Spring normally brings a flurry of events for the Columbus College of Art & Design, from the semi-annual Art Fair to the Senior Fashion Show and Commencement.
Things will look a bit different this year as events are cancelled and moved to virtual formats in response to the Coronavirus pandemic.
“All of us at CCAD are very disappointed we won’t be celebrating our students’ accomplishments in person at this time, but we know that the well-being of our CCAD and greater Columbus communities has to be our first priority during this public health crisis,” said Dr. Melanie Corn, CCAD president. “Looking forward, we now have the opportunity to recognize and applaud our students’ hard work and achievements to more people online.”
Here are details on what’s changing with five major upcoming events at CCAD:
CCAD Art Fair
For the first time in the school’s 141-year history, CCAD’s semi-annual Art Fair will take place online. The Virtual Art Fair will go live online starting Friday, April 10 at 5 p.m. and run through Sunday, April 12 at 11:59 p.m.
The fair will feature juried work from both CCAD students and alumni, spanning traditional fine arts pieces, such as painting, glasswork, and sculpture, to jewelry, prints, illustrations and handcrafted housewares. All proceeds from the art purchased will go directly to the artists.
“While it’s disappointing that our students cannot show their art in person, entrepreneurial skills are part of our curriculum, and this is an opportunity for our students to practice online sales.” Corn said. “CCAD is committed to helping artists and designers put their best foot forward in presenting work online and ensuring that the public knows about it.”
Find details and updates at ccad.edu/artfair.
MFA Thesis Exhibition
CCAD’s MFA Thesis Exhibition will also go virtual this spring, featuring the work of 15 MFA candidates.
“At this year’s virtual MFA Thesis Exhibition, a wider public than ever before will be able to view these talented students’ topical and cutting-edge projects, as well as interpret what these artists are saying about themselves and their work, “ Corn said.
Details on the virtual MFA Exhibition are still being finalized.
Chroma
Another event finding a new format after 141 years, Chroma: Best of CCAD will also go virtual. Work for the annual year-end art exhibit will be added as it is completed later this spring and feature a wide range of creations from students in a variety of disciplines. Chroma will culminate in an online celebration with a date to be determined.
Find updates at ccad.edu/chroma.
2020 CCAD Fashion Show
The 2020 CCAD Fashion Show has been canceled. Instead, fashion design students selected for the show will be featured online as a part of Chroma: Best of CCAD.
Find updates at ccad.edu/fashion-show.
Commencement
Students will throw a virtual cap for CCAD’s spring 2020 commencement. The in-person event has been canceled, with additional plans for commemorating graduates online announced in the days to come. Students will also have the option to walk in the fall.
For more information, visit ccad.edu.