July 4 marks the beginning of an entire year’s worth of glass art exhibitions in Columbus. Seven organizations are hosting glass art programs - three featuring the works of Dale Chihuly, and many at the same time:

• Franklin Park Conservatory: Chihuly Reimagined (July 4-March 28)

• OSU Urban Arts Space and Hawk Galleries: BIGG: Breakthrough Ideas in Global Glass (July 10-Oct. 10)

• Upper Arlington’s Concourse Gallery: Melting Pot (July 22-Aug. 21)

• Columbus Museum of Art: Chihuly Illuminated (Sept. 25-July 4)

• Hawk Galleries: Chihuly XIV (Oct. 2-Jan. 31)

• The King Arts Complex: African Art: Tradition and Influence (Nov. 12-Dec. 15)

• Glass Axis : glass workshops (ongoing)

This weekend, the anticipated Chihuly Reimagined opens at the Franklin Park Conservatory . The Conservatory’s entire collection of Chihuly glasswork is on display throughout the facility, along with three brand new installations.

I was lucky enough to preview the exhibit and it definitely lives up to the hype. The contrast of the bold Chihuly glass among lush foliage is spectacular. My two favorites were the hundreds of blue reeds in the courtyard and a rowboat upstairs in the showhouse that is filled with gorgeous purple and blue glass.

Chihuly’s Blue Reeds
at Franklin Park Conservatory

Although most pieces have been on display at the Conservatory before, some of the work has been positioned differently, changing the light and bringing a fresh perspective. For instance, the Persian Ceiling is now in the Himalayan zone. It’s in two sections that are much closer to eye level, so you can see parts you never noticed before.

Next week, the OSU Urban Arts Space in the old Lazarus building and Hawk Galleries (a few blocks away at the corner of Main and Fourth streets) open a really intriguing exhibit of international glass artists entitled BIGG: Breakthrough Ideas in Global Glass . This is juried exhibition of master-level artists (or the equivalent in their country) and really represents the future of glass art.

On July 22, Melting Pot opens at the Concourse Gallery, followed by the rest . . .

For details on each exhibition and photos, visit GlassArt365.com .

Red, White & BOOM!
Photo: Larry Hamill Photography

I love Fourth of July festivities in Columbus - from parades to food to my favorite, the fireworks.

I can’t wait to start off the weekend by heading to Red, White and BOOM! Held on Friday, July 3, the day begins at 10 a.m. with food, games and entertainment, and ends with one of the most spectacular firework displays ever.

If you’re planning on heading to Red, White and BOOM!, you may want to keep a few things in mind:

• Fireworks will be launched at 10 p.m. from Franklin County Veterans Memorial. Some of the best places to see the show include Goodale Park, Battelle Park, Long Street, Nationwide Boulevard, Washington Boulevard and Genoa Park (also note that you can no longer view fireworks from Bicentennial Park or Berliner Park).

• Food and entertainment will be available throughout downtown, including:
  • Midway - on Washington Boulevard, near COSI
  • Taste of BOOM! - in the Arena District
  • NBC4 BOOM! Central - on Long St.

• The parade begins near COSI at 6 p.m. and will head east on Broad Street. It will travel north on Front Street and end on the corner of Front and Spring streets. Roads will be closed from 5:30-7:30 p.m. for the parade.

• The majority of streets in the Arena District will be closed from 6 p.m. to midnight.

• Check out this PDF for details on street closures and the locations of various BOOM! spots.

• If you decide to park downtown, you can check out parking options and even purchase a parking space in advance here .

For more BOOM! planning info, including details about activities and the entertainment schedule, check out the Red, White and BOOM! Web site .

Have a great Fourth of July weekend!

Photo: Larry Hamill Photography

As a resident of Victorian Village, I enjoy my daily commutes to and from work. It is my time to admire the beautiful, historic homes that line Neil Avenue.

Last September, I took part in the Victorian Village Tour of Homes . It was my opportunity to take a peek inside, and what I discovered what very different from what I had imagined. While each home was distinct—varying in size, age and design—the strong focus on art and modern decor both surprised and impressed me.

This Sunday presents another opportunity to step into what seems like another world. This time it is the chance for a peek inside one of Columbus’ most beloved neighborhoods: German Village . The German Village Haus and Garten Tour , celebrating its 50th Anniversary, opens the door to nine homes and four gardens in the neighborhood. With tours running from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., this can be an all-day adventure or a quick stop on your list of to-dos.

Tickets are already on sale, available at the following locations:

• $15 advance sale – GermanVillage.com or 614.221.8888
• $12 advance sale – All Central Ohio Kroger locations (with Kroger Plus card)
• $20 day of Tour – Meeting Haus, 588 S. Third St.

This is the perfect opportunity to get outdoors, enjoy the summer weather and discover one of Columbus’ favorite traditions. I can’t wait to see what I’ll discover this time…

Photo: Franklin Park Conservatory

If you’re looking for an all-ages activity, consider a visit to Blooms & Butterflies , open through September 7 at the Franklin Park Conservatory.

The annual exhibit features a daily release of dozens of butterflies in the Conservatory’s Pacific Island Water Garden - a place that really is as relaxing as it sounds.

It’s an affordable outing, and you have the option of attending just the Blooms & Butterflies exhibit or touring the entire Franklin Park Conservatory .

For the little ones, the bright colors of the flowers and movement of the butterflies offer much to watch. My 9-month-old daughter was fascinated by the brightly colored butterflies flying about and was working hard at tracking them as they flitted around the Pacific Island Water Garden. The biggest hit, however, was the koi pond, which was filled with enormous Japanese koi of various colors. The constant movement of the fish swimming around floating Chihuly glass pieces kept my daughter transfixed for quite awhile.

Blooms & Butterflies easily makes me feel as though I am off on a tropical island somewhere. With exotic flowers, trickling water, lush green foliage and butterflies it’s easy to feel transported. I felt more and more relaxed as we lazily wandered the exhibit.

I can’t wait to bring my daughter back to the Conservatory for Chihuly Reimagined , which opens July 4th. I’m sure she will enjoy the bright colors of this exhibit as well, while I admire the artistry.

If you’re looking for inexpensive summer entertainment options, you’re in luck.

Columbus is home to the #1 zoo and the #1 science center in the United States. So this summer, Experience Columbus is helping families discover how affordable a weekend of fun and exploration can be. We have partnered with the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, COSI , Drury Inn & Suites , Bob Evans , Greater’s Ice Cream and Cameron Mitchell Restaurants to put together the Roar and Explore Package .

Through Labor Day, for only $299, a family of four will receive the following:

• Four tickets to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

• Four tickets to Zoombezi Bay water park

• Four tickets to COSI

• Two nights at the Drury Inn & Suites , with your choice of three locations in Columbus. Other hotel choices are also offered, but prices may vary.

• One free kids meal at Bob Evans

• One free junior cone at Graeter’s Ice Cream

• $15 gift card to Cameron Mitchell Restaurants

Additional family members may be added when booking. Packages can be booked online or by calling (888) 236-8084.

If you’re looking to create your own affordable getaway or show off the city to friends and family who are in town, check out these lists of Free Things to Do and Things Under $10 for ideas.

Also, festival and special event season in now upon us and Columbus has some of the best cultural and artistic celebrations  in the country - many with free or inexpensive admission. For specific details about some of them, check out this page that features members of the Greater Columbus Events Council.

There is plenty of inexpensive fun to be had and ways to save on some of the best entertainment in town.

If you grew up in Ohio, then you probably remember your seventh grade field trip to the Ohio Historical Center . I can just picture the enormous mastodon in the main exhibit area.

Have you ever wondered what happens at night in that huge dark building? Find out this Sat., June 20, from 7-11 p.m. during "Night at the Museum ," a family-friendly event inspired by Ben Stiller’s popular new movie "Night at the Museum 2: Battle of the Smithsonian ."

Visitors can explore the museum and take part in various activities that make history fun. Print your name in hieroglyphics, dress up as a star in a silent film, interact with historical characters (including a mummy!), play Native American games, make a shell necklace and toss corncob darts. There will also be face painting for the little ones and free refreshments for all.

You can’t miss the Ohio Historical Center building right off of I-71 at 17th Avenue, adjacent to the Ohio Expo Center. Admission is $12 for adults, $9 for children (ages 6-12). Kids 5 and under are free. Rates are discounted for members of the Ohio Historical Society.

For more details, visit their Web site or call 614-297-2300.

The post below was written by Leigh Householder, a local blogger who writes at Advergirl.com , IndieColumbus.com and DowntownSnob.com .

Available Light Theatre - Leigh’s very favorite arts group in Columbus - is opening a new play this weekend. Leigh’s here to share the details and, of course, convince you to go.

I exist among the 75% of Available Light attendees Leigh mentions here. My first show hooked me, and I won’t be missing this one. How about you?

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So, GI Joe, the Tooth Fairy and Eleni Papaleonardos walk into a theater…
by Leigh Householder

I want to invite you to see some local theater.

I know what you’re thinking - sounds like school. You think you’ll squirm, not get the references and generally be busier doodling on the program than being entertained.

But this isn’t just any play. This play has G.I. Joe, an erratic tooth fairy and a barrel full of family drama. Better yet, it’s produced by Available Light Theatre - a wicked talented group of artists dedicated to building a more conscious and compassionate world through joyful and profound theater.

Yeah, joyful and profound. Those are the things that make their productions so addictive. You laugh (or cry) and have a great time watching the show, but then find yourself thinking about - and talking about it - for days afterward. IF it’s like school, it’s like that one class that totally inspired you to want to change the world.

Ok, about the play. Here’s the rundown:

In this story, a family is both torn apart and drawn together by the accidental death of a child. They are aided in their search for connection and solace by flights of fantasy involving a singing Tooth Fairy and a life-size G.I. Joe. In the space between what is said and what is unspeakable they find a heartrending collage of truth and cliché.

As the New York Times declared, “words gush forth in torrents, spewing up like geysers on a ghostly plain” in this “arrestingly odd … ode to love, loss and the routines of life.”

Even in the most emotional moments, Director Eleni Papaleonardos manages to bring hilarity, tension and even sensuality to the stage. It is something of wild ride.

So come. And bring friends. Over 75% of first-time attendees at Available Light’s two most recent shows reported that they “loved it” (much to the satisfaction of the AVLT veterans who had told them over and over again that they would). If you’re bringing a group of eight or more, call ahead and they’ll save a whole row for you.

Tickets are pay what you want. Really. There’s no expectation. The average people give is $10 - $20. But your fiver or your C-note will be equally well received.  (Tickets at this particular show are cash only)

Details:

Show times:
Thursday, June 11 @ 8pm
Friday, June 12 @ 12pm (with boxed lunch from Tip-Top)
Friday, June 12 @ 8pm
Saturday, June 13 @ 8pm
Sunday, June 14 @ 2pm
Friday, June 19 @ 8pm
Saturday, June 20 @ 8pm

Location:
Columbus Dance Theatre
592 East Main Street

Website:
http://avltheatre.com/index.php/godsear/index/

The Columbus Arts Festival , a well-loved Columbus favorite, takes place in the Discovery District this weekend (check their site here for all the details).

As part of the weekend, the Columbus Museum of Art is celebrating with a special offer and activities for festival goers including free admission, kid-friendly fun and your last chance to see To Live Forever: Egyptian Treasures from the Brooklyn Museum .

Nannette Macijunes, CMA Executive Director, shares the details below.

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As part of the Discovery District , the Columbus Museum of Art is delighted that the Columbus Arts Festival will once again be in our own backyard. To celebrate, CMA, and our special exhibition To Live Forever: Egyptian Treasures from the Brooklyn Museum, will be free to festival goers. The exhibition closes June 7, so if you haven’t had the chance to visit, Arts Festival is the perfect time to explore ancient Egyptian artworks, play the ancient game of the pharaohs and dress in ancient Egyptian costumes. Our parking lot will be transformed into a children’s area with hands-on art making activities and visitors can also take advantage of daily tours, Art Challenges and Museum Quest activities throughout our galleries.

There will also be a Salon Schools make-up station where you can transform yourself into a King Tut or a Cleopatra, and a Generation Gap magical Act featuring Jim Rogers and his thirteen-year-old grandson Ian Davis performing family-friendly illusions. Finally, and I have to say I think this is truly a first for the Museum, there will be a giant inflatable slide located in our parking lot along with an inflatable bounce house. I am fairly certain we’ve managed to cover our bases and can honestly say that we will, indeed, have something here for every visitor.

Arts Festival is one of those fabulous Columbus traditions that helps make central Ohio the richly layered community it is and firmly establishes us a cultural destination. Last year, nearly 7,000 people visited the Museum over the course of the festival, we hope to welcome even more of you this year.

Art Speaks. Join the Conversation.

Nannette Maciejunes, CMA Executive Director

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Photo: Mummy Cartonnage of a Woman, Roman Period, 1st century C.E. Linen, gilded gesso, glass and faience 22 11/16 x 14 5/8 x 7 1/2 in. (57.6 x 37.2 x 19 cm) possible place collected: Hawara, Egypt, Africa, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund.

Grandview Hop

This Saturday welcomes the second Grandview Hop of the year to Grandview Avenue. I attended last month’s hop and had a great time. Taking place the last Saturday of each month, this local street fair caters to all ages.

In the mood for a little shopping? Check out the local vendors lining the sidewalk, and choose from a number of one-of-a-kind, handcrafted items. You can find anything from an airbrush tattoo artist to a vintage cartoon button maker—and everything in between.

Did the shopping make you hungry? You’re in luck because Grandview Avenue is home to many delicious options. My personal favorite: Figlio Wood Fired Pizza . Their creative take on Italian gives you options like Avocado Bacon Pizza and Chicken Diablo Pasta. Or, if the weather permits, grab a seat at one of the outdoor restaurant patios and settle in for a great night of people watching.

This time of year, distances to walk at lunchtime seem shorter than they did during the frigid temperatures of the previous months. I like to take advantage of the warmer weather by strolling to some of the lunchtime programs in the area. They’re great escapes in the middle of the day.

Below are a few options to consider:

• Every Friday between May 29 and September 4, The Ohio Statehouse offers free lunch time performances from 12:00- 1:00 p.m. on the Statehouse lawn (except for Friday, July 3). You can check the performance schedule here .

• The last Friday of each month this summer, stop in the Experience Columbus Visitor Center to see and touch exotic animals from the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. The first visit this season is this week! Additional dates and details are here .

• On varying days, the OSU Urban Arts Space offers a variety of exhibits and lectures at their space located in the historic Lazarus building. Check the schedule for upcoming "Brown Bag" dates here .

Pearl Market

• Daily, the Arena Grand Movie Theatre shows nonstop movie trailers during lunch for free. You can also grab food from their Bistro & Bar , which offers lunch specials Monday through Friday.

• If you’re a sports fan or just want to check out the new ballpark , the Columbus Clippers offer afternoon games on the following dates:

Thursday May 28 at 11:35 a.m.
Thursday June 18 at 12:05 p.m.
Thursday July 9 at 12:05 p.m.
Tuesday August 4 at 12:05 p.m.

(The full Clippers schedule is here )

• Every Tuesday and Friday, the Pearl Market offers special events, fresh local produce and gift items from local vendors. More information can be found here .

Do you have any lunchtime escapes to add?