For years, the Short North has been heralded for its art, culinary and entertainment offerings… all steeped in a healthy appreciation of independence. Over the last few years, however, the Short North has been quickly building a strong reputation on a different front, fashion.

It seems there have always been fashion offerings in the district (Columbus Barber and Beauty began in 1936, Byzantium is fast approaching their 25th anniversary, Loot just crossed the 20-year mark, and Torso and The Garden are celebrating 10 years of success). The Bohemian spirit and artistic flair of the Short North nurture the expressive nature of fashion… and the adventure of defining personal style.

In the last few years, however, fashion has really begun to make a visible impact on the Short North mix. Today, scores of boutiques pepper the strip. On the clothing side, the list now includes Rowe, {Milk Bar}, Paradise Garage, G&Co, Loot, Substance, Emperor’s Newest Clothes, Flower Child, Torso, Tiger Tree, Lady Bird, Saavy On a Shoestring, Measure of a Man, Take 2 Apparel, American Apparel, Lululemon and Jinny. The roster has become synonymous with the Columbus fashion scene. Keeping pace with the clothing, a formidable ensemble of accessories, cosmetics, beauty care and salon businesses has also developed, including: Byzantium, Collier West, Columbus Eyeworks, Image Optical, Global Gallery, Max the Salon, Waldo’s On High, Lai Boom, Phia Salon, Mukha Custom Cosmetics & Medi-spa, Luxe de Vie and Columbus Barber & Beauty.

That’s nearly 30 fashion destinations, and I’m sure I’m missing a few. It seems new boutiques are opening monthly… next on the block is “Go Figure” at the old CounterCulture space.

The Short North’s stature as a fashion destination made headlines nationally not too long ago in the New York Times Style Magazine. Headline: “Columbus Cool” The article spotlighted a host of the District’s boutiques and touted Columbus as the new “Style Capital” of the Midwest. In the latest issue of Columbus Monthly, Short North fashion takes up a full 7-pages in “Shop Talk: Spring Fashion 2009.” The article features shop owners modeling their own fashions and sharing tips on current fashion trends. Jin Fillinger (Jinny), Cindy Zafar and Goutam Biswas (G&Co.), Christina Getachew (Substance), Michelle Woljevach (The Emperor’s Newest Clothes) and Maren Roth (Rowe) are spotlighted.

If you haven’t been in the Short North for a while, or haven’t taken a stroll from end to end, you might be surprised by the changes. You might also be surprised how well the fashion scene fits you.

Morgan has put together a bit of an overview of the boutiques with a spring fashion series of her own which is now posted on shortnorth.org. You can take a peek with a click. Enjoy.

If you are a visual artist, know a visual artist, or know someone who knows someone who knows a visual artist… then this message is for you!

The Short North Arts District is inviting artists to participate in Art al Fresco 2009 (August 15). Artists have until May 22 to submit proposals. Applications are available online at shortnorth.org or by request from CallForArtists@shortnorth.org.

Art al Fresco made its debut on Saturday, August 16, 2008 in the heart of the Arts District, and by every measure, it was a smash success. Upwards of 75 visual and performing artists converged on the district to be a part of the event, which also included special exhibitions at a number of Short North galleries. Over 5,000 guests showed up, touring High Street, cameras in hand, to experience dozens of public art installations and scores of live art performances. The Columbus Dispatch enthusiastically proclaimed: “Bohemians on the Loose!” GCAC even nominated the event for its annual Artistic Excellence Award.

Last year’s best of show accolade went to Ben LaPlaca, Clint Davidson and Scott Williams for their mural depicting the issue of the dwindling honey bee population (at right). A review of last year’s winners can be found at shortnorth.org

A wonderful collection of images from the event is posted on our Facebook page: Short North Arts District.

Kudos to my fellow development committee members for the hard work they have already invested to make 2009 an even bigger success: Joe Baer of ZenGenius, Judy Basso of the Wood Companies, Kristin Meyer of The Art Exchange, Michelle Brandt of Kathryn Gallery, Maria Galloway of pm gallery, Rhonda Bartoe Tucker of Studios on High, Sean Cooper of the Ohio Art League, Christie Nohle of Urban Gardener, Sherrie Hawk of Sherrie Gallerie, Carmen Owens of Surly Girl, Suzie Simpson of Stonewall Columbus, Juli Rogers of r design & printing, and Morgan Baughman of the SNBA.

Following is more information about the event:

Short North Arts District
2nd annual Art al Fresco
presented by The Wood Companies
Saturday • August 15

A day-long event celebrating Columbus’ artistic spirit. Visual and performing artists from across the city unite to share their talents. The entire Short North becomes both a gallery and a stage.

The goal: inspire, engage and amuse visitors while spotlighting the power of public art. In all, over 100 exhibitions, installations and performances will be showcased.

Art al Fresco features three unique components:
The Usual Suspects

A broad range of artwork on display in the galleries and non-traditional venues throughout the district.

Unexpected Guests
Up to 50 artists will create temporary public art installations in surprising outdoor venues: parks, courtyards, rooftops, even the sides of buildings. Most of the installations will exist for only a day, but some will be on display for a month or longer.

PeeP Show
From freeze modeling to celebrity impersonations, from actors to dancers, performing artists will take over merchants’ display windows throughout the district. Under the arches, street performers will settle into the many alcoves to entertain passersby.

Art al Fresco is an event of the Short North Arts District. For more info, please email CallForArtists@shortnorth.org.