I cleared out some space on my calendar on Friday so I could enjoy a mini art field trip. My intention was to catch up on some area artists and venues, both old and new. The fact is there are a lot of great places to see art in Columbus, certainly more than I typically have time to cover for Columbus Underground. In that spirit, here’s a few destinations you might consider visiting as you organize your new year’s art calendar.
The Ohio State University Faculty Club
Located on the south side of the Oval in the heart of campus, the Faculty Club offers a terrific opportunity to see work by artists affiliated with OSU. Their “Art Within the Club” initiative maintains a permanent collection of work displayed throughout the building as well as a series of rotating exhibitions. Art Coordinator Lisa Craig Morton is well-connected in the central Ohio arts community and has put together some top quality shows during her tenure.
I stopped by The Faculty Club on Friday to see Oil Paintings by Malcolm Baroway, an artist I’ve appreciated since I first laid eyes on his work. For those unfamiliar, Baroway takes Post-Impression as his starting point and then let’s whimsy and wit lead where they may. The result is a body of work that exudes wreckless and infectious enthusiasm. While Malcolm’s work is currently on view at The Faculty Club, it should be noted that he’s represented in town by Sharon Weiss Gallery. Oil Paintings by Malcolm Baroway will be on view at The Faculty Club through February 27.
My next stop was Brandt-Roberts Galleries. While Franklinton may be the up and coming arts district, Brandt-Roberts Galleries reminds us that art is still alive and well in the Short North. The gallery is in its fifth year and going strong. Owner Michelle Brandt can take a chunk of the credit for that. She’s got a great curatorial eye, a keen sense of relationship building, and a genuine commitment to supporting the arts in Columbus. The gallery itself features a mix of contemporary artists along with select historic works focusing on mid-century styles.
On my visit the walls were teeming with works by a wide variety of gallery artists, including some first-rate pieces by Brian Port, Jacci Delaney, Rune Person, Winnie Sidharta Ambron, and Robert King. Columbus Underground readers will be interested to know that in September the gallery will feature works by Christopher Burk (Best Local Artist 2014) along with the aforementioned Jacci Delaney. I’ve marked my calendar already!
The last stop on Friday’s art field trip was the newly opened Joseph hotel. While this building has received all manner of press for all manner of reasons, my main interest was the much anticipated art on display. In addition to a selection of contemporary works from the Pizzuti’s private collection, the Joseph also exhibits (and offers for sale) prints by notable Columbus artists.
Art at The Joseph can be found in the common areas on the first two floors of the building. The collection includes works by Rob Wynne, KAWS, Diane Landry, Mary Jo Bole, Linda Gall, Laura Bidwa and Laura Sanders (among others). While there’s certainly plenty to see, my favorite thing might have been spotting Haluk Akakce’s video piece The Dervish displayed above the bar and side by side with ESPN. Another hotel on the downtown/Short North corridor that puts local and original art front and center is a great thing for Columbus. If you get the chance, stop in and check it out.
For that matter, check out all these spots. There are lot of places to enjoy art in Columbus. Sometimes it’s just a matter of setting aside the time.
Artwork Information:
Haluk Akakce
The Dervish
Malcolm Baroway
4 Green Trees
Malcolm Baroway
Salt Lick
Laura Bidwa
Silence Yourself
KAWS
Paintings
Robert King
Rail Bridge
Diane Landry
The Solo Knight
Rune Person
Interior Scene II
Brian Port
Reaching
Laura Sanders
Life Saver
Robert Wynne
To Be Like You Is My Desire