Last weekend was the 58th annual Columbus Arts Festival. I was there all three days and to be honest, I’m pretty beat. But if you’re anything like me, you’re still looking for ways to match all of the fun from the previous weekend. Thankfully, there is still plenty to see and do this summer, as evident on the ColumbusMakesArt.com events page.
Let's start with one of the weekend’s premier events: Columbus Pride, presented by Stonewall Columbus, returns to the Scioto Mile. For three days, Columbus will remember the Stonewall Riots and celebrate the LGBTQ community with a festival, parade and brunch, from Friday, June 16 to Sunday, June 18.
Starting June 12 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, the Origins Game Fair features five full days of gaming, cosplay, comedy, live action role-playing, anime and more.
Luminous opens at The Smithery in Grandview on Thursday, June 13. The exhibition will showcase a unique collection of jewelry from nine different artists, all following the show’s eye-catching theme.
At Shadowbox Live, the satirical show Musical: The Musical opens Thursday, June 13 at 7:30 p.m.
Summer means Picnic with the Pops, and the lastest performer is none other than legendary R&B/funk group Kool and the Gang. They’re a little outside of my age group, but I’d consider grabbing a ticket to catch hits Celebration and Jungle Boogie this Friday starting at 8 p.m. at the Columbus Commons.
Summer also means outdoor movie series like Movie Under the Stars. Green Lawn Abbey kicks the series off with Charade. This serious and at times humorous film starring Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn, plays Friday, June 14 beginning after dark.
Ohio Black Masters, a group exhibition featuring Ohio-based African and African-American artists at the Elijah Piece Gallery in the King Arts Complex, ends Friday.
Finally, a show on my side of town. At the William H. Thomas Art Gallery, aka the “gallery in the ‘hood,” artist Lynnette L'argent’s exhibition Raisin' Cain: Mysticism In Black Stereotypes is in its final days. The last time to view this eye-opening show is Saturday, June 15, from 4 to 7 p.m.
And a unique showing: The Tupac-themed exhibition and tribute All Eyez On Me opens on Saturday, from 7 to 11 p.m. at Chromedge Studios.
Nichole Moorman is the marketing intern for the Greater Columbus Arts Council, and this is her last month. She's had a great time with these amazing art fans.