ADVERTISEMENT

    The Ohio Art League is Turning One Hundred

    Every summer the Ohio Art League hosts their “One Night” event that transforms an unused building into an art gallery space for an evening of food, drinks, entertainment, and art auctions. This year is a bit more special though, as the OAL is also celebrating their 100th birthday. Founded in 1909 by graduates of the Columbus Art School (which is now known as the Columbus College of Art and Design), the organization seeks to provide development opportunities to artists and help enrich the community through art. We spoke with Rebecca Ibel, one of the co-chairs of this year’s One Night event about the organization and the upcoming party.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Walker: It’s a pretty significant year for the OAL to be turning 100, so I have to ask… how has the first century been going?

    Rebecca: Well, I was involved with the OAL from 1995-2002 as a curator and board president. When I joined the board in 1995, the organization “Columbus Art League” was at a particular low point. It had an office in the closet of the Harrison and First office building and held exhibitions in the hallways. Membership was down, it had lost funding from the granting agencies due to some unfulfilled promises and the museum had discontinued hosting the annual juried shows.

    Our new board, made up of all new faces to the League, saw this as a wonderful opportunity. We made ‘quality’ our primary mission to attract the best artists and bring the standing of the League back to a position of respect.

    An early show at the same building, one of architecture, upset the tenants and actually got us kicked out of the building. We refused to take it down, and vowed to always stand behind our artists. This lead to the first League Gallery at Summit and Warren in the Short North and subsequently to the current High Street gallery location. At this time, we brought in important, nationally recognized jurors for the two annual shows. This is an important long standing tradition of the League.

    Over the 100 years some of the most influential figures in the American art world have been part of the League’s history. Our membership grew to include artists from around the state, so the name changed to the Ohio Art League to reflect the breadth of its artists.

    Walker: The “One Night” event takes place on Saturday in the new Smith & High development on the north end of the Short North. Are you excited to be transforming this new space before it gets filled in with retail?

    Rebecca: YES! The League has always been great at recognizing the undiscovered and making it hip.

    Walker: For anyone who hasn’t attended a One Night event in the past, can you tell us what they should expect?

    Rebecca: These events are a snapshot in time of the art world. They include some of the leading artists and some just starting out. It is a way to have a sense of what is happening in the art world right now. And the ideas that come through the Ohio art community reflect was is happening nationally. It is also a fantastic party. There is always great energy!

    Walker: The OAL website lists a lot of upcoming events and exhibitions throughout the rest of the year. Are there any in particular that you personally are looking forward to?

    Rebecca: The fall juried show will be juried by Lisa Dent. She is the new curator of contemporary art at the Columbus Museum of Art, so I look forward to introducing her to our art community.

    Walker: Since OAL is a membership-supported organization, can you tell us why it is important to register as a member and help support to the group?

    Rebecca: Membership is important for artists. Making art is largely a solitary endeavor. An artist works in their studio, often without gallery representation or a direct link to the outside world. OAL offers that connection. It is a way to see what other artists are doing, have exhibition opportunities, learn about professional opportunities (grants, etc.), and one can also win a cash awards and have the chance to sell their work!

    Walker: Are there any other ways for people to get involved and support OAL?

    Rebecca: Yes, There are montly MCE shows (Member Curated Exhibitions) held in the Short North Gallery which have opening receptions every month. One can attend these events, meet the staff, and inquire about volunteering positions. Since this is a member driven organization with only one part time staff position (right now) there is always a need for involvement on every level.

    The Ohio Art League’s Annual One Night event takes place on Saturday, June 20th at 1246 North High Street. More information can be found at OAL.org.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Subscribe

    More to Explore:

    Former Home of Tasi Becomes Private Event Space

    Tasi Cafe closed its doors last August after a...

    15 New Public Art Murals Coming This Year

    According to a report released last month, more public...

    6 New & Recent Restaurant Openings in Central Ohio

    Breakfasts from classic to biscuit focused, desserts to satisfy...
    Walker Evans
    Walker Evanshttps://columbusunderground.com
    Walker Evans is the co-founder of Columbus Underground, along with his wife and business partner Anne Evans. Walker has turned local media into a full time career over the past decade and serves on multiple boards and committees throughout the community.
    ADVERTISEMENT