CityScene Magazine March/April 2023

1335 Dublin Rd., Suite 101C Columbus, Ohio 43215 614-572-1240 • Fax 614-572-1241 www.cityscenecolumbus.com

Kathleen K. Gill President/CEO

Gianna Barrett Vice President, Sales

Jamie Armistead Vice President, Operations

Dave Prosser

Chief Creative Officer

Rachel Karas, Tyler Kirkendall, Claire Miller Editors

Garth Bishop

Contributing Editor

Isabelle Fisher, Aaron Gilliam, Lucy Lawler

Editorial Assistants

Katie Giffin

Contributing Writer

Brandon Klein Digital Editor

Dan Nase, Laura Pappas Advertising Sales

Circulation 614-572-1240

The BOSS in the ‘Bus BOSS BOSS

By Tyler Kirkendall

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band return to Columbus on their first American tour in seven years

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band have been entertaining audiences in one form or another for over 50 years with no signs of slowing down. Regardless of personnel changes or which album they are touring, shows from the Boss and the band have been wowing audiences since the 1970s.

Springsteen began playing music as a teenager, moved by Elvis Presley’s iconic first performance on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1956. The way that Elvis moved and ignited the crowd gave Springsteen a glimpse of what being a rock star looked like.

Springsteen’s next big push in the music world came along with what he called “that snare shot that sounded like somebody kicked open the door to your mind,” describing Bob Dylan’s revolutionary single, “Like a Rolling Stone.”

Dylan’s guile served his unique writing and harsh vocal style alongside particularly bombastic instrumentation that was unlike anything young Springsteen had heard. The song came out when Springsteen was 16 and it cemented the idea in his head that rock ‘n’ roll was the only career path he could see.

Path to Stardom

Springsteen got his start performing in clubs all over New Jersey. He performed everywhere from high school dances to bars, finding the limelight to be an exhilarating new place to stand after being a social outcast for much of his upbringing.

During the first few years of live performances together, the E Street Band began to take shape in the early ’70s, after drummer Vini “Mad Dog” Lopez was replaced by Max Weinberg.

Weinberg, Steve Van Zandt, Gary Tallent, Dan Federici, Roy Bittan and Clarence Clemons was the line-up responsible for most of the band’s music from 1974-1984.

Springsteen’s first album with the E Street Band, Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J., was a quiet and stripped-back album that showed Columbia Records’ intention to groom Springsteen to be a smooth, hip Dylan mimic. Since this album hardly captured the energy of Springsteen’s prolific live shows, he fought back by putting as much of the band as possible in the group’s second album, The Wild, The Innocent, and the E Street Shuffle.

Born to Run, the ensemble’s third album, finally struck a balance between the band’s energy and Springsteen’s lyricism. Its 1975 release kicked off the most successful decade of Springsteen’s career.

The Limelight and Challenges

Darkness on the Edge of Town and The River were hit records, and the band was finally able to share its legendary performances with people all over the world.

Springsteen became a household name during this time, conquering towns across America with shows that could last hours and had a new setlist each night.

The band showcased an incredible talent for improvisation and consistency, as it (to this day) takes requests nightly, both from its own discography and from the American music canon.

Born in the U.S.A. would take the group’s fame to new heights, as Springsteen became a prominent leader of the stadium rock era of the mid-1980s. It would also usher in personnel issues that would result in Springsteen going solo for most of the next 15 years.

E Street would link back up with Springsteen for 2002’s The Rising, and the band has been on good terms and toured together ever since.

The next two decades offered fans a mixed bag from Springsteen, with each of his albums through the 2000s and 2010s featuring varying themes and levels of involvement from E Street Band members.

The group would continue to tour, never losing the energy and chemistry that made its live performances a nearly religious experience for fans who had followed for decades, or those new to Springsteen’s work.

Later Career

Springsteen takes his role as a spokesperson for the working man very seriously,

and has fleshed out plenty of takes on blue-collar American life since 2001.

The Rising album from 2002 covers tragedy, loss, loneliness and hope, which was what many Americans needed after the events of Sept. 11, 2001. The title track would become quite well known for its many uses, including being performed at former President Obama’s inauguration.

In 2007, Magic was released. It heavily featured the E Street Band and was seen as a return to rock ‘n’ roll form. Its sentimental songs about a bygone youth mesh with the rebellious, dystopian themes present in the album’s more urgent-sounding tracks.

In 2012, the band earned Rolling Stone’s Album of the Year honor with Wrecking Ball. This album explored the financial crisis of the years prior, with Springsteen harshly pointing a finger at bankers and offering stories of the oppressed working class.

Several years later he began Springsteen on Broadway, alongside the release of his autobiography, Born to Run. It would be a bittersweet dream come true for Springsteen fans clamoring for an intimate concert with the man himself, but this led to ticket prices often hovering just shy of $1,000.

Those curious can now very affordably experience Springsteen on Broadway on Netflix.

Springsteen is back with the band for the collective’s first tour in the States

since 2017. Since then, he has released three studio albums: Western Stars (2019), Letter to You (2020) and Only the Strong Survive (2022).

Nobody knows to what extent these works will be present in this year’s tour, but it is a guarantee that Springsteen will switch up the setlist each night.

He has honed his craft as a vocalist as he’s aged. He may not scream as much as he did in his teens and 20s, but he sings with more control than ever.

Notable E Street Band members will not be present, as saxophonist Clemons and organist Federici have both passed away since the band got back together in 2001.

The assembly onstage has changed for each tour over the last 20 years, but the core pieces of the E Street Band have stayed intact. Shows can still be three or more hours long and are as unique and impressive as ever.

Fans of the group’s iconic tracks are sure to be satiated, and longtime fans’ loyalty is always rewarded with surprise obscurities from Springsteen’s deep vault.

Springsteen’s performance with the E Street Band will take place at Nationwide Arena on March 9. CS

Tyler Kirkendall is an editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at tkirkendall@cityscenemediagroup.com

Photos by Danny Clinch

A Bitter Pill to Swallow

Experts from The James explain risks and treatments for esophageal cancer

By Claire Miller

D’Souza says. “However, if by chance someone is getting an upper endoscopy for, say, acid reflux or things like that, then you pick up early changes in the esophagus and you detect esophageal cancer early – like, early stage one –then there are these promising endoscopic techniques.”

The endoscopic techniques are not considered surgery; they’re performed with an endoscope, a camera that goes down into the esophagus. Cancerous nodules found this way can be removed with the endoscope. This technique is now the standard of care for early-stage esophageal cancer, but not every surgeon is able to perform the procedure, and it’s typically done in places with expertise in treating esophageal cancer.

APRIL IS ESOPHAGEAL Cancer Awareness Month.

Out of all the types of cancers diagnosed each year in the U.S., just 1 percent are esophageal cancers.

According to the American Cancer Society, about 21,560 new cases will be diagnosed in 2023. It’s estimated there will be 16,120 deaths, so, while esophageal cancer isn’t one of the most common, it is one of the more deadly.

“(It’s) unlike breast cancer, where you can get a mammogram, or colon cancer,

where you can get a colonoscopy, to get screened for those cancers,” says Desmond D’Souza, a thoracic surgeon at The Ohio State Comprehensive Cancer Center – James, “with esophageal cancer, there’s really no screening.”

This makes it difficult to catch in the early stages and increases its morbidity.

“The vast majority of (cases) are in later stages of cancer, in which case early therapies, which are very effective, are not an option because the cancer has already progressed,”

One of the reasons esophageal cancer tends to be missed in the early stages is because there often aren’t any symptoms until the tumor is large enough that it’s blocking off the esophagus and the patient has trouble swallowing. Other warning signs are unintentional weight loss, chest pain, hoarseness, blood in the stool and vomiting blood.

Not all risk factors can be prevented, such as those related to age and sex, but there are lifestyle changes that can be addressed or monitored.

For those at higher risk – people with obesity, long-standing acid flux disease or Barrett’s esophagus, in which acid reflux causes cells in the inner lining of the esophagus to change from normal to precancerous cells – upper endoscopies at regular intervals are recommended.

Esophageal cancer affects men more than women; the lifetime risk is 1 in 125 for men and 1 in 417 in women, according to the American Cancer Society.

There are two main types of esophageal cancer: adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Adenocarcinoma is seen in the bottom half of the esophagus, while squamous cell tends to occur in the upper half.

In the U.S., adenocarcinoma is more common. The primary risk factors are acid reflux disease and obesity, while the risk factors for squamous cell carcinoma are smoking, drinking alcohol and high salt diets, says Ning Jin, a medical oncologist on the esophageal cancer team at The James.

Most patients have locally advanced tumors, and the typical treatment requires chemotherapy and radiation. A recent advancement in medical treatment is adjuvant immunotherapy, which is additional therapy after surgery.

“Immunotherapy is offering great promise in treating esophageal cancer patients who underwent chemo radiation followed by surgery, and offers benefits in terms of prolonging so-called progression free survival, especially for patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma,” Jin says.

Esophageal cancer has historically been treated with a combination of chemotherapy, radiation and surgery, D’Souza says. In recent years, surgeons have switched to complex, but minimally invasive, robotic surgery, which is D’Souza’s focus of research.

They are able to perform an esophagectomy through a keyhole incision using a surgical robot called a DaVinci Robot, which results in less trauma and less pain for the patients.

Studies have suggested that diet plays an important role in prevention. A healthier lifestyle prevents obesity and improves even the microbes in the tumor microenvironment, Jin says. She recommends eating more vegetables, more omega-3 rich fatty acids and less red meat, as well as cutting down on alcohol and smoking.  CS

Sandwiches Take the Field Food Fight

By Rachel Karas

WHAT MAKES A sandwich a sandwich? You may think the answer is obvious, but in truth, there is a wide range of possible answers.

Is it just a lunch thing? Many would argue it isn’t, since a huge array of breakfast sandwiches have been created over the years.

Does it always have to contain meat and cheese? That would cut out countless options of delicious vegetarian and vegan sandwiches, let alone classics like peanut butter and jelly.

Aren’t all sandwiches served cold? some are, there are many that are made

The Classics

to be served piping hot and are enjoyed best that way.

No matter what is or isn’t a sandwich, per se, there are certainly plenty of impressive options of all types throughout central Ohio. Whether you’re looking for a classic gooey cheesesteak or a fig jam sandwich, Columbus has you covered.

Columbus Foodies, a social media

Cheesesteak

Of all the sandwiches mentioned, cheesesteaks were by far the most popular. With its iconic shaved steak, piping hot cheese and crisp fresh bun, what’s not to love?

One of the most popular cheesesteak locales in Columbus is a small shop across the street from Nationwide Arena on the corner of West Nationwide Boulevard and North Ludlow Street.

Chef and owner Stephan Madias opened Wario’s Beef and Pork in October 2020. Despite its neophyte status, Wario’s has already secured its spot as a Columbus staple.

The Steak, Wario’s take on the cheesesteak, has 8 ounces of shaved ribeye meat, served on a specially made semolina seeded roll with grilled onions and a sig nature house cheese sauce. If you’re feeling extra cheesy, ask for the Steak to be made “Wario’s Way,” and you’ll get some provolone and white American cheese added to the mix.

Chicken Sandwich

Looking for a good chicken sandwich that re-noallyletsthechickenbethestaroftheshow?Look LocatedfurtherthanJustChicken. on the corner of Oak Street and Kel-vatory,tonAvenue,rightbehindFranklinParkConserJustChickenbillsitselfas“allabouthav-ingfuninthekitchen.”

Its seven-item menu may be short on op-tions,butit’slongontheimportantpart:juicy, crispy chicken that keeps people coming back for more. The Just Chicken Sandwich features chicken tenders on a toasted focaccia bun, topped with housesignatureJustSauceandpickles. The company is expanding, with plans to add a new locaNewtionoffCentralCollegeRoadin Albany.

Gyro

For a traditional gyro with shaved lamb meat served on pita bread that is packed full of veggies, be sure to check out this family-run restaurant in Whitehall.

Just north of John Bishop Park, King Gyros has been serving up authentic Greek dishes – such as spanakopita, dol mades (stuffed grape leaves) and home made baklava – since it opened in 1991.

Owner Yianni Chalkias took over the restaurant in 1992 when his parents re tired and led the business through many changes, including a complete renovation in 2011-2012.

While the King offers many options, its traditional gyros are a highlight, with a range of meat and topping options. Every traditional gyro is served with shredded lettuce, diced onion, diced tomato and King’s famous gyro sauce.

Cuban (El Cubano)

Another kind of authentic cultural cui sine can be found on Sawmill Road (not Sawmill Parkway!) in Powell, as well as at North Market Bridge Park.

Pablo’s Havana Cafe serves a variety of appetizers, sandwiches and other Cuban dishes such as chicharrones, empanadas, palomilla and ropa vieja. Every item is made from recipes that have been passed down for five generations.

With its tried-and-true traditional creations, it’s not hard to see why its El Cubano is highly regarded.

The sandwich starts with authentic white Cuban bread that is topped

Italian Sub

Sometimes, you just have a craving for agoodItaliansub.Thekindwithfreshdelimeats andtoppedwithcrispveggiesanddousedinvinegar Theoil.India

Oak Bar and Grill, according to Columbus Foodies, is the perfect place to satisfythiscraving.

On Indianola Avenue in Clintonville, India Oak has burgers, pitas and even hot dogs, but its Italian subisasurprisingstandout. The sandwich features a fulfilling stack of hot ham and hard salami with provolone cheese. On top of that, India Oak adds a mound of veggies including lettuce, onion, tomato and banana peppers, with a hearty serving of Italian dressing totopitalloff.

Did you know?

Ever wonder where the word sandwich comes from? In the 1700s, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, John Montagu, asked for his roast beef to be put between two slices of bread so he would not get his hands dirty while playing cards.

with roasted pork and sweet honey ham. Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard are added to give that familiar

tang and bite to the sandwich, which is finished off by being pressed into a panini.

A little outside the loaf

A Twist on the Classics

Manchurian Chicken Sandwich

For a fun twist on the traditional chicken sandwich, Joya’s has

Located in Old Worthington, this Bengali-American style café offers a fusion of tastes, including a wide variety of coffees and teas alongside some

The Crispy Chicken Manchurian Sandwich is Joya’s take on a traditional chicken sandwich. With chicken that is brined in chai, fried twice and smothered with a Manchurian glaze, this mouthwatering sandwich is topped off with a tangy slaw,

Although a bagel joint may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think

Salmon Cheesesteak

A popular stop for many craving a classic Philly-style cheesesteak, Marlow’s Steaks neverdisappoints.

streetsLocatedonthecornerofNorthHighandTown intheheartofGahanna,Marlow’saimsto“bringthetasteofPhilly”tocentralOhio. Whileitofferscountlesswaystocustomizeorders,thereisonesandwichthatcan’tbe foundanywhereelse.

The Parkside Salmon Cheesesteak is Marlow’s take on the Philly classic, but with grilled salmon. It’s served with sauteed mushrooms, onions, hot peppers and yourchoiceofcheese. Be warned though, this fishy sub is only offered on select days, so be sure to check out Marlow’s social mediapagesbeforeyouvisit.

The Cuban includes roast pork, housemade ham, pickles, Swiss cheese and sauce to top it off. With four bagel flavors – everything, plain, sea salt and herb, and sesame – there are many ways to customize not just the Cuban, but almost any offer-

Located on East William Street around the corner from the Delaware County District Library, the tall, red brick exterior of the Rutherford Cafe is hard to miss.

Although New York style-bagels are a specialty of the Cafe – with five different options, including a Black Russian – its long list of lunch sandwiches is not to be outshined.

Countless unique sandwiches and toppings can be found, such as Hot Pepper Peach Jam and Candied Jalapeno Relish, but the Cafe’s take on an Italian sub

The Italian Hero is filled with hard salami, pepperoni and ham, and don’t forget the lettuce, tomato, onion and pepper rings that are stacked in there. Served on a ciabatinni roll and topped with a garlic parmesan sauce, this sandwich is well worth making the trip to Delaware.

Buffalo Gyro

While this Chicago-style eatery serves traditional Italian beef sandwiches, gyros and hot dogs, there are a few hidden gems on Loops’ menu that may surprise you.

On the corner of Northwest Boulevard and King Avenue, just north of Grandview Heights, Loops is known to many in and outside of Columbus after being feaDiners, Drive-ins and Dives.

For those looking for a fresh take on the traditional Greek sandwich, Loops offers a Buffalo gyro. Made with fresh carved gyro meat and chicken coated in a Buffalo sauce, it is topped with lettuce, tomatoes and buttermilk ranch and served in pita.

Undeniably Unique

More one-of-a-kind sandwiches were recommended than any other, and while we can’t list every single one, here is a list of some of the most popular and highly recommended:

The Brown Bag Deli: Village Addiction

While there are many unique options at this German Village staple – with 16 different sandwiches listed – the Village Addiction is not easy to forget.

A grilled sourdough bun is topped with smoked turkey havarti cheese and cranberry mayonnaise that cuts through the creaminess of the cheese, while not sticking out too much.

Katzinger’s Delicatessen: Be’s Bustling Birdwich

Another German Village highlight, Katzinger’s has its fair share of unique and quirky menu items. Though the deli has added a Dublin location in recent years, Be’s Bustling Birdwich is only available in German Village.

Listed as one of Katzinger’s “Top 5,” this sandwich is served grilled on rye bread with oven-roasted turkey breast, Swiss cheese and creamy coleslaw with a tangy Russian dressing coating everything.

Paris Banh Mi: Grilled Pork Sandwich

Having just arrived in the Dublin area in late 2022, Paris Banh Mi is bringing its own unique take on a Vietnamese-style sandwich to central Ohio.

Also known as a Bánh Mì Thịt Nướng, this sandwich is served on an authentic French baguette and filled to the brim with grilled pork, jalapeño peppers, cucumber, pickled daikon and carrot, then topped with mayonnaise and cilantro.

Frank & Carl’s: Tizzlesticks

Sitting in Bridge Park in Dublin, Frank & Carl’s grabs your attention with its open bar feel and your tastebuds with its unique offers.

The Tizzlesticks sandwich may sound simple with its roast beef and provolone combo that is topped with lettuce, tomato and mayo, but it’s the addition of a bright chimichurri sauce adds an herbaceous and spicy kick.

Uptown Deli and Brew: Figaboudit

Located in the heart of Uptown Westerville, Uptown Deli and Brew offers a wide array of sandwiches ranging from the classics to more unconventional and creative options.

The Figaboudit gets its name from fig jam, and is served on grilled ciabatta with prosciutto, goat cheese and fresh arugula. This creative assortment of flavors aligns perfectly for a unique blend of robust, fresh tastes and textures. CS

Uptown Deli and Brew

Paris Banh Mi

Rachel Karas is an editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at rkaras@cityscenemediagroup.com.

Sophisticated Service

Columbus Metropolitan Library celebrates 150 years serving central Ohio

By Tyler Kirkendall

Photos courtesy of Columbus Metropolitan Library

IF YOU THINK your local branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library is merely a place to pick up a book and sit quietly, then let this be the year you catch up with the magnificent resources a free library card unlocks.

In 1873, the library, or “reading room” as it was called then, opened on the first floor of Columbus City Hall. At maximum capacity, 1,500 books lined the walls, necessitating a move to 96 S. Grant Ave. – which remains the home of the library’s main branch.

The Carnegie Public Library was dedicated in 1907 after steel industrialist Andrew Carnegie donated $150,000 with the stipulation that the city would put forth $20,000 a year for maintenance and upkeep. The striking façade of the original structure is still fully intact.

Within the Carnegie-funded portion of the Main Library, there are now rotating

exhibits of visual art by esteemed artists from around the world. The beautiful marble and tiling are more than 100 years old.

Changes and New Offerings

The library now has 23 locations throughout central Ohio, with each offering interlibrary loans so readers can get their preferred media from a local branch

or from hundreds of partnered locations across the country. E-books are among the online resources that can get users in touch with the past, present and future of human knowledge.

The library’s mission is to ensure everybody in the region has access to the resources they need to be an educated citizen, says Dorcas Taylor Jones, library communications manager.

“(For library branches) it’s not a onesize-fits-all,” says Jones. “Being a 21st-century library is a phrase that our CEO has coined. We understand that our community’s needs change, and there are branches located in different areas of the city. … As we continue to examine where people are living, whether through census information or otherwise, and that’s also where we depend on our branch managers and leaders to say, ‘We’re starting to see these customers come in. We’re starting to hear this language being spoken.’”

The library’s flexibility is one of its biggest strengths. No two locations are the same, Jones says, as each is committed to accessibility, regardless of ethnicity, income, age or literacy level.

“People in libraries feel so strongly about being open and accessible,” she says. “It is the core DNA to who we are.”

As library leaders understand that technology is a vital tool for helping the community, the system offers free computer access and wi-fi at all locations, as well as meeting spaces and quiet rooms to help everybody stay connected. It even offers hot spots that cardholders can check out and take with them to ensure they don’t miss an important message just because they don’t have Internet access at home. More than 1,600 mobile hot spots were checked out at the library last year, Jones says.

Jones is grateful to be part of an organization that is truly making a real, tangible difference in people’s lives, she says.

“There are students that come in our libraries who, maybe they weren’t doing that well in school, but after having come to the school help center, they come and proudly show their report card to the staff,” she says. “We had a gentleman … who had been coming to the library to use the computer because he was taking online classes, and came back to the library to show his diploma.”

Gone are the days of being shushed at the library. Library branches are often calming, yet vibrant and lively, places. The Main Library has many large sources of natural light, which create a welcoming atmosphere for learning and discourse.

Private meeting rooms and quiet spaces are available at every location, and are of-

ten booked in advance due to their popularity, Jones says.

The Main Library is laid out in a manner that is conducive to learning for all its visitors. Story time for children of all ages takes place in a room far removed from the quiet spaces for those who need time alone with their thoughts or work, and the courtyard offers a tranquil setting for reading.

Celebrating History

The library has all kinds of events ready to take advantage of these spaces to celebrate 150 years of service.

The Columbus Book Festival takes place July 15-16 at the Main Library and adjoining Topiary Park. The event will feature author talks and a variety of other activities, with further updates being posted at www.columbusbookfestival.org.

Before that, though, the celebration begins on March 5, the date of the 150th anniversary of the Main Library. One of the day’s highlights will be the opening of a new location for the Gahanna branch.

The Sesquicentennial Author Series continues March 5 as well, featuring Bridgerton author Julia Quinn as well as live music, vendors and activities at the Main Library as well.

The library is also continuing its Culture Pass program, through which cardholders can get free access to Columbus Clippers games, BalletMet performances, the Columbus Museum of Art, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, and more.

The best way to start experiencing the library, though, is to just walk in and talk to a staff member, Jones says.

“You might not be able to get us to stop talking,” she says. “Ask what kind of things does this library have to offer, what kind of things are you doing today, what kinds of programs do you have, is there a way I can volunteer. We love to have volunteers for Reading Buddies, even just for 15 minutes.” CS

Tyler Kirkendall is an editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at tkirkednall@cityscenemediagroup.com.

Art Preservation

Book created by Columbus artists and art groups saves artwork from summer 2020

By Rachel Karas

Over the summer of 2020, hundreds of thousands of central Ohioans took to the streets to express their thoughts and feelings surrounding the death of George Floyd and police use of force.

As businesses put up boards on their store fronts, murals started appearing around the city. That’s when CAPA and the Greater Columbus Arts Council joined in.

Murals All Around

Though artists were already out creating the work, GCAC, CAPA and others wanted to help support them, says Jami Goldstein, GCAC vice president of marketing, communications and events.

“We put some money behind it and tried to provide resources to businesses who wanted to hire artists to paint boards,” Goldstein says. “... We felt it was important to make a record of the artists’ response to this moment in history.”

With the use of a map, a website and the campaign #ArtUnitesCBus, GCAC and CAPA helped organize a way to view the art and begin record-keeping as well. But that was only the beginning.

As the city quieted and boards began to come down, Goldstein says, the organizations jumped into action to begin preserv-

were photographed, sealed and displayed at 16 locations around the greater Columbus area for communities to see.

With each installation and movement, the boards began to deteriorate, and while organizers tried their best to preserve them – even putting a few on display at GCAC offices – some were lost to time and the elements, Goldstein says.

Even without the physical boards, though, countless people in the community wanted to continue the conversation about the art itself. With pictures of the work and the artists’ names, GCAC worked with Warhol & WALL ST. to create a book.

Birth of a Book

Measuring about 12 inches on each side, the record-shaped Art Activism Ac-

Donna Marbury, the company’s book editor and director of client relations.

Every decision about the book – shape, size, even page layouts – was intentional, Marbury says, to capture the work as it was seen in the city.

“Some of the pages, we extended the artwork off of the original piece because we wanted it to feel larger than life,” she says. “If you were able to drive through Downtown or walk down the Short North when this was happening, it was larger than life to see all this protest art in the city. And so we wanted to get that feel on the page and help the artwork to come to life.”

QR codes throughout the book allow viewers to watch short films, dance performances and poetry readings that add another dimension to the experience.

“All of this (art) was already occurring; it was a bonus of ours to just capture it. Technology allows us to include those types of things in the book,” Marbury says. “We see the book as a living anthology, in a sense, so it was paramount that we found a way to capture those live elements as well as the static artwork.”

Continuing the Conversation

Warhol & WALL ST. worked hard to not only capture as much art as they could, but also reach the artists who created it over the course of more than a year, says

A total of 1,000 copies of the book were printed, with many going to the artists whose work is featured inside and the organizations – such as Deliver Black Dreams, which is led by Maroon Arts Group – that brought it to life.

Several copies were also distributed to the Columbus Metropolitan Library so each of the 23 branches could have at least one. The next goal is to get some into the

Mandi Caskey (Miss Birdy) Muralist

Growing up in Lima, Mandi Caskey began creating art in middle and high school, and eventually pursued that desire further by attending the Columbus College of Art & Design for a degree in fine arts.

After two years of school, Caskey decided to drop out and began creating graffiti and street art on a full-time basis.

Ten years later, Caskey has her own studio in south Columbus and continues to create street art that she says “enhances the environment.”

That feeling of beauty is also what she hoped to capture in the mural she created in summer 2020, which is featured on the bottom right corner of the front cover and on page 110.

“It’s definitely an image of pride,” Caskey says. “And I just wanted people to feel welcome to approach that space and stand with that person.”

The book especially helps bring awareness to the work that street artists do by capturing the art in a way that allows people to revisit it, and allowing people to see it who may not have seen it otherwise, she says.

“It’s definitely a really good feeling to see that (book), especially for street art,” Caskey says. “The aspect of it being super impermanent, and then also being able to go into a book, really helps resonate with the context of why the art was created.”

high schools throughout Franklin County so they are accessible to as many people as possible, Goldstein says.

The team is also working to identify any unnamed artists whose work was featured in the book so they can be recognized, says Marbury.

With a limited number of books left, any funds earned from sales will be contributed to a mural fund for artists of color that GCAC launched in January, she says. CS

Rachel Karas is an editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at rkaras@cityscenemediagroup.com.

Brianna Rhodes Dancer

A graduate of The Ohio State University, Brianna Rhodes grew up in Dayton, but is glad to now call Columbus home.

Since she graduated in 2019, Rhodes has been hard at work as a teacher and dancer –both freelance and through a residency.

She teaches part-time at Dance Extension in Dublin and at Reynoldsburg High School as part of a program through BalletMet, while also completing a residency with Dianne McIntyre’s dance company.

Expressing herself through dance has always been the best way for Rhodes to truly voice her thoughts and her story, she says, and summer 2020 was no different.

“There were a lot of feelings I was processing,” Rhodes says, “and I was like, ‘I can’t dance. I can’t move. I can’t go out there. But I have all these words to say.’ So I wrote (the poem) Color (less).”

The poem can be heard by scanning a QR code, which leads to a YouTube video of Rhodes performing while the poem is read, on page 125 of the book.

Rhodes is still in awe that her work was included in the book, as she feels fortunate not only to have her hard work recognized, but also by so many people.

“I was humbly appreciative to be recognized for my hard work as an artist,” Rhodes says. “I always tell people, if you want to do this art thing, it’s not for the faint of heart. It’s not for the weak, you have to go in. Love will keep you pushing, but love cannot keep you in it.”

XKendel Boone Photographer

Born and raised in Roanoke Rapids, N.C., Kendel Boone didn’t always see herself as a photographer.

She attended the University of North Carolina Greensboro and earned a degree in information systems and supply chain management.

Although she moved to Columbus in 2008, it wasn’t until 2014 that she got into photography. From there, her business, Kendel Kaptures, took off.

Boone’s business focuses on affordable senior photos for students and their families, but over the summer of 2020, she wanted to help capture the peaceful side of the protests.

“I just wanted to show peace, and I also wanted to show understanding,” Boone says. “And then in the midst of all of that, the ability for something to affect the community as a whole.”

While she had never planned on submitting her work, with the support and encouragement of her wife, Boone submitted several pictures, which can be seen on pages 212, 213 and 215.

“I never thought that this would come out of it,” Boone says. “So I feel honored to be a part of that conversation. And then I also am aware of the magnitude of what it can do for future generations.”

Behind Blue Islands

Wood-top kitchen island and record shelves in matching blue are at the center of first-floor remodel

By Garth Bishop

For almost 20 years, the home of Kristopher Weiss and Maureen MurphyWeiss had a formal dining room that rarely saw any actual dining.

But in the comparatively short time since Westerville-based Custom Home Works completely replaced their kitchen, the couple have had a lot more diners on the brand-new kitchen island – and a lot more attention on the many other eyecatching changes to the first floor of their Hilliard house.

The couple have lived in the house since 2001. There was a lot they liked about it from the beginning, but it took almost two decades to address one of the major issues.

“When I first walked into the house … I loved it, but it had this hideous linoleum floor,” Kristopher says. “It took me

18 years to finally get to that point.”

At the same time, though the existing kitchen was adequate, Maureen had always envisioned having a much larger space to cook. She went into the process with a long list of ideas, which Custom Home Works took and worked to incorporate.

“They wanted a place where they could entertain as well as cook for a handful of friends, so we created an extra-large kitchen,” says Bill Maibach, owner of Custom Home Works.

The centerpiece of the reimagined kitchen, and the component most commented on by visitors, is the island. It’s built with an all-wood top and painted blue, with the color scheme extending to multiple other kitchen features. Though the dining room table was moved to the kitchen for larger gatherings, the island has enough seating for entertaining smaller groups.

“Everybody that comes in, that’s the thing they focus on,” Kristopher says.

The renovated kitchen also sports quartz countertops, with a natural stone backsplash and a new 36-inch cook top set under a wooden range hood. Can lighting brightens up the space from the ceiling, which Custom Home Works replaced twice after Maibach decided the first attempt didn’t cut the mustard.

Custom Home Works knocked down a wall and repurposed the space previously occupied by the dining room to put in a

double oven, turning an entire side wall into pantry space. New mocha-colored cabinetry; a built-in refrigerator space; plenty of storage, including a variety of rollouts and pullouts; and new appliances, including a dishwasher, fill out the kitchen space.

Elsewhere in the House…

Though it was the biggest part of the project, the kitchen wasn’t the only room that was transformed. The living room at the front of the house saw some significant changes as well, including built-in shelving and a new fireplace.

“The front room was another room that didn’t get used a whole lot prior to this, and now it’s pretty much where we spend the winter,” Kristopher says.

The new shelving is of particular importance to Kristopher. While some of the shelves are standard bookshelves, others –positioned on either side of the fireplace –were designed for a different purpose.

“I’m a music geek and I still have vinyl, so underneath the bookshelves, they built shelves that hold records,” he says.

Photos courtesy of Bill Maibach

The home had no fireplace previously, and while Custom Home Works didn’t put in a full-size chimney, the company did install a mantle and surrounds picked out by the homeowners, with the self-contained fireplace itself at the center.

“It has zero clearance, so you can put cabinetry right up against (it),” Maibach says.

The new shelving matches the wood on the kitchen island, as do the drawers of the desk in the new work space off the garage. The latter replaced a phone nook that –big surprise – wasn’t as useful in 2020 as it was when the house was built in 1996.

Oh, and those much-maligned linoleum floors? Long gone – replaced by luxury vinyl tile, except for the front room, which is now carpeted.

Some of the old kitchen cabinetry was moved to the garage, adding convenient storage space that makes it easier to fit

both cars in there. The work also included an upgrade to the half bath downstairs, as well as flat black casing to replace Colonial-style baseboard.

The changes to the kitchen and first floor won’t be the only alterations Custom Home Works makes to the house. The

homeowners are already working with the company to replace the vanity in their guest bathroom, Kristopher says. CS

Garth Bishop is a contributing editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.

La Vie en Greige

A paint expert discusses the power and pitfalls of a fresh coat

By Lucy Lawler

Behr’s “Blank Canvas” (DC-003)

Minimalist and vanilla-esque, this pigment is conducive to coziness.

Contrary to popular belief, watching paint dry can be an exhilarating activity for those who strategically select their hues.

Though checking out the “color(s) of the year” designated by various paint companies can’t hurt, interior paint should ultimately reflect the dominant style of a living space and its inhabitants, says Heineman Finishes LLC owner Scott Heineman.

“Form and function need to work together, and a lot of times, you need to find out what the personality of your home is,” Heineman says. “I think when you go bold, it’s something that you’ll more than likely regret.”

Mixing conflicting aesthetics, such as craftsman and ultra-modern, isn’t impossible. However, a skilled designer is almost always needed to accomplish the feat. Average homeowners must understand either the current or desired identity of their space before making any design choices, Heineman says.

“I’m personally building a house myself, and I really love white walls, white baseboards with black doors and white door jambs,” he says. “I’m building a modern home.”

As of late, Heineman has noticed a growing demand for soothing shades of gray, he says. In particular, “greige” – a hy-

brid of gray and beige – is trendy among his clients who live in apartments.

“Bright and deep colors are oftentimes tough to work with,” Heineman says. “So a lot of what we’re seeing is light gray.”

Sheen is yet another essential factor to consider when shopping for paint.

“In bathrooms and kitchens, you’re going to want something with a shinier sheen to it so that you can clean it,” he says. “If you have kids, maybe you should paint your whole house in eggshell.”

On the other hand, a flat sheen will better disguise any nicks or general imperfections that inevitably crop up on a paint’s surface.

Consumers can determine if they genuinely have affection for a prospective color by painting a 4-foot-by-8-foot section of wall, Heineman says. While living with the swatch, a person might notice details that escaped them in the past, such as how natural light interacts with it.

“I like to do it right up against a door jamb and a baseboard,” Heineman says. “Some might say that’s overkill, but you really want to get that color on the wall and see what it looks like.” CS

Lucy Lawler is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.

Benjamin Moore’s “Raspberry Blush” (2008-30) Gazing upon “raspberry blush” is like stepping into a rosy, frolicsome dream you’ll never want to wake up from.

Glidden’s “Vining Ivy” (PPG1148-6)

Dive into a dusty teal, tinged ever so slightly with turquoise.

Pantone’s “Viva Magenta” (18-1750)

Not for the faint of heart, “Viva Magenta” is a pinkish-red that stirs up feelings of spunk and spontaneity.

Sherwin-Williams’ “Redend Point” (SW 9081)

If you want to see the balmy brown undertones of “Redend Point” in real time, you can always order a Sherwin-Williams peel-and-stick paint sample.

Valspar’s “Gentle Violet” (4002-3A)

Valspar officially has 12 colors of the year for 2023, but “Gentle Violet” catches the eye with its unconventional premise: cyberspace. Cool-toned traces of purple dissolve into white, resulting in a serene glow.

2023 “Color(s) of the Year” at a Glance

New Year, New Paint

A peek into the current trends in wall paint in homes across America

By Aaron Gilliam

Withspring finally upon us, it’s time for homeowners to shake off the rust of the new year and begin preparations for upcoming home improvement projects such as putting a fresh coat of paint on your walls.

Popular wall colors come and go, trending in new directions every year. Styles like the sponge painting of the 1990s have drifted away and wallpaper, which fell out of favor for many years, is making a huge comeback.

The long-standing fear of wallpaper, and the nightmare of removal that comes with it, is slowly fading away as companies produce easy-to-use and -remove products such as peel-and-stick options.

Textured paint has slowly faded away and been replaced by textured wallpapers. In 2023, new age wallpaper is affordable and much easier to work with compared to textured paints.

Paint finishes have also changed, with remodelers turning away from the sheen of previous paints and looking for more of a matte.

This style of finish is usually washable and easy to maintain over time, and provides a sleek appeal, as opposed to the shine of the previous trends.

Helpful Hint

Paint spills can be a nightmare and, without proper cleanup, can cause long-term issues. Surprisingly, cat litter soaks up spilled paint rather well. Try to contain the spill first, then pour a generous amount of cat litter onto it.

For example, the shine from eggshell style paints is more susceptible to showing cracks or divots in the wall, while a matte finish tends to hide these blemishes when coated properly.

In recent years, homeowners have begun to prefer a more grown-up feel to their wall colors. With brighter colors falling out of favor, a darker, moodier palette has arisen.

Benjamin Moore’s color of the year for 2023 is an example of this trend. Raspberry Blush is a soft, subtle and dark red orange that is easy on the eyes. CS

Aaron Gilliam is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com

Do’s and Don’ts of Re-Painting DO

Test your paint colors. Samples may not give the best picture of how a color will look on your wall. Test and make sure you’re getting exactly what you’re looking for.

Prepare your workspace. Accidents may happen, and a well-prepared workspace can prevent a paint disaster. Ensure that the floor is covered properly and tape around angles that may find themselves painted by mistake. Prime your walls. Primer is a key component to ensuring your wall is coated evenly and provides an even and full wall color. Priming your walls can be the difference between a professional look and visual disaster.

DON’TS

Be afraid of color. Many remodelers are fearful of colors due to resale value. Many homeowners will find proper wall colors give your house a memorable pop and shouldn’t shy away from adding color to walls. Rush to finish. Proper wall painting calls for attention and patience. Rushing a project will only provide a sub-par result that you may not be happy with. Taking the time to ensure quality is important.

Paint over wallpaper. Painting over wallpaper is a no-no in the remodeling industry. For older, more challenging wallpapers, soften the glue with a wet rag. Steaming products may also help the glue soften and allow for an easier removal before painting.

Benjamin Moore’s 2023 color of the year, Raspberry Blush. Photo courtesy of Benjamin Moore.

That Sinking Feeling

Workstation sinks are catching the eyes of more and more homeowners

By Claire Miller

Akitchen sink isn’t just a kitchen sink. Nor is it just an important feature of a home. It’s a valuable appliance that gets a lot of use over the course of a day.

Keeping this in mind, it makes sense that workstation sinks are among the most popular types of sinks, says Kaitlyn German, showroom manager for Ferguson.

A workstation sink is a modern square sink with an integrated groove around the top where accessories – cutting boards, colanders, dish drying racks, storage containers, prep containers, utensil containers, etc. – can be placed.

“It’s essentially extending your counter space and making the thing more of an appliance than just a place you’re going to wash your hands and wash your dishes,” German says.

Ferguson is seeing a huge uptick in interest in workstation sinks, which almost every brand now offers at a variety of price points.

The most common material is stainless steel, but other options include cast iron and granite composite, German says. When purchasing stainless steel, German recommends staying within the 16- to-18-gauge range.

With the workstation sink, and all sink styles in general, a single bowl is most popular at the moment.

Workstation sinks increase counter space, add functional storage and allow for easy cleanup, among other benefits.

“Once you explain to a customer that it is really more of an appliance than it is just a sink,” German says, “people are willing to listen to what the options are. Then you can recommend just based off a conversation and getting to know them, getting to know how they use their kitchen.” CS

Claire Miller is an editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at cmiller@cityscenemediagroup.com.

More Trends

Apron Sinks

An apron sink is a deep, wide sink with an exposed front or “apron” that protrudes past the cabinets. All four edges are installed underneath the countertop. The apron sink is a more modern alternative to the farmhouse sink. It provides the same depth and size of a full farmhouse sink without the need to design around the farmhouse sink trend.

“The apron front style is still very much popular, and so that terminology is shifting a little bit,” German says.

Granite

and Quartz Composite

Granite and quartz composite sinks are made by a lot of different brands, and are popular because they come in a wide variety of colors. They’re also lower-maintenance than stainless steel and have a warmer feel than cast iron.

“A lot of people go towards the granite composite because they can coordinate it very closely with their countertop,” German says. “It allows you to kind of diversify and add an extra design element into your kitchen.”

Granite composite is extremely durable, with high chemical and scratch resistance due to high density of rock particles at the sink’s surface. Quartz is similar, with a smooth and nonporous surface that also has bacteria and odorresistant properties.

“(It’s) really nice because it is the same material all the way through,” German says. “So if you have a really sharp kitchen knife and you happen to scratch it – keep in mind, it’s very scratch resistant – but if you did, you’re not really going to notice the scratch because it’s the same color all the way through.”

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Outdoor Oasis

Build your ideal backyard entertainment space

By Katie Giffin

effective and versatile option. A patio can be used as a gathering place for friends and family while providing space for a grill or fire pit. A paver patio could be a cost-effective investment, as the slabs are less likely to crack than traditionally-poured concrete.

A deck with a privacy fence can add more solitude to an outdoor space and can be complemented with additions such as a hot tub or outdoor kitchen.

Adding an awning or canopy to either can provide shade over the central living space. For pre-existing patios, consider adding a privacy screen to protect from bugs and the harsher elements.

Designer

Refreshing your backyard is a simple way to elevate your home as a welcoming and dynamic gathering place for friends and family. The key to creating a charming outdoor space is narrowing down how you want to use the landscape. Regardless of your aesthetic vision, there is a price point perfect for everyone.

DIY

For a low-cost option, installing a pergola or gazebo from a build kit can be a perfect way to create a homey outdoor space. A pergola not only provides shade while adding a focal point to the landscape, it also offers creative opportunities for decorations such as fairy lights or vines and foliage.

Gazebos provide more shelter from the elements, making them perfect for a yearround gathering place isolated from the rest of the landscape.

If you are looking for more overhead coverage for a smaller outdoor area, a pavilion with a steel roof and wall creates a space ideal for grilling or for providing shelter for a smaller seating area.

Stores such as Lowe’s and Home Depot offer pergola and gazebo sets with at-home assembly options, and more simplistic versions could be built with timber.

Modest Budget

For a more extreme remodeling of an outdoor area, a patio or deck is a cost-

If your heart belongs to the outdoors, it might be worth it to design an outdoor space that suits your individualized needs by working with a company such as Cap City Decks and Patios in northwest Columbus. Because premade kits can limit design options, Cap City works with clients to create individualized outdoor structures that fit the landscape of the property and the aesthetic of the home.

Install a screened-in gazebo with a hot tub for an outdoor oasis. Design a specialized patio with a standing fire pit perfect for summer night. Bring the party outside with an outdoor kitchen complete with a fridge and island space, or find a completely new inspiration as you work with experts to build your perfect backyard. CS

Katie Giffin is a contributing writer at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.

Rising Trends

Tips on improving curb appeal and fixing up your garage door

By Isabelle Fisher

Withspring in full force, many homeowners are thinking about revamping the exterior of their homes. One tip to improving your curb appeal is to upgrade your garage door style, as there is a vast array to choose from.

Garage Door Styles

Carriage

The carriage style is one of the most common. With a design that evokes an old-fashioned and sophisticated style, this door delivers a luxurious and authentic look that completes any garage. A carriage door is more energy-efficient, providing great protection from the weather as it is sealed well at the header and side jams.

If you have an older home with a small opening, you may want to rethink this style due to the ample space needed for it.

Wood

Nothing offers a traditional, classy look like a wooden garage door. With its authentic aspects, the natural hardwood doors provide a richness and rustic feel that can’t be duplicated.

Wood garage doors include an endless variety of customizations options to meet

any aesthetic, but be aware they will show their age with time, especially when repeatedly exposed to extreme weather.

Steel

With a modern but versatile look, a steel garage door provides one of the sturdiest and strongest materials to keep your garage secure and well-insulated. This style offers extensive customization options to accommodate modern trends, but the doors are vulnerable to impact damage due to their durability and panel thickness.

Thinking you’re due for a new garage door? Here are tips and advice from Expert Call Door Repair LLC’s repair care team.

• If your door opener is not lifting or the door only opens a few inches, it likely has broken springs.

• From the original installation date, garage door springs are estimated to wear out anywhere between eight and ten years. For a quality door, you’re likely to replace springs at least twice.

• An extremely noisy garage door may mean it’s time to replace the rollers.

• When a cable comes off the drum, do not attempt to open or close the garage door, as it may result in a hung door.

Aluminum

For a more simple but modern look, an aluminum door takes the cake. With its high quality and sleek surface, aluminum is easy to design and recycle, which means more options for your home. Similar to steel doors, aluminum doors are less resistant to hits and dents.

Fiberglass

In love with the wooden look but want half the maintenance? There happens to be a happy medium: fiberglass. With features of molded wood-grain surfaces, this door is engineered to have the timeless look of wood and requires little energy to produce. On the flip side, due to its light weight and semi-transparency, if fiberglass is damaged in any way, it must be replaced. CS

Isabelle Fisher is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com

Tangled Up in Bluegrass TRAVEL

Distilleries large and small offer unique experiences on Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail

By Garth Bishop Photos courtesy of Kentucky Distillers’ Association

TEN YEARS AGO, if you were to plan a trip down the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, you’d be looking at a map with 14 potential destinations on it: seven large distilleries, seven small distilleries.

Pull up the trail today, and you can choose among 43 distinct map markers. That increase represents a concerted effort on the part of trail organizers to bring new distilleries into the fold, as well as a veritable groundswell in the number of distilleries that have thrown open their doors in the past decade.

What does that mean for you, the drinker of bourbon and/or enjoyer of tours? More options, more stories, less travel time to your next destination and a greater diversity of experiences.

• Bluegrass, which is clustered around Lexington and Frankfort;

• Central, including Louisville as well as outlying areas such as Bardstown;

• Northern, most (but not all) of which is just a stone’s throw from Cincinnati; and

• Western, scattered around Bowling Green and some surrounding towns.

It is possible to drive the trail – with a designated driver, of course – but that’s not the only option. There are a number of bus tours available, as well as a boat tour and even a cycling tour.

Official trail passports can be obtained at individual distilleries, as well as through the trail website, and each distillery has its own distinct stamp.

“We’ve had so much traffic this (past) year, it’s been crazy,” Ryan says. “I think (2022) is going to be the highest record ever for our distilleries, in terms of visitation.”

Though it is theoretically possible to hit every distillery, trail organizers emphasize that it’s not necessary to complete the whole thing, and that it’s better to have a handful of truly enjoyable experiences than to rush into each individual stop for a stamp.

“We really want people to take their time, enjoy the journey, come back over the course of months or years, and see something new every time they come,” Ryan says.

What to Find When You Get There

Where to Look

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail, founded by the Kentucky Distillers’ Association in 1999, breaks up the state into four regions:

Mandy Ryan, director of experiences for the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, suggests travelers make arrangements ahead of time, rather than show up at the distillery and hope for the best, due to the growing popularity of the trail stops.

In addition to its regional divisions, the list of distilleries is divided in two, based on how many barrels each distillery has in storage.

The standard Kentucky Bourbon Trail consists of recognizable names: think Jim

Beam, Maker’s Mark, Old Forester, Woodford Reserve. Then there’s the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour, which sports a longer list consisting of craft distilleries and just added a new member, Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. in Frankfort, in 2022. The truly ambitious can combine the two tours into the Make it a Double mega-tour.

“The (standard) trail distilleries are going to be bigger – have bigger campuses, more established brands,” Ryan says.

That means access to the behind-thescenes details of the brands you know and love, as well as, most likely, more options for sampling. On the other hand, Ryan says, hitting spots on the craft trail means more intimate experiences and, potentially, more relatable stories.

Recent changes in Kentucky law have expanded the options available at distilleries throughout the state. Only since 2017 has it been possible to order a cocktail at a distillery tasting room, which means visitors can know get a clearer idea of how they can enjoy a given bourbon at home.

“We have some of the best restaurants in the state in our distilleries right now,” Ryan says.

From there, options extend to food pairings, behind-the-scenes tours, interactive experiences, rickhouse visits, cocktail classes, fill-your-own-bottle options and luxury “master distiller” experiences. Maker’s Mark even offers an ultra-premium tour that includes a two-night luxury hotel stay and a helicopter ride to its distillery to pick out a private barrel.

What to Bring Back with You

Any distillery you might visit will sell you a bottle (or two or three or four), but there’s more to be gained from a trip down the trail.

The sights along the various trail routes are part of the experience, too – and for some, they inspire as well as impress.

Motorcycle trips to distilleries throughout Bourbon Country with his father provided key inspiration for Adam Hines, cofounder and master distiller at High Bank Distillery in Grandview Heights.

“Over the course of five years, I probably went on 50 different distillery tours down there,” Hines says.

Though he had no intention of starting his own distillery during those trips in the 2000s, Hines remembers how each distill-

You probably already know that Westerville was once home to the Anti-Saloon League, a major force in the temperance movement and one of the driving forces behind Prohibition. But Whiskey War’s namesake actually predates nationwide Prohibition, which was in effect from 1920 to 1933, as well as the league’s move to Westerville in 1909.

In the 1870s, a Westerville saloon owner named Henry Corbin challenged the local prohibition ordinance – one of the first on the books in Ohio – and the term “Whiskey Wars” was coined to describe the resulting conflict, which included the dynamiting of Corbin’s establishments.

A tale about one such confrontation holds that Corbin tried to ward off a hostile crowd with two pistols – which is why two pistols appear on High Bank’s Whiskey War logo.

ery had its own story, and made story a key part of High Bank’s identity.

Without five generations of family history in distilling to draw from, as many smaller Kentucky distilleries do, Hines instead incorporated his hometown of Westerville and its outsized role in the

Top Shelf

Memorable bourbon experiences a little closer to home

Need a sneak preview before you head out onto the Kentucky Bourbon Trail? There are plenty of bars and restaurants throughout central Ohio that boast extensive bourbon lists, including:

• 101 Beer Kitchen (Dublin, Gahanna and Westerville)

• The Alibi Bourbon and Cocktail Lounge (Short North)

• Barrel & Taps (Grandview Heights)

• Beeline (Easton Town Center)

• Buckeye Bourbon House (Downtown Columbus)

• Subourbon Southern Kitchen & Spirits (Worthington)

story of Prohibition. Thus, the name of High Bank’s signature blended whiskey: Whiskey War. CS

Garth Bishop is a contributing editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.

In addition, two local microdistilleries, Middle West Spirits and Watershed Distillery, make bourbon. High Bank Distillery is working on a bourbon as well, but isn’t done aging it yet.

Photo courtesy of High Bank Distillery

Beyond the Panels

Columbus-based artist uses cartoons to empower kids

By Katie Giffin

IN FALL 2022, cartoonist and teaching artist Jerzy Drozd presented his latest work at the McConnell Arts Center’s Drawing the Line exhibit.

Drozd talked about the creation of his upcoming book, Baron von Bear and the Case of the Two-Faced Statue, which follows a teddy bear who guards the dangerous prizes mythological heroes win on their quests

“What was wonderful about having the art in the McConnell Center was actually watching children interact with the work there in person and getting to talk through the material with the children right there,” Drozd says.

A seasoned cartoonist, Drozd started creating comics when he was 7 years old. He wrote his first original comic book in fifth grade and continued to draw throughout middle and high school.

“When I was 17, I had zero context as to what I was going to do with the rest of my life. I just knew it had to do something with comics,” Drozd says. “… My 17-yearold brain thought, ‘Oh, Stan Lee is going to drive to my house and just give me a ride to Marvel comics, and I’ll just draw Spider-Man for the rest of my life.’”

Drozd self-published his first comic book at 19-years-old and was published by Antarctic Press in San Antonio shortly after.

For Drozd, cartoons are more than just pictures and stories: They are a visual method of representing the complexities of the human experience.

“The visual language of comics is a very rich and meaningful one that reaches different learning modalities,” he says.

The self-taught artist draws his inspiration from cartoonists such as Walt Simonson, Keith Giffen, Paris Cullins and Rick Leonardi. His cartoons are also heavily influenced by mythology, comparative religion studies and psychology – all subjects he studied in college. Drozd also found inspiration in literature and film.

“C.S. Lewis became a very important author to me, especially his space trilogy, because of his mastery of making me feel like I’m in a place. … I want to do visually what he is doing with prose,” he says.

In addition to his work as a cartoonist, Drozd works as a teaching artist, holding workshops with schools around Ohio.

“I think young people are incredible,” he says. “They’re almost always right. And they deserve our respect and our service.”

Photos courtesy of Jerzy Drozd

Jerzy Drozd

Drozd teaches drawing and storytelling at his workshops, but his goal is to meet the kids where they are, regardless of their experience.

“I want to invite them in and get them excited about doing this stuff,” he says. “I want to raise them up and empower them, and make them realize that all of us are creative

people, whether we call ourselves an artist or not. I would say that my classes are really lively, fun places where children feel seen.”

Drozd began teaching regularly after connecting with the Ohio Arts Council when he moved to Columbus in 2018.

“This place is very charged with a lot of activity around cartoons,” Drozd says. “In

working with the (Ohio Arts Council), ... I feel like I’m moving at a whole new level in my work as a teaching artist. … I really feel like I’ve come home since moving here.” CS

Katie Giffin is a contributing writer at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.

ON VIEW Dates and shows are subject to change. Visit the websites for more information.

Gallery Exhibits

beauty of black skin. Through April 1. www.schumachergallery.org

Columbus Museum of Art: A Scratch on the Earth. The most comprehensive exhibition of the work of Wendy Red Star to date, featuring more than 40 works that highlight 15 years of her studio practice. April 21-Sept. 3. www.columbusmuseum.org

Columbus College of Art & Design Beeler Gallery: 2023 CCAD MFA Thesis Exhibition. Work in a variety of mediums from second-year MFA candidates. March 30-April 22. www.beelergallery.org

Contemporary Art Matters: Two of Us. Unique abstract work by Dion Johnson and Michael Reafsnyder. Through March 10. www.contemporaryartmatters.com

934 Gallery: Photographs and sculptures by Carmelo Amenta, Ketterick Waddell, Kate Rossello and Marcus Morris. March 3-25. And photographs and large-scale mosaics by Bradley Weyandt, Leslie Norman, Jose Trejo Maya and Cee (Elbert). April 7-29. www.934gallery.org

Art Access Gallery: Pandemic Portraits Portraits created during the pandemic by Nicholas Hill and sculptures by Swedish artist Johan Jonsson. Through March 31. Pedestrian Perspectives, oil paintings by Rod Hayslip, and Head Cases sculptures by Barry Gunderson. Opening April 21. www.artaccessgallery.com

The Arts Castle – Gallery 22: Artists of Delaware City Schools. Work from staff and teachers at Delaware City Schools. March

3-April 28. Delaware’s History Through Architecture. Images and artifacts that reflect the style of many of the historic buildings in Delaware. March 13-June 17. www.arts castle.org

Blockfort: Dream System, a solo exhibit by Kyle Dineen, and Chromatism, a colorful installation by Brent Abinosa. March 3-26. Work created by Ohio Arts Education Association students and teachers. Throughout April. www. blockfortcolumbus.com

Capital University Schumacher Gallery: Dignity: Tribes in Transition by Dana Gluckstein and …of Black Skin by local artists. Gluckstein’s work showcases black and white portraits of Indigenous Peoples, and the other artists give examples of the

Cultural Arts Center: The Ohio Art League’s annual juried exhibitions. Work by dozens of artists. March 10-April 12. And work by Ukrainian artist Oleksii Koval. April 21-May 27. www.cultural artscenteronline.org

David Myers Gallery: The Joye of Spring. Work by and inspired by the late Joye Tilton, featuring 20 other studio artists. March 20-April 20. www.davidmyersart.com

Decorative Arts Center of Ohio: Flower Power: Flora in Fashion. Presented by the Historic Costume and Textiles Collection at The Ohio State University with curator Gayle Strege. The exhibit features extravagant hats to sublime shoes showcasing colorful floral motifs. Through April 23. www.decartsohio.org

Dublin Arts Council: The Fractals: Patterns in Nature. Work by Jonah Jacobs, Andrea Myers and Karen Snouffer, as well as several Dublin City Schools students.

Columbus Museum of Art

The exhibition is the culmination of a two-year project, developed in collaboration with a doctoral student at The Ohio State University. March 7-June 2. www. dublinarts.org

Fresh A.I.R. Gallery: Dragon by the Tail. Fantasy characters captured in paintings by Kim Keffer. April 14-May 19. www. southeasthc.org/services/freshairgallery

Hayley Gallery: Nostalgia in Reverse. The work of Britt Hallowell and Chad Kessler, both self-taught painters. March 18-April

11. Verifocal: Views Near and Far. Work by painters Eric Layne and Justin Collamore. April 15-May 16. www.localohioart.com

Kittie’s Highline Art Space: Flowers and Food. Paintings with the primary subject matter of flowers and food by Kathy Lud-

lam. Open March 2-April 30. www.rebeccaink.com/highlinecoffeeartspace

Mac Worthington Studio, Gallery & Sculpture Park: Out of Doors. A collection of 152 large-scale sculptures that allow visitors to explore the interaction between heavy metal art and nature. March 1-April 30. www.macworthington.com

McConnell Arts Center: Artwork from the Ohio Governor’s Youth Art Exhibition Work from school-aged artists. March 23–April 29. www.mcconnellarts.org

Ohio Art Council’s Riffe Gallery: Arts Beacon of Light. The work of 17 Ohio artists, created during the pandemic as part of an initiative. Through April 7. www.oac. ohio.gov/Riffe-Gallery

Ohio Craft Museum: Alchemy 6. Organized by the Enamelist Society, this exhibition showcases jewelry, objects, sculpture and installations by professional artists and student artists from around the world. Through April 1. www.ohiocraft.org

Ohio Dominican University’s Wehrle Gallery: Pathmaking. Printmaking by Karen Albanese Campbell and mixed media art by Kirsta Benedetti made to explore the world of the immigrant and refugee. Through April 7. www.ohiodominican. edu/wehrle

Open Door Art Studio & Gallery: This Inspired That A collection of work created by community-based artists. April 8-May 5. www.opendoorcolumbus.org

OSU Urban Arts Space: Big Cloud. The MFA Thesis Exhibition for the Ohio State Department of Art. Through March 18. www.uas.osu.edu

Kittie’s Highline Art Space

Ohio Art Council’s Riffe Gallery

Capital University Schumacher Gallery

OSU Faculty Club: Scenes Seen and Unseen: To Draw Is to Be. Artist Kay Bea Jones’ thoughts on the concepts of domes-

ARTS BEACON OF LIGHT

tic and foreign through watercolor paintings. March 20-May 12. Watercolors. A collection of recent watercolor paintings by professor emeritus John Behlings. April 10-June 2. www. ohio-statefacultyclub.com

Otterbein University Fisher & Miller Galleries, Frank Museum: Acts of Concentration & Graphite Grey Groundings. Signature linework by Cecilia “Cissi” Hultman. At Frank Museum of Art through April 23. From the Ashes Work by artists from the Phoenix Rising Printmaking Cooperative as the group celebrates its 25th anniversary. At Fisher Gallery through May 6. www.otterbein.edu/art/millerfisher-galleries/

Pizzuti Collection of Columbus Museum of Art: Greater Columbus. A collection of work featuring several central Ohio artists to recognize their outstanding talent. Was It Your Trigger Finger? Film, col-

lage and sculpture work that re-imagines globalization and the self by breaking down diplomatic and emotional borders by Bobby T. Luck. Both through Aug. 6. www.columbusmuseum.org

ROY G BIV: Zach Van Horn, Avery Hartranft and Amber Elison. Explorations of the felt experience between presence and absence and relationships with the artists and their families. March 10-April 7. Landscape and nature artwork by Dustin Briunkman & Gloria Shows and Lyric Morris-Latchaw & Casey Dressell. April 1-May 5. www. roygbivgallery.org

Sarah Gormley Gallery: Rosebud. Explorations of people’s connections to the natural world through a fictional place by Melodie Thompson. Through March 31. www.sarahgormleygallery.com

Sean Christopher Gallery: The 15th annual Fort Hayes Arts & Academic High School AP Art and Alumni Exhibition. March 4-25. Through the Veil. A solo exhibition by Maggie Cappelletti based on the artist’s psychic connection, visions and experiences. April 1-29. www.seanchristopher gallery.com

Studios on High Gallery: Hit the Hop. An open call, juried exhibition that provides an opportunity for Ohio artists to display their work in the Short North and compete to win a prize. March 4-30. www.studios onhigh.com

Wexner Center for the Arts: Meditation Ocean. An immersive installation of underwater meditation footage by Hope Ginsburg and several other partners. Through July 9. www.wexarts.org

Curator: Katie Monahan

ROY G BIV

Otterbein University Fisher & Miller Galleries, Frank Museum

Picks&Previews

What to watch, what to watch for and what not to miss!

Arnold Sports Festival

March 2-5

Greater Columbus Convention Center, 400 N. High St.

The Arnold Sports Festival has been a staple event in the Columbus area for decades. The convention center will play host to a number of the world’s biggest and best athletes in the body building industry. www.arnoldsports.com

Columbus Symphony Orchestra

presents Mahler Symphony No. 9

March 3-4, 7:30 p.m.

Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St.

One of Gustav Mahler’s last compositions, “Symphony No. 9,” was created out of his growing sense of finality following a

diagnosis with a terminal heart condition. Rossen Milanov conducts the Columbus Symphony in its performance. www.columbussymphony.com

Carrie Underwood with Jimmie Allen

March 4, 7:30 p.m.

Nationwide Arena, 200 W. Nationwide Blvd.

Eight-time Grammy award winner Carrie Underwood (“Jesus, Take the Wheel,” “Before He Cheats”) brings her honkytonk tunes to Nationwide Arena for a spectacular night of entertainment. www. nationwidearena.com

ProMusica Chamber Orchestra presents Classical & Klezmer

March 4-5, 7 p.m.

Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St.

Experience an orchestral journey through Mozart’s music from infancy to his untimely death. ProMusica is proud to perform his earliest symphony, composed when Mozart was just 8 years old, and his final work. www.promusicacolumbus.org

Broadway in Columbus presents Beetlejuice

March 7-12

Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St.

This rendition of Tim Burton’s classic Beetlejuice tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a teenager whose life is changed when she meets

Carrie Underwood

a recently deceased couple and a demon in pinstripes. columbus.broadway.com

The New Albany Lecture Series: An Evening with Economists Arthur Laffer & Robert Reich, Moderated by Rana Foroohar

March 8, 7 p.m.

Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts, 100 E. Dublin Granville Rd., New Albany

U.S. Secretary of Labor in the Clinton administration and bestselling author Robert Reich debates with former advisor to President Reagan and inventor of the “Laffer Curve” Dr. Arthur Laffer in a panel designed to provide insight on economics. www.newalbanyfoundation.org

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band

March 9, 7:30 p.m.

Nationwide Arena, 200 W. Nationwide Blvd.

The Boss is coming to town! Bruce Springsteen is back in action with the E Street Band at Nationwide Arena. Enjoy all the classic Springsteen hits while enjoying all that Nationwide Arena has to offer. www.nationwidearena.com

Blake Shelton with Carly Pearce and Jackson Dean

March 10, 7 p.m.

Nationwide Arena, 200 W. Nationwide Blvd.

Award winning country music artist and judge on TV’s The Voice Blake Shelton (“Hillbilly Bone,” “Sure Be Cool if You Did”) performs with support from Carly Pearce and Jackson Dean. www.nation widearena.com

BalletMet presents A Celebration of New Works

March 10-12

Riffe Center Studio Theatres, 77 S. High St.

Enjoy an evening at the BalletMet with some of their most gifted choreographers as they push the boundaries of classic ballet choreography. These works are brand new and have never been seen by the public. www.balletmet.org

NCAA March Madness Tournament

First and Second Rounds

March 17, 19

Nationwide Arena, 200 W. Nationwide Blvd.

March Madness takes over Nationwide Arena for two days of dramatic college

basketball. Watch some of the nation’s top athletes compete for a chance to play for a NCAA National Championship. www. nationwidearena.com

Tutankhamun: His Tomb and his Treasures Grand Opening

March 18, 10 a.m.

COSI, 333 W. Broad St.

This brand new COSI exhibit provides a once-in-a-lifetime insight into the archeology of ancient Egypt. Explore his ancient burial chambers exactly as they were discovered in 1922 by Howard Carter. www.cosi.org

Columbus Symphony Orchestra presents the Irish Tenors

March 25, 8 p.m.

Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St.

Since 1998, the Irish Tenors have produced 10 best-selling CDs to propel them into one of PBS’s biggest moneymakers. This performance sees them team up with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. www.columbussymphony.com

Shadowbox Live presents Climax

Fridays and Saturdays through March 31

Shadowbox Live, 503 S. Front St. Come down to Shadowbox Live for a night of humorous improv. This sketch comedy show will provide some of the best highlights from 2022. www.shadowboxlive.org

Opera Columbus presents Rigoletto

March 31-April 1, 7:30 p.m.

Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St.

Set in the decadent Italian Renaissance, this production of Rigoletto is a collaboration between the Columbus Symphony Orchestra and Opera Columbus. www.opera columbus.org

CAPA presents Paw Patrol Live!

April 7-9

Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St.

Paw Patrol has swept the nation, providing children with entertainment through the power of police and puppies. This liveaction adaptation of the fan favorite show is coming to the Ohio Theatre. www.capa.com

Columbus Symphony Orchestra presents Carmen Suite

April 14-15, 7:30 p.m.

Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St.

This interpretation of the classic opera incorporates jazz, Latin, pop, flamenco and contemporary music. www.columbus symphony.com

ProMusica presents Mozart & Golijov

April 15-16, 7 p.m.

Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St.

Violinist Vadim Gluzman will lead the orchestra though an evocative journey through time in this two-night event. Indonesian pianist Janice Carissa makes her ProMusica debut as a soloist for “Piano Concerto No. 23.” www.promusicacolumbus.org

Columbus Symphony Orchestra presents Symphony Storytime

April 16, 3 p.m.

Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St.

Associate Director Andrés Lopera and the musicians of the Columbus Symphony play the greatest hits from legendary composer Tchaikovsky and other storybook heroes. www.columbussymphony.com

CAPA presents Ain’t Too Proud

April 18-23

Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St. The Temptations have been providing electrifying smash hits since the 1960s.

Symphony Storytime

This theatrical take on their inspiring career as musicians will have you feeling the groove through their silky-smooth harmonies. www.capa.com

Jazz Arts Group presents Ray Charles and the Roots of R&B

April 20-23

Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St.

Ty Taylor will take you on a journey through the history of rhythm and blues to close out the 50th season of Columbus Jazz Orchestra. Experience the soulful sounds of classic R&B at the beautiful Southern Theatre. www.jazzartsgroup.org

New Albany Symphony Orchestra presents Itzhak Perlman

April 26, 7:30 p.m.

Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts, 100 E. Dublin Granville Rd., New Albany

Conductor Luis Biava shares the stage with one of the most celebrated violinists in the world for a one-night-only event. www.newalbanysymphony.com

Columbus Museum of Art presents Art in Bloom

April 27-30, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Columbus Museum of Art, 480 E. Broad St.

The museum’s permanent exhibits are given new life with floral creations by a number of talented artists. This exhibit showcases some of Columbus’ finest floral artists and designers bringing the best floral art Columbus has to offer. www.columbusmuseum.org

BalletMet presents Swan Lake

April 28-30

Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St.

Swan Lake is a ballet classic, and BalletMet is proud to present its rendition of arguably the most famous and beautiful ballet. www. balletmet.org

CAPA presents The Princess Bride: An Inconceivable Night with Cary Elwes

April 29, 8 p.m.

Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St.

Join star Cary Elwes (Westley) for a screening of the movie The Princess Bride and a behind-the-scenes Q&A of his onscreen and private lives. After the screening, Elwes will provide a sneak peek into the cast and crew’s off-screen antics. www.capa.com

Shadowbox Live presents No Return: The Deadly Dance of Bonnie & Clyde

Thursdays and Sundays through April 30

Shadowbox Live, 503 S. Front St.

Shadowbox Live is proud to present their rendition of the story featuring one of the deadliest couples in American history. This original script is supported by modern pop, rock and jazz hits which reimagines the legend of Bonnie and Clyde. www.shadowboxlive.org

Opera Columbus presents The Cooper-Bing Competition

April 30, 3 p.m.

Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St.

A $10,000 reward is up for grabs in this year’s Cooper-Bing Competition. Cast your vote for a special audience award at this electrifying vocal battle royale. www. operacolumbus.org

Art in Bloom