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.

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