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.

So the juggling continues. HighBall is rockin’… some major stuff to talk about later on that front. We’re down to 5 weeks and counting. So what should I talk about? The Short North Gala of course! I haven’t brought that one to the front blog-burner as yet… and it’s just 2 weeks away!

Last year we introduced the Short North Gala to celebrate the lighting of the High Street arches. Remember when the arches were just architectural background? Okay, that’s a different story. So the gala was an instant sell out and we immediately decided it HAD to be an annual event. But, as with any launch, we learned some things that will make year 2 an even greater experience. Less time between courses. More time for after party. Recognize award recipients all through the evening. Order more wine!

So here we are in round two. Where to start? Well, it’s a culinary thing. It’s a spirit thing. It’s a Short North thing. And the whole thing takes place at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Sunday, October 12. Start with cocktails in the courtyard at 5:30, dinner at 7:00, after party at 9:00. In between? One heck of an incredible foodie experience. Rosendales. Rigsby’s. Hyde Park Steakhouse. Athletic Club of Columbus. Union Cafe. Marcella’s. Martini. basi italia. Haiku. Jeni’s Ice Creams. Yep. A phenomenal course from each and every one of them.

The spirit part… We’re dedicating the evening to our two luminary award recipients, Maria Galloway (owner and founder of pm gallery - 28 years in the making) and John Allen (owner and found of the Short North Tavern - 27 years in the making). We’re also recognizing the behind-the-scenes contributions of four great “Unsung Heroes”: Tray Hunker, Greg Maynard, Christie Nohle and Katie Reider.

The theme is the “Glow of Success.” Corny but true. It’s a nod to the arches, and a nod the amazing accolades the district has received over the last year, including: Gallery Hop—Best Art Event in the State per Ohio Magazine and the Expy Award from Experience Columbus for contributions to the visitor experience in our fair city.

Our event chairs (Joe Spinelli, Xenia Palus and Jeni Bauer) have been working their little tushes off getting the details together. Add to that Joe Baer’s creative team from ZenGenius and you have the makings for one unforgettable evening. By the way, ZG is working with the constraint that all color in the room’s decor has to be chemical or electric. That’s all I’m sayin’ ’bout that.

If you would like to get your ticket before the event is sold out, drop me a line and I’ll send you an invitation. That sounds so used-car-salesman, but I know you’ll have a fabulous time.

Ciao for now.

ja