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THAN four central Ohio performing arts organizations are part of an effort to bring a multifaceted adaptation of West Side Story to the stage.
The product of a unique collaboration among CAPA, Opera Columbus, BalletMet and the Columbus Symphony Orchestra comes to the Ohio Theatre Feb. 13-16.
Opera Columbus is responsible for production and direction, choreography is by BalletMet Artistic Director Remi Wörtmeyer and the orchestra will be conducted by the orchestra’s music director, Rossen Milanov. Director Allegra Libonati is particularly excited by the opportunity to bring together so many talented Columbus artists.
Local arts organizations present fresh vision for West Side Story
By Kate Shields
“This is the first time that all these companies are working together on a show and to work together on West Side Story, which is this musical masterpiece, I think, is really thrilling,” says Libonati. “You rarely get to do this piece on this scale. … It’s got potential to be quite an outstanding oneof-a-kind version of this production.”
Reimagining a classic
The vaunted tragedy, which premiered on Broadway in 1957 and features music by the legendary Stephen Sondheim, is a modern retelling of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet set in 1950s New York City. Two teenagers from rival street gangs, the Jets and Sharks, fall in love, but their romance is threatened due to tension and violence between the two groups.
“It’s being produced as an opera, essentially,” says Libonati. “The casting is ultimately done by Opera Columbus, and then BalletMet is coming in as a troupe. However, the ballet is going to be deeply
Photos courtesy of Brad Feinknopf, Opera Columbus, Stephen Pariser and Jennifer Zmuda
integrated throughout the show, so at the end of the day, you wouldn’t really even be able to tell, because they all have to be one family. … The symphony is, of course, their own entity entirely. They are bringing the music, which is one of the most powerful parts of the show, and certainly one I’m really looking forward to.”
Wörtmeyer only joined BalletMet this past June, so when he had the opportunity to work on his favorite musical – and the first one he ever saw – he couldn’t say no.
“West Side Story was conceived and created by a ballet choreographer, Jerome Robbins, one of the most influential American choreographers,” says Wörtmeyer. “West Side Story is one of the most highly danced musicals anyway, but now we’re elevating that (by) adding in the exceptional ability of the opera singers, and the exceptional, elite ability of the ballet company and the ballet dancers.”
Bold new additions
West Side Story traditionally features ballet dancers in the famous dream ballet sequence accompanying memorable Act 2 song “Somewhere.” The scene and the high-energy “America” number were some of Wörtmeyer’s favorite sections to choreograph.
“We’ve really been having such a ball in the studio and just adding so much extra technical ability in those scenes and reshaping them,” he says. “It is inspired by Jerome Robbins, but it is reimagined for the ballet dancers.”
Libonati points to the beautiful, ornately detailed and large-scale Ohio Theatre as a key inspiration in her directorial choices, expressing confidence that the audience will hear and feel the show in a new way.
“You know, you can do West Side Story … very small,” she says. “But we’re having here, throughout our culture, the opportunity to really let it sing out as loud as it is, and as loud as it can be, in a space that can contain that.”
Wörtmeyer lauds the partnership among the four arts organizations as another key factor in the show’s potential.
“It’s not often that we’re equal partners in it and coming together to utilize all our strengths in performance,” he says. “It’s dance at its very best and most physical and fun, and with incredible singing and music.” CS
Kate Shields is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.
“You rarely get to do this piece on this scale. … It’s got potential to be quite an outstanding one-of-a-kind version of this production.”
Allegra Libonati
Remi Wörtmeyer, who recently joined the BalletMet family as artistic director and will choreograph West Side Story.
The Columbus Symphony Orchestra’s Rossen Milanov will conduct the music.
Award-winning director Allegra Libonati joins Opera Columbus to lead the casting and direction of West Side Story.
The production, which features talent from four Columbus arts groups, will premiere at the Ohio Theatre on Feb. 13.
Under Pressure
Methods to destress and combat mental pressure
By Elliot Fryman
THOUGH MANY PEOPLE view it as an inevitable part of life, heavy stress does more than just cause day-today challenges. High levels of stress are implicated in a number of ailments, such as depression, obesity and diabetes.
Fortunately, there are ways to cope with stress and twist it into something beneficial.
Actions speak louder
One of the best ways to decrease stress is to find the source of the problem and focus on solving it, a method known as problem-focused coping. Think making a to-do list in advance of a busy day: Just the feeling of accomplishing a task can be helpful, even if it doesn’t solve the entire problem.
Imagine (if you have to imagine) that you’re losing sleep due to a difficult work week. You may not be able to prevent work from being stressful, but you can still limit the effects by getting to bed early or finding a new way to wind down before you turn out the light.
Planning a vacation, prioritizing exercise and engaging in activities you enjoy are often useful for dealing with stress as well. But when problem-solving alone doesn’t fix everything, our relationships can play a key role.
Making connections
The coping strategies we choose are often influenced by our perception of how solvable the problem is, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
“Stressors that are perceived to be changeable are more likely to elicit problem-solving strategies while stressors perceived to be unchangeable are more likely to elicit social support seeking and emotion-focused strategies,” reads the Cleveland Clinic’s post.
In situations where problems have no easy solutions, having a healthy circle of family and friends to turn to can be a game-changer. Relationship-focused coping can offer a source of empathy and warmth, making it easier to persevere through stressful times. A study published by the Journal of Social and Per-
sonal Relationships found that having a positive perception of your partner in particular is especially conducive to relationship-focused coping.
“Past research supports the effectiveness of (relationship-focused) strategies, particularly in the context of communal stressors,” the study reads. “For example, coping attempts that focus on maintaining relationships in times of marital and parenting stress (e.g., empathic responding) have been associated with decreases in levels of marital and family tension over time.”
The effectiveness of relationship-focused is affected by social environment, per the study. If home is just as stressful as work, it’s less likely to be a place for healing.
Long-established relationships aren’t the only ones that can be useful for relationship-focused coping strategies. Research has also shown that simple acts of kindness, even if they’re for a stranger, can reduce stress and anxiety.
These concepts are the foundation for National Institutes of Health study “Happy People Become Happier Through Kindness: A Counting Kindnesses Intervention.” The study’s authors highlight activities that have proven valuable for stress relief.
“Kindness is an important human strength that influences subjective wellbeing,” the article reads. “Kindness contributes to good social relationships and can thereby be viewed as adaptive. Our results further suggest that a reciprocal relationship may exist between kindness and happiness, as has been shown for gratitude and happiness.”
The Good
Counterintuitive as it may seem, stress can have limited positive effects.
For examples, studies have shown that exercise causes stress, but is often recommended to relieve it.
A study published by the National Library of Medicine found that continuously participating in exercise and other physical activities leads to a reduction in hormonal stress response in the neuroendocrine system. This means that experiencing a consistent amount of positive, short-term stress can help when facing negative, chronic stress.
And this isn’t limited to exercise. Some researchers have found that ice baths, sports and even cooking can all contribute to a healthier relationship with stress. CS
Give your child the world.
AFTER A HOLIDAY season full of dinner parties and desserts, the latest diet trends tend to surge in popularity. From cutting carbs to fasting, there are countless methods purporting to help practitioners shed pounds quickly.
Many of these quick-result options have negative consequences that may affect long-term health. A diet can be an effective tool for adapting to a healthier lifestyle, though, so before you swear off bread or skip tomorrow’s breakfast, read more about the science behind some of the most common diet methods.
No carbs, no problem?
As diets go, the practice of carb-cutting is a tale as old as time. A low-carb diet restricts carbohydrate intake, typically
reducing foods such as grains, fruits and starchy vegetables. Instead, it emphasizes foods rich in protein and fats.
The ketogenic (keto) diet is a popular low-carb diet centered on limiting carbs to 5-10 percent of total calories and eating high levels of fats to supplement.
Since the body’s main source of energy is carbs, the body resorts to burning fat instead, causing weight loss. Keto can lead to quick weight loss and lower blood sugar, but it also can have negative short- and long-term consequences for health.
Without carbs to fuel activity, workouts can feel extremely tiresome and cause sluggishness. For those who lead an active lifestyle or participate regularly in highintensity workouts, keto could significantly impair performance.
Additionally, the initial diet stages can cause flu-like symptoms, such as headaches and nausea.
In the long term, such a restrictive diet can also cause low blood pressure, constipation, nutritional deficiencies and an increased risk of heart disease. Ultimately, though the diet can produce quick results, it is typically not sustainable.
On the clock
Another popular practice is intermittent fasting, a diet plan that shifts between periods of eating and fasting. Rather than restricting what you eat, intermittent fasting focuses on when you eat.
Alternate-day fasting involves eating a regular diet one day and completely fasting or eating a small meal the next day. 5:2 fasting entails eating regularly five days a week and abstaining from eating two days a week. Daily time-restricted fasting restricts eating to an eight-hour time frame each day.
Intermittent fasting can improve metabolism and regulate blood sugar levels, making it an effective tool for weight loss and overall health. However, this practice can be damaging as well. Fasting can lead to hunger and fatigue, causing low energy levels and irritability. Additionally, increased hunger can lead to overeating during eating windows.
What Do You Crave?
Diving into the science behind popular diet trends
By Megan Brokamp
Make it Mediterranean
The Mediterranean diet is inspired by the traditional foods of countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. It emphasizes unprocessed food such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, olive oil and lean proteins.
Unlike other practices, this diet centers around what you should eat rather than what you should restrict. Since this diet is flexible, it is considered a more sustainable approach to healthy eating.
Although the Mediterranean diet is much less restrictive, it still limits red meat and sweets, which may be difficult for some.
Additionally – since fresh produce, fish and high-quality oils are essential to the diet – it can be costly and challenging. This diet is not necessarily geared toward weight loss, so some may experience weight gain from foods such as olive oil and nuts.
Finding a balance
Eating healthy can be simple and sustainable, with no need for restrictive fad diets.
Start by focusing on whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains, which provide essential
nutrients and help keep you full. Aim to create balanced meals that include a variety of food groups for a more satisfying and nutritious experience.
Staying consistent with these habits can lead to long-term health benefits and make it easier to maintain a healthy weight without the need for drastic dieting.
Although it’s important to practice healthy eating, the holidays are a time for celebration with loved ones, and en-
Healthy Eats in Columbus
joying special treats is a natural part of that experience.
Moderation is important, so don’t look back on end-of-year festivities with guilt over one too many desserts or drinks. Focus instead on a balanced diet that doesn’t restrict those occasional treats. CS
Megan Brokamp is an editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at mbrokamp@cityscenemediagroup.com
Nutritious and nourishing bites about the city for the days you don’t want to cook
Alchemy Café
• Cuisine: Smoothies, toasts, bowls and health-focused meals
• Highlights: Known for smoothie bowls, avocado toast and wellness shots made with locally sourced and nutrient-dense ingredients
Brassica
• Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired dishes
• Highlights: Build-your-own bowls with fresh ingredients like hummus, falafel, roasted veggies and pickled sides
Northstar Café
• Cuisine: Organic and locally sourced American-style dishes
• Highlights: Popular dishes include the Buddha Bowl, seasonal salads and housemade veggie burgers
I’ll Be Back
Thousands of fans and competitors flock to Columbus for the return of the Arnold Sports Festival
By Wil Steigerwald
THE 36TH ANNUAL Arnold Sports Festival, running from Feb. 27 to March 2 this year, is set to be the biggest in the event’s history, with the first-place reward for the Arnold Classic winner being bumped up to $500,000.
Perhaps best known for its bodybuilding and strongman shows, the festival has solidified its place in Columbus culture as one of the city’s biggest yearly attractions, bringing in more than $54 million over the years.
“(The Arnold Sports Festival) draws over 100,000 visitors over three or four days. It’s kind of a sight to see,” says Brent LaLonde, director of communications for the festival. “The city has done a lot for the show, and the show has done a lot for the city. They both grow together.”
Changes over the years
Ever since the 2020 festival, which was limited in its capacity due to the
COVID-19 pandemic, the festival format has changed in subtle ways. The biggest change is probably the Arnold Strongman/Strongwoman Classic, a premier event at the festival, being moved to its own dedicated arena.
This move from the main show stage to its own arena frees up space and allowed for other changes to be made.
Instead of having all of the competitions on the main stage at the event, organizers are able to host seminars as well as meet-and-greets. These events have been headlined by notable
athletes such as bodybuilders Ronnie Coleman and Jay Cutler.
These new events are consistent with the festival’s mission to spotlight some of the world’s most athletic humans.
“It’s the meat and potatoes of what a sports festival is about: the pro and amateur bodybuilding, all the strength and combat sports – from powerlifting to weightlifting to amateur strongman and martial arts, all of that kind of stuff,” LaLonde says.
What to expect
The bodybuilding and strongman events, as always, are expected to be highlights this year. On the physique side, Iranian bodybuilder Hadi Choopan, also known as “The Persian Wolf,” looks to defend his crown and become a two-time Arnold Classic champ.
2024 Arnold Strongman winner Mitchell Hooper
Photos courtesy of the Arnold Sports Festival
In the powerlifting competition, Ca nadian Mitchell Hooper seeks to win his third consecutive title as the Arnold Strongman champ. If Hooper is successful in his campaign, he will become the fourth competitor to reach three victories, put ting him behind Žydrˉunas Savickas with eight all-time victories, and tying him with Brian Shaw and Hafþór Júlíus Björns son (well known to American audiences for his role as Gregor “The Mountain” Clegane on Game of Thrones
Popular social media star Sam Sulek is expected to compete. A native of Dela ware, Ohio, Sulek has made a name for himself on platforms including YouTube and Instagram for his fitness vlogs and tips.
On top of the headline events, the festival also hosts 1,000-plus vendors on the expo floor and more than 35 sporting events, from weightlifting and combat sports to gymnastics and foosball.
A surging favorite is the recently added Strongest Firefighter competition. Rough ly 150 amateur strongmen and women, who are also firefighters, will compete in a series of events that include ambulance tire deadlifts and fire hydrant load, similar to an Atlas lift.
Nothin’ like it
At Otterbein, we are constantly looking for new ways to better serve people With Columbus, Ohio locations in a variety of settings, we can offer a wide array of care levels including Independent Living, Assisted Living, Rehabilitation, Long Stay Nursing Care and Memory Care
For almost four decades, the Arnold Sports Festival has been growing nonstop, bringing a great deal of attention to Columbus every year.
“It’s led by the greatest ambassador and champion of sports history in Arnold (Schwarzenegger),” LaLonde says. “He is a unicorn obviously in bodybuilding, but he’s a worldwide icon, from being a movie star and the governor of California and the greatest Olympia Champion of all time.”
Another thing that separates the Arnold from other similar events is that everything happens in one place. While there are bigger bodybuilding competitions and strongman events, such as the Olympia and the World’s Strongest Man competitions, none of them host both, as well as so many other attractions, under one roof.
Organizers expect the festival will only continue to grow.
“I think the city is definitely the focus of the health and fitness industry once a year,” LaLonde says. “If we could have the Arnold Classic in Columbus every weekend, we’d all be thrilled.” CS
Wil Steigerwald is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com
Real Home Environment Private Suites & Bathrooms
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Learning Well
Central Ohio schools promote skills for good mental health and wellness
By Maisie Fitzmaurice
Dublin City Schools (DCS)
Due to the increased need for youth mental health services in the area, DCS used COVID-19 relief funds to implement a Master’s of Social Work internship program in partnership with The Ohio State University.
These 25 students receive free tuition at OSU and will become mental health professionals at DCS after graduation in August.
“We’re doing our best to increase the number of services we have for kids so that we can close the gap between getting services in the community,” says Tyler Wolfe, director of student wellness at DCS. “We know that the wait times for students to receive mental health services in the community and clinics or hospitals are very long. They might be on a waitlist for three, four months before they can get in to see somebody.”
As the rates of adolescent mental health struggles rise, many school districts in the central Ohio area are looking to preventative measures to keep mental illness symptoms from inhibiting students’ ability to learn and thrive.
Here are some of the programs and steps local districts are taking to ensure students have the tools and resources they need to improve mental health.
The district also joined OSU’s LiFESports, a positive youth development program that offers camps and clinics to unprivileged children, and the Coach Beyond program, which trains coaches in mental health strategies for student-athletes, ensuring students have support before and after the bell rings.
Pickerington Local School District (PLSD)
Sometimes, a child struggling with their mental health just needs a little (or a lot of) kindness. Each year, PLSD participates in the Great Kindness Challenge, encouraging kids to embrace their peers who are different from them and to follow the Golden Rule (treat others the way you want to be treated).
Through the help of trained professionals, PLSD uses its resources to identify and assist children who may be struggling.
“It is important to remember that trauma shows up in behaviors. Therefore, we will find that children who need us the most will sometimes show it in the most challenging or frustrating ways,” says Marvella Allen, director of prevention and intervention. “During these moments, everyone benefits when adults navigate from a trauma lens and ask what happened to this child rather than what is wrong with this child.”
Photos courtesy of Dublin City Schools, Pickerington Local School Distict, New AlbanyPlain Local Schools and Columbus Academy
New Albany-Plain Local Schools (NAPLS)
NAPLS recently implemented the peer-to-peer program Sources of Strength. The group’s mission is to prevent suicide, substance abuse, bullying and other struggles by empowering young people.
“Our mission is to create a safe, supportive environment where students feel seen, valued and feel a true sense of belonging, which we believe is key to helping them achieve their fullest potential,” says Patrick Gallaway, NAPLS’s director of communications.
Concord Counseling Services and NAPLS present a Well-Being Series that discusses how to identify possible mental health or substance abuse issues and strategies to help improve.
“Addressing mental health is not just a supplemental service. It’s a core part of our commitment to educating the whole child, knowing that academic growth flourishes when students feel mentally and emotionally supported.”
Columbus Academy
Columbus Academy has implemented regular depression screenings and educational programs for all students, including visiting speakers and mental health book clubs.
Longtime Columbus Academy counselor Suzanne Ritter has been working to implement positive educational techniques after receiving a grant to study the field in 2018. Through it, she participated in a six-month educational program in Maryland and visited Australia to learn more about positive education and how to implement it in schools.
More initiatives and programs at local districts and schools
Hilliard City Schools: The district recently implemented the HOPE app, which offers mental health and wellness resources. The app is available at www.hilliardschools. org/hope.
Columbus School for Girls: CSG partners with The Social Institute to provide students with an online learning platform educating on social skills, positive relationships and mental health – pertaining to both social media and face-to-face interactions.
Bexley City Schools: In 2019, Bexley schools implemented its Bexley Be Well program, which includes a wellness course elective at the high school level.
Ruling Our Experiences (ROX)
More than 500 schools across the country have a ROX program. The nonprofit was started by Dr. Lisa Hinkelman, a former researcher and educator at The Ohio State University who conducted a study assessing the social, emotional, educational, safety and self-confidence issues impacting girls through a nationwide survey of 17,000 girls.
The program is designed to inform middle and high school girls – as well as educators, counselors and social workers – about topics including healthy relationships, communication, body image, social media, self-defense and leadership.
“Lessons include the importance of effectively understanding and managing emotions, developing healthy relationships, finding meaning and purpose, understanding our character strengths and mindfulness,” she says.
As an example, Ritter points to a new policy prohibiting the use of cell phones during school hours, first implemented during the 2023-24 school year. The policy has improved students’ engagement in their studies, mental health and social lives, she says.
Dublin City Schools, Westerville City Schools, New Albany-Plain Local Schools, Pickerington Local Schools and Columbus School for Girls all have ROX programs. More information is available at www.rulingourexperiences.com.
Alcohol, Drug & Mental Health Assistance
In a mental health crisis, when someone is a risk to themselves or others, always call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
For assistance finding mental health resources outside of a mental health crisis, the Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Board of Franklin County’s website, www.adamh franklin.org, has information and resources.
LOCAL. FRESH. AUTHENTIC.
Hope Squad
Hope Squad is a suicide prevention program in which students identify peers who are supportive and safe to talk to about mental health struggles.
Those peers can choose to become a member of Hope Squad and train over the summer to learn how to navigate a situation in which a peer faces a mental health crisis. The program has been shown to be successful in reducing rates of suicide in schools nationwide.
Local school districts with their own Hope Squad chapters include Dublin and Westerville. More information is available at www.hopesquad.com.
It starts at home
While many students have access to mental health care through their schools, prevention often starts at home. Tyler Wolfe, director of student wellness at Dublin City Schools, recommends parents display a good example for their kids by taking care of themselves mentally and physically, as well as taking time to support their children.
“There are a few things that parents can do, and I think the most important is to be a good listener to your child. Really be as empathetic as you can and understand their developmental level, as they need different things at different ages,” Wolfe says. “Sometimes kids will need a solution to a problem, they’re struggling with something and they want your advice. Other times, they want to be heard, and it’s best to listen and try not to offer advice.”
Jessica Martin, director of student well-being at Westerville City Schools, says parents should work with staff and educators at their child’s school to discuss how to meet their needs.
“Having an open line of communication with school staff increases the support and resources for students,” Martin says. “Collaborating with teachers and school counselors/social workers helps ensure a consistent support system.”
Westerville City Schools offers a Parent Prep program for parents who are interested in learning more about topics such as mindful parenting, healthy relationships, substance education, college and career planning, as well as mental health and school resources.
“Staying informed about mental health resources and recognizing signs of distress allows parents to intervene early,” Martin says. “Engaging in activities that promote well-being, such as family discussions about emotions or participating in mindfulness exercises together, also strengthens the parent-child bond and fosters resilience.” CS
Maisie Fitzmaurice is an editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at mfitzmaurice@cityscenemediagroup.com.
Nominate Columbus’ best arts, entertainment, food and events for CityScene Magazine’s annual Best of the ‘Bus! Nominate your favorites February 15-March 15
These Boots Are Made for Walking
The health benefits of 10,000 steps a day
By Katie Giffin
Walking:
It’s simple. It’s effective.
According to an article from Mayo Clinic, it helps to prevent health issues including heart disease, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and depression.
It’s easy to see why walking comes highly recommended as a form of exercise. For some time, walking 10,000 steps a day has been a widespread fitness goal. But do you really need to walk five miles a day to reap the benefits of a regular step count?
For many, reaching 10,000 steps a day may seem daunting. The average American, per a study conducted by the National Institutes of Health, gets 4,000 to 5,000 steps a day, roughly equivalent to 1.5 to 2 miles. Before you start desperately searching for the time to walk an extra 6,000 steps, though, consider that walking 10,000 steps a day isn’t the only path to a healthy lifestyle. According to a study by the European Journal of Pre-
ventive Cardiology, walking as few as 2,300 steps a day can have health benefits, with the benefits increasing for every 500-step increment.
“The data also showed that each 1,000step increment was associated with a 15 percent decreased risk of dying, and each 500-step increment was tied to a 7 percent decrease in death from cardiovascular disease,” reads the article, “The findings underscore two common health messages: Even a little movement makes a difference, and more is better.”
Officially, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention doesn’t even recommend 10,000 steps a day. Instead, it suggests shooting for 150 active minutes a week.
The health benefits of walking flatten out at around 7,100 steps a day, according to an article from Forbes, with researchers instead stressing the importance of regular movement.
“The number of steps you need to stay healthy varies depending on your age, fitness level or other health concerns,” the article reads. “Time constraints or other responsibilities can make high daily step counts unrealistic to maintain as well.”
Get on your feet
The right footwear is essential to ensuring comfort and preventing injury as you work toward your step goal. An article from Orthopedic ONE details how choosing the right pair of shoes can help you avoid common issues such as blisters, shin splints and arch pain. Dr. Scott E. Van Aman, a foot and ankle specialist with Orthopedic ONE, stresses the importance of properly fitted shoes to maintain foot health during extended periods of walking.
“Shoes should provide support for your foot’s unique structure, whether you have high arches, flat feet or any other specific needs,” he says.
For situations in which the right shoe alone is not enough, custom or over-thecounter foot inserts offer additional support, especially for individuals with foot-related conditions. Custom orthotics are individually molded to the foot, providing precise support tailored to each individual, while over-the-counter inserts offer a more affordable and convenient solution. CS
Katie Giffin is a contributing writer at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com
Where to Go
While bumping up that step count can lead to positive health benefits, that doesn’t have to mean adapting a cumbersome gym regimen. Incorporating walks into a regular routine can be a simple way to explore the community while elevating that heart rate.
Parks such as Highbanks Metro Park and Inniswood Metro Gardens offer a mix of inclined terrain and pastoral scenery for a more intense stroll, while parks such as Glacier Ridge Metro Park and Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park offer pathways through wetlands and scenic foliage.
For a more aquatic route, explore the Scioto Mile, Griggs Park, Buckeye Lake, Alum Creek State Park or Bridge Park in Dublin. To add a social element, try joining a walking club or use walks as a time to catch up on missed phone calls. For those crunched for time, an under-the-desk walking pad could be a way to bump up that step count during business hours.
Did you know?
According to an article from Harvard, the “10,000 steps a day” rule originates from a Japanese marketing plan to sell pedometers, and the guideline gained popularity from there.
Smart Sipping Breaking down how the body uses liquid nutrients
By Katie Giffin
Juicecleanses, meal replacement shakes, water-fasting: All of these liquid diets promise to jumpstart a healthy lifestyle. Some see opting for a liquid meal over a solid meal as a weight loss shortcut, but not all liquids are created equal.
According to an article from the Cleveland Clinic, liquifying food changes the way the body processes the nutrients, resulting in some foods losing their health benefits while others gain them.
Digestive difference
When the body digests solid food, it is able to process more of the food’s nutrients, causing it to feel satiated for longer.
A big part of this feeling of fullness is fiber, which slows down digestion and minimizes the impact of sugar on the bloodstream. When foods such as fruits and vegetables are juiced, the body no longer has access to that fiber and the sugar goes straight to the bloodstream, resulting in a blood sugar spike.
“Up to 90 percent of fiber is removed during the juicing process, depending on the juicer,” reads an article from Healthline. “Some soluble fiber will remain, but the majority of insoluble fiber is removed.”
Choosing juice over solid food could also mean an increase in carbohydrates and sugar.
“An eight-ounce glass of orange juice has 112 calories, 16 ounces has 224 calories and an actual orange has only 36 calories,” reads an article from New Mexico-based Lovelace Health System.
On the other hand, according to a study from the National Library of Medicine, adults who regularly drank fruit juice over the course of 14 weeks saw an increase in beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium and folate levels in the bloodstream.
When choosing between juice or whole foods, a useful guideline is to consider the color of the juice. If the color of the juice matches that of the whole food, it likely retains a good amount of its original antioxidants and vitamins.
Beyond the blender
Juice isn’t the only form of liquid calories. Smoothies and meal replacement shakes are also popular ways to get nutrients on the go.
According to an article from Livestrong, smoothies maintain the health benefits of solid foods because the entirety of the fruit or vegetable stays in the drink. Additionally, the body can absorb the nutrients in the smoothie more easily because blending the food helps to break down the cell walls.
Meal replacement shakes offer a quick boost of fiber and protein, though they’re not necessarily recommended as a sustained habit.
“A liquid meal is not only less satiating than a solid meal, but also, levels of the hunger-hormone ghrelin were lower after study participants ate a solid meal as opposed to a liquid meal,” reads an article from LiveScience CS
Katie Giffin is a contributing writer at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com
YOUR HEALTH
Keeping Kids Active
The evolution of the President’s Fitness Test from Cold War concerns to holistic health
By Ella Jay
Many may recall – perhaps with dread – participating in a national physical fitness testing program in gym class. That program was known as the President’s Fitness Test, or the President’s Challenge, and was introduced by President Dwight D. Eisenhower during the Cold War.
The program’s development began in 1956 after a concerning study on America’s youth caught Eisenhower’s attention. The Kraus-Weber test and comparative study found that 58 percent of American youth failed at least one of six mobility tests administered. In stark contrast, only 8.7 percent of European children failed at least one test.
Driven by national defense fears, Eisenhower then created the President’s Council on Youth Fitness to address America’s fitness gap. Within a year, the council developed a plan of action and unveiled the first youth fitness test standards. The original test consisted of a shuttle run, a 50-yard dash, pull-ups, sit-ups, a standing broad jump and a softball throw. Not long after, the council added a 600-yard runwalk and three aquatic tests.
Eisenhower’s successor, President John F. Kennedy, made changes to the program after taking office. He changed the name of the council to the President’s Council on Physical Fitness to broaden its focus. Inspired by Kennedy’s own vigorous physical activity, the program began to encourage Americans of all ages to remain active and healthy.
When President Lyndon B. Johnson took office, he renamed the council again and implemented the President’s Physical Fitness Award. The awards were given to
students who scored in the 85th percentile or higher in the Fitness Test.
By 1976, the council had also made the following alterations to the Fitness Test:
• The softball throw was removed
• Modified girls’ pull-ups were replaced with flexed arm hangs
• Sit-ups were changed to timed, flexedleg sit-ups
• The longer runs became optional
That updated version of the test remained widely implemented through 2011. In 2012, President Barack Obama’s administration rebranded the program and made changes to adopt a more holistic approach.
Rather than focusing on individual exceptionalism, the program now encourages
growth on the individual level. While it still includes a physical fitness test (the FitnessGram), the modified program has placed much more of an emphasis on the educational aspects of healthy living instead.
These holistic changes were much appreciated by children and educators alike as some kids found it embarrassing or anxiety-inducing to participate in the Fitness Test beside their peers. Additionally, teachers came to appreciate the new follow-up plan approach that helped improve a child’s health, something the old program was missing. CS
Ella Jay is an assistant editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at ejay@cityscenemediagroup.com
The Ultimate Power Move
Improving total body health through push-ups, one rep at a time
By Katie Giffin
Whether you’re building strength at the beginning of a fitness journey or striving to improve endurance for your existing athletic pursuits, incorporating push-ups into your regular workout regimen offers benefits beyond merely building muscle.
Used by everyone, from casual athletes to military trainees, the humble push-up has been part of fitness regimens for decades –and, in some parts of the world, centuries.
One prominent use of the exercise is as a marker for combat readiness in the U.S. Military. The Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) requires participants, ages 17-21, to complete a minimum of 42 push-ups for men and 19 for women. The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) requires a variation known as the Hand Release Push-Up, in which the hands are lifted off the ground at the top of the push-up, adding an element of explosive power to the exercise.
Examples such as these show that pushups don’t just strengthen the upper body; they also strengthen the heart. According to an article from Harvard Health, there’s a relationship between ability to perform push-ups and lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
“Men who could complete at least 40 push-ups over 30 seconds had a significantly lower risk of heart attack, heart failure or other cardiovascular problems over the next 10 years compared with men who were able to complete less than 10,” the article reads.
Push-ups can also help improve functional movements and reduce the risk of injuries, particularly in the shoulders.
An exercise gold mine
The beauty of the push-up lies in its simplicity and ability to engage multiple muscle groups. Once thought of primarily as a chest exercise, the push-up is actually a compound movement that targets a variety of muscles throughout the body.
When you perform a push-up, the primary muscle worked is the pectoralis major, the large chest muscle that controls both the descent and the push back up, while the pectoralis minor stabilizes the shoulder blades. The triceps support the torso and assist in pushing the body upward while the anterior deltoids (front shoulder muscles) stabilize the shoulders during the descent and assist in drawing the arms in towards the chest. Core muscles, particularly the abdominals, also play a vital role in maintaining a straight spine and providing overall support throughout the movement.
Fun Fact
Pop Laurentiu of Romania holds the Guinness World Record for most push-ups in one hour at 3,378 push-ups, an average of 57 per minute.
Find your perfect push-up
Versatility is another advantage of the push-up. There are countless variations of the exercise, each designed to target specific muscle groups or offer a different challenge. Here are some of the most popular types of push-ups:
Knee Push-Ups: A modified version for beginners or those with limited upper body strength.
Wall Push-Ups: Performed standing against a wall; ideal for building up strength before progressing to the floor.
Incline and Decline Push-Ups: These variations involve adjusting the feet or hands to set the body at an angle to target different parts of the chest and shoulders.
Wide Push-Ups: Placing the hands wider than the shoulders, this variation targets the chest and shoulders.
Weighted Push-Ups: Adding resistance to increase the difficulty and build more muscle.
One-Arm Push-Ups: A challenging variation that works the chest, shoulders and core even more intensely.
Clap Push-Ups: A plyometric version that adds explosive power, helping to develop speed and strength.
Narrow Push-Ups: With the elbows tucked into the upper body, this variation targets the triceps. CS
Katie Giffin is a contributing writer at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.
Timing is Everything
When you eat may matter just as much as what you eat
By Katie Giffin
For many, the new year means eating healthier and moving more. While finding a new diet is one way to kickstart a healthier lifestyle, research suggests being healthy is not just about what you eat, but when you eat.
Understanding chrononutrition
The field of chrononutrition addresses how the circadian rhythm interacts with eating patterns.
Research shows that eating at irregular intervals has a negative impact on the body’s ability to process nutrients, such as sugars and fats, and disrupts our internal timing.
“When the circadian clock gets off schedule, a person may use fewer calories,” reads an article published by John Hopkins University. “Eating meals at the wrong time can lead to weight gain, even if energy intake is not increased.”
This is why eating a nutrient-heavy meal in the morning has been shown to have positive effects.
According to an article from Health, research suggests that morning eaters are at a lower risk of heart attacks and strokes. In fact, the article recommends getting 75 percent of your daily calories before 4 p.m. and eating a light dinner, aiming for a protein-heavy breakfast and big lunch.
Dangers of late-night eating
Late-night snacking, studies suggest, is to be avoided.
The body releases hormones anytime food is consumed, so if food is regularly eaten at times when that energy is not being used up – such as the evenings – it can have negative effects.
An increase in appetite and impaired metabolic functions are among some of
the possible effects of late-night snacking.
Eating earlier keeps blood glucose levels lower, which, in turn, means lower risk of diabetes and obesity.
According to an article from Verywell Health, shortening the eating time frame down to 10-11 hours in a day, as opposed to 13-17 hours, is one
Meal timing recommendations
way to help the circadian rhythm return to its natural function. So if you eat your breakfast at 7 a.m., try to eat dinner at 5 p.m. CS
Katie Giffin is a contributing writer at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com
Breakfast: Kickstart your day with a high-protein breakfast, such as yogurt with fruit and nuts or oatmeal. For added fiber and nutrients, include a whole fruit snack post-breakfast.
Lunch: It is best to avoid lunches rich in refined grains, solid fats and added sugars. Instead, opt for a fruit-based meal that includes whole grains, fruits, yogurt and nuts. Research suggests that this kind of lunch can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Dinner: For dinner, focus on a vegetable-based meal. Incorporating vegetables and legumes has been linked to a reduction in cardiovascular disease-related deaths.
Snacking: If you find yourself craving a snack, avoid starchy foods such as potatoes, pasta or fast food. Studies show a 50 percent increased risk of early death linked to consuming starchy snacks post-meal. Instead, opt for a fresh fruit or vegetable before bed.
The French Connection Golf course home in French country style undergoes complete overhaul
By Garth Bishop
Photos courtesy of Nth Degree
New wall and ceiling surfaces. Overhauled landscaping and exterior elements. New exercise and steam rooms. Two top-to-bottom kitchen remodels, with one of the original kitchens relocated to the basement.
When you’re doing a comprehensive renovation of an 8,000-square-foot home, you’re going to have a lot of highlights to choose from, and that’s certainly the case with this expansive Jefferson Township home.
The six-bedroom, six-and-a-half-bathroom house – located on a double lot overlooking the Jefferson Country Club golf course – is designed in the modern French country house style. The seven-month remodel project, completed by Nth Degree, was finished this past May.
“We call this our inspiration house,” says Tina Trombley, marketing manager for Nth Degree. “We try to do one per year.”
Built in 1990, the house has a great floor plan, structure and location, says Neal Hauschild, owner of Nth Degree. It had been maintained well, but never updated. And its sheer size meant that the updates had to be extensive.
“The house just needed to be brought back to life. It had a lot of potential,” Hauschild says. “We decided to keep the basic country French feel, but add modern elements: modern light fixtures, countertops, tile selections.”
Kitchens
For someone walking through the new and improved house, the first area to grab their attention would likely be the kitchen, Hauschild says. Previously, it was very dark and closed off, but now, a reconfigured floor plan has opened it up to the rest of the house, including the dining area
and family room. New tile and countertop selections brightened up the space significantly, he says.
Perhaps the most immediately visible addition is the new kitchen island, featuring a quartz countertop with a waterfall edge containing a wormy maple inlay. The wood choice plays into the house’s emphasis on original woodwork, including old, hand-hewn barn beams for structural support and visual appeal. Nth Degree maintained all the existing doors, which were made of natural wormy chestnut.
“The countertop with the wood piece flowing off the side is something that everyone comments on,” say homeowners Bill and Trish Jordan. “It’s totally unique.”
Other highlights of the new kitchen include:
• A custom range hood with brushed gold details, which are used throughout the kitchen
• Oversized cabinet handles
• All-new appliances
• A new AGA range
• Old-world vintage light fixtures
• New tiling
“The tile is actually a natural marble, and then it has inlaid brass … pieces in it,” says Hauschild. “It gave it a modern feel, but with old-world materials: natural marble, natural brass.”
Connected to the main kitchen is a messy kitchen, frequently used by cater-
ers, that incorporates the pantry as well as a laundry room. A full washer and dryer are hidden behind cabinet doors, and the large kitchen island can double as a folding table. The space also sports a full-size oven and microwave, and oversized refrigerator and freezer and an additional dishwasher.
Lower level
Though the main kitchen looks brand new, the old kitchen is still in the house; it’s just moved. Nth Degree relocated many of the original kitchen elements to the house’s lower level, adding new countertops but keeping most of the cabinets.
The original cabinets are made of wormy chestnut, a material that’s considerably rarer today than it was in the early 1990s, and it was well worth the effort to hold onto them, Hauschild says.
“We reconfigured the space down in the lower level, so it’s not the same layout,” he says.
Adjacent to the downstairs kitchen is a sitting area highlighted by a 14-foot wine wall that can hold up to 1,000 bottles, as well as a colossal set of bookshelves clocking in at about 20 linear feet. That’s in addition to a reading nook and an 85-inch mounted TV.
“That whole space was built for entertaining,” Hauschild says.
The flooring in the sitting area is engineered hardwood in a herringbone pattern. Remodelers generally advise against wood flooring in basements, Hauschild says, but the company used a specialized mastic adhesive to form a waterproof barrier, which will prevent damage from moisture.
As part of the renovation, Nth Degree utilized some of the basement’s unfinished space to add an exercise room and a full bathroom including a steam room. The walls and floors in the steam room are 4-foot-by-4-foot 3D printed tile in a striking visual pattern.
“It was a dramatic teal and natural-looking onyx-type material, but it was porcelain tile,” says Hauschild.
More interior work
Another big change is visible all throughout the house: the new(ish) walls. It was built with stucco walls, keeping with
the country French feel of plaster walls as opposed to drywall, and the company wanted to keep that feel. So, to improve the look – as the heavily textured stucco had absorbed decades of dust and dirt – the company added a thin coat of plaster over it to smooth the walls out.
All the house’s bedrooms and bathrooms saw changes as well.
In the master suite, the company reduced the size of the bathroom to dedicate more space to the closet. A system of hydraulic pull-downs makes it easy to access everything.
“Because there were high ceilings in that closet, we were able to get three levels of hanging,” Hauschild says.
For the shower walls and the flooring around the tub, the bathroom incorporates the same type of 3D-printed tiles as in the steam room, with laser-cut natural marble for the flooring. The whole space utilizes universal design for accessibility.
Also in the newly renovated upstairs are:
• An in-law suite with a connected bathroom, a sitting area a few stairs down from the bed and a huge round chandelier
• Custom window treatments to fit the arched doors and windows
• Light fixtures equipped with hidden fans in multiple bedrooms
“The light fixtures really make the house,” say the Jordans. “They are all unique and make a statement.”
Exterior
Nth Degree didn’t just freshen up the interior of the house. The exterior, Hauschild says, was still sporting early 1990s
color palettes – think shades of yellow and sea foam green – so his team gave it a finish that’s closer to taupe or beige, with dark espresso trim.
The house’s existing patios underwent facelifts as well. The patios were releveled and overlaid with new, lower-maintenance materials. Nth Degree added a sizable grill as well, but maintained the existing perennial gardens, as the look of the gardens is consistent with the home’s style.
Concrete pavers were deteriorating, with weeds growing through them, so Nth Degree replaced them with porcelain tile designed to look like natural travertine. The company then added artificial turf to create a checkerboard pattern.
The company also updated the wood siding on the screened porch, adding old barn wood and restaining it. A gas fireplace and a mounted TV were added for functionality.
The house appeared on the NARI of Central Ohio Tour of Remodeled Homes this past August. CS
Garth Bishop is a contributing editor. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.
Worldly Well-Being
Local and international wellness retreats to visit and get refreshed
By Maggie Lardie
Photos courtesy of the retreats
WHETHER IT’S A powerment retreat or something in between, wellness tourism – travel that prioritizes physical and mental well-being by focus ing on both internal and external relaxation – is on the rise.
Keep it in the Country
Don’t feel like packing a passport? These options are all within the U.S.
The Ashram – Calabasas, CA
If you’re looking to tone your body and reconnect with your inner-self, The Ashram is the place for you. Located near the Santa Monica Mountains, this seven-day retreat includes daily hikes and fitness classes paired with organically grown meals and massage therapy. Experience the sunrise in a one-of-a-kind geodesic dome, where a yoga class is held every morning. While most of the two-story space is shared among the guests, each traveler is given their own private bedroom for the duration of their stay. This program has been visited by countless celebrities, in-
cluding Cindy Crawford, Gwyneth Paltrow and Oprah.
Springwater Center – Springwater, NY
Choose between an all-day, weekend or seven-day retreat in the Finger Lakes region of western New York, about an hour south of Rochester. At Springwater, you’ll partake in a peaceful, meditative experience that allows for both internal and external reflection. The retreat provides an organic, locally sourced lunch five days a week and provides guests with a kitchen where they can make their other meals. Days consist of sitting, walking, meditating, engaging in group dialogue and resting. It’s the perfect destination for those who are looking for a break from busy lives.
The Lodge at Woodloch – Hawley, PA
Get in touch with your creative side at The Lodge at Woodloch, which offers more than 50 classes every day, each allowing travelers to explore what they’re passionate about. Classes range from activities that will get you up and moving – such as archery, hiking and hatchet throwing – to more relaxing ones such as wine tasting, splash dancing and watercolor painting. Food is locally grown, and guests can even have a hand in picking it through a gardening class. All rooms include a private veranda overlooking either a rock garden waterfall or a private wooded lake with more than 500 acres of woodland surroundings to see and explore.
The Ashram
Springwater Center
The Lodge at Woodloch
Adventure Abroad
For those who seek refuge out-of-country
Camp Château – Béduer, France
This women’s retreat can be found in the Quercy region of France, an area known for its quaint villages and spectacular stargazing opportunities. Here, you’ll spend one week in a hilltop castle where you can choose as many as eight instructed activities to take part in each day. Create friendships with other campers while taking classes such as photography, candle-making, stargazing and cheese-tasting. You’ll have the option of staying in a château or a glamping tent, depending on your privacy preferences. Inside the château, you’ll find cozy common rooms and classrooms decorated in an elegant, home-like fashion.
Blue Lagoon – Grindavík, Iceland
This 60-suite hotel is known for its award-winning dining and subterranean spa. What sets it apart, though, is the private lagoon located just outside. The lagoon caters to those who seek adventure as well as relaxation, offering the chance to explore lava canyons while absorbing the healing minerals from the geothermally heated water. The hotel
restaurants to choose from, each offering a diverse variety of dishes.
Amansala – Tulum, Mexico
If you’re looking for a retreat from the cold weather, this might be the place for you. Amansala has a selection of six-day retreats for you to choose from, depending on what you’re looking for. Fitness lovers will find the Bikini Bootcamp fulfilling, as it features Pilates, yoga, walks on the beach and healthful eating. Those searching for a more relaxing experience might prefer the Restore n Renew pro gram, which offers a toneddown version of these ac tivities. Guests will find unique ways to relax through Amansala’s Mayan clay treat ments, tours of local sites and tastings of authentic
cuisine. The smooth cement, Mayan stone and centuries-old wooden columns set the accommodations apart. CS
Maggie Lardie is an editorial asistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.
Camp Château
Amansala
Blue Lagoon
Bringing the Renaissance to Columbus
Hilliard-based artist redefines female narratives
By Maggie Lardie
Photos courtesy of Cassidy Boyuk
AFTER SPENDING FOUR years abroad at the Florence Academy of Art, Cassidy Boyuk found her voice as an artist to be in direct contrast to the work of many old masters.
As the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is overflowing with artistry, yet Boyuk quickly noticed a common theme.
“Seeing how historically male-dominated classical training is, it was really important to me to take some of that technique that I learned and apply it to paintings that center a female perspective,” she says.
A specialist in portraiture and still-life, Boyuk is grateful to have been born in an age in which women have access to artistic training. By centralizing women in her work, Boyuk hopes to convey the perspectives history has ignored for centuries.
“I feel very called to portray women from a female perspective, to really show them as more than just something pretty to look at, the way the old masters do, but as people with real complexity and layers,” she says. “There’s a lot to explore there.”
Boyuk has continued to explore the female experience since returning to her hometown of Hilliard in 2021. One of her most recent projects involves reexamining popular Greek myths through a feminist lens.
By focusing on the viewpoint of the female mythological figures instead of the popular narrative, Boyuk calls for her
viewers to see humanity within them. Boyuk feels especially passionate about the topic of bodily autonomy in her most recent work, which features the transformation of Daphne, a naiad who was turned into a laurel tree after spurning the advances of Apollo.
“I wanted to talk about the self-determination and the agency of Daphne and the choice to change out of the form of a woman because she doesn’t feel safe in a woman’s body anymore,” Boyuk says.
Each of the portraits in Boyuk’s mythology series began as a portrait of one of her friends, she says.
“I have really amazing and inspiring women in my life who I love to collaborate with on these things because they always bring a different perspective, and their own self-expression is important to capture,” says Boyuk.
Boyuk appreciates the close network of female artists she’s found in Columbus.
“Seeing them succeed makes me want to keep going,” Boyuk says. “Community is really instrumental to what I do.” CS
Maggie Lardie is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.
“I feel very called to portray women from a female perspective, to really show them as more than just something pretty to look at.”
Left: Jes, as Circe Poisoning the Sea
Right: Clara, in Green
ON VIEW Dates and shows are subject to change. Visit the websites for more information.
Gallery Exhibits
Adamah Ceramics Gallery: Cory Mahoney & Morgan Rose Free. Mahoney’s sculptural work explores the versatility of clay through functional objects and Free’s work considers ideas around our current climate crisis, loss, desire and our preoccupation with consumption. Open through Jan. 16. Short Stories Expressing the artist’s, Jim Bowling, personal history as a gay man, and reconciling the contentious relationship LGBTQIA+ people often have with their own bodies. Open Jan. 22-Feb. 26. www.adamahceramics.com
Columbus Museum of Art: Christopher Cozier: All around us – elsewheres are beginnings and endings. Cozier focused on the human labor undergirding the United Arab Emirates’ economic boom, recognizing a kinship between migrant workers in Sharjah and the enslaved and indentured people who formerly worked the sugar plantations of the Caribbean. Transcendence and August Moon.
Ming Smith was a pioneering photographer from Columbus and the first Black female photographer to have work acquired by the Museum of Modern Art in 1979. Fragments of Epic Memory. Explore the Caribbean and its diaspora, placing historical documents in dialogue with an immersive array of contemporary art. All open through Jan. 26. www. columbusmuseum.org
Decorative Arts Center: The Nearest Far Away Place. Ohio’s painters, makers and their mentors. Open Jan. 25-April 27. www.decartsohio.org
Dublin Art Council Gallery: Emerging 2025. A juried exhibition for grades K-12 that nurtures the next generation of artists by helping students gain valuable hands-on experience. Open Jan. 11-Feb. 27. www.dublinarts.org
Hayley Gallery: Best of Hayley Gallery. The best of the best, with more than 25
Adamah Ceramics Gallery
Mac Worthington Studio & Gallery
Dublin Art Council Gallery
pieces on display. Open Jan. 25-Feb. 17.
Jurate Phillips & Clyde Henry. Local Lithuanian artists Jurate Philips and Clyde Henry – who are also award-winning architects, writers and artists – present works inspired by their childhood settings. Open Feb. 22-March 17. www.localohioart.com
Loann Crane Gallery: BEYOND TRADITION: Indigenous art of central Ohio. Curated by Juan Daza, Indigo Gonzales and Dexter Komakaru. Open through Jan. 31. www.gcac.org
Mac Worthington Studio & Gallery: Abstract Western Landscapes. Expressionist paintings by Mac Worthington. Open Jan. 3-Feb. 28. www.macworthington.com
Marcia Evans Gallery: Artful Holiday Gifts. Open through Jan. 27. Veena Bansal & Becky Evans. Open Feb. 1-March 31. www.marciaevansgallery.com
McConnell Arts Center: Monochromia. Steven Elbert’s work comes in various media such as painting, drawing, printmaking, photography and pinhole photography. Workscapes (2014-Present). Sharone Putter’s art highlights worksites and nondescript events by the side of the road through a semi-abstract lens. Both open through Jan. 16. Where Life Is Precious Life Is Precious. Kirsta Niemie Benedetti captures the vibrancy and value of incarcerated women through portraiture and interactive storytelling installations. Home Free: Ohio Artists Envision Prison Abolition. Returning
Hayley Gallery
McConnell Arts Center
Artists Guild members explore the conditions, creative expression and aesthetic practices of Ohio artists directly impacted by the criminal legal system. Both open Jan. 23-March 20. www.mcconnellarts.org
Ohio Craft Museum: For The Love of Clay: A Potter’s Perspective. This exhibition, made up of pieces from local ceramist Tim Frederich’s collection, features nearly 100 ceramic works. Open Feb. 8-March 29. www.ohiocraft.org
OSU Faculty Club Art Gallery: A Seat at the Table – Honoring Black Creativity and History. An invitational exhibit in honor of Black History Month, curated by Arris Cohen. Open Jan. 6-March 3. www. ohio-statefacultyclub.com
Riffe Gallery: It’s an Honor to Be Here. Ohio nature artists in their natural state. Open Jan. 25-April 4. www.oac.ohio.gov/riffe-gallery
Schumacher Gallery: The Perfect Shot: Walter Iooss Jr. and the Art of Sports Photography. This exhibition takes visitors through some of the most inspiring moments in sports history through Iooss’ photography. Open Jan. 20-April 5 (closed March 1-9). www.capital.edu/student-life/ arts-and-culture/schumacher-gallery
Sean Christopher Gallery: Phases. Multidisciplinary collaborative installation by Nikki and Matt Swift. Open Jan. 2-18. 2025 Fourteenth Annual Young Hearts Juried Exhibition. Featuring works by select CCAD art students. Open Feb. 1-22. www.seanchristophergallery.com
Sharon Weiss Gallery: Salon Exhibits. Featuring new works by gallery artists. Open Jan. 1-Feb. 28. www.sharonweissgallery.com
Studios on High Gallery: Doodle Jewels. Jewelry artist and metalsmith Carole Bucklew’s freehand textural works fusing metals. Open Jan. 4-30. Flora. A fun, green exhibition, featuring not only cool plant art but the plant that inspired it. Open Feb. 1-27. www.studiosonhigh.com
Wexner Center of the Arts: Nancy Holt: Power Systems. Holt’s “Pipeline,” a site-responsive sculpture made of steel pipes, twists inside and outside the center’s lobby. Open through July 27. Outpost Office Wex-commissioned furniture installations by the Columbus-based practice led by Ashley Bigham and Erik Herrmann. Open through April 6. www.wexarts.org
Sharon Weiss Gallery
Ohio Craft Museum
Wild Goose Creative: Mia Smith and Tiffany Lawson. Artworks by Smith mainly consisting of ceramics, fiber and embroidery, as well as personal artifacts such as makeup wipes and hair clippings. Lawson presents a series of 50 compositions created on Rembrandt toned mixed media paper in Mystic Blue. Open Jan. 10-Feb. 4. Hassan Qureshi and Kellie Gedert. Wildlife paintings by Qureshi are captured in a high-contrast, vibrant and eye-drawing nature. Gedert’s work uses cyanotypes and mixed media to define what connection means to us as humans. Open Feb. 14-March 4. www.wild goosecreative.com CS
Find additional listings at www.cityscenecolumbus.com
on High Gallery
Photo: David Leyes
& Juliet
Picks&Previews
What to watch, what to watch for and what not to miss!
CAPA presents Fleetwood Gold: America’s Fleetwood Mac Experience
Jan. 3, 7:30 p.m.
Lincoln Theatre, 769 E. Long St.
This Fleetwood Mac tribute band covers everything from the group’s beginning to Stevie Nicks’ solo career. www.capa.com
Brick Fest Live
Jan. 4-5
Greater Columbus Convention Center, 400 N. High St.
This is the place for all things LEGO. Get the chance to see incredible LEGO models and build some of your own. This hands-on event also features mosaic art, derby races and floor puzzles. www.brick festlive.com
COSI presents COSI After Dark: The Art of Body Modifications
Jan. 9
COSI, 333 W. Broad St.
This exclusive adult event features many local tattoo shops and artists. Enjoy
a drink or two as you dive into learning about the art of body modifications. www.cosi.org
Broadway in Columbus presents Peter Pan Jan. 14-19
Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St.
This musical adaptation of this childhood tale you know and love is brought to you by playwright Larissa FastHorse. www. columbus.broadway.com
Relive one of music’s most iconic eras with a performance featuring the music of iconic artists such as Michael Jackson, Cyndi Lauper and George Michael. www. columbussymphony.com
Chamber Music Columbus presents Catalyst Quartet and Jordan Bak Jan. 18, 4 p.m.
Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St.
Guest violist Jordan Bak joins the globetrotting string quartet to perform works
Brick Fest Live
by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor and Antonín Dvoˇrák.
www.chambermusiccolumbus.org
Short North Stage presents Nine: The Musical
Jan. 23-Feb. 16
Garden Theater, 1187 N. High St.
Fans of Fellini’s 8½ will be delighted by this production, which follows a man navigating a midlife crisis as he’s haunted by women from his past and present. www. shortnorthstage.org
Columbus Golf Show
Jan. 24-26
Ohio Expo Center, Kasich Hall, 717 E. 17th Ave.
Meet local golf pros, shop for new equipment, work on your technique or play games to win prizes at this three-day event. www.columbusgolfshow.com
Disney On Ice: Frozen and Encanto
Jan. 30-Feb. 2
Nationwide Arena, 200 W. Nationwide Blvd.
Watch beloved Disney stories come to life through this magical production featuring characters such as Anna, Elsa and Mirabel. www.nationwidearena.com
Dancing with the Stars
Feb. 7, 7:30 p.m.
Mershon Auditorium, 1871 N. High St.
This entirely new show features fan favorite dancers Emma Slater, Alan Bersten, Brandon Armstrong and more. www. schottensteincenter.com
CAPA presents West Side Story
Feb. 13-16
Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St.
CAPA, Opera Columbus, BalletMet and the Columbus Symphony Orchestra combine forces to bring the work of Bernstein and Sondheim to life in this spectacular production. www.capa.com
Broadway in Columbus presents & Juliet
Feb. 18-23
Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St.
Discover what would happen to Juliet if she didn’t end things over Romeo in this hilariously refreshing new musical. www. columbus.broadway.com
Jeff Dunham: Artificial Intelligence Feb. 19, 7 p.m.
Nationwide Arena, 200 W. Nationwide Blvd.
Ventriloquist and stand-up performer Jeff Dunham returns to the stage with his clever comedy and energetic characters. www.nationwidearena.com
CAPA presents The Peking Acrobats Feb. 19, 7:30 p.m.
Davidson Theater, 77 S. High St.
Often accompanied by traditional Chinese instruments, the Peking Acrobats do everything from trick cycling to contor-
Peter Pan
Dancing with the Stars
The Peking Acrobats
Disney On Ice: Frozen and Encanto
MAGPIE
tion. The group has been featured in numerous television shows and films including Nickelodeon’s Unfabulous and Ocean’s Eleven. www.capa.com
McCoy Center for the Arts presents Howie Mandel Feb. 22, 8 p.m.
Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts, 100 E. Dublin-Granville Rd., New Albany
This 2025 Soirée event features wellknown comedian, game show host and celebrity judge Howie Mandel. www.mccoy center.org
The Arts Council of Westerville presents Westerball Feb. 22, 7-11 p.m.
