New year. Same “ish”. But, the arts do persevere and bring some needed joy. Below is a list of arts events planned for this weekend. If you want to check out any of these events, please check in with the organizers prior to going to ensure that nothing has changed—we are, after all, in the age of omicron.
- Cats, opens this week in the Ohio Theater and runs through Jan. 16.
- Aurora, an exhibition by Natalie Orr, is at the King Arts Complex with a reception planned for Jan. 13.
- Franklinton Fridays is back Jan. 14, and the Franklinton Arts District opens its first exhibition in the Bridget Gallery space, Jimbo Tamoro: An Exploration of Scribbles. Also during FF is the artist’s reception for Eric Vacheresse’s exhibition Gate Keeper at the Vanderelli Room.
- Sunday at Central presents a free concert with the Schubert Octet at the Ohio History Center, Jan. 16. Space is limited. Mask and proof of vaccination are required.
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day is Monday, Jan. 17. The King Arts Complex and Ohio History Connection are hosting an open house that will include a screening of The Green Book: A Guide to Freedom, a film about the Negro Motorist Green Book created by postal carrier Victor Green to help black travelers safely navigate the U.S. The National Veterans Memorial and Museum is also offering $1 admission in honor of Dr. King.
If you just want to ride out this current variant wave at home, then there are two great online options to consider:
- CAPA has you covered with a virtual performance: Grimmz Fairy Tales. This hip hop duo (originally from Cbus) reimagines popular fairy tales. The offering kicked off this week and is offered online for free through Jan. 30. While this is geared toward kids; I imagine that, like many shows made for kids, it will also appeal to adults.
- The Columbus Civic Theater has launched a free radio play of The Great Gatsby. It will be done in six parts with the first one available now. Personally I love a radio play. I put the fireplace screen saver on my TV, brew a hot cuppa with a little something adult added, and pull out my knitting.
These are my top picks, but you can make your own list by exploring our arts & culture calendar at ColumbusMakesArt.com.
The following programs were funded in part by Project Support Grants from the Greater Columbus Arts Council: The Columbus Civic Theater’s radio play production of the Great Gatsby, Franklinton Fridays, the National Veteran’s Memorial and Museum annual season and Sunday at Central 2021/2022 season.
Image is from the Grimmz Fairy Tales.
Lacey Luce is a digital marketing strategist for the Greater Columbus Arts Council who really wants to hibernate.