By Lacey Luce
There are a lot of reasons to love our fair city, but I’m going to focus on four that are relevant to this blog
ONE: Unique Film Experiences
We are at a sweet spot for film—not just the creation of it, but access to those flicks that don’t get a lot of mainstream attention. The Wexner Center for the Arts and Gateway Film Center are among two of the larger groups bringing us unusual cinematic offerings. This weekend Gateway is wrapping up its Columbus Documentary week, and Wex has The Apu Trilogy and The Night of the Shooting Stars.
TWO: Interactive Visual Arts Experiences
I love curator’s tours and/or artist’s talks, however, I must confess these events are not in my comfort zone. When I’ve gone in the past, I’ve dragged myself out of a sense of duty and been worried that the talk would be over my head. In every single instance I’ve left such an event inspired, invigorated, and 100 percent grateful that I went. With this in mind, I’m excited for the Flashback to Now Curator’s tour and CCAD’s upcoming artist’s talk.
Opening receptions are less intimidating for me, and often offer the opportunity to meet with and talk to the artists in a show, and the Ohio Art League has an opening this Friday at the Fort Hayes Shot Tower Gallery.
I also need to mention #WildArtColumbus because this is not an event you “attend” in the traditional sense but one you tune into and interact with on social media throughout this month—this IS in my wheelhouse.
Three: Collaborative Neighborhood/Community Events
From Gallery Hop to a host of summer festivals, we kinda rock at this. This weekend we have Franklinton Fridays, Moonlight Market, the Clintonville Art & Music Festival and the New American Festival.
FOUR: Live Jazz
There is a ton of live music to enjoy every weekend, but I thought I’d give a shout out to jazz because Notes is opening this weekend. While they won’t exclusively feature jazz acts they do have the delightful Byron Stripling on the docket Saturday. I had the luck to tour this new music venue a few weeks back and it is spectacular (but don’t call it a speakeasy no matter how much it has that vibe, they really don’t like that.)
Sept. 11: The Rhythm Future Quartet, featuring violinist Jason Anick
Sept. 12 & 13: Aaron Diehl & Cecile McLorin Salvant Live at the King Arts Complex
Sept. 13: Tom Davis Trio at the Harrison West Jazz Stage
Sept. 13: Edward Kidd Jordan, Hamiett Bluiett and the Jazz Poetry Ensemble: Hot Times Kate Schulte Tribute
So, hopefully you’ll join me in loving what Cbus has to offer and sharing it via #artmakescbus!
Lacey Luce is a marketing, communications and event strategist for the Greater Columbus Arts Council who sometimes forgets how much fun it is to wander outside of her comfort zone.
