Gallery Hop returns tonight in the Short North with some very fun things in store. We typically have given our readers a curated list of just five specific “do not miss” things to see in the neighborhood, but because there’s so much going on, and because we’ve missed out on these updates since January (brrr) we figured that it would be a great idea to pack double the punch this month. So here’s a list of 10 things that you should get out there and check out tonight:
1. Wax Nostalgic with Crayon Art at Rivet Gallery
Artist Hoang Tran painstakingly carves Crayola crayons into beautiful miniature works of art. His featured work includes many pop-culture references (which is a perfect fit at Rivet) including Star Wars, Hayao Miyazaki, Donnie Darko and Adventure Time. The opening reception for the show takes place from 7pm to 10pm tonight. CLICK HERE for event details.
2. Amanda Hope Cook at the Sharon Weiss Gallery
Nashville-native Amanda Hope Cook is showing off a new collection of oil painting replicas of signage from throughout Columbus at the Sharon Weiss Gallery tonight. Locals will recognize iconic business signs from Rife’s Market, the Fireproof Building, Little Palace and more. CLICK HERE for event details.
3. Pinchflat Posters at Paradise Garage
The official Pinchflat exhibition takes place up at Wild Goose Creative (not at Gallery Hop, but you should still go!) from Noon to 5pm today, and the Short North’s Paradise Garage is hosting the after party. Plus, all posters from the show will be available for purchase all month long at PG. CLICK HERE for more details.
4. Preview the CBUS Bus
COTA’s new free Downtown Circulator officially launches on Monday, May 5th, but you can get a sneak peek of what the new buses will look like at Gallery Hop tonight from 4pm to 10pm. One of the new specially branded vehicles will be parked in front of Victorian Gate from 4pm to 10pm with COTA reps on hand to answer questions about the free new service that will run from Third Avenue in the Short North to Sycamore Street in German Village. CLICK HERE for more details.
5. Check out the newest local creative space at Detail 1443
This is just a little bit outside the northern boundary of the Short North (8th and High), but totally worth the trek. Several local artists and makers have opened Detail 1443 as a new creative space where the popular local laser cut maps can be found in addition to products from Griffin Hollow Studios (now located inside the space). The space is hosting an open house tonight from 7pm to 10pm. CLICK HERE for more details.
6. Catch up with Arch City Tavern
Arch City has now been open officially for a full year, and the popular restaurant and bar has several new-ish features worth checking out, including accordion-style windows that open up the whole front of the building to the sidewalk and a new menu that includes a Beets and Brie Salad, Cast Iron Shrimp and Bratwurst Corn Dogs. CLICK HERE for more details.
7. Shops the Closing Sales at Substance
Sadly, Substance is closing their doors in June as we previously reported. But savvy shoppers will enjoy the fact that heavily discounted sales are continuing to run between now and then. Tonight would be a great night to see what they have left and to pay them one final visit if you haven’t already. CLICK HERE for more details.
8. Scope out the recently relocated Sole Classics
Shoe shop Sole Classics has long been a Short North favorite, and their recent relocation up the street to 846 North High Street is worthy of a visit if you haven’t already been. One big new addition includes the Vans Vault which is home to the only lineup from the Vans Vault Collection in the whole state. CLICK HERE for more details.
9. Get a New Pair of running Shoes at the Columbus Running Company
Speaking of shoes, the Columbus Running Company hosted their grand opening at April’s Gallery Hop, which makes tonight’s event a more relaxed environment to check out what the new shop has to offer. And tonight is likely a good time to buy a new pair of running shoes, especially if you just wore yours out running in the Cap City Half Marathon today. CLICK HERE for more details.
10. Check out the Latest Short North Murals
Eleven new outdoor murals were placed upon walls throughout the district back in February. But if it’s been too cold for you to view them at previous Gallery Hops, then consider May as your opportunity to get out and appreciate some new (mostly local) artwork in the arts district. CLICK HERE for more details.
Looking for more things to do in Columbus tonight? CLICK HERE to check out our event calendar for dozens of other ideas tonight!