Art al Fresco made its debut on Saturday, August 16 in the heart of the Short North Arts District. And by every measure, it was a smash success. 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!”

A panel of judges toured the event bestowing special commendations to the art installations that impressed them the most. The panel consisted of Juli Rogers (owner of r design & printing and president of the Short North Business Association), Melissa Starker (Columbus alive!), Michelle Brandt (Kathryn Gallery), and Melissa Vogley Woods (Stitch in a Ditch). With so many well-executed installations, the judges debated vigorously over the merits of each.

Ultimately, a striking mural installed on the sidewall of Betty’s Fine Food + Spirit in Brickel Alley was crowned “Best of Show.” The study on the dwindling population of honey bees in the U.S. was created on site by Ben LaPlaca, Clint Davidson and Scott Williams. The piece wowed the judges with its beauty, form and message. “The color palette is the first thing I noticed. It’s absolutely striking,” commented Melissa Starker. “I was amazed by the way they combined a truly beautiful piece of work with a timely political issue,” observed Melissa Vogley Wood. “It’s perfect for the Short North. I hope it can remain on display for an extended period,” added Juli Rogers. The artists will receive $100 in cash and over $200 in gift certificates donated by area businesses.

Other award winners included:

Best Execution: Ryan Agnew for Shirts on a Wire on the south side of the Greystone Apartments. The judges were moved by the scale, movement and color selection of the installation.
Best Use of Found Materials: Yasue Sakaoka for Transparent Breezy at Bollinger Tower. The delicate, yet powerful installation was made completely of white, wire clothes hangers.

Most Whimsical: R.L. Hughes for The Wealthy Mouse and Dead Pac Man. The judges were particularly amused by the Crime Scene in the middle of a major art event.

Best Synergy Between Installation and Environment: Zen Genius for its packing material bikers racing down the wall of Dr. Mojoe. The judges commented that the side of a building is about the only place you won’t find a bike in the increasingly green-friendly Short North.

Most Original: Jen Burton and Mark Van Fleet for the “Birds of Hair” exhibit presented in the “Art Van” in the parking lot of Surly Girl Saloon. The judges appreciated the twist on established galleries in the district. “It takes ‘gallery’ out of the box.”

Best Adaptation of Materials: SSK for its tree knitwear in front of Byzantium. The judges observed that the artists had elevated a seemingly domestic craft-form to creative artform. “The colors added a splash of excitement to the streetscape.”

Judges’ Special Commendation for Excellence: Daniel Elson for Donald Goes On Vacation… a handmade silcon figure melting into the brick wall at Bodega Cafe. The judges were awed by the detail of the figure. “The skin was amazingly lifelike.”

Over 100 photos from the event are available in a six-part photo gallery. Click the following links to view each set of photos.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6

The Short North Arts District extends a hardy congratulations to all the artists, performers, volunteers, and sponsors who helped christen the inaugural Art al Fresco. “We really loved the pure focus on the art and the artists,” shared Mark Wood of the Wood Companies, presenting sponsor of the event. “That focus is at the heart of the Short North.”

Art al Fresco

presenting sponsor
The Wood Companies

hosting sponsor
Columbus alive!

award sponsors
Art Exchange
John Angelo and Frank Neumann

artist sponsors
Byzantium
City Kids Daycare
Cookware Sorcerer
O’Brien & Associates
pm gallery
r design & printing

supporting partners
The Lamp Shade
First Community Bank
Ohio Art League
UPS

Special thanks
Bartha Audio Visual for its support of Walk in the Park and Ripple Effect

For information about the 2009 Art al Fresco, contact John Angelo at the Short North Arts District office.

614.299.8050 x13 or johnangelo@shortnorth.org