Last night Juli Rogers and I kicked off the weekend going to a reception at Rivet Gallery. Laura and Scott Kuenzli were launching one of the more “unique” art exhibits we’ve had in the District for a while: Darkness Into Light. We strolled in around 7:00. Things were just getting started. Laura was engaged with a few other early arrivals. We made our way to the bar set up for this special reception, grabbed a Magic Hat pils and some noshes courtesy of Barrel 44 and slowly began taking in the experience.

The exhibition features selected images from “counter culture” photographers Jeffery Scott, John Santerineross, Robyn Von Swank, Silent View and Chas Ray Krider. The images, most with mature themes, range from ethereal, hazy black and white to ultra crisp, vibrant color. There is a spiritual quality to the collection. Subjects touch on relationships, dreams, role playing and fetishes. Each image carefully stylized by the artist. As fascinating as the photos were, however, the centerpiece of the exhibit was the object d’art created from the skull of a 500 year old Tibetan monk.

To call Yama, Tibetan God of Death a pin-hole camera is rather like calling La Sagrada Familia a building. Yama, created by Wayne Martin Belger, is truly a labor of love and an amazing work of art. It has to be studied slowly to appreciate the astounding design, the quality of the craftsmanship and the exquisite materials, including: turquoise, sapphires, opals and rubies in addition to metalwork interfusing brass, gold, silver, and titanium among others.

As we absorbed the detail of the piece and beauty of the exhibit, a thought entered my mind: “How far the north end of the Short North has come these last 10 years.” Where once primarily thrift shops and empty store fronts dominated, now avant garde businesses such as Rivet are taking hold. You see it in Milk Bar (one of Columbus’ fashion hot spots directly across the street). You see it in What the Rock?! and Surly Girl. Even Monkeys Retreat is getting a makeover. Throughout the area experiential destinations now anchor the north end of the district: Skully’s, Liquid, Bodega, Yoga On High, Byzantium, the list goes on.

As the Jackson on High continues to spring forth (at 4th and High), is there any doubt that the north end will soon be rivaling the south end for the center of attention?

With Rivet setting the standard this weekend, I have no doubt. This Gallery Hop, treat yourself to a new view. Head north.

Darkness into Light will be on display from February 7 - 28. Due to the sensitive nature of Wayne Martin Belger’s work, the Yama showpiece will only be on display each Saturday until the show closes. For a private viewing of the piece, please contact the gallery.

Rivet: 1200 N High St • 614.294.8697

Tags: Bodega, Byzantium, Liquid, Milk Bar, Rivet, Short North North, Skully's, Surly Girl, Yama the Tibetan God of Death, Yoga on High