Mural Magic: A Local Artist Brings Color and Meaning to Columbia

Maria DeFelice grew up in Columbia, South Carolina, and has turned her love of travel into a colorful career. Though she mostly taught herself how to paint, she spent five years working in Abu Dhabi, where the city’s bold patterns and bright textures left a lasting mark on her style. Her work now stretches from commissioned pieces to large public murals. One standout piece on Sunset Boulevard celebrates a client’s dedication to wildlife protection, while also featuring Lady Justice. The symbol hints at the client’s legal career and underscores the idea that fairness should guide how we treat nature.

Maria believes murals do more than beautify a wall; they energize neighborhoods, help businesses stand out, and offer a daily gift to anyone who walks by. Her “Walls Alive” initiative takes this idea further, inviting students to design and paint murals in schools. At Rosewood Elementary, Maria teamed up with the students to mark the school’s centennial. The design was built from student suggestions, and every child left a handprint on the finished mural—turning their names into lasting art. People who want to see more of Maria’s work or get a mural painted can visit her website at mariadefeliceart. com.

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