Recognizing the need to move into the future but not wanting to forget the past, two arts councils near Columbia have discovered that 100 front doors, taken from properties demolished to make way for new Hope VI homes, make wonderful canvases for many local artists.

The doors were salvaged from demolished properties at Saxon Homes, a dilapidated but historic part of Columbia. Local artists -- youths and professionals alike - used the 1950-vintage doors as integral components of their art.

The painted doors went on display earlier in this summer, and will remain there until they are auctioned off at the South Carolina State Fair, or later on-line. Proceeds from the auction will be used for additional public arts projects, including art that will be placed in public housing.

This year's doors project is an outgrowth of another art project two years ago during which the Cultural Councils of Richland and Lexington counties placed nine artist-decorated steel palmetto trees in the area.

Three of the area artists were recognized during a local news briefing.