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YouTubeThe 2007 Columbus Arts Festival presented by ChaseJune 7 - 10, Downtown Riverfront
Thursday - Saturday 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Sunday 11:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
The Columbus Arts Festival remains the welcome-to-summer event in Columbus, pairing the finest artists and craftspeople with a medley of continuous entertainment including art activities, musical performances, and food from Columbus' finest restaurants.
Columbus Underground Messageboard » Events » Columbus Festivals
Columbus Arts Festival: June 7 - 10
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Walker
The KLD / Downtown
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Posted 4 years ago # -
J. Doe
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How long are the artists in this town going to allow themselves to be pushed around? The artists in this town need an entire street of this charade, er, art festival. Local artists need voice! Local artists need recognition. Most of all, local artists need your support. These out of towners are welcomed in and supported by our own city govt. and they take the local artists money!
I think local artists should picket this event!
Posted 4 years ago # -
Walker
The KLD / Downtown
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J. Doe wrote I think local artists should picket this event!
:roll:
I've got a better idea!
I was contacted by the Director of the Arts Festival a few days ago, who wants to meet up in a few weeks to discuss some of the ideas that people were tossing around here and in other threads about how the festival can improve next year during its move to the new location.
So instead of picketing, how about we brainstorm some ideas and then GO MAKE THEM HAPPEN.
I want to bring as many positive open-minded creative people involved in the art scene on board with this because I think it could be something big that everyone should be involved in. So anyone who wants to bring ideas to the table, either post them here, or get in touch with me and we'll see if we can't make a positive difference.
:idea:
Posted 4 years ago # -
shroud
Polaris
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That's awesome to hear the director of the Arts Festival is actively out looking & collecting input on ways to improve and evolve things. And doubly awesome that they contacted Walker for feedback from the CU!
I'm not an artist myself (obviously), nor am I a "collector" - I fit in the "just want nice looking stuff on the walls" mold. That said, as a resident/supporter of Columbus, I think a specific "central Ohio artists" section of the Festival would be really nice - rather than just being mixed in with everyone else, maybe offer lower rates/a discount to local artists (though would that offend/scare off non-local folks?), and have a separate line of booths highlighting those folks?
Posted 4 years ago # -
columbus native
Columbus the indie art capital of the world
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I am in for the effort walker. I would love to offer input as a local artist that rarely finds interest the arts festival.
I would like to see a display of local artist in a jurried competition and the selected winners would get a showing at the AOL gallery on high st.
Posted 4 years ago # -
J. Doe
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Preview
PostPosted: Wed Jun 06, 2007 3:05 pm Post subject:
Lets hope Mr. Knicely (sp?) the new director of GCAC actually cares and this is not just some pacifying act.
I heard that when the late Ray Hanley (last GCAC director) first came to town there were meetings and such with local artists seeking their input. It was all a ruse. Hanley's iron fist, which was controlled by fat cats, came down and the local artists were screwed.
Paul Volker (local artist) was leading a small revolt years ago about the fair. Supposedly, all you need is a vendors permit and not be blocking pedestrian flow and anyone can set up. I'm not sure if anyone attempted this. Seems to me you would be asked to move.
The booth fees are outrageous. If the out of towners get pissed that the locals get a better deal, tough! We have enough talent in this town to sustain ourselves! Besides, it's all the same crap they have at Winterfair anyways. If people want that crap they can buy it at Winterfair.
I've heard time and time again that people are tired of the arts festival. I know a lot of patrons who say it's the same crap every year. It's definitely time for change! I say we finally lean towards the art side and not so much on the craft side! There are tons and tons of talent in this city. Lets make a name for this town by the art we make, and not the crap we bring in!
Posted 4 years ago # -
Brewmaster
Portland, OR
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Quit crying.
Posted 4 years ago # -
dru
IV
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Correct me if I am wrong, because I may have wrong person, but doesn't your online artist profile list GCAC first in line in your list of collections where your art resides?
And sure, i will want to buy more local art from local artists if they get in my way with a placard and interrupt my attempt to enjoy a nice Saturday with a beer at the Arts Fest. sarcasm intended. and not that i own a lot, but i do have some pieces by local artists - but i would rather concern myself with their work than read an artist statement that rants about a local festival.
and while i highly concur that i'd rather see more painting, sculpture and mixed media over leather, jewelry and clocks made of old computer parts, i don't think all the patrons would agree. it's a mass event - summer, falafel, beer, sun, music.
Posted 4 years ago # -
desecration
Harrison West
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If you are visiting the Columbus Arts Festival this weekend, try to stop by Todd Cameron's booth. He is a glass artist from MN. He currently has a piece in my gallery (Rivet) from the Operation: Fragmentation show.
He also makes really nice glass grenades.
Go check out his booth!
Posted 4 years ago # -
dru
IV
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desecration wrote If you are visiting the Columbus Arts Festival this weekend, try to stop by Todd Cameron's booth. He is a glass artist from MN. He currently has a piece in my gallery (Rivet) from the Operation: Fragmentation show.
He also makes really nice glass grenades.
Go check out his booth!
Now that looks like interesting non-Arts Fest fair. Not necessarily what I'm looking to buy, but definitely worth a look.
Posted 4 years ago # -
vespamary
Short North
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Hey j doe why not put your $$$ where your mouth is and VOLUNTEER for the Arts Festival? The entire thing is run by a volunteer staff headed by Katie Lucas who would surely appreciate your help. If you get in on the committees early enough in the year, perhaps you can participate in the jurying process and give your input for local artists in a more productive manner than whining about it on the board. Katie Lucas, Jennifer Sadler and hundreds of volunteers work countless (and thankless) hours pulling off what is one of the premier arts festivals in the country. How about showing a little appreciation for the fact that our Columbus event has such a huge draw from artists all over the country because of the sales they are able to make here. And obviously they sell or they wouldn't cough up the "outrageous fees" not to mention travel costs and hotel stays. You are also welcome to create your own art fair as others have done (Goodale Park Arts Fest) and you can discriminate entirely towards Columbus artists if that is your preference. But please, dissing an event which brings hundreds of thousands of folks downtown in such a snotty manner is entirely unproductive.
Posted 4 years ago # -
John Ross
SoCo
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The Arts Festival is no different than the Warped Tour, Ozzfest or other nationally touring festival of bands. It is a collection of artists and craftsmen who make a living traveling around the country selling their wares.
Arguing that people should protest the event is like trying to do away with summer music festivals that coincide with a punk show at Bernie's. Music shows coincide just fine; art events can do the same.
One way a city like Columbus builds nationwide esteem and a stronger arts community is by having a multitude of diverse events.
All this pointless animosity aside, I'd like to see a few more local people involved in the Columbus Arts Fest. Last time I checked with Alive assistant editor Melissa Starker, she mentioned that only 7 of nearly 270 booths are manned by those from town.
Walker, I'm sure that you'll give the director some good feedback.
Posted 4 years ago # -
dru
IV
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J. Doe wrote Why would I want to volunteer for something that sends Columbus art money out of town? The whole point is that this fair sucks art money away from local artists.
As for me setting up another fair? Great idea, why don't you volunteer to help me?
I'm serious with this question JD.
So why prey tell, does ALL of my art money need to stay amongst Columbus artisans?
Is your statement that based on my residence, only art produced in Columbus is worthy of my purchase? Let's say for instance that I like the work of Todd Cameron posted above. He's apparently from MN. Why should a venue in Columbus restrict me from viewing his work, deciding if I like it, and then purchasing it if my budget allows.
I know Ohio artists that leave the state to sell their art. Should they be stopped? Once again, if I have the correct web site, you are online trying to sell your work worldwide - why, as every country, state, city already has its own artisans worthy of patronage.
Based on your logic, my inlaws purchase of some art by a Central Ohio artist during a recent visit to Columbus was a horrible idea, as their hometown in northern Michigan has a considerable contingent of resident artists.
Most people buy art that we like based on it's visual appeal to our senses, not its locale of origin - i've purchased it in Columbus, Ohio from local artists, but also places as far flung as Shanghai, China and Rio, Brazil. My next purchase may be at the next Agora event, or it may be from a Columbus based glass-blower or New Mexico based photographer showing at this weekend's Arts Fest, or perhaps elsewhere altogether.
If we restrict ourselves to central Ohio artists, it doesn't mean Ohio artists will receive more of our money, it may just be that we spend less on art.
Posted 4 years ago # -
J. Doe
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So what do artists do?
How do you get more than 7 out of 270?
Volunteering for the darn thing aint gonna help!
Artists gotta raise awareness!
How do you do that?
Walker says something about getting people together.
Absolutely everyone I ever talk to about this fair, they all say the same thing! It needs more local artists!
Posted 4 years ago # -
dru
IV
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J. Doe wrote So what do artists do?
How do you get more than 7 out of 270?
Volunteering for the darn thing aint gonna help!
Artists gotta raise awareness!
How do you do that?
Walker says something about getting people together.
Absolutely everyone I ever talk to about this fair, they all say the same thing! It needs more local artists!
I won't necessarily argue that part of your point about the percentage. I'm sure the same is said amongst artists in Ann Arbor, Portland and at other arts festival venues. But there would probably be some finite point - 10% is 27, 20% is 54 - this still means there would be people left out and some sour grapes. Same thing happens every year at Comfest (which has a much higher % of local performers), local musicians don't get a slot and complain the entire process is unfair. And I wouldn't want to turn away interesting artists from other Ohio cities or states just to fill a quota of local artists. It's my easiest point to gain access to their work.
But there are events like Comfest, the Goodale Arts Fest, Agora, and even smaller suggestions like v-Mary's offer of the North Market etc... that showcase local artists as well. So there are venues, but maybe we need more.
And keep in mind, a lot of the other people volunteering are the people that also buy the art. No enterprise, no matter how close to the soul, doesn't benefit from a little networking.
But this doesn't answer the entire point of my query about why art purchases should be restricted locally.
Posted 4 years ago #
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