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Short North Launches Art al Fresco
District Hosts Artists for Day of Public Exhibition
Short North, Columbus, Ohio: Saturday, August 16, the Short North Arts District will launch Art al Fresco presented by The Wood Companies. The daylong event will celebrate Columbus' artistic spirit. "We've invited visual and performing artists from all across the city to share their talents," explains John Angelo, Executive Director of the Short North Business Association. "The entire Short North will serve as their stage and their gallery for a day. We want to inspire, engage and amuse visitors while spotlighting the power of public art."
Art al Fresco will consist of four unique components:
- The Usual Suspects,
- Unexpected Guests,
- PeeP Show, and
- Summer Games
The Usual Suspects: A sampling of the broad range of artwork on display in the many galleries and non-gallery venues (boutiques, restaurants, personal service salons, etc...) throughout the district. Over 40 destinations will be featured.
Unexpected Guests: Over two dozen artists will create temporary public art installations in surprising outdoor spaces: parks, courtyards, rooftops, even the sides of buildings. Look for an artist's vision brought to life on an oversized lite brite filled with 1,000 glowing pegs. Stumble across a life-like human figure melting into a brick wall. Rest under trees dressed in brightly colored, tailored knitwear. Surprises wait around every corner. Most of the installations can only be experienced on the 16th, but a few will be on display longer, depending upon the durability of the materials used. Many of the artworks will be visible all day, but several projection and light-based installations will only be visible after the sun sets.
Though this year's event will consist strictly of temporary public art installations, organizers anticipate future events to generate one or more permanent installations each year.
PeeP Show: From Anna and the Annadroids to the Ohio Roller Girls, from sculptors and painters to models and mimes, artists and performing artists will pepper the strip by taking over merchants' display windows. Under the arches, street performers will settle into the many alcoves of the District to entertain passersby as they explore the plethora of happenings. (right: Anna and the Annadroids performing in the display windows at G & Co. during Gallery Hop)
Summer Games: Sure the Olympics can be mesmerizing and thrilling, but what about the games that touch the child in each of us? Freeze tag. Twister. Think of it as adult recess on an extreme scale. You and 100 of your closest friends spontaneously converging for a quick game of dodge ball. That is the concept of Summer Games. Throughout the day, visitors will gather at designated sites to participate in a variety of group activities designed to bring a smile and a break from the drudgery of all-work-and-no-play.
Full details of art exhibitions, performances and games will be posted the week of August 11 on shortnorth.org. The day of the event, merchants throughout the district will have posted schedules and maps to help visitors navigate the many options.
What: Short North's Art al Fresco presented by The Wood Companies
When: Saturday, August 16, 3PM - Midnight
Where: Short North Arts District
In public areas and merchants' shops primarily along High Street from Vine Street to Fifth Ave.
Who: The Short North Arts District, the Ohio Art League, the Art Exchange, Kathryn Gallery and artists from across Columbus
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