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Hunting Haunts
Best places in Ohio to search for spirits
By Tyler Kirkendall
GIVEN OHIO’S PLETHORA of historic homes, repurposed buildings and spooky Victorian structures, it’s hardly surprising that you can find haunted places all over the map.
Throughout autumn, spooky events fill out the calendar in central Ohio and many other regions of the state. Ohio History Connection is a great source of information and events all year, and it knows how to go all-out once summer passes and a chill takes over the fall air.
While the schedule for this year’s Fright at the Museum event at the Ohio History Center are not yet confirmed, the event will take place Oct. 19 and 26. Past years’ festivities have included “Sleepy Hollow” campfire stories, tasteful Victorian-inspired decor, mask- and puppet-crafting, and history-inspired masquerades.
If you can’t wait to get your fill of ghost stories before that time rolls around, Ohio Exploration Society’s collection of hauntings and legends – organized by county on a clickable map – can inspire you with plenty of local tales from Pickerington to Put-in-Bay.
Columbus’ vagrant spirits
Columbus is no stranger to growth and change throughout its history, and ghastly remnants of the city’s bygone eras have shown themselves to believers all over the region.
Before much of Columbus was constructed in the 1800s, its landscape was very different. The winding Scioto River was deeper and narrower than it is in today’s dam- and levy-terraformed waterway, and it had many more islands that have since washed away.
One such bygone island, nicknamed British Island, had a history of tragedy, leaving many spirits wayward across central Ohio. It earned its name during the War of 1812 when captured British soldiers were held in cells in the middle of the river.
The island was constantly prone to partial flooding, which made escape easier on occasion, but also created health hazards and often killed trapped prisoners. North of the intersection of the Scioto and Olentangy rivers, reports of soldiers’ spirits have kept the gruesome memory of British Island alive.
This is not the only claustrophobic tragedy that haunts Columbus. The Arena District is said to be the stomping grounds of spirits from those lost in the tragic 1930 fire that killed 332 inmates at the Ohio State Penitentiary.
The massive, overcrowded reformatory was a source of shame for the city and state long before the fire, which is still considered the worst prison fire in American history. Its unendingly troubled past makes it an easy rabbit hole to dive down for the most ambitious – and strong-stomached –haunting enthusiasts.
Rogue’s Hollow’s many tales
Mansfield Reformatory
No discussion of haunted Ohio hotspots is complete without the Mansfield Reformatory. After a decade of construction on its impressive 40-acre footprint, the facility received its first inmates in 1896.
Its operation as a prison concluded in 1990 after a lawsuit forced it to shut down due to poor living conditions. From gangsters to country singers, there is no shortage of notable names on Mansfield Reformatory’s inmate log. Its level of fame has increased significantly over the past two decades as the film The Shawshank Redemption, which was shot on-location, has become a classic with film buffs.
After the reformatory sat vacant for a few years in the 1990s, the state sold the structure for $1 to a group of local activists looking to preserve the building, and it has become one of the state’s leading attractions for ghost hunters.
Once able to hold about 2,000 prisoners at a time, it now welcomes more than 120,000 visitors annually. A variety of paranormal tours run throughout the year, from public pass-throughs to overnight stays for the most dedicated paranormal hunters.
Located in Doylestown, just a few miles outside of Akron, Rogue’s Hollow was once known for coal mining and unruly locals, and it is now known for a pair of spirits who wander the area after dark.
Crybaby bridges are bridges famous for their associations with urban legends and ghost stories, and Rogue Hollow’s crybaby bridge is known as one of the most active paranormal hotspots in Ohio.
Legend has it that a couple’s car was overturned on the bridge and their baby didn’t survive, but believers disagree on why. Some say the baby was in the car with them; others say it made it through the crash, but starved after it was not found. But all witnesses agree they’ve heard its haunting cry when crossing the bridge today.
The ominous name Rogue’s Hollow certainly lends itself to spooky tales, and historically the tale of a headless horse has been the town’s claim to paranormal fame.
Decapitated by the lowest bow of the aptly nicknamed Ghost Oak Tree, the horse is said to frequent the bridge and haunt passersby.
Rumors of ghosts on The Ohio State University campus circulate with each new freshman class, and some memorable ghost stories have stuck around for generations of Buckeyes.
Moonville Tunnel
Like bridges, small-town tunnels tend to have a reputation for spiritual activity. In southeast Ohio in Vinton County, one tunnel is so famous for its astral visitors that the U.S. National Parks Service added it to the National Register of Historic Places.
Moonville was a tiny mining community dependent on a railroad line from Marietta to Cincinnati that slowly became a ghost town before the 1950s. Today, trails line the railroad tracks up and down Moonville for ambitious ghost hunters to peruse.
Reports of railroad workers waving their lanterns parallel to the tracks are common in the area, with activity surging around the tunnel, one of the last remnants of the bygone town. CS
Tyler Kirkendall is a contributing writer at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenecolumbus.com. O-S-Boo
Stories of ghosts perusing Thompson Library’s stacks or screaming in Mack Hall bathrooms are refreshed each year, but no tale has as iconic a status as The Lady of the Lake. A place of leisure and gathering as well-used as Mirror Lake is bound to become a mainstay of spiritual lore at the school, and this is no exception.
The Lady of the Lake is the school’s most famous phantom, known to appear on cold nights by the water outside Mirror Lake Eatery. From the pink party girl from Pomerene to a disgruntled professor’s wife who wanted him to spend more time at home, nobody has been able to get close enough to confirm the spirit’s identity.
Peter Kourlas, M.D.
Jarred Burkart, M.D. Shabana Dewani, M.D. Andrew Grainger, M.D. Joseph Hofmeister, M.D. Augustine Hong, M.D. Elizabeth Kander, M.D.
Thirdhand smoke effects reach beyond the smoke itself
By Mary Nader
IF YOU’VE DRIVEN anywhere in Ohio or watched TV recently, there’s a good chance you’ve seen an anti-smoking campaign. Commercials, posters and even warnings on cartons of cigarettes themselves ward people away by sharing the ill effects of smoking.
While most people are familiar with the health issues caused by smoking and secondhand smoke, the lesser-known
thirdhand smoke poses its own potential issues.
What is thirdhand smoke?
When somebody takes a puff of a vape inside, we may think that it’s less offensive than if someone were to light up a cigarette. This may not be the case.
Thirdhand smoke refers to any chemical residue left over on furniture, in dust
or on household surfaces from smoking indoors, as well as allowing materials with toxic residue on them to enter the home. Clothing, carpets and porous materials such as cardboard and wood can absorb and carry the smells and toxins of tobacco smoke.
Toxic chemicals in the home as a result of smoking can be very harmful to both children and pets. Young children
Debunking Common Misconceptions
• Blowing smoke out of a window in your home doesn’t prevent the smoke from infecting surfaces, nor does it prevent secondhand smoke.
• Being a non-smoker does not guarantee you won’t experience health complications in your lungs. Living in a home with a smoker, especially one who smokes inside, can increase your susceptibility to lung cancer, breathing issues and liver complications.
• It’s possible to absorb thirdhand smoke by coming into contact with infected surfaces, potentially resulting in skin irritation.
in particular will put their mouths on just about any object in the house, while pets may lick toxic surfaces or trap the harmful chemicals in their fur.
Vaping: Is it worse?
Though vaping can help smokers on their journey to quit, it has become a recreational activity in its own right. Fun flavors and eccentric packaging notwithstanding, vaping comes with its own harmful effects. While there is still some uncertainty about long-term effects of vaping, it’s no secret these cotton-candy-flavored chemicals aren’t the best for your body.
“A variety of other toxic compounds besides nicotine have been found in aerosolized e-liquid,” says Dr. Marisa Bittoni, a lung cancer researcher with The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center. “Compounds with both carcinogenic and toxic potential therefore contaminate the ultrafine nicotine-laced particles that are routinely inhaled deep into the lungs by those who chose to vape.”
Given that vaping is more convenient than lighting up a cigarette, it’s no wonder people don’t shy away from sneaking a hit in the home from time to time. However, with the abundance of carcinogenic and toxic substances found in these electronic devices, it’s possible that they, too, can cling onto unsuspecting items in your house.
Fighting thirdhand smoke
The Thirdhand Smoke Resource Center acts as a guide for those unfamiliar with thirdhand smoke and its effects on non-smokers. As thirdhand smoke is actively being researched and studied, new discoveries are being made about the severity of its effects. What’s certain is that neither smoking nor surrounding yourself with smoke is good for your health.
If you worry that any part of your household has been affected by thirdhand smoke, routine cleanings can prevent the spread of toxins. Be mindful of countertops, carpets, blankets and couch cushions, as they are some of the items most likely to carry thirdhand smoke. CS
Mary Nader is a contributing writer at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at mnader@cityscenemediagroup.com
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THERE’S NOTHING QUITE like the smoothness of warm red wine or the crisp comfort of savory chardonnay on a cozy night in October.
As the chill of autumn settles in, there are plenty of wine festivals to enjoy before the winter weather arrives. These festivals, both near and far, present the finest local and international selections of wine and other beverages.
This fall, you may want to look for wine the color of amber with hints of apples or aged grapes to elevate any meal or bring friends together for a game night.
However, there are many vino options to choose from, and attending one of these events could introduce you to a new favorite. just a drive away
Sourced locally or drive to a nearby state
Columbus Fall Wine Festival Sept. 14, 1-7 p.m.
McFerson Commons, 211 W. Nationwide Blvd., Columbus
The Capital City’s wine festival offers a selection of more than 30 wines accompanied by arts and craft vendors and live music. Heidelberg Distributing curates an impressive selection of wines and seltzers for guests to sample throughout the festival. The popular festival has grown over the years and now occurs quarterly.
Wine Flies When You’re Having Fun
Local and national autumn wine and food festivals
By Amber Phipps
Photos courtesy of Columbus Fall Wine Festival, New York City Wine & Food Festival and the Geneva Grape Jamboree
Geneva Grape Jamboree
Sept. 28-29
State Rt. 534 and U.S. Rt. 20, Geneva
The cool breeze from Lake Erie creates the perfect environment for grape vineyards in Geneva, and the last week of September is jam-packed with “grape stomping” entertainment. Expect wine tastings, art exhibits, parades and delicious food.
Winetober Fest
Oct. 12, noon-5 p.m.
Across from Hotel Fiesole, 4039 Skippack Pike, Skippack, Pennsylvania
The 14th annual Winetober Fest features Pennsylvania’s most recognized distilleries and wineries. With more than 100 vendors from food to shopping to liquor sampling, there are plenty of ways to enjoy delicious wine and spirits.
Virginia Wine & Garlic Festival
Oct. 12-13, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Rebec Winery, 2229 N. Amherst Hwy., Amherst, Virginia
Who knew that garlic and wine make a great pair? At the Virginia Wine & Garlic Festival, experience the unique blends of Rebec Vineyard’s hand-crafted wines. From the warm flavor of Autumn Glow to the subtle sweetness of Reisling, the Virginia Wine & Garlic Festival is a celebration of history and agriculture.
Weekend Getaway
Travel a little farther and spend a few days tasting luxury wine and exceptional meals
Newport
Mansions Wine & Food Festival
Sept. 19-22
Rosecliff, 548 Bellevue Ave., Newport, Rhode Island
The 19th annual Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival features wine-tasting and pairing seminars as well as cocktail master classes throughout the weekend. Tickets range from $130-$750 and include delectable dinners prepared by worldrenowned chefs such as Claudine Pépin and Rollie Wesen. Dinners are paired with hand-selected wines served in the Mansions’ stunning ballrooms.
Sonoma County Harvest Fair
Oct. 12, 6-9 p.m.
Sonoma County Fair, 1350 Bennett Valley Rd., Santa Rosa, California
Visitors from around the world travel to Sonoma County for the celebration of local agriculture and the regional wine-judging event at the Harvest Fair. The Professional Wine Competition features more than 900 locally grown wines, which were tested to determine the best of Sonoma.
The Harvest Fair is recognized for its signature local flavors and success in bringing people together to celebrate the season.
Kohler Food & Wine Village passes offer nightly taste tests and luxury dinners presented by top chefs such as Andrew Zimmern, Scott Conant and Maneet Chauhan.
Destination Kohler offers five overnight packages to choose from,
ranging from $780-$5,130, with each overnight package featuring one- to three-day stays to relax and indulge in the vineyard’s finest wines.
For those not wanting to spend an autumn weekend away, tickets can be purchased for individual events to enjoy things from cocktails and yoga to cooking demonstrations with culinary experts.
New York City Wine & Food Festival
Oct. 17-20
Throughout New York City, New York Food Network hosts the NYC Wine & Food Festival in the metropolitan area with a star-packed four-day event. Top chefs and culinary TV personalities, such as Alex Guarnaschelli, Marcus Samuelsson and Bobby Flay, host and participate from 6 p.m. on Thursday through the final master class at noon on Sunday. Tickets for individual events, including cocktail hours and cake decorating, range from $180$300, with options for package deals as low as $800. CS
Amber Phipps is a contributing writer at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at aphipps@cityscenemediagroup.com
International Wine Festivals in September and October
✹ Grape Harvest Festival Jerez de la Frontera, Spain
✹ Bad Dürkheimer Wurstmarkt Bad Dürkheim, Germany
✹ Budapest Wine Festival Budapest, Hungary
✹ Rioja Wine Harvest Festival Logroño, Rioja, Spain
✹ Festa dell’Uva e del Vino Bardolino Bardolino, Italy
✹ South Coast Food and Wine Festival Huskisson, Australia
New York City Wine & Food Festival
Geneva Grape Jamboree
Columbus Fall Wine Festival
Big shows and updates from your performing arts groups this 2024-25 season
By Rachel Karas
BalletMet
In June, just ahead of the 2024-25 season, BalletMet named Remi Wörtmeyer as its new artistic director, replacing Edwaard Liang, who held the role for 11 years. Wörtmeyer comes to Columbus with years of dance experience from around the world, having danced with The Australian Ballet, the American Ballet Theatre and the Dutch National Ballet.
Must see: One of BalletMet’s most legendary productions, Dracula, returns to the Davidson Theatre from Oct. 25-Nov. 2.
Broadway in Columbus
The 2024-25 season includes five premiere shows, one being MJ The Musical. That show features performer Jamaal FieldsGreen, who will become the first and only person to have been part of all three global productions: on Broadway, on the National Tour and in London’s West End.
Must see: If you enjoyed Hamilton and SIX, be sure to get your tickets to the next history musical, & Juliet, coming to the Ohio Theatre Feb. 18-23.
Chamber Music Columbus
The group kicks off its 77th season with four board members: newcomers Eric Gibson, Andrew Mehraban and Kevin Wallick, and longtime supporter Yvonne Burry, who will be serving her third term on the board. The four joined the board in May and bring decades of experience and appreciation for music.
Must see: Celebrating its 26th anniversary in 2024, Ariel Quartet was formed when the members were teenagers. They now serve as the Faculty Quartet-inResidence at the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music. Catch the group’s performance on May 3 at the Southern Theatre.
MJ The Musical - Broadway in Columbus
Ariel Quartet - Chamber Music Columbus
Dracula - BalletMet
Columbus Symphony Orchestra
The orchestra welcomes a new Youth Orchestras Conductor this season, while Music Director Rossen Milanov joins for another five years after the renewal of his contract.
Must see: In partnership with BalletMet, Opera Columbus and CAPA, the orchestra will be part of West Side Story at the Ohio Theatre Feb. 13-16.
Jazz Arts Group of Columbus
Joining the Jazz Arts Group organization during the 2023-24 season were Katy Coy as CEO and Kelly Hebblethwaite Johnson as vice president of development. With both professionals on the team, the organization is looking ahead to its 202425 season and the return of its gala after a five-year hiatus.
Must see: The group will honor Columbus-born, Grammy Award-winning jazz singer Nancy Wilson with The Nancy Wilson Way in April.
Opera Columbus
Opera Columbus has seen significant changes, including the growth of its team and the addition of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra to all its performances for the 2024-25 season. The organization also hopes to create a Women’s Artistic Leadership Program and continue expanding its seasonal offerings in the years to come.
Must see: In addition to performing its collaboration piece, West Side Story, Opera Columbus is also slated to perform The Threepenny Opera in English. Catch the show Nov. 22 or 24 at the Southern Theatre.
Opera Project Columbus
The group takes on the 2024-25 season with newly appointed Board President Michael Smith and new Executive Director Eric Gibson, a professor and director of opera at The Ohio State University.
Must see: No official season listings have been determined yet. Check out the Opera Project Columbus website for more information.
ProMusica Chamber Orchestra
The orchestra is taking a new approach this upcoming season, focusing on expanding its offerings through appearances by guest artists. Viewers can expect to see Columbus native and acclaimed jazz pianist Aaron Diehl, as well as the return of Grammy- and Pulitzer-nominated composer Andy Akiho.
Must see: Making her debut with the group, singer Storm Large of Pink Martini will perform alongside the orchestra as it brings The Seven Deadly Sins to life at the Southern Theatre on Sept. 28-29.
Columbus Symphony Orchestra
Jazz Arts Group of Columbus
ProMusica Chamber Orchestra
Top “Must see” Shows
The Schottenstein Center
■ P!NK with The Script and KidCutUp – Oct. 9
■ Cyndi Lauper – Nov. 3
Mershon Auditorium
■ Jay Leno – Sept. 13
■ Cirque Du Soleil Songblazers – Dec. 11-15
Nationwide Arena
■ Weezer with The Flaming Lips and Dinosaur Jr. – Sept. 7
■ Martin Lawrence with special guests DC Young Fly, Benji Brown and Daphnique Springs – Sept. 21
■ Jelly Roll with Warren Zeiders and Alexandra Kay – Oct. 9
■ Justin Timberlake – Oct. 23
■ Disney On Ice – Jan. 30-Feb. 2
McCoy Center for the Arts
■ Andy Grammer presents Greater Than: A One Man Show – Sept. 13
■ New Albany Symphony Orchestra presents Let the Music Sing – March 8
■ New Albany Symphony Orchestra presents Choral Fantasy – March 9
Palace Theatre
■ Iliza Shlesinger presents The Get Ready Tour – Sept. 27
■ Whose Line Is It Anyway? presents WHOSE LIVE ANYWAY? – Oct. 18
■ Amy Grant – Oct. 19
■ A Drag Queen Christmas – Nov. 27
■ A Magical Cirque Christmas – Nov. 30
Lincoln Theatre
■ Late Nite Catechism – Sept. 22
■ The Drowsy Lads: 20th Anniversary Celebration – Oct. 12
■ Cold Case Live – Oct. 30
■ David Nihill – Nov. 16
■ Fleetwood Gold: America’s Fleetwood Mac Experience – Jan. 3
Southern Theatre
■ Jake Shimabukuro – Sept. 11
■ Kalabanté Productions presents Afrique en Cirque – Oct. 22
■ Zakir Hussain and Rahul Sharma – Oct. 30
■ Craig Ferguson – Nov. 1
■ Mnozil Brass – March 8
Sundays at Scioto
40TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT SERIES
5-7 p.m.
Dublin’s Scioto Park dublinarts.org
SEPT 15
OSU ALUMNI MARCHING BAND
GEORGE BARRIE
SEPT 22
FLEETWOOD GOLD ANDY SHAW
SEPT 29
ANGELA PERLEY & THE HOWLIN MOONS DEVI + LIZ
OCT 06
HOODOO SOUL BAND LILY BLOOM
FREE CONCERT | OUTDOOR AMPHITHEATRE | FOOD TRUCKS
Shadowbox Live
The community stage, Up Front, will see renovations to expand seating capacity and stage area, as well as upgrades to the lighting and sound equipment. The project is expected to be finished in late October or early November.
Must see: With additional historical information from The Ohio State University’s Department of History, the group will bring to the stage Sleepy Hollow: An American Ghost Story. Shows run from Oct. 3-Nov. 17.
Short North Stage
Heading into 2024-25 season, Short North Stage will have three new directors in development and technical disciplines. The group will perform a total of eight shows, including fan favorites The Rocky Horror Show and A Christmas Carol.
Must see: The troupe performs the area regional premiere of Jersey Boys – a Tony, Grammy, and Olivier Award-winning musical – on the Garden Theatre Main Stage from Nov. 21-Dec. 29.
The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio
Formerly known as CATCO, The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio will celebrate its 40th anniversary during the 2024-25 season. The group will commemorate the occasion by bringing in donors, sponsors, multiple-ticket holders and other invited guests to learn about the season and observe the first read-through of the season opener. Must see: The Contemporary kicks off its season with Big Fish, based on the 2003 Tim Burton film and with music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa, from Sept. 12-29.
Sleepy Hollow: An American Ghost Story - Shadowbox Live
Suburban Spotlight
Abbey Theater of Dublin
The group regularly partners with local organizations and has co-productions in the works with Dublin Jerome High School, Evolution Theatre Company and Original Productions Theatre in 2025.
Must see: Catch the world premiere of An Umbrella on a Rainy, Rainy Day, written by Dublin, Ohio native Robert Cooperman, from Aug. 21-23.
Little Theatre Off Broadway
With an additional show in this year’s line-up, Grove City’s Little Theatre Off
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Broadway has a total of seven shows, with 11 performances of each, on its 2024-25 schedule. Among them are fan favorites and a few new listings.
Must see: Before the company closes out the season, be sure to catch a performance of The Wedding Singer, scheduled for June 13-29.
McConnell Arts Center
Founded in 2009, the center celebrates 15 years of bringing art to the Worthington community with 31 live and film performances this year. For its next performing arts series, the center will put out a call for performers for the first time ever, as it does for gallery artists.
Must see: Columbian-born harp player Edmar Castañeda was nominated for a Latin Grammy and was a featured instrumentalist in Disney’s Encanto. He will perform as part the center’s Cultural Connections series on Oct. 5.
New Albany Symphony Orchestra
The orchestrra has continued to grow its seasonal performance list with new offerings this season including a Candlelight Concert and a second performance of its holiday show, Holiday Spectacular. The orchestra’s Sensory Friendly Series will also present three concerts this year.
Must see: On April 26 at the Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts, the orchestra hosts its Great Artist Gala featuring world-renowned classical guitarist Miloš Karadaglic. CS
Rachel Karas is an editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at rkaras@cityscenemediagroup.com.
Find additional listings at www.cityscenecolumbus.com
New Albany Symphony Orchestra
Edmar Castañeda - McConnell Arts Center
Making Art, Getting Smart Arts education program roundup
By Mary Nader
Visual and performing arts organizations across Columbus offer a variety of educational opportunities for students and young children.
“By engaging children with art from a young age, we not only inspire their creativity, but also equip them with the skills and mindset necessary to navigate and positively impact an ever-changing world,” says Jen Lehe, deputy director for learning, engagement and interpretation at the Columbus Museum of Art.
BalletMet
Offering classes to children as young as 3, BalletMet Dance Company prioritizes providing a welcoming environment in which young dancers can find themselves. With specialized programs directed at different age groups, instructors focus on the building blocks to becoming a successful dancer. The program offers hundreds of classes a year, earning it a local and national reputation.
From familiarization with rhythm to self-expression techniques, children are encouraged to explore their creativity. As they grow older, they move into classes that fine-tune their dance techniques and home in on their strengths. BalletMet Dance Company also provides Summer Intensives for dancers ready to take on the challenge of growing their skills.
Shadowbox Live
Nationally recognized as one the country’s finest, the SBX Performance Academy takes a unique approach to educating young artists. With a focus on the purpose, power and process of creating art, students utilize their existing abilities and creativity to better understand what they can do.
With professionals who specialize in song, dance, costuming, makeup and even marketing, students are exposed to a myriad of possibilities within the realm of arts across an extensive catalog of classes.
Accessible for all, the academy also offers an Artistic ASL program, in which students have the opportunity to merge the pathways of American Sign Language and live art.
Columbus Museum of Art
CMA offers a variety of programs that allow children and young adults to experiment with their curiosity and express their creativity in ways they may never have thought of before. CMA programs include:
• Summer Art Breaks, which is free with admission and provides kids with art-making activities
• Open Studio, an experience that engages children in creative activities with a fun, monthly theme to inspire their art
Columbus College of Art & Design
Columbus Museum of Art Wonder School
• Wonder School, a collaboration with Columbus State Community College and The Childhood League Center that concentrates on educating both children and their educators in hopes of promoting a creative society
“The 21st century depends on creative thinkers who can develop ideas for the betterment of our world,” Lehe says. “At the Columbus Museum of Art, we champion and cultivate creativity for people of all ages.”
Columbus College of Art & Design
The Columbus College of Art & Design offers an array of creative outlets for young children. Going beyond the average art class offers, CCAD provides a more niche selection, such as puppetry, game development and botanical art.
Children, depending on their age, can take as many as five different weeklong classes each summer. Whether your child wants to make creepy crawly bug art or begin to master the art of character design, CCAD most likely has a class they will enjoy. CS
Mary Nader is a contributing writer at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at mnader@cityscenemediagroup.com.
For more listings of local arts programming offerings, check out the full story online at www.cityscenecolumbus.com.
Active Students are Healthy Students
Opportunities for students to get active and stay healthy go far beyond sports
By Kyle Quinlan
With less than one quarter of children aged 6-17 meeting the hourlong recommendation of daily activity, and the body mass index (BMI) nearly doubling in children ages 2-19 since the COVID-19 pandemic, there is reason for concern that school-aged kids are not getting a healthy amount of exercise.
While after-school sports are an obvious option for kids to get active, there are many reasons why joining the football or track programs might not be an option. Some kids have health-related activity restrictions, or their schools might not offer the sports they enjoy.
Experts emphasize the benefits of schools implementing moments of exercise throughout the day for their students – especially for those without after-school sports on their schedules. Breaking up a lesson plan with a few minutes of jogging around the school and classroom aerobics next to their desks are among the options schools have for making the physical and mental health of students a priority.
Ohio takes action
Following changes to the Ohio Revised Code, school districts across the state can now elect to participate in the Physical Activity Pilot Program, a school-wide commitment in line with national efforts to help promote healthy bodies and minds from a young age. Its goal is to offer students of all interests, fitness levels and social skills an opportunity to get active and lead a healthy lifestyle, even if their schedules outside of school make it difficult to find time for exercise.
Those districts that participate in the program are required to provide a minimum of 30 minutes per school day – or 150 minutes per week – of moderate to rigorous physical activity at the selected schools.
Though individual districts may form their own programs to meet these fitness requirements, the Ohio Department of Education offers suggestions including:
Education Evolution
Physical changes within the classroom
By Amber Phipps
The traditional classroom setting has changed over the years from dusty chalkboards to SMART Boards and iPads. As technology progresses, so do the classrooms and the resources students can utilize.
Students today are able to access information and resources faster than ever before. As Purdue University’s College of Education flatly puts it, “Technology has greatly expanded access to education.”
Students in today’s classrooms are now entrusted with personal laptops, iPads or Chromebooks. In some districts, many desktops have been replaced with useable whiteboards for active participation during lectures.
Technology in schools has paved the way for virtual classrooms and hybrid schedules. Often, classes can be taught online through a video chat such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams. School districts now have the op-
• Daily physical education classes
• Structured breaks for exercise during class time
• Zero-hour physical activity, an activity to get students’ blood pumping and minds ready to learn before their first period of the day
Schools that meet the requirements receive an acknowledgment on their annual report card from the state, recognizing their commitment to physical education and wellness.
Not just the youngsters
Structured exercise within the school system doesn’t just benefit the students playing tag at recess and drinking chocolate milk at lunch time. Fitness breaks can also have a profound impact on students at the collegiate level.
A 2018 study conducted at The Ohio State University put this concept to the test. The professor behind the study offered structured breaks of exercise every day during his psychology class.
tion of hybrid learning, which consists of a few days in-person and a few days online.
Schools are also striving to increase access to counseling services and mental health safe spaces. Districts are organizing better policies and resources that work to assist students both mentally and emotionally, as well as incorporating safe spaces – areas for students to relax and have a moment to themselves during the day – in both classrooms and the larger school building.
A safe space in the classroom is often a small area covered with soft lighting, pillows and soft, sometimes pastel, colors that create a relaxing environment. Safe spaces have recently been introduced into classrooms as a way to en -
The breaks were filled with groups performing five sets of 50-second exercises, followed by 10 seconds of rest, in the middle of the class and near the period’s end. Students could choose their 50 seconds of activity, some choosing jumping jacks and high knees, while others chose deep-breathing stretches and lunges.
The feedback from the students who participated in these regular exercise routines for the semester’s duration was primarily positive, with most students saying the exercise improved their class experience. Many students felt heightened motivation, strengthened focus and even better engagement with others in the class, per the study, as a result of increasing their heart rate and getting active – even if only for a few minutes. CS
Kyle Quinlan is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.
courage students to recognize and regulate their emotions.
Classroom layouts have also seen changes in recent years. Traditionally, desks have been organized in symmetrical rows, but the modern classroom is arranged with clusters and easily moveable desks in an effort to encourage active participation and communication. In some instances, classrooms encourage sitting in a half circle on the floor facing the teacher. The arrangement provides a level of relaxation and comfortability that pushes students to feel more at ease in group settings. CS
Amber Phipps is a contributing writer at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at aphipps@cityscenemediagroup.com.
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Get Involved!
Civic engagement throughout central Ohio
By Amber Phipps
Community engagement can be a great way to build relationships and obtain knowledge and experiences about where you live. Central Ohio offers a variety of programs and classes to participate in and learn more about the community.
From Dublin to Grove City, there are many ways to connect with individuals who are passionate about serving others, getting involved, and creating and maintaining a safe environment.
The Citizens’ Police Academy is a 12week program that provides participants with details on the operations of law enforcement in Dublin. Hosted by the Dublin Police Department, the academy is open to both residents and non-residents. This program provides further insight on a wide range of policing activities, including the arrest process, dispatching 911 and criminal investigations. Graduates are eligible to become Community Service Officers and volunteer with the police.
The Upper Arlington Police Division also hosts a Citizen Police Academy. This year’s program runs Sept. 5-Nov. 14, with classes taking place 6-9 p.m. Thursdays, and covers safety, crime prevention, defensive tactics and more.
The Citizen Police Academy gives Upper Arlington residents the opportunity to get involved and participate in safety programs. Graduates of the Citizen Police Academy assist the UA police with outreach activities, programs and fundraising.
The Leadership Westerville Community Leadership Program is a nine-month initiative focused on creating strong, educated leaders in the community.
The program takes place September through May, with one full-day session once a month. The monthly sessions consist of workshops, tours, meet and greets, and engagement in the community.
Established in 2019, Senior Connections in New Albany is a group focused on providing wellness and social opportunities for community members ages 55 and up. Participants can expect to enjoy evenings filled with card games, book clubs, bingo and more, meeting other senior community members in the process.
Grove City Parks & Recreations offers a wide range of programs for anyone in the community to join. The 55+ program offers daily and weekly activities that promote involvement and interaction with passionate community members.
Programs are held at the Evans Center and include support groups, health fairs, safety lectures and wellness screenings. The Evans Center also serves as the gathering location for members before heading to a community outing or social event. CS Amber Phipps is a contributing writer at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at aphipps@cityscenemediagroup.com
Dublin Citizens’ Police Academy
Spreading Celebration
Local nonprofit sees students through graduation
By Jake Ruffer
Every year in central Ohio, bright minds push through their last year of high school with their sights set on the future, planning for the next chapter. For some students and their families, graduation poses a distinct challenge. It takes substantial resources to move on from high school, no matter what the graduate’s next step may be. There are numerous organizations, though, that work to combat challenges faced by upcoming grads.
Celebrating One, a New Albany nonprofit, supports high school seniors from low-income families and single-parent households, as well as those who live with guardians, with its No Grad Left Behind initiative.
The program provides assistance with financial planning and scholarship applications, as well as one-on-one and group mentorship for academic and financial success. It helps fund senior milestones and memories such as prom and yearbook purchasing. It even covers cap and gown purchases, along with costs for graduation celebrations at home with family and friends.
For seniors who prove themselves throughout the year and plan to continue pursuing their education, No Grad Left Behind awards multiple scholarships of $500 to students to put toward future learning.
Jurgita Fumo, Celebrating One’s founder, aims to pay forward the support she had through adversity in her own life, knowing how valuable it can be to have people cheering you on during hardships.
“We strongly believe that each high school senior should have equal opportunity to enjoy school events, participate in graduation, have access to emotional support and not feel left out,” Celebrating One’s website reads.
Students and families from Franklin, Fairfield, Licking, Delaware and Union
counties are eligible to apply for the program during the first half of the summer before the student’s senior year. Both the student and their parents or guardians must apply. Proof of free lunch and some proof of the family’s financial situation are required.
Other support
For students of other ages, look to the Stuff the Backpack event held every year to provide school supplies to local students to make sure they’re amply prepared for the academic year.
Stuff the Backpack is organized by the United Way of Central Ohio, NBC4 and the Columbus Crew. This year’s event stuffed 10,000 backpacks to distribute to students who need them throughout Franklin, Union and Licking counties.
NBC4 works with school districts from those counties to deliver and donate backpacks to students before the school year begins.
There are also groups and programs such as Partner Backpack Project in Pickerington and Stuff the Bus in Grove City that hold local school supply drives for their communities. CS
Jake Ruffer is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.
Pick Your Porch
Does a sunroom or a screened porch make the most sense for your outdoor space?
By Garth Bishop
Photos courtesy of Bill Maibach and Fischer Homes
For the homeowner looking to enjoy nature without becoming an all-youcan-eat buffet for mosquitoes, the screened porch has long been a viable solution. In recent years, though, it has faced increasingly stiff competition from the sunroom, as the latter has grown more and more practical. A sunroom, of course, accomplishes much of what a screened porch accomplishes. It keeps the bugs out. It need not be avoided during inclement weather. And the owner doesn’t need to invest much time into keeping it free of dead leaves, grass clippings and animal leavings.
A sunroom also carries a unique set of advantages over its screened cousin, but it isn’t better in every possible category. Each of the two has its own pros and cons, so a homeowner making a decision about their outdoor space should examine their preferences closely.
What are the options?
A sunroom, sometimes called a hearth room, is entirely enclosed. It has finished walls and a great deal of window space, sometimes including skylights. It may be called a three-seasons room if its walls are not insulat-
ed, or a four-seasons room if it’s insulated and can be temperature-controlled all year.
A screened porch is more closely connected to outdoors, so it’s light on insulation, and may not have any at all. It has columns to support the roof, but the walls aren’t finished. It may not even have a proper floor built over the foundation.
Of late, remodeling consumers have been trending toward sunrooms, particularly the three-seasons variety, says Bill Maibach, owner of Custom Home Works. Homebuilder Fischer Homes offers both sunrooms and screened porches, though the latter are not available in all of the plans the company offers, and has seen similar preferences from customers.
“Many buyers opt for these spaces to enhance their indoor-outdoor living experience, evoking a warmer atmosphere even in the heart of the Midwest,” says Madison Durham, assistant marketing manager for Fischer.
Aesthetic and functional concerns
If the sunroom is an addition to an existing home and not a feature of a brand new one, it’s a little easier to make it look consistent with the rest of the home. Certainly, it’s possible to make a screened porch look like it’s been attached to the house all along, and a good contractor will make every effort to ensure that continuity, but an indoor space is always going to look like more of an extension of the home than an outdoor space.
“We try to blend it into the house as nicely as possible so it looks like a structure that’s always been there,” says Maibach.
Custom Home Works recently converted the sunken porch of this Westerville home to a three-seasons room.
If a sunroom is part of the plans right from the beginning, that presents even more opportunities for customization. Durham points to the fireplace and vaulted ceiling options that Fischer offers as examples.
Sunrooms are popular among those with green thumbs, as the plentiful natural light makes them ideal for houseplants. You can even run plumbing to the sunroom to make watering easier, though that’s going to cost more.
“An abundance of windows is highly sought after, as they flood the interior with natural light,” Durham says.
Conversely, if your goal is to bring the outdoors in, a screened porch offers better ventilation than a sunroom does. It may also offer more privacy from the outside, as those great big sunroom windows allow a lot of eyeballs into your space.
Cost and ease of installation
Cost is an area in which screened porches have a marked advantage: They are often
Fischer Homes’ Leland model home, located in the builder’s Alton Place community in Hilliard, features a hearth room added onto the back of the house.
considerably cheaper than sunrooms. A prefabricated DIY sunroom might carry a slightly lower cost than an elaborate screened porch, but these cases are the exception and not the rule. Odds are, you’re going to be shelling out a lot more cash for a sunroom.
The construction costs more. The materials – think flooring, insulation, drywall, even furniture – cost more. The additional heating, air conditioning and electricity cost more. The permitting is likely to cost more, too, and be more complicated to boot, even if the builder or contractor handles the relevant paperwork. You could also face more cost on the front end if you spring for more energy-efficient windows, but those, at least, will save money over time.
A screened porch, on the other hand? Inexpensive compared to a sunroom, even cheaper if you already have a porch and just want to add screening to it, even cheaper than that if the porch is already covered. Permits are easier to obtain, too, and in some areas, if you’re just adding screens to an existing porch, you may not need a permit at all.
If you have a homeowners’ association, you may need to seek approval there, too, and obtaining that approval can be trickier with a sunroom than with a screened porch.
On top of that, a sunroom takes longer to install, often several months. Installation time for a screened porch is more like four to six weeks, less if there’s already a porch in place. Maibach notes, though, that adding a roof and other elements to a porch increases its load, which may require rebuilding the foundation if it can’t handle the additional weight.
“A lot of people think, ‘Oh, I’ll just put some walls up,’ but then the foundation doesn’t hold up and it starts to sink,” he says.
DIY Sunrooms
Yes, it is possible to simply buy a prefabricated sunroom kit and build the whole thing yourself. If you’re up to the task, great. But know that these sunrooms offer fewer options, are tougher to insulate properly and can be easily identified as after-the-fact additions, as they won’t resemble the rest of the house. One could make the case – and many have – that a prefab sunroom has just as much in common with a screened porch as it does with a custom sunroom.
More to mull over
Because it’s entirely enclosed, a sunroom offers far greater temperature control than a screened porch does. A porch can make up some of that ground through judicious use of ceiling fans and electric space heaters, but you’re still going to have the devil’s own time using it in the winter (at least here in Ohio).
Then there’s maintenance to keep in mind. With a screened porch, you’ll need to clean the space and the screens, and every now and then, you’ll need to replace damaged screens. Sunrooms and their furniture require cleaning, too, but not as often, as they’re less subject to the elements.
Finally, you should consider the future of the home. Do you intend to live there long enough to enjoy the benefits of an expensive sunroom? Do you expect them to affect the value of the home? Sunrooms are sometimes sought-after, and – unlike screened porches – they count as additional square footage, which could boost the price. CS
Garth Bishop is a contributing editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.
Guide to the Parade
BIA Parade of Homes returns to Columbus
By Amber Phipps
The annual BIA Parade of Homes is returning for another year of stunning homes and trending designs on properties located around central Ohio. The collection of homes at this year’s Parade includes a number of spacious floorplans and trending interior designs.
Each year, the Parade showcases a selection of homes presented by well-known builders and developers. With trends such as stone detailing, beautiful entryways and open floor plans, this year’s homes are worth the drive to visit.
The Parade will highlight at least 50 single- and multi-family homes brought to the community by more than 30 builders, including Pulte Homes, Schottenstein Homes, Maronda Homes and Epcon Communities.
The Parade is open Sept. 12-22. Expect to see luxury living, modern architectural styles and new living trends during the span of two full weekends.
This year’s Parade will highlight condos, apartments, townhouses and brand-new homes located in cities around central Ohio, including Dublin, Grove City and New Albany. These homes are comple-
mented by the beautiful communities that surround them, as well as nearby amenities such as parks and shopping centers.
Though tour homes feature a variety of trending designs, each is unique and stylish. With a focus on warmth and gathering, the color schemes and spacious layouts adhere to a family functional atmosphere.
The Parade is packed with must-see homes and plenty of opportunities to gain inspiration for your current or future home. Intricate stonework details and spacious floor-plan additions are among the factors that make this year’s Parade worth checking out.
With so many luxury homes to explore, the Parade guidebook, the BIA Parade of Homes Parade Guide, is designed to assist your journey. The Parade is sectioned into quadrants: northwest, northeast, southwest and southeast. Each quadrant features stunning homes in picturesque locations.
The feature community for this year’s Parade is Jerome Village, a huge Dub-
lin-area community with 13 distinct neighborhoods and another 13 in development. At least five different Jerome Village builders will have homes on display during the tour, and visitors will also have a chance to check out the progress of the 150-acre Jerome Village Market.
To assist your Parade of Homes journey, the official guidebook will provide information on every available home and the surrounding community. From details on price to addresses and driving distance, the guidebook will aid your search for home inspiration.
CityScene Media Group, publisher of CityScene Magazine, is partnering with the BIA to create the Official Event Guide for the 2024 Parade. Guides are distributed at Parade homes and a digital edition with all tour home addresses can be accessed for free at www.cityscenecolumbus.com CS
Amber Phipps is a contributing writer at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at aphipps@cityscenemediagroup.com
Photo courtesy of 3 Pillar Homes
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Memorializing Sports Stories
A look into sports legends’ lives
By Mary Nader
Photos courtesy of Jack Nicklaus Museum and Muhammad Ali Center
FOR THE AVERAGE sports enthusiast, watching their team or favorite athlete play is enough to get them excited for the rest of the season. However, for those looking to dive into the lives and history of their favorite teams and athletes, there are plenty of places to explore both in Ohio and around the country.
Hometown heroes
Jack Nicklaus Museum
For something close to home, the Jack Nicklaus Museum may be on par with what you’re seeking. Located on The Ohio State University campus, the museum highlights Nicklaus’ life, including from when he was a boy growing up in Columbus all the way through his days as a golf legend.
Immerse yourself in Nicklaus’ home life by stopping at the Family Room exhibit, a near replica of his home in Florida, filled with family photos and memorabilia. For a more detailed view of his life, visit the Decades exhibit, in which you are taken decade to decade through Nicklaus’ golf journey.
The museum also houses the Memorial Tournament Gallery, which showcases artifacts from the yearly tournament, as well as tributes to past honorees dating all the way back to the first tournament in 1976. An OSU-centric exhibit showcases the rich history of over 100 years of golf at OSU, including NCAA and Big Ten trophies.
LeBron James’ Home Court
Given LeBron James’ propensity for referring to himself as “just a kid from Akron,”
it’s no surprise Akron is the home of his nostalgic museum: Lebron James’ Home Court. Visitors can take a step back into James’ life and legacy by exploring his humble beginnings and NBA career in this immersive exhibition inside House Three Thirty.
Visitors are handed a replica apartment key to a door labeled 602, the number of James’ family’s old apartment in an Akron housing project. On display in a model of his childhood bedroom are some of James’ belongings from the 1990s, including his TV, trophies and posters of his favorite athletes.
A locker room filled with memorabilia marks James’ time with the Cavaliers, the Heat and the Lakers. A room of TVs plays clips from some of his work outside of basketball, such as roles in Trainwreck and Space Jam: A New Legacy
Impactful icons
Jackie Robinson Museum
If you’re a history buff or a baseball fanatic, the Jackie Robinson Museum makes for an educational and entertaining visit. Located in Manhattan, New York, it’s a mustsee for anyone looking to find reprieve from the bustling streets of the Big Apple.
Robinson, the first Black player in Major League Baseball, spearheaded racial and social change on and off of the field. The museum houses media installations that dive deeper into the social hardships Robinson faced throughout his career with the Brooklyn Dodgers as well as his corporate positions.
The museum goes beyond showcasing worn outfits and authentic fan mail, placing an emphasis on inspiring museum-goers to explore how they can contribute
Jack Nicklaus Museum
to greater progress of social change. This one-of-a-kind experience leaves visitors aware of what it took for Robinson to make it to the top.
Muhammad Ali Center
You may know Muhammad Ali for his legendary boxing career, but his life outside of boxing centered around philanthropy and activism. Built in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, the Muhammad Ali Center is not only home to a museum honoring Ali, it also provides programming for youth leadership and community engagement.
You can take a stroll through “The Greatest” Timeline for a detailed chronological retelling of Ali’s boxing career, or
Hometown Heisman Winners
try your hand at boxing with a recreation of the Champ’s Deer Lake training camp.
For those interested in his personal values, you can take a stop at one (or all) of the six core principles pavilions: Spirituality, Conviction, Confidence, Dedication, Giving and Respect.
The center also hosts events throughout the year, ranging from temporary exhibits to guest lectures. Through each event, the center upholds the core principles in which Ali believed and aims to uplift marginalized communities. CS
Mary Nader is a contributing writer at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at mnader@cityscenemediagroup.com.
Did you know that Ohio is home to nine Heisman Trophy winners, as well as the only two-time winner and defensive player winner? The Buckeye State is second only to California, which was home to 10 winners. Ohio-born winners include:
• Frank Sinkwich (1942)
• Vic Janowicz (1950)
• Dick Kazmaier (1951)
• Howard “Hopalong” Cassady (1955)
• Roger Staubach (1963)
• Archie Griffin (1974, 1975)
• Desmond Howard (1991)
• Charles Woodson (1997)
• Troy Smith (2006)
If you’re looking to explore sports history without leaving Ohio, check out these museums:
• Pro Football Hall of Fame (Canton)
• Baseball Heritage Museum (Cleveland)
• Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum (Cincinnati)
Muhammad Ali Center
Pro Football Hall of Fame
Summer Scrawl
The Franklinton Arts District annual festival
By Amber Phipps
SINCE 2006, URBAN Scrawl has helped bring the beauty of art and creation to Columbus. The tremendous success of this Franklinton Arts District event keeps the community busy, organizers say, and the residents satisfied with the display of artistic expression.
“Franklinton has always been such a big arts district and (Scrawl) was a way to bridge that gap between the arts district and art studios and the rest of the community around it,” says Sophie Hess, president of the Franklinton Arts District Board of Trustees.
Hess grew up around the block from Franklinton, and her family was heavily involved with the arts community. Her mother was a board member and her brother has painted on the Scrawl panels. Scrawl has also been deeply impactful to Hess’ professional life as an engineer.
expanding its mission to provide art for all. The district features artist studios, galleries, creative spaces and performance venues.
“Scrawl is such an amazing opportunity to showcase your own individual creativity and the love you have for Franklinton or the love you have for Columbus,” she says.
Andrew Lundberg, a board member of Scrawl and a participating artist, has been a member of the Franklinton community for 15 years. After exploring various careers in design, he packed up his life in New York and ventured to Columbus with a vision for the arts.
“At that time, Franklinton was like the Wild West; there was a freedom to it,” says Lundberg. “But it was just a good opportunity because you could feel where it was headed.”
The Franklinton Arts District is located west of downtown Columbus and has been
“You’re inside a small area and there was entertainment going on and people breakdancing and music, and everybody’s painting and sweating and miserable and great all at once,” says Lundberg.
Scrawl has evolved over the past 18 years and continues to develop as more and more artists get involved. Attendance has steadily increased and is now reaching between 500700 attendees with more than 70 artists.
This year’s Franklinton Arts District Scrawl, scheduled for Sept. 7-8, will feature artist exhibitions and live artmaking. The live-mural experience will be accompanied by plenty of food vendor options and entertainment such as games, music and art presentations.
Vendors and colorful stands will line the streets with displays of unique and
extravagantly painted murals. Individual artists will present their recent creations and craft artwork within the creative atmosphere of Scrawl.
The board members of Scrawl aim to bring back the passionate, unified feeling that Franklinton had before the COVID-19 pandemic. Having witnessed the evolution of Scrawl over time, Hess and Lundberg hope to keep things youthful and fresh.
“It really is an opportunity for you to completely take your own creative freedom without any stipulations, without any prompts, and create whatever’s in your mind,” says Hess. “And I think that’s a really beautiful thing: to make art without any inhibitions and nothing really telling you what’s right or wrong.” CS
Amber Phipps is a contributing writer at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at aphipps@cityscenemediagroup.com.
Photo courtesy of Sophie Hess
Join the party and help us celebrate!
Meet BRUTUS! Food, cash bar, music, digital photo booth, SWAG bags and more!
The VUE, 95 Liberty St. Sept. 25, 5:30 p.m.
First 200 people receive signature cocktail and SWAG bag!
VENUE SPONSOR
ON VIEW Dates and shows are subject to change. Visit the websites for more information.
Gallery Exhibits
934 Gallery Someday. New work by Mark Warren Jacques featuring a collection of paintings, a site-specific installation and a large-scale mural. Open Sept. 13-Oct. 12. Visions from the Phantom Highway. Work by Sara Adrain drawing inspiration from mythology, the natural world and the complex tapestry of the contemporary human experience. Open Oct. 19-Nov. 9. www.934gallery.org
Art Access Gallery: New landscape paintings by Michael McEwan and Perry Brown. Open Sept. 10-Nov. 5. www.artaccessgallery.com
Blockfort: SURVIVING. Curated by five female artists whose lives have been affected by mental illness and/or addiction. Open Sept. 6-28. SMALL WORLDS. Showcase of various types of miniature works and the skill it takes to create them. Open Oct. 4-26. www.blockfortcolumbus.com
Columbus Museum of Art: Transcendence and August Moon. Ming Smith was a pioneering photographer from Columbus and the first Black female photographer to have work acquired by the Museum of Modern Art in 1979. Fragments
of Epic Memory. This exhibition surveys Caribbean art and visual culture, featuring more than 100 photographs from the region. All open Sept. 19-Jan. 26. www.columbusmuseum.org
Dublin Arts Council Gallery: Precarious. Natural beauty and resources contrasted with pollutants, climate change and resource mismanagement. Open Sept. 14-Oct. 29. www.dublinarts.org
Fresh A.I.R. Gallery: MICHELLE BLACKSTONE Patterning, dyeing, needlework and quilting alongside landscape and oil painting. Open Oct. 18-Dec. 27. www. southeasthc.org/services/freshairgallery
Fresh A.I.R. Gallery
Morgan and Brenden Spivey. Open Oct. 19-Nov. 11. www.localohioart.com
Fresh A.I.R. Gallery @ SEEN Studios: TYLER DAVIS. Davis draws inspiration from themes of escapism, idolization, mental illness, nuclear families and masculinity. Open through Sept. 20. SONYA LUCAS. Visual motifs associated with an Appalachian queer identity, trauma and working with and through anxiety and depression. Open Oct. 11-Nov. 15. www. southeasthc.org/services/freshairgallery
Hawk Galleries: Sculpting Light. Kilncast abstract sculptures made of glass by Prague artist Vladimira Klumpar and her son, Matyas Pavlik. Open Sept. 8-Oct. 31. www.hawkgalleries.com
Hayley Gallery: Moments in Time. Featuring David Hunt of Cincinnati and Joe Anastasi of Upper Arlington. Open Sept. 21Oct. 14. Layered. Columbus artists Kate
Kittie’s Highline Art Space: Columbus Carved: Layers of History by Yani Sheng Intricate linoleum block carvings inspired by Columbus’ rich architectural history and diversity. Open Sept. 2-Oct. 31. www.rebeccaink.com/high linecoffeeartspace
MAC Worthington: Between Summer & Winter. Exhibition of 125 contemporary outdoor heavy metal sculptures. Open Sept. 1-Oct. 30. www.macworthington.com
Marcia Evans Gallery: New Abstracts. Richard Ferguson. Open Sept. 7-30. Pat Carbone & Christy Gerlach. Open Oct. 5-31. www.marciaevansgallery.com
Ohio Craft Museum: Grounded in the Natural World. Environmental artists Marcia
Kittie’s Highline Art Space
Armstrong and Char Norman. Open through Sept. 28. www.ohiocraft.org
Open Door Art Studio & Gallery: Altered Lenses. Photos, cyanotypes and photographic transfers. Open through Oct. 4. Are You Afraid of the Art? Art telling stories inspired by folklore, legends and myths. Open Oct. 12-Nov. 1. www.open doorcolumbus.org
Otterbein Department of Art and Art History: www.otterbein.edu/art/art-exhibitschedule
The Frank Museum of Art: Gateway to Himalayan Art. Traveling exhibition for colleges and universities, based on the Rubin Museum of Art’s cornerstone exhibition. Open through Dec. 12.
Miller Gallery: Against the Current/Lain S. Bangdel: Art, National Identity, and a Modernist Critique. Open through Nov. 8. 6th Annual Juried High School Art Exhibition. Open through Dec. 6.
Fisher Gallery: Only Abstract Will Do. Abstract art from Otterbein’s permanent collection, including work by Otterbein students and faculty as well as visiting and global artists. Open through Dec. 6.
Riffe Gallery: On the Grid. An exhibition featuring 16 Ohio artists. Open through Oct. 4. www.oac.ohio.gov/riffe-gallery
Sean Christopher Gallery: Journey. New pieces created over the past year that have helped the artist, Julia Hamilton, process the loss of her husband of 28 years. Open Sept. 7-Oct. 19. www.seanchristophergallery.com
Sean Christopher Gallery
Sharon Weiss Gallery: Moments. New paintings by Michael Guinane capturing fleeting moments in time. Open Sept. 7-29. A Salon Exhibit. Local artists highlighting their. Open Oct. 3-27. www.sharonweissgallery.com
Short North Alliance: Beyond the Seen. A 1,280-square-foot mural wall on Goodale Street between Park Street and High Street featuring the work of nine local artists. Opens Sept. 7. www.shortnorth.org
Studios on High: Uplift & Inspire. Paintings by Marty Husted explore the language and power that color has in evoking emotions. Open Sept. 7-Oct. 3. Side by Side. Kim Covell Maurer and Mack Mackin’s works explore the artists’ shared love for the writings of Mary Oliver. Open Oct. 5-31. www.studiosonhigh.com
Terra Gallery and Creative Studio: Isabel Palmer. Canvas art featuring richly textured pieces that invite viewers to interact the work. Open through Sept. 21. Lisa Rose Miller. Three-dimensional clay and paper pulp works made from recycled paper and items. Open through TBD. Autumn Grant. Acrylic and oil paintings with realistic representation with a touch of impressionism. Open through TBD. www.terra-gallery.com
Urban Arts Space: Women’s Work (lower gallery). Weavings and beaded work by Alex McClay, in conjunction with
sewing and sculptural printmaking work by Stephanie Berrie. Illustrating History: Black Columbus (corridor). Illustrations and mixed media art pieces that honor influential Black figures in Columbus. Both open through Sept. 21. www.uas.osu.edu
Wexner Center for the Arts: Wind Chime. Roughly 30 black-and-white photographs from Columbus-raised artist Ming Smith’s Africa series, taken during travels to Senegal, Ethiopia, Ivory Coast and Egypt. Tranquility of Communion. Work by Nigerian British photographer Rotimi Fani-Kayode exploring heightened sensuality informed by Yoruba cosmology and queer activism. Both exhibitions open Sept. 22-Jan. 5. www.wexarts.org
Wild Goose Creative: Ohio Art Education Association 70th Anniversary Exhibit. All member exhibition. Open Sept. 11-Nov. 2. Kirsta Benedetti and Ohio Reformatory for Women. Kirsta Benedetti has created her project Redefined: Life Stories to bring a more positive and empathetic light to those serving extended sentences in ORW. Open Oct. 9-30. www.wildgoosecreative.com
Photo by: Jerri Shafer
Picks&Previews
What to watch, what to watch for and what not to miss!
Shadowbox Live presents Wild Things
Sept 5-29
Shadowbox Live, 503 S. Front St., #260
An eclectic assortment of sketch comedy full of spooks and “sin-sational” fun. www.shadowboxlive.org
Broadway in Columbus presents MJ the Musical
Sept. 10-15
Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St.
This multi-Tony Award-winning musical showcases the depths of Michael Jackson’s creative mind and spirit, offering audiences a deeper understanding of the musical icon. columbus.broadway.com
The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio presents Big Fish
Sept. 12-19
Studio One, Riffe Center, 77 S. High St.
Tim Burton fans can’t miss this vibrant story of heartfelt love and fantastical journeys. Directed by Leda Hoffmann, Big Fish follows the story of tall-tale-telling traveling salesman Edward Bloom. www.thecontemporaryohio.org
BIA Parade of Homes
Sept. 12-22
Across Central Ohio
The Building Industry Association of Central Ohio presents one of the largest showcases of new homes in the area, varying in size, style and pricing across multiple cities including Dublin, New Albany and Grove City. www.biaparade.com
Jay Leno
Sept. 13, 8 p.m.
Mershon Auditorium, 1871 N. High St.
Acclaimed comedian and TV host Jay Leno comes to Mershon Auditorium for a night of laughs. www.schottenstein center.com
Dublin Arts Council presents Sundays at Scioto
Sept. 15, 22, 29; Oct. 6; 5-7 p.m.
Scioto Park, 7377 Riverside Dr., Dublin
Bring blankets and lawn chairs for performances by the OSU Alumni Marching Band on Sept. 15, Fleetwood Mac tribute band Fleetwood Gold on Sept. 22, cosmic alt-country band Angela Perley & The Howlin’ Moons on Sept. 29 and Hoodoo Soul Band on Oct. 6. www.dublinarts.org
New Albany Walking Classic®
Sept. 15, 8 a.m.
Market Square and Market Street, New Albany
Whether you are a walking pro or just looking for a great way to get active, come celebrate the 20th annual event and pick up free goodies after you finish. www. newalbanywalkingclassic.com
The Book of Mormon
Jay Leno
Columbus Symphony Orchestra presents Opening Night: A John Williams Celebration
Sept. 20-22, 7:30 p.m.
Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St.
Kick off the 2024-25 Masterworks season with a night honoring the impressive music catalog of John Williams, featuring his hits from films such as Star Wars and Schindler’s List www.columbussymphony.com
The Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce presents the 45th Annual Arts in the Alley Festival and Community Parade Sept. 20-22
Downtown Grove City
Enjoy one of central Ohio’s longestrunning arts and music festivals featuring work from more than 100 juried artists. Be sure to catch the Voice of Grove City vocal competition Saturday afternoon. www.gcchamber.org/arts
Short North Stage presents The Rocky Horror Show
Oct. 3-31, Thursdays through Sundays Garden Theater, 1187 N. High St.
A can’t-miss October classic directed by Edward Carginan, The Rocky Horror Show is the right pick for lovers of Halloween, musicals and audience participation. www. shortnorthstage.org
Broadway in Columbus presents The Book of Mormon Oct. 8-13
Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St.
Tony-award winning Broadway sensation The Book of Mormon takes the Ohio Theatre with its raunchy, satirical comedy one doorbell ring at a time. columbus. broadway.com
P!NK with The Script and KidCutUp Oct. 9, 7:30 p.m.
Schottenstein Center, 555 Borror Dr. International pop sensation and performer P!NK takes the stage, flipping and flying through the Schottenstein Center. www.schottensteincenter.com
MJ the Musical
The New Albany Community Foundation presents An Evening with America Ferrera
Oct. 10
McCoy Community Center for the Arts, 100 E. Dublin-Granville Rd., New Albany Award-winning actor, director and producer America Ferrera speaks with NPR West correspondent Mandalit del Barco on the topic of mental health. www. newalbanyfoundation.org
COSI presents COSI After Dark: Unmasked
Oct. 10, 6:30 p.m.
COSI, 333 W. Broad St.
A fright-filled evening of activities, themed cocktails and a deathly delicious food selection. Be sure to come in your best costume for a night of scientific spooks. www.cosi.org
Columbus Jazz Orchestra presents The Greatest Jazz Concert in the World Oct. 10-13
Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St.
Join the Columbus Jazz Orchestra led by Byron Stripling in an extraordinary night of jazz featuring legendary musicians John Clayton and Jeff Hamilton. www.jazzartsgroup.org
Columbus Italian Festival
Oct. 11-13
St. John the Baptist Italian Catholic Church, 168 E. Lincoln St.
Live music, dancing, fun games and a whole plateful of authentic Italian cuisine. Come hungry and ready to party! www. columbusitalianfestival.com
Cancer Support Community Central Ohio presents Night of Chocolate
Oct. 18, 6 p.m.
Hollywood Casino Columbus, 200 Georgesville Rd.
A decadent, unforgettable evening honoring 20 years of impact and community building featuring live auctions and delicious, chocolatey treats. www.cancer supportohio.org
Chamber Music Columbus presents Alexander Malofeev
Oct. 19, 7 p.m.
Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St.
Known as the Russian Genius, Alexander Malofeev launched to stardom at the young age of 13. Now, at the age of 22, he is considered one of the most prominent pianists of his generation. He will perform iconic works from Brahms,
Rachmaninoff and more. www.chamber musiccolumbus.org
Justin Timberlake
Oct. 23, 7:30 p.m.
Nationwide Arena, 200 W. Nationwide Blvd.
You just “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” of wanting to go to this performance by the Prince of Pop! www.nationwidearena.com
BalletMet presents Dracula
Oct. 25-Nov. 2
Davidson Theatre, Riffe Center, 77 S. High St.
The BalletMet fan favorite returns just in time for Halloween! Come ready for a night of vampires and vengeance. www.balletmet.org
Short North Alliance presents Highball Halloween
Oct. 26, 2 p.m.-midnight
Short North Arts District, Intersection of High St. and Gay Blvd.
Highball Halloween is one of the nation’s most elaborate costume parties. Hosted by Nina West, this annual event bridges runway style with the culture of the Short North Arts District. www.high ballcolumbus.org
