CityScene May/June 2023

WELCOMING.

Connected. Inclusive. Engaged.

As a strategically planned community, New Albany collaborates with residents and businesses to create a shared vision for the future that brings people together. It’s a friendly, inclusive community that makes you feel at home, encourages a healthy lifestyle, nurtures the creative spirit, invests in lifelong learning, supports business and protects the environment for future generations. It’s more than a place to live, it’s a way of life.

225+ Artists

Music, Dance, Theater and Spoken Word

Great Food and Craft Beer

Family Fun

VIP package available FREE!

HEADLINERS AT GENOA PARK MAIN STAGE

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

Aaron Gilliam, Lucy Lawler Editorial Assistants

Kobe Collins, Katie Giffin

Contributing Writers

Brandon Klein Digital Editor

Laura Pappas Advertising Sales

Circulation 614-572-1240

CityScene Media Group also publishes Dublin Life, Healthy New Albany Magazine, Pickerington Magazine, Westerville Magazine, Tri-Village Magazine and Discover Grove City Magazine

The publisher welcomes contributions in the form of manuscripts, drawings, photographs or story ideas to consider for possible publication. Enclose a SASE with each submission or email info@cityscenemediagroup.com. Publisher does not assume responsibility for loss or damage.

‘Tis the Season Down to a Fine Art

The Columbus Arts Festival gears up for its 61st go ’round

By Lucy Lawler

NO TWO COLUMBUS Arts Festivals are the same, and this year’s offering – slated for June 9-11 – is no exception.

First and foremost, the community favorite event has a new director: Alexis Perrone. Perrone, who has some 20 years of experience in event planning and marketing at such local institutions as WOSU and Experience Columbus, considers the upcoming festival a magnum opus of sorts.

“I would say it’s probably been the greatest and most precious honor of my career,” Perrone says.

One new highlight this year is a fashion show featuring the work of five Columbusbased designers, scheduled for the evening of June 9.

A pop-up called Scribble is set to extend across all three days of the festival

as 12 artists work together to create one giant piece of art. This pop-up is based on Scrawl, another local festival based in Franklinton.

Just as downtown Columbus is subject to consistent development and change, so is the festival.

“Through no power of our own, Bicentennial Park will be closed,” says Jami Goldstein, vice president of marketing at the Greater Columbus Arts Council, which coordinates the festival. “So our main stage will be the amphitheater at Genoa Park on the west side of the river.”

Even with some rearranging, the summer celebration remains steadfast in its goal of unifying people by way of art.

“Art is a common dialogue,” Goldstein says. “No matter what language you speak,

To read about featured artists, check out “Emerging Artists” on page 36.

no matter where you come from or how much money you have, art can bring us together and generate conversation where there was previously divide.” CS

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

Picnic with the Pops is back

Columbus Symphony Orchestra brings big names to its summer concert series

By Aaron Gilliam

BETWEEN LIVE COLLABORATIONS and tributes, the 2023 Nationwide Picnic with the Pops season is set to span a variety of musical genres – from 1970s easy listening to 2000s hip-hop. The Columbus Symphony Orchetsra’s annual outdoor concert series hosts seven shows from June 17 to July 29 featuring a wide range of artists.

Ne-Yo brings his soulful sound to the stage at the Columbus Commons on June 17 to share a unique take on R&B. With decades of experience as a singer-songwriter, Ne-Yo has been to the top of his industry with hits such “Miss Independent” and “So Sick.” He is performing alongside his band, dancers and the Columbus Symphony.

Multi-platinum selling pianist and vocalist Ben Folds has been entertaining audiences since his time as part of the three-

member Ben Folds Five in the 1990s, using his skills as a composer and pianist to create works that still find their place in pop culture today. Folds’ solo and collaborative albums provide the symphony with plenty of material, from ’90s alternative rock radio hit “Brick” to 2000s nu-metal spoof “Rockin’ the Suburbs,” when it joins him on July 22.

In an annual tradition, The Ohio State University Marching Band joins the sym-

phony to celebrate the first tailgate of the year with a two-night performance to kick off the football season and finish off Picnic with the Pops. The TBDBITL performance has been a staple for years and provides some extra school spirit right before the fall semester. Performances are July 28 and 29.

Other performances in the concert series include:

• Super Diamond: A Tribute to Neil Diamond, June 24

• Patriotic Pops and Soul: featuring Tamika Lawrence and the Worship and Praise Chorale, July 1

• The Music of Whitney Houston: A Celebration, July 8

• The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA, July 15

Columbus Commons hosts all shows in the concert series. Doors open at 6 p.m., with music beginning at 8 p.m.. Tickets are available at www.columbus symphony.com. CS

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

Elizabeth Kander, M.D.

Jarred Burkart, M.D. Shabana Dewani, M.D. Andrew Grainger, M.D. Joseph Hofmeister, M.D. Augustine Hong, M.D.

Kavya Krishna, M.D.

Peter Kourlas, M.D.

Erin Macrae, M.D.

Shylaja Mani, M.D.

Thomas Sweeney, M.D. Emily Saul, D.O.

Nse Ntukidem, M.D. Anish Parikh, M.D.

Erin M.Bertino, M. D. Joining June, 2023

New in Town

CATCO, Wexner Center and CMA all name new directors to lead programs

By Rachel Karas

MUCH LIKE THE city itself, the arts and entertainment organizations in Columbus are always growing and changing with the times.

Three arts organizations have named new administrative team members to help lead the future of arts in Columbus and bring new ideas to the table.

Leda Hoffmann

Artistic Director at CATCO

After moving countless times, Leda Hoffmann is excited and ready to call Columbus her new home.

With a father from Illinois and a mother from Toronto, Hoffmann has dual citizenship in the U.S. and Canada and spent time in both countries and several others.

She graduated from Grinnell College in 2009 with a degree in theater and went on to pursue an apprenticeship with Hartford Stage in Connecticut – then a second one with the Milwaukee Repertory Theater in Wisconsin.

At the Rep, she fell in love with the education and literary departments and eventually founded the group’s community engagement department.

This love of theater education is what drew her to CATCO – which offers many

classes and camps – where she now serves as artistic director.

Hoffmann joined the team in summer 2020, so her first season was very unusual due to COVID-19 restrictions. She made the most of this period by getting to know the company and personally connecting with her team so they could hit the ground running when they could put on shows again.

“We were planting the seeds (and) figuring out what those things could do when we were able to produce in-person again,” Hoffmann says.

Some of the seeds she hopes will sprout are the growth of smaller theater programs such as CATCO, and the theater scene in Columbus in general.

“We have this huge metro area, and the theater scene, honestly, is way smaller than makes sense,” Hoffmann says. “I’m really interested in the growth potential of being able to serve more people and getting theater artists working in Columbus.”

In March, the Columbus Museum of Art named Brooke A. Minto as its new executive director and CEO. Succeeding Nannette Maciejunes, who served as executive director for 20 years and retired this past November, Minto will take on her new role starting May 15.

Minto studied art history at Dartmouth College and earned a master’s degree in modern art and critical studies from Columbia University.

She brings leadership and educational expertise with her from over 20 years of experience as an arts administrator, art historian and educator in the U.S. and abroad.

To reach the goal of anchoring a local theater ecosystem, Hoffmann says, CATCO plans to continue connecting with younger community members and strengthen the infrastructure for artists living and working in Columbus.

From residency programs in local elementary schools to camps and classes for all age groups, CATCO’s education programs are not only a major part of its identity, but can have a huge impact on the community.

“CATCO is really rooted in work that relates to Columbus. That’s the power of good regional theater,” Hoffmann says. “CATCO’s history and its values and the things that all the people connected with it really care about are doing work specifically for Columbus.”

Leda Hoffmann

Gaëtane Verna

Gaëtane Verna Executive Director at Wexner Center for the Arts

Growing up with a love for ballet, cello, opera and modern dance, Gaëtane Verna says that, since she was young, she has loved and understood the importance of multidisciplinary arts.

Verna was born in what is now the Republic of the Congo, but moved to Canada at a young age and spent most of her life there before moving to Paris to study art history and museum studies.

From there, her career took her from the curator of the Foreman Art Gallery at Bishop’s University in Quebec to director and artistic director of the Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery in Toronto in 2012.

She was also appointed to the Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Order of Arts and Letters) by the French government in 2017 and taught in the art history departments of Bishop’s University and the Université du Québec à Montréal for several years.

Verna’s work at the Power Plant had ties to the Wexner Center for the Arts, but what drew her to Columbus was the center’s support of artists and its unique position within The Ohio State University.

“(I am) very much interested in the relationship between higher education and the arts as something that should be important in everybody’s lives, whether you will be an artist or not,” Verna says. “I am very much interested in artists as an audience for us, but I’m (equally) as interested in everyday people and the impact of art in (their) lives.”

In her new role as executive director, Verna says, she hopes to help people – especially artists – connect more with the great resources within the university and Columbus at large.

While she and her team are still working on their three-year strategic plan, Verna says they hope to reflect on the center’s past to find ways to connect with their audience and continue to provide amazing experiences for all.

“You can reproduce all the artworks in the world on a phone, but it’s nothing like seeing the object,” Verna says. “It’s nothing like collectively looking at a film together and (sensing) the bodies of everyone else. Whether it’s fidgeting, or laughing or crying, this emotion, this shared emotion –you can’t replace that.” CS

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

Listen Up

Youth, especially girls, face worsening mental health

By Claire Miller

ADDRESSING THE MENTAL health issues of young people has never been more critical. The consensus among public health experts is that the pandemic

prognosis for the mental health of adolescents in the U.S.

At the top of the list for at-risk groups is teen girls. In 2021, the Centers for Disease Control conducted a survey and found 57 percent of girls “felt so sad or hopeless almost every day for at least two weeks in a row that they stopped doing their usual activities” – twice the rate for boys. That’s a 60 percent increase since 2011.

Thirty percent of high school girls have “seriously considered attempting suicide,” according to the

For all U.S. high schoolers, persistent sadness or hopelessness rose from 26 to 42 percent between 2009 and 2021, according to the CDC.

Youth are in need of support, and the Franklin County chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness is listening.

It has expanded its programming and aims to empower youth to better manage their own mental health and the mental health of their peers.

“We as adults have to listen,” says Rachelle A. Martin, ex-

ecutive director of NAMI Frankin County. “The only way we are going to get our youth to accept us and understand us is by listening to build that trust, so that we can show them respect and they can respect us.”

Starting in 2018, NAMI Franklin County has been offering the Ending the Silence program to schools and individuals.

The evidence-based program is designed for high and middle schoolers to teach them about mental health issues. The free presentation is designed for three types of audiences: students, school staff and families.

“We have to find another way to get to our kids now to help them, because they are struggling with so many issues,” Martin says. “Can you imagine being on social media and being bullied? That is something that we never dreamed of happening.”

During the first year of the program, NAMI served 9,000 students. The numbers declined during the pandemic, but are coming back now, Martin says.

Sources of Strength is another program offered by NAMI Franklin County. The evidence-based, upstream prevention program applies a strength-based approach to suicide prevention. Martin says the organization hopes to earn a grant to offer Mental Health First Aid, a skills-based training course, in schools so teachers can be certified.

“Over these past few years, we have seen more families needing care for their kids,” Martin says. “Because they are calling, having serious problems. And if they are 18 years of age, the children have the right to say, ‘I’m not doing what you’re telling me.’ So we have seen a serious uptick.”

Martin believes the poor mental health of teen girls – who are three times as likely as

Franklin County

June 10

8 a.m.- noon

105 Wolfe Park Dr. Walk to support mental health

boys to experience depression, according to a Pew Research Center analysis of the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health – is due to lower self-esteem, whether that comes from bullying, social media or elsewhere.

Studies have also indicated greater rates of rumination and perfectionism, which are both risk factors for depression.

Trauma and violence are also potential factors gleaned from the CDC survey: 20 percent of girls say they were electronically bullied in 2021, compared to 11 percent of boys. Fourteen percent of girls reported being forced to have sex, compared to 4 percent of boys.

Black girls, especially, are in need of support, Martin says.

“We have to get to the core of the Black girl who is really struggling,” she says.

Deaths by suicide among Black adolescent girls increased 182 percent from 2001 to 2017, according to a study published in the Journal of Community Health.

Locally, Black Girl Rising, Inc., a nonprofit founded by Fran Frazier, has created mental health campaigns for Black girls and conducted research to explore the unique experience of Black adolescent girls in urban areas.

Nearly 70 percent of LGBTQ-identifying high schoolers said they felt persistently sad or hopeless when asked in the CDC survey, and 45 percent have seriously considered attempting suicide.

If you or a loved one are in crisis, dial 988 for the suicide and crisis lifeline. CS

Best of the ‘Bus 2021 & 2022 Winner!

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

NAMIWalks

WITH COLUMBUS’ PERFECT blend of historic spots and booming development, bar owners have plenty of competition around town, which has led to some creative and unique spaces to explore for your next date night or after-hours meetup. Here are some unique spaces to enjoy some fresh air and sip in style.

Understory

Understory may be the only school in central Ohio that encourages wandering the halls with a drink in hand.

Wolf’s Ridge Brewing took over the Columbus’ Open Air School in 2020 and transformed its space into a bar that keeps the historic features intact, but is optimized for grabbing a casual drink with a friend or a date.

The Open Air School was built in 1927 and designed by Howard Dwight Smith, an Upper Arlington resident best known for designing Ohio Stadium. To fight the spread of tuberculosis, the school was designed to have a constant flow of fresh air. These days, the school’s campus is home to Joshua

Schottenstein Pottery, Butcher Shop Fitness, Understory, Emmett’s Cafe and more.

The fun is in the details at the Open Air School. The bricks that make up the school were intentionally laid askew to maintain a playful tone. You can lounge in a “study nook” booth that sits in a hallway

Social Summer Spirits

Unique spaces for a cool drink this summer

By Tyler Kirkendall

Photos courtesy of City of Dublin, Tyler Kirkendall, Visit Gahanna and Wolf’s Ridge Brewing

lined with sand-green lockers. There are still room numbers on each door.

The Commons is a fun place to grab brunch through the original lunch service windows on the ground floor. Adjacent to The Commons, The Lounge is a craft cocktail bar that provides earth-toned furniture and a natural vibe that encourages socializing during an evening drink.

Corey Schlosser, director of on-premise operations for Wolf’s Ridge Brewing, says the outdoor space is meant to blend well into the Olentangy Trail, which its patio overlooks.

“The outdoor experience is just not pretentious. It’s a beautiful view that’s hard to find in Columbus,” he says. “But we tried to make sure that it is still accommodating to the school. So playful, fun, different styles of seating.”

Schlosser has been encouraged by the community’s excitement for the space.

“(Last year) I looked around, and it was probably the most eclectic crowd I’ve ever seen in one dining area,” he says. “(I was) seeing students with some (of) my regulars in Arlington who were in their 60s and 70s, all in one area – smiling, having a good time, listening to live music.” CS

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

Not to be forgotten

Stories on High

Stories on High is the tallest rooftop bar in central Ohio, located on the 28th floor of the Hilton Columbus Downtown. Executive Chef Sebastián La Rocca and Beverage Director Rustun Nichols collaborated to bring together a menu of tapas-style bites that fuse Asian flavors and American classics, along with an exciting list of fresh cocktails and wines to complement. The pair focuses on freshness and allowing ingredients to speak for themselves.

“Everyone serves food,” La Rocca says. “We serve experience.”

The space provides a breathtaking view of central Ohio, and the lighting and shades carefully follow the setting of the sun.

Creekside Park in Gahanna

If you are looking for something a little more serene, but just as vibrant, Gahanna’s Creekside Park and Arboretum is a great suburban spot to enjoy a drink and connect with Mother Earth.

The Creekside Outdoor Refreshment Area (CORA) offers a beautiful view of Big Walnut Creek alongside several restaurants and bars to satisfy your needs. Purchase a CORA wristband and enjoy a day of sun with your friends while you relax to the sounds of the water.

VASO in Dublin

Keeping with the suburban theme, VASO – located atop the AC Marriott Hotel at Bridge Park – offers a gorgeous panoramic view of Dublin and the surrounding area.

VASO strives to keep a relaxing vibe that perfectly lends itself to great conversation and a relaxing night out. Tapas-style food and sophisticated cocktails make the time fly on a warm summer evening.

Top Tips

Stay healthy with advice from local Docs

Oral Surgery Tips

Dr. Joshua T. Smith, DDS

Tip #1: Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are generally addressed between the ages of 17-25. Due to the risk of pain, adjacent teeth damage and infection, most people will need to have their wisdom teeth removed to prevent these problems. The extraction process in younger patients is significantly less traumatic and recovery is much quicker, which is why extraction is sometimes recommended even before symptoms arise.

Tip #2: Impacted teeth are defined as teeth that are prevented from erupting into the correct position due to lack of space or other impediments. These impacted teeth are frequently associated with cysts and tumors in the jaw bones, and can become a serious medical condition. It is therefore imperative that any impacted tooth be monitored for the development of any associated pathology and treated promptly.

Tip #3: There are several tooth replacement options, but a dental implant is considered to be the gold standard. The implant fixture is made of a titanium alloy, which integrates with the bone, making it a permanent part of the body. The success rate for dental implants is up to 98% when the procedure is performed by a well-trained surgeon. Any patient interested in missing tooth replacement should discuss their options with an oral surgeon to determine if they are a good candidate for this procedure.

Cancer Risk Reduction Tips

Kavya Krishna, M.D. Columbus Oncology & Hematology

Cancer is a tough disease, and interventions to reduce the risk of developing cancer are helpful. A healthy diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes and nuts is beneficial. Limiting the amount of processed food and processed meat is recommended. Refraining from smoking – which increases the risk for various types of cancers, including lung, head and

neck, pancreatic and bladder cancers – is advised, and your doctor can help with strategies to quit smoking.

Prevention and early detection of cancers, such as through regular mammograms in women and colon cancer screenings, increase chances of cure. Maintaining a healthy weight and active lifestyle lowers risk of breast, colon, prostate and other cancers. Any amount of physical activity is encouraged, but at least 30 minutes of exercise per day for five days a week, or weekly 150 minutes of moderate exercise with a doctor’s clearance, if you have any underlying health issues, is advised.

Skin cancer is a common and preventable cancer. Wearing appropriate sun protective gear, avoiding tanning beds, sunlamps, minimizing sun exposure between 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and getting any suspicious skin changes or new/changing moles checked by your doctor are encouraged.

Applying sunscreen with SPF of at least 30 to exposed areas, even when it is cloudy, with reapplication every two hours and more often if engaging in water activities or noticing increased sweating, is important.

Dental Health Tips

Dr. Missy Baker

The Gentle Dentist

Did you know that your dental health affects your overall health? Studies

Oral Surgeon at Greater Columbus Oral Surgery & Dental Implants, Grove City

Kavya Krishna, M.D. Columbus Oncology & Hematology

Dr. Missy Baker The Gentle Dentist

Dr. Joshua T. Smith, DDS Greater Columbus Oral Surgery & Dental Implants

show that good oral hygiene not only decreases inflammation throughout the body, but it is also well documented that the bacteria in our mouths that cause gingivitis and periodontitis travel to blood vessels everywhere in the body, where they can cause damage. People with dental disease are more likely to have coronary artery disease and stroke, and are at a higher risk for pneumonia and pregnancy complications such as low birth weight.

Top Tooth Tips!

• Floss daily; if you do not floss, you miss 35% of your tooth's surface.

• In addition to brushing and flossing daily, using mouthwash every day should become part of your routine to ensure optimal oral health.

• Visiting your dentist two times a year for a thorough cleaning and exam, gum charting, cavity-detecting xrays and oral cancer screening can help ensure you are appropriately monitoring your oral health.

• Avoid a poor diet, especially one high in sugar; excessive alcohol use; tobacco use and chronic stress.

• Make sure you go to bed with a clean mouth. Do not go to bed without brushing and flossing your teeth. CS

Walk with the Egyptians

COSI gives visitors a unique view into King Tut’s tomb

By Tyler Kirkendall

This summer, COSI patrons can travel through both time and space with the museum’s latest exhibit, Tutankhamun: His Tomb and His Treasures

“You can’t make this up. This year is 100 years, to the year, (since) Dr. Howard Carter peered his eye into the Valley of the Kings and discovered King Tutankhamun’s tomb,” says Frederic Bertley, president and CEO of COSI. “One of the most iconic discoveries in the history of archaeology and the history of civilization.”

Carter – along with wealthy collaborator George Herbert, 5th Earl of Carnarvon – first discovered the tomb in the Valley of the Kings, where many Egyptian emperors and significant figures had been laid to rest among priceless treasures and meaningful idols.

COSI’s exhibit recreates Carter and Herbert’s first foray into the sacred space in breathtaking detail. Those familiar with the tomb’s discovery will be in awe at the precise replication of the antechamber and treasury, which were painstakingly recreated by Egyptian experts to the last scratch and seam.

“We’re talking about a country’s treasure, a country’s history, a country’s DNA – no pun intended – so you don’t want to be flippant. You don’t want to by whimsical,” Bertley says. “You don’t want to use a creative license. You want to represent it as accurately as possible.”

The attention to fine detail is a key part of the Tutankhamun experience. The antechamber, which was the first room Carter and Herbert entered, is recreated in the exact state of disarray that thieves had left it in after scouring the tomb shortly after it was sealed.

Chariot parts, chests, statues, weapons and furniture are among the many artifacts that line the room. The lighting was chosen to highlight the magnificence of each piece without detracting from the ominous feeling that you are stepping into unexplored history, which Bertley says lets people “see the beauty of the human family.”

“You have all these pockets of desperate populations feeling different about

other people, (so we’re) bringing in an exhibition that really speaks to the civility of humanity, and art and the respect for the dead and how we treat our people,” Bertley says. “That’s what this tool is all about. Having that now, it’s almost one of those meta, philosophical, spiritual moments that … we should be more thoughtful and reflective.’”

The exhibit offers a walkthrough that deconstructs the tomb as you pass through, and its mysteries and finer details are gradually revealed with every step you take further from the entrance.

Coming out of the darker chambers, visitors are greeted by a series of nesting tombs, which have been separated and laid out in a manner that highlights the scale of each box that housed the beloved ancient leader.

Tutankhamun, who began his rule at age 9, was worshipped as a deity before his death at 19 years old. The boxes tell the story of his journey through the afterlife, which COSI explains along the walls of this section.

The young ruler’s death mask, an icon of archaeological discovery, is recreated down to details that are only noticeable in person, such as one earlobe stretching slightly lower than the other.

The rest of the exhibit uncovers the finer details of the treasures. COSI has fashioned the displays to bring visitors face-to-face with the items that filled the late teenage ruler’s tomb.

From gold chariots to beetle-sized charms, every item is ornate and has a fascinating backstory illuminated by COSI’s descriptions.

Semmel Exhibitions was responsible for the 1,000-plus-piece exhibit. The center itself was recently voted USA Today’s Best Science Museum for the fourth consecutive year.

Bertley says COSI should fascinate visitors “from the womb to the tomb,” which, while tongue-in-cheek, is fitting for this timeless spectacle and rare opportunity. CS

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

Want to visit the actual tomb?

Tutankhamun’s tomb in the Valley of the Kings is still a spot you can visit today. Traveling to Egypt may prove challenging, and the U.S. Department of State released a travel advisory recommending exercising extreme caution when traveling to the country.

Not to mention, those who are superstitious may want to stay away due to the famous “Curse of the Pharaohs.” The legend suggests that after the tomb was disturbed, it took its vengeance on Lord Carnarvon, who died months after Tut’s tomb was discovered.

The tomb has been carefully preserved, and now the boy mummy can only be seen through a pane of glass to prevent damage from visitors’ breathing and talking.

Heading to the source is the best way to see the original objects such as Tut’s death mask, though most of the artifacts have been removed for Egypt’s archives, meaning that COSI’s replicas are now the best way to experience a recreation of Carter and Herbert’s original venture up close and curse-free.

BEST BLUES & JAZZ IN OHIO

JUNE 16-18, 2023

CREEKSIDE DISTRICT • GAHANNA, OHIO

TICKETS

CREEKSIDEBLUESANDJAZZ.COM

FEATURING ZAC HARMON

Award-winning guitarist, singer, and songwriter whose distinctive style continues the lineage of American Blues music

CHUCHITO VALDÉS

ERIN COBURN

HOODOO SOUL

LIL’ JIMMY REED WITH BEN LEVIN MARION MEADOWS WITH THE URBAN JAZZ COALITION

MOJOFLO

BLUE SPECTRUM

24 Years of Music and Community The Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival returns for its 24th year in Gahanna, Ohio

By Rachel Karas

With June approaching, thousands will soon gather in the Creekside District of Gahanna to listen to the soulful sounds of local and nationally-renowned musicians for the annual Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival.

Celebrating its 24th year, the Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival, presented by Visit Gahanna, (the Gahanna Convention & Visitors Bureau), has been entertaining crowds since its inception in 1999. The highly anticipated festival is Gahanna’s largest signature event and draws over 20,000 visitors from Ohio, the Midwest and beyond.

Running from June 16 through 18, festivalgoers can take full advantage of the festival with three stages of live music,

delicious food and beverages from local businesses and food trucks, local vendors, and nature paths at the Creekside Park and Arboretum that adjoins the festival grounds.

Visit Gahanna’s Executive Director, Lori Kappes, shared highlights of what is coming to this year’s festival, as well as tips on how to stay up to date as the event approaches.

How has the festival grown and changed over time?

“First held in 1999, the Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival began as a half-day event to commemorate the opening of Gahanna’s Creekside Park and the revitalization of the downtown Gahanna area,” Kappes says.

“Today, the festival is a three-day cultural event that features hours of world-class music on multiple stages, mouth-watering cuisine, regional artisans and more.”

With blues and jazz at the center, what can people expect when it comes to music?

The festival offers a wide range of music varieties including its namesake blues and jazz, but also funk, soul, rock, bluegrass and more. There will be three different stages for visitors to enjoy including a Jazz Stage, a Blues Stage and a Community Stage.

The Blues and Jazz stages will feature a mix of local, regional and national musicians, while the Community Stage will focus on showcasing artists from primarily around the Central Ohio area.

Some bigger names include awardwinning blues artist Zac Harmon; saxophonist Marion Meadows, who will be performing with local band The Urban Jazz Coalition; and Bluesmen Lil’ Jimmy Reed and pianist Ben Levin.

How else can people get the most out of the festival?

There will be plenty of food to enjoy, as Kappes says the organizers pride themselves on having a wide variety

Photos courtesy of Tim Courlas Photography

of cuisine including 20 food vendors and various local restaurants within the festival grounds.

Kappes says some food vendors from last year plan to return, including Island Noodles, Louisiana Grill and Ribman Catering. Popular festival foods such as fresh-cut fries, funnel cakes and kettle corn will be present along with vegan options from new vendor Turtle Island.

Besides the good food and music, festival-goers can also support local retail vendors and artisans and enjoy draft beer options, all of which will be from Gahanna’s local breweries.

The Open Air Art Studio returns to the festival for its second year, allowing visitors to watch and admire as local artists create art murals on the festival grounds.

For some family fun, kids can learn more about music at the kid-friendly Music Discovery Area, which will be open on Sunday.

“We’re excited to add a kid-friendly ‘Music Discovery Area’ to the festival this year to help teach and inspire a love of music in children,” Kappes says. “The Mu-

sic Discovery Area will allow kids the opportunity to get on stage alongside young musicians, to learn about and play musical instruments, and to see what it’s like to perform in front of an audience.”

How does such a big event like this work and come together?

“We couldn’t do it without the volunteers we have,” Kappes says. “And we have many who dedicate their entire weekend to come and help. Some of our volunteers who have taken larger roles start planning for the next year’s event shortly after the festival happens. So those people are involved all year long.”

Each year, there are roughly 350 people who sign up to help, each getting a T-shirt, free admission, snacks and treats, as well as a picnic once the festival is done as a thank you from the Visit Gahanna team. And even though applications opened in March, Kappes says, they always take volunteers right up until the day the festival kicks off.

Kappes says in addition to having volunteers to help, the sponsors are a

large part of what makes the festival possible, especially the stage sponsors. This year, Toyota Direct and Drive Direct are sponsoring the Blues Stage, Heartland Bank is sponsoring the Jazz Stage, and Civista Bank is sponsoring the Community Stage. CS

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

Know before you go

• Tickets for the event can be purchased at the gate or at the festival’s website, CreeksideBluesAndJazz.com.

• Adult tickets are $15 each, youth (ages 11-17) are $10 and children (ages 10 and under) get in for free. Additionally, any active duty or veteran military member will be admitted for free with their Military I.D. at the gate.

• Weekend passes valid for all three days for the festival are also available for adults for $30 or youth (ages 11-17) for $20.

• A special Buy One, Get One Free Ticket sale will be available for Sunday, June 18 only.

• Free parking will be available at the AEP Ohio building at 700 Morrison Rd. with a complimentary shuttle – sponsored by AEP Ohio and Mount Carmel – that will take visitors to the festival grounds.

• See the full line-up and schedule of musicians, list of vendors, local accommodations and travel tips on the festival’s website at CreeksideBluesAndJazz.com.

Open Air Art Studio

ArtisticTriumph

By Lucy Lawler

exhibits that promise wonder to onlookers

For those who appreciate beauty and excellence, attending an art exhibit is like drawing a breath of fresh air, only to have it taken away a moment later in awe of the work.

Many striking exhibits exist within and outside of Ohio, so why not take some time to indulge in human imagination?

Monet/Mitchell: Painting the French Landscape

Through June 15

Saint Louis Art Museum

Monet/Mitchell: Painting the French Landscape examines the unexpectedly fascinating similarities between its titular artists, who both resided in France during their respective lifetimes.

A frenzy of broad brushstrokes and dream-like hues, Claude Monet’s works have transfixed people for over 100 years. Born in 1840, the French painter was a chief pioneer of impressionism. Finding inspiration in the accessible magnificence of nature, whether in the form of blossom-

ing poppies or a hazy sunrise, he successfully immortalized life’s inherent splendor.

Like Monet, American abstract expressionist artist Joan Mitchell remained a staunch individualist throughout her entire career. Known for paintings such as River and Hemlock, she worked professionally from the 1950s to the 1990s, using thick ribbons of color to create images that impressed casual viewers as well as critics.

The exhibit showcases a total of 24 paintings, including Monet’s Water Lilies and Mitchell’s Ici.

Hokusai: Inspiration and Influence

Through July 16

Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

Though some might not recognize the name Katsushika Hokusai, the artist’s Under the Wave off Kanagawa woodblock print – dated to 1830 or 1831 – has a continuous cultural impact.

Despite passing away in 1849, Hokusai continues to inspire countless modern-day artists, leaving behind a legacy of about 30,000 diverse works. In addition to roughly 100 of those 30,000 works, the exhibit boasts 200-plus works related to Hokusai and his iconic imagery.

Among the featured artists is Katsushika O –i, Hokusai’s daughter and a skilled painter of her time. Another

contributor is Jumpei Mitsui, a LEGO certified professional who built a large-scale Under the Wave off Kanagawa replica with a whopping 50,000 bricks.

Picasso Landscapes: Out of Bounds

June 23-Oct. 15

Cincinnati Art Museum

Pablo Picasso is often remembered for his warped portraiture that reframes human features through a cubist lens. But when it comes to Picasso, there is always more than meets the eye.

Picasso Landscapes: Out of Bounds is a celebration of Picasso’s true depth as a 20th-century artist, as this year marks 50 years since his death. An array of paintings and sculptures reveal how Picasso made sense of a rapidly changing European landscape and developed his unconventional art style over time.

What’s more, Picasso Landscapes: Out of Bounds is “the first exhibition to comprehensively present Picasso’s fertile engagement with landscape over his 75-year career,” according to the Cincinnati Art Museum’s website.

Four

Claude Monet Water Lilies

Katsushika Hokusai Under the Wave off Kanagawa

Degas and the Laundress: Women, Work,

and Impressionism

Oct. 8-Jan. 14

Cleveland Museum of Art

It can’t hurt to plan ahead, even if summer hasn’t descended quite yet. Degas and the Laundress: Women, Work, and Impressionism is an intimate and memorable look into Parisian laundresses’ everyday toils in the late 19th century.

Edgar Degas, an upper-class artist hailing from France, was proficient in impressionist painting, sketching and photography. His artistic portrayals of laundresses working in Paris, of which there are about 30, characterize women who sparked an entire city’s interest.

Degas’ works will be joined by those of other French artists who lived during the same time period, notably Berthe Morisot and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. Posters, photographs and books round out the exhibit, making for a thoroughly educational experience. CS

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

2023 Events Dates

Wine and Arts Festival

June 16, 17

Bourbon Tasting

August 12

Tacos and Tequila

July 15

Annual All Ohio Model T Ford Jamboree LABOR DAY WEEKEND

September 1, 2, 3, 4

Pub Crawls

TBD

Coffee & Chocolate Festival

October TBD

Mistletoe Market

December 1 & 2

Christmas Parade

December 1

Food Trucks & Shop Hop Dates

May 12, 26

June 9, 23

July 7, 21

August 4, 18

September 1, 15, 29

October 13, 27

www.heartofgrovecity.org

Edgar Degas Repasseuses

Pablo Picasso The Vert-Galant DIRECT FROM SCOTLAND

THE 39TH ANNUAL

Art Spot is a series of temporary public art installations featuring 14 artists at 13 storefront window locations in and around downtown Columbus. The artwork, viewable 24/7, explores issues of climate change, conservation and the role of art in science communication.

ON VIEW UNTIL JUNE 30, 2023

ColumbusMakesArt.com/ArtSpot

MARCUS BLACKWELL

Ohio Theatre Ticket Booth

There is No New Water

CLIMATE CONVERSATIONS

Co-directors Amy Leibrand and Stephanie Rond

Access the tour:

A PROJECT OF:

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT FROM:

Photos: Ian Crumpler, Nick Dekker | Design: Formation Studio

Festivals Festive

The hottest festivals in and around Ohio you don’t want to miss

By Aaron Gilliam

Local Favorites You Love

Buckeye Country Superfest

May 27

Ohio Stadium

www.buckeyecountrysuperfest.com

Columbus Arts Festival

June 9-11

Downtown Columbus Riverfront

www.columbusartsfestival.org

Grove City Wine and Arts Festival

June 16-17

Grove City Town Center

www.visitgrovecityoh.com

Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival

June 16-18

Creekside District

www.creeksidebluesandjazz.com

Worthington Arts Festival

June 17-18

McConnell Arts Center

www.worthingtonartsfestival.com

ComFest

June 23-25

Goodale Park www.comfest.com

Buckeye Country Superfest

Westerville Music & Arts Festival

July 8-9

Heritage Park & Everal Barn

www.westervillechamber.com

Franklin County Fair

July 17-23

Franklin County Fairgrounds www.fcfair.org

Arthritis Association Car Show

July 20-22

Metro Center Business Park www.arthritis.org

Ohio State Fair

July 26-Aug. 6

Ohio State Fairgrounds

www.ohiostatefair.com

Grove City Bourbon & Spirits Festival

Aug. 12

Park Street, East of Broadway

Grove City Wine and Arts Festival

North Market Ohio Wine Festival

Aug. 18-19

North Market at Bridge Park

www.northmarket.org

Columbus Food Truck Festival

Aug. 19-20

Franklin County Fairgrounds

www.columbusfoodtruckfest.com

Greek Festival

Sep. 1-4

The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral

www.facebook.com/ColsGreekFest/ ComFest

www.heartofgrovecity.org

Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts Festival

Sept. 4

Northam Park/Tremont Park

www.upperarlingtonoh.gov

Italian Festival

Oct. 6-8

St. John The Baptist Italian Catholic Church

www.columbusitalianfestival.com

Dublin Irish Festival

Aug. 4-6

Coffman Park

www.dublinirishfestival.org

The three-day festival is a summer staple, hosting premier local musical talent along with traveling acts such as the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, with their unique sound of bagpipes, drums and a Scottish flare. Socks in a Frying Pan, Goitse and JigJam will also make appearances on the festival stage. Dance, theatrical and spoken word performances will also offer entertainment, with vendors providing food and beverages to give you the full Irish experience.

Just a Drive Away

A World A’Fair

May 5-7

Greene County Fairgrounds

www.aworldafair.org

Ohio’s largest international festival with booths from 35 nonprofit organizations representing more than 50 countries.

30th Annual Dandelion May Fest

May 6

Breitenbach Winery, Dover

www.breitenbachwine.com

After its success with dandelion wine, Breitenbach Winery decided to start a festival and show off the plant’s culinary potential.

52nd Annual Appalachian Festival

May 13-14

Coney Island, Cincinnati

www.appalachianfestival.org

This event focuses on celebrating the area’s rich Appalachian heritage, with Appalachian music, handmade crafts, storytelling, dancing, educational exhibits, food and more. All festival proceeds go toward grants for organizations and individual artists involved in promoting Appalachian culture.

Bedford Strawberry Festival

June 9-11

Bedford Historical Society & Museum

www.bedfordohiohistory.org

Includes activities for children of all ages including book signings and live music throughout the weekend. This is the city where actress Halle Berry got her high school diploma!

Twins Days Festival

Aug. 5-7

Twinsburg

www.twinsdays.org

The largest gathering of twins and multiples – usually dressed alike – in accordance with the annual theme.

Ohio Pawpaw Festival

Sept. 15-17

Lake Snowden Campground, Albany www.ohiopawpawfest.com

Named the state fruit in 2009. Taste the different varieties, including pawpaw beers. Musical entertainment and performance schedules can be found online.

Circleville Pumpkin Show

Oct. 18-21

Downtown Circleville www.pumpkinshow.com

Pumpkin everything!

Ohio Valley Indigenous Music Festival

June 3-4

Patricia Allyn Park

www.facebook.com/TheOhioValley

IndigenousMusicFestival/

Whitehouse Cherry Fest Run & Wild Walk

June 9

Downtown Whitehouse www.toledo.com

Avon Heritage Duck Tape Festival

June 16-18

Mercy Health Stadium

www.duckbrand.com

Tequila Fest Cleveland

July 15

Voinovich Park

www.tastecle.com

Real McComb Cookie Festival

July 22

McComb Park

www.villageofmccomb.com

Wizardly World of Kent

July 28-29

Downtown Kent

www.facebook.com/WizardlyWorld ofKent/

Lithopolis Honey Festival

Sept. 8-9

Columbus St., Lithopolis

www.lithopolishoneyfest.com

Ohio River Sternwheel Festival

Sept. 8-10

Ohio Riverfront Park, Marietta

www.sternwheel.org

Country Apple Fest

Sept. 23-24

Warren County Fairgrounds

www.countryapplefest.com

Go to www.cityscenecolumbus.com for more festivals!

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

Ohio River Sternwheel Festival

Ohio is for Louvers

Unique motorized pergola keeps luxurious outdoor kitchen comfortable

By Garth Bishop

As much as they loved their Bexley house when they moved in, Heather and Mickey Goldberg felt that the area around the pool needed something.

“I would tell everybody, ‘This would be a perfect spot for a kitchen,’” Heather says.

Today, thanks to the work of Dublinbased Epic Group, the pool sits adjacent to an expansive outdoor kitchen with all the features of an indoor kitchen and more. And the Goldbergs, as well as their guests, never have to worry about the weather presenting challenges, thanks to some innovative technology that protects the area from the elements.

That technology? A motorized pergola designed by StruXure, a deck technology design company based in Atlanta. The

homeowners can use a remote control to open and close it at will, letting the sun in and keeping the rain out, and that’s only the beginning.

“It closes automatically in the rain, and you can set it (via) an app to open during a certain time of day,” says Susan Dyas, one of the owners of Epic.

The louvers can stop at any angle, which means the homeowners can decide how much light they want to let in. Heather saw one of StruXure’s pergolas on HGTV, she says, and thought it would be ideal for the outdoor kitchen.

“It’s a cross between a standard pergola that’s always going to have openings (and) a fixed roof that is always going to be completely closed,” Dyas says.

Epic worked with StruXure to install the pergola, which is made from lightweight aluminum, then built out – in an area previously occupied by bushes – the rest of the kitchen underneath it. The project was finished by early 2020.

Following the addition of ceiling fans, the kitchen is able to remain bug-free even in the summer, Heather says.

“You don’t need screens or anything around the pergola to be bug-free,” she says.

Though the pool has been part of the house since the Goldbergs bought it in 2017, it was the only standout feature of the backyard. The kitchen was envisioned as a way to spruce up the space, Dyas says.

“We took an area that was fairly unused and were able to provide this outdoor kitchen experience that’s right next to the pool,” she says.

Photos courtesy of JE Evans Photography

The most eyebrow-raising element of the kitchen, in Heather’s estimation, is the pizza oven. A 4 Pizze model by Italian oven designer Alfa, it can accommodate as many as four pizzas and get them ready to eat in as little as two minutes. The Goldbergs have also used it for steak, whole chickens, even leftovers.

The countertops have also grabbed the attention of visitors, Heather says. They’re made of black granite, with royal blue prisms that glow in the sunlight.

• A large built-in grill with burners on either side

• An ice machine

• Side-by-side beverage coolers

• Storage for two full sets of dishes, silverware, cups, bartending tools and even a margarita maker

• Warming drawers

“We just figured going all out on the kitchen would be great,” Heather says.

The kitchen has played host to everything from family dinners and small

massive Independence Day party for all the neighbors.

“That’s been a big change, throwing a big 300-person party,” Heather says. “I’d have never been able to do that without the kitchen outside.”

To make both the kitchen and pool area more hospitable in cooler weather, Epic installed outdoor geothermal heaters, designed to heat the body rather than the air. The Goldbergs also added a TV they can watch from the pool area.

Rather than use concrete, as is common for patios, the Goldbergs decided on a type of water-resistant hardwood flooring engineered for raised wood decks (as well as rooftops, terraces and a variety of other features). The handblown glass lights were ordered from Paris, and the ornate dining table – surrounded by 12 chairs – was made in Morocco.

The full effect of the new kitchen has been that the family can, if they want, spend all day outside.

“Nothing has to be prepared inside,” Heather says. “Everything can be done outside, which is very convenient.” CS

Garth Bishop is a contributing editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome

> Know Before You Go

The Smithsonian

Planning your historic trip to the Smithsonian Institution and National Mall

By Kobe Collins

THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION is renowned as one of the largest and most prestigious education centers in the world, offering an opportunity to explore the deep history in the center of America’s capital. Here are some helpful things to know before you go.

Choosing what is right for you

It’s essential to know what interests you most when choosing places to visit in Washington, D.C. There is a niche for everyone, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. The National Museum of Natural History is filled with more artifacts and fossils than any amateur archeologist could ever explore in a day. You’ll find some of history’s most iconic planes and spaceships at the Air and Space Museum. Some of the smaller, more niche museums hold incredible stories as well. For instance, the Postal Museum is an entire

museum dedicated to presenting the history of the postal service. There is even the International Spy Museum, where you can learn about the history of spycraft and test your skills in the trade with interactive features.

Planning ahead

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the busy nature of Washington and the countless things to do in the city. It’s helpful to plan out which museums and monuments are essential to your trip. Keep an eye out for hours of operation, special events or even free tour times. Throughout the summer,

each museum holds its own events, festivals and programs. A great way to enhance a trip to the Smithsonian is to plan around different events. For example, on June 10, the National Museum of Natural History hosts the Duke Ellington Orchestra and the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, celebrating both groups’ legacies.

Try something new

The Smithsonian museums are some of the most visited education centers in the world, especially the free museums. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try something new in D.C. Explore some of the more uncommon museums or check out the exhibits in a different order than the rest of the crowd. In addition, Washington is widely known for its incredible food scene. Explore the local restaurants and exotic tastes that surround one of the busiest cities in America.

Outside the National Museum of Natural History National Zoo

Don’t drive!

You can save time, hassle and money by taking public transportation in our nation’s capital. Not only is Washington traffic hard to navigate, sitting in the car cuts into the time you get to explore museums and monuments. The D.C. metro system is quick, cheap and easy to navigate, and the city also has various buses and trolleys, which often give tours.

Rest when you can

With some of the largest museums and galleries in the world, the Smithsonian can be very tiring. It’s great to fit in as much as you can while visiting, but it’s equally important to rest when needed. It’s important to stay hydrated when visiting in the summer months, too, especially at the National Zoo. Though the museums are air-conditioned, Washington gets very hot in the summer, and time spent outdoors can wear people down more quickly than expected.

Museum tours

Tours offer a great way to get the best experience in any of the Smithsonian Museums. In a guided tour experience, an expert will give detailed background information about the museum. A great example is the Highlights Tour, which is available multiple times a month at the Postal Museum. In

addition, the more introverted museum-goer can find a self-tour. These pre-recorded tours can be played on a phone or device through headphones or earbuds. CS

Kobe Collins is a contributing writer at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com

National Air and Space Museum

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Celebrating Columbus Creatives

Local artists shine in the 2023 Columbus Arts Festival

By Katie Giffin

artists

Photos courtesy of Ray LaVoie and the

Evan Williams

Glenn Gustafson

Amanda McGee

THE 61ST COLUMBUS Arts Festival features artists from across the nation and across disciplines, highlighting their work and giving them a platform to expand their audience. The Emerging Artists category features local artists, both new and experienced in their crafts, who have never participated in a festival. Here are a few of the Emerging Artists visitors will get the chance to meet.

Evan Williams

Evan Williams, inspired by the work of old masters after living in Belgium as a child, pursued art in high school before attending the Columbus College of Art and Design.

After graduating, Williams fell out of love with art because of the inherent financial instability. It wasn’t until his children began to notice his old work that he began to dive back in.

“It’s kind of hard to tell your kid to go to school, listen and work hard and (say), ‘You can be whatever you want to be’ and then, you know, their dad is not doing that,” Williams says. “So I started drawing and painting and sketching for them.”

Williams’ work features larger-than-life caricatures in bold colors. His art encourages his audience to slow down and appreciate the happier times, he says.

“I try to reach back and reflect on … feelgood moments from my childhood or other people’s childhoods that I know that most people can definitely connect with,” he says.

Williams’ work can be seen at Marlow’s Cheesesteaks, Esco Columbus, Black Art Plus and Shadowbox Live, as well as barbershops, salons and bars in and around Columbus. His work is also in the Springfield Art Museum and the Richmond Museum in Indiana. He has a pop-up shop at Alley Burger where he sells pieces weekly.

Glenn Gustafson

As a Buddhist priest, Glenn Gustafson uses his work with ceramics as a practice of meditation. Gustafson’s work, influenced by the Japanese philosophy “Wabi-sabi,” focuses on finding perfection in imperfection, he says.

“Much of my work has a look of being melted or slumped, because the whole aesthetic is built around the aging of a piece,” Gustafson says.

In his 10 years making ceramic art, Gustafson has developed his own artistic style, Kinwaru, as an offshoot of the Japanese style Kintsugi. In Kinwaru, Gustafson intentionally breaks his pieces and then highlights that breakage with gold. His philosophy is, “What others see as broken is what makes us beautiful.”

Gustafson draws on his practice of meditation to inform how he creates a piece. He finds inspiration for his art through desired shapes and, sometimes, from dreams.

“The focus in meditation is to stop trying to force reality into the mold that we want it to fit and instead simply recognize reality as it is,” Gustafson says. “Ceramic art is probably the best expression of that. You can only force clay so much before it says ‘no more.’”

Gustafson has participated in the Worthington Arts Festival and the Berea Arts Festival. His work is not currently on display, but he plans to take his pieces to galleries this summer.

Art by Evan Williams

Art by Glenn Gustafson

Amanda McGee

Westerville artist Amanda McGee found painting six years ago after working as a surface pattern designer for 30 years.

McGee’s pieces focus on nostalgic items and places, such as rotary telephones and banana seat bikes, to evoke happy memories. Her work features vibrant and bold colors with pattern designs that reflect the era of the painting’s subject.

“It’s not so much about me or my connection to that object, but I love hearing the viewer’s point of view and their mem-

ories and what brings about their nostalgia to these items,” McGee says.

One of the key elements to McGee’s creative process is interaction with her community. She paints in an open studio with six other women. In this community space, they are able to discuss, compare and push each other as creatives.

“The personal interaction I enjoyed with my studio mates, as well as being able to have shows in our gallery space … has really also helped me evolve with the connection of their stories to my paintings,” she says.

McGee co-founded the Daylight Artists Collective, where she now paints with other studio members. Her art can be seen at Bryn Du Arts Center, and she has participated in the Hit the Hop exhibition at Studios on High Gallery for the past three years, winning second place in the exhibition in 2022. CS

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

Art by Amanda McGee

Gallery Exhibits

don, Stanka Kordic and Michael Mikula and each of their unique art forms. June 3-Aug. 27. 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. Through June 2. The Pandemic Portraits. Portraits captured by Nicholas Hill throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. June 13-July 21. www.dublinarts.org

934 Gallery: Artwork by Amber GM, Chelsea Flowers, Enas Satir and Paula Mans, featuring illustration, photography and sculpture. Opening May 5. Artwork by Gold Bristow and Molly MacDonald exploring gender and sexuality through illustration, textile arts and more. Opening June 2. www.934gallery.org

Art Access Gallery: Pedestrian Perspectives. Oil paintings by Rod Hayslip, through May 31. Fridays with Judy Friday. Abstract paintings by Judy Favret Friday. Opening June 2. www.artaccessgallery.com

The Arts Castle – Gallery 22: Delaware’s History Through Architecture. Images and artifacts that reflect the style of many of the historic buildings in Delaware. Through June 17. www.artscastle.org

Blockfort: Of Giants and Men 2. Work by Rob Mounier, Ross Hardy, Dane Khy and Andy Smith to showcase all their different styles. Itty Bitty Kitties. Work by Kaitlyn Burrows featuring her cat illustrations. Both open June 1. www.blockfortcolumbus.com

Brandt-Roberts Galleries: Inside, Outside. Work by Richard Lillash, Cody Heichel, Christopher Burk, Jane Carney, Teri

Dryden, Mark Bush, Jeffrey Hirst and visiting artist Alejandro Bolanos. May 6-31. www.brandtrobertsgalleries.com

Columbus Museum of Art: A Scratch on the Earth. The most comprehensive exhibition of Wendy Red Star’s work to date. always circled whirling. The first solo exhibition of abstract painter Lesley Vance. Both open through Sept. 3. PRESENT ’23. Second wave of gifts for the museum’s Scantland Collection. June 8-Oct. 8. www.columbusmuseum.org

Columbus College of Art & Design Beeler Gallery: Chroma 2023. Featuring the work of graduating CCAD students. May 12-Aug. 26. www.beelergallery.org

Cultural Arts Center: Work by Ukrainian artist Oleksii Koval. Through May 27. www.culturalartscenteronline.org

David Myers Gallery: The Art of Intuition VIII. Featuring the abstract art of David Myers and more than 20 other studio artists. May 1-July 26. www.davidmyersart.com

Decorative Arts Center of Ohio: Intrinsic Luminescence. Work by Judith Bran-

Fresh A.I.R. Gallery: Dragon by the Tail. Fantasy characters captured in paintings by Kim Keffer. Through May 19. RENEWAL: Works about Hope. Group exhibition by the gallery, hosted by the Greater Columbus Arts Council. May 3-July 28. www. southeasthc.org/services/freshairgallery

Glass Axis: Moving Forward. Glasswork from several artists will be the last show before the gallery moves to its new location. Through May 31. www.glassaxis.org

Hayley Gallery: Naturally Made. Paintings by Marti Higgins and David Lane. May 20June 21. Judith Vierow Memorial Show. Featuring work by folk artist Judith Vierow,

David Myers Gallery

Marcia Evans Gallery

who died in January 2022. June 17-July 11. www.localohioart.com

Kittie’s Highline Art Space: Contour in Flux. Oil paintings by abstract artist Brittni Hall. May 2-June 30. www.rebeccaink. com/highlinecoffeeartspace

Loann Crane Gallery at the Greater Columbus Arts Council: RENEWAL: Works about Hope. Group exhibition by Fresh A.I.R. Gallery. May 3-July 28. www. gcacgallery.org

Mac Worthington Studio, Gallery & Sculpture Park: Abstraction on Steroids. Forty-two original signature style abstract canvas paintings created by Mac Worthington. May 1-June 30. www.mac worthington.com

Marcia Evans Gallery: Oil paintings by Betsy DeFusco showcasing German Village. Opening May 6. www.marciaevans gallery.com

McConnell Arts Center: Grounded: The Essential Landscape. Landscape photos by Fredrik Marsh. Slice and Dice: My Earth Dissected. Work by Frauke Palmer captured in quilts. May 11-July 6. www.mc connellarts.org

Ohio Art Council’s Riffe Gallery: Interwoven: The Many Voices of Fiber. Work by Dionne Custer, Sandy Shelenberger, Leah Wong, Melissa Haviland,

THE MANY VOICES OF FIBER

CURATOR: TRACY RIEGER

Ohio Art Council’s Riffe Gallery

Clare Murray Adams and Deborah Silver. Through July 7. www.oac.ohio.gov/ Riffe-Gallery

ROY G BIV Gallery: Various artwork, such as floral fabric sculptures and collages, by Isabel Zeng, River Berry and Margaret Hull. May 12-June 2. Hannah Jordan, Emily Bartolone, Geren Heurtin and Jes-

sica Boushie. Exploration of what it means to gain and lose bodily autonomy, either physically or artistically. June 9-July 7. www. roygbivgallery.org

Sarah .. Gormley Gallery: Paintings by Daniel Rona that ride the line of representation and abstraction. May 10-June 10. Paintings and prints by Susanne Dotson. June 13-July 15. www.sarahgormley gallery.com

Sean Christopher Gallery: Sixth Annual Old School Invitational. Fifty-year reunion exhibition honoring former art students from the then-incoming freshman class at Columbus College of Art and Design in 1973. May 6-June 3. Gallery closed June 4-30. www.seanchristophergallery.com

Sharon Weiss Gallery: Histories and Mysteries. Paintings by Anita Dawson featuring still-life objects. May 4-28. www.sharon weissgallery.com

SkyLab Gallery: Work by Kelley O’Brien

Through May 19. Work by Linsday Coffman. June 2-23. www.facebook.com/Sky labGallery/

Studios on High Gallery: Along the Way. Drawings, ceramics and digital art by Bill Meyer. May 6-June 1. Roots and Branches Nature-focused work by Jen McCracken. June 3-29. www.studiosonhigh.com

Upper Arlington Concourse Gallery: Undesign the Redline. Artwork by local artists portraying themes inspired by the effects of redlining in Columbus. June 1-July 7. upper arlingtonoh.gov/tag/concourse-gallery/

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

For more listings visit www.cityscenecolumbus.com

Wendy Red Star:

Sharon Weiss Gallery

This exhibition was organized by:

Wendy Red Star, Winter—Four Seasons (detail), 2006. Archival pigment print on sunset fiber rag, 23 x 26 in. The Newark Museum, Gift of Loren G. Lipson, M.D., 2016 2016.46.1.3

© Wendy Red Star

Picks&Previews

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

COSI Science Festival

May 3-6

All around central Ohio and COSI

The annual science festival with community events across the Columbus area. About 10,000 “Learning Lunches” will be distributed, with supplies for five fun STEM activities along with other learning materials. The festival culminates in a “Big Science Celebration” on site at COSI on May 6. www.cosi.org

Jazz Arts Group presents Columbus Youth Jazz Final Concert

May 7, 1:30 p.m.

Columbus Metropolitan Library Main Branch, 96 S. Grant Ave.

The nationally renowned Columbus Youth Jazz program wraps up the spring semester with a performance at the Columbus Metropolitan Library featuring all four

groups. This two-hour performance is free of charge. www.jazzartsgroup.org

Shadowbox Live presents Flower Power

Through June 4

Shadowbox Live, 503 S. Front St., Ste. 260 Shadowbox Live shares the joy of the 1960s and 1970s with Flower Power, a celebration of the influence of hippie culture and the music that inspired the greatest political and social movements of our time. www.shadowboxlive.org

Columbus Museum of Art presents Song of the Lark & the Art of Jules Breton

May 10, 2 p.m.

Columbus Museum of Art, 480 E. Broad St. Jules Breton was one of Vincent van Gogh’s favorite artists in 19th-century

France. Breton’s painting  The Song of the Lark was declared “the most popular painting in America” according to a poll taken in 1934. A discussion of this and other works by Breton will be followed by music that complements the artist’s evocative imagery. www.columbusmuseum.org

Columbus Children’s Theatre presents School of Rock: The Musical May 12-19

Lincoln Theatre, 769 E. Long St.

Dewey Finn is an out-of-work rock star posing as a substitute teacher a prestigious

Annie

prep school. Dewey forms a rock band out of his fifth-grade students and attempts to conquer the Battle of the Bands after discovering they are talented musicians. www. columbuschildrenstheatre.org

Broadway in Columbus presents Annie

May 12-13

Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St. Little Orphan Annie has reminded generations of theater attendees that sunshine is always right around the corner. Directed by Jenn Thompson, Annie features the iconic book and score of the initial production. columbus.broadway.com

ProMusica Chamber Orchestra presents Brahms & Shaw

May 13-14

Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St. ProMusica’s season finale features the powerful music of Caroline Shaw and Johannes Brahms. Shaw became the youngest composer to win the Pulitzer Prize at age 30 and is one of the most inventive and engaging performers of today. www. promusicacolumbus.org

CAPA presents John Mellencamp

May 17, 7 p.m.

Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St.

John Mellencamp fell in love with music at an early age and was performing in local bars as a front man in a soul band by the time he was 14. Since then, he has become known for enduring smash hits such as “Jack & Diane,” “Hurts So Good” and “Small Town.” www.capa.com

Columbus Symphony Orchestra presents Welcome to Spring

May 19-20

Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St.

Ronald Jenkins takes the podium for his last concert as director of the Columbus Symphony Chorus, which he has guided into a mainstay of Columbus Symphony Orchestra programming over the last 40 years. www.columbussymphony.com

Columbus Dance Theatre presents Alice: A Wonderland Ballet

June 3, 3 p.m.

Lincoln Theatre, 769 E. Long St. Alice in Wonderland is adapted by the Columbus Dance Theatre group for a one-

night ballet rendition of the iconic film. www.columbusdancetheatre.com

The New Albany Lecture Series: General John Kelly and Adm. James Stavridis

June 6

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

Since 2014, the series has brought leaders in public affairs, international affairs, health, history and the arts to central Ohio. Highly regarded members of the

John Mellencamp

U.S. military take the stage to discuss the future of the United States when it comes to national security. www.new albanyfoundation.org

Broadway in Columbus presents

To Kill A Mockingbird

June 6-11

Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St. Academy Award winner Aaron Sorkin’s adaptation of the titular book by Harper Lee has been heralded as “the most successful American play in Broadway history.” Tony Award-winning director Bartlett Sher has turned one of the greatest novels of all time into the one of the greatest plays of all time. columbus.broadway.com

Columbus Arts Festival

June 9-11

Genoa Park, 303 W Broad St.

Thousands of Ohioans return to downtown for this giant art-filled festival. With everything from stands, a giant piece of artwork and a fashion show, artists and artlovers alike will find something to enjoy. www.columbusartsfestival.org

June 17-18, 2023

Saturday, 9 am – 5 pm

Sunday, 11 am – 5 pm

on the Village Green in Old Worthington at High Street & 161

Visit Gahanna presents Creekside

Blues & Jazz Festival

June 16-18

Creekside District

Fill your soul with good music with everthing from jazz and blues to soul and funk. With plenty of food and goods to buy, there’s plenty of fun for the weekend. www.creeksidebluesandjazz.com

Columbus Symphony Orchestra

presents Super Diamond: The Music of Neil Diamond

June 24, 7 p.m.

Columbus Commons, 160 S. High St. This tribute band has been featured on The Late Show with David Letterman, among other prominent programs, and joins the Picnic with the Pops lineup for the first time. www.columbussymphony.com

Lancaster Festival

July 20-29

Throughout Lancaster

SAVE THE DATE

Over the course of 10 days, the 2023 Lancaster Festival presents experiences such as bike rides, ArtWalks and an ice cream social. Andy Grammer (“Honey, I’m Good”) and the Lancaster Festival Orchestra perform at 8 p.m. July 24 at the Wendel Concert Stage, with fireworks to follow. The Zane Square Stage in downtown Lancaster will host a number of children’s activities, including puppets and art instruction. The festival culminates in a grand finale featuring Sheryl Crow (“All I Wanna Do,” “Soak Up the Sun”) at the Wendel Concert Stage. www. lancasterfestival.org

Come celebrate the Worthington Arts Festival with us as we make our triumphant return to the Village Green in Historic Old Worthington! Experience over 120 juried artists, food trucks, kids’ activities, and artist demonstrations at the 29th year of an event that has been ranked as one of the top 200 arts festivals in the nation by Sunshine Artist magazine.

For parking, artists, and more:

Lead Sponsors

With support from: