbiana Centre Retail
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For more information about the South Carolina Heart Gallery and the grand opening, please call Rob Schaller at (803) 734-4155 or rob.schaller@childadvocate.sc.gov.
About South Carolina Heart Gallery
Since 2005, the South Carolina Heart Gallery has helped children in foster care find their forever homes. To fulfill its mission, the Heart Gallery recruits photographers who volunteer to take photos of these children at scenic locations around the state. Staff share the photos on the Heart Gallery’s website and social media accounts, partner with local media outlets, and work with public, private, and nonprofit organizations to host art exhibits of the framed portraits. The Heart Gallery is under the auspices of the Foster Care Review Division, a program of the South Carolina Department of Children’s Advocacy.