West Columbia Unveils ‘Before I Die’ Wall

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Columbia, S.C. (WOLO) — On Thursday morning, West Columbia officials unveiled a new interactive piece of art at the Riverwalk in West Columbia. The large chalkboard, called the ‘Before I Die’ wall asks one question. “What do you want to do before you die?” explained local artist Karl Larsen. Several people wrote down meaningful answers. “Before I die I would like to see many come to know Christ,” said Cheryl Payne. “Before I die I want to spend a year in a rainforest,” said Michael Dantzler. The wall creates a community bucket list where people can write down their goals, dreams and aspirations along the path of the West Columbia Riverwalk. “It gives people a chance to do some reflective thinking and introspective thinking and put into words what’s really in their hearts,” said Payne. The colorful, wall to wall wishes ranged from ‘meet my dad’ to ‘save a life’ or become a professional ballerina. “I‘ve been dancing since I was 2 years old and it‘s my lifelong dream,” said Hannah Cardone. There are ‘Before I Die’ walls all across the world, but the one in West Columbia is the largest and officials said it has it‘s own special meaning. “We just went through a pretty crazy last 2 months here in South Carolina. I think we need a break from the madness, come out here and reflect on our lives, what is important to us and what we want to do before we die,” said Larsen. It’s a message not lost among those eager to chase after their dreams. “It just reminds me I can accomplish anything I want to,” said Cardone. The interactive art wall will stay up for people to write down their hopes and dreams until early September.