Joel Morrison
Romeo, 2008
Courtesy of Gagosian Gallery

Columbus’ art scene just got six times better.

The Wexner Center for the Arts has unveiled it newest exhibit, Six Solos. It’s a collection of exhibitions by six rising international artists – so for the price of one ticket, you get a taste of multiple artists from around the world. The artists each have their own gallery space inside the Wexner Center to showcase their exhibits. A variety of media is used in their creations, including video, stainless steel, flagging tape and LED lights, just to name a few.

While five of the six solos are inside the center, one of them is actually outside on the Wexner Center’s “grid.” This amazing display of approximately 100 multicolored LED light sticks, created by Erwin Redl, seems to animate the exterior of the Wexner Center and brings it to life. This exterior exhibit is best seen at night and is well worth stopping by to take a peek.

Six Solos will be on display through Feb. 13. For more details, click here .

And here’s a budget-friendly tip: Visitors are admitted for free on Thursdays after 4 p.m. and on the first Sunday of each month. Plus, the Wexner Center offers free admission anytime for Wexner Center members, college students with ID, and anyone under 18.

Yesterday was the opening of Susurrus at the Franklin Park Conservatory, so my coworker Kelly and I went to check it out. Written and directed by Glasgow playwright David Leddy, Susurrus is a unique audio play presented in botanical gardens. This collaboration between the Wexner Center for the Arts and Franklin Park Conservatory runs through Oct. 24 Update! The show’s been extended and will run through Oct. 31.

Patrons are scheduled to begin their journey every 15 minutes to allow for a personal, uninterrupted experience. After receiving an iPod, headphones and a map from the visitor desk, we were on our way, walking through Franklin Park Conservatory as well as the grounds of Franklin Park itself, stopping at eight distinct spots during the play. (more…)

This post is part 4 of a 6 part series featuring Experience Columbus Days , which takes place Oct. 8-11. During that time, Columbus attractions offer 50% off (or in some cases, BOGO or free admission). Plus, the restaurants of Dine Originals Columbus offer 25% off your food bill for two people.

In this post, Ben features things to do that are perfect for art fans during Experience Columbus Days. You can also check out previous posts that feature delicious dining options , plus outings that are great for groups and great for dates . Stay tuned for the last two posts in the series - we’ll feature Experience Columbus Days activities that are fun for kids and recommended for history buffs.

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It’s no secret that Columbus has a lot to offer when it comes to the arts, and the same is true for Experience Columbus Days. If you’re an art fan, check out these options to make the most of Experience Columbus Days discounts (and don’t forget your discount flyer ). (more…)

Photo: Wexner Center for the Arts

For many people, outdoor movies carry a sense of nostalgia: childhood memories of visiting the local park—popcorn and blanket in tow—to watch a movie with friends, family and neighbors. Well, outdoor movies are back, and in a big way.

Sure, you may be familiar with the free movie screenings in NYC’s Central Park or the Screen on the Green series at the National Mall in D.C., but did you know that Columbus has plenty of its own outdoor movie options? With unique venues such as Creekside Plaza and Easton Town Center, and movie options ranging from black and white classics to animated flicks, it’s an experience that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

To get you started, I’ve put together a list of outdoor movie series throughout Columbus. All are completely free, family-friendly events that are certain to get you out of a summer rut. Pick you favorite flick, pop some popcorn and do something different this summer! (more…)

Scorched Earth , 2006
Photo: Bruce M. White

If you’re up for some refreshingly cool contemporary art this summer, check out the Mark Bradford exhibition at the Wexner Center for the Arts on the campus of The Ohio State University.

I was lucky to tour the exhibit with Bradford when he was here for the opening. He is well known in contemporary art circles, yet I found him to be funny, engaging and very down-to-earth. He has a great sense of humor and I think you can see and feel this from his work, too.

Bradford is primarily a painter and a sculptor. Unique about his works is the use of paper, cardboard, rope, string and other materials, such as hair papers used for perms. (Working with his mother, Bradford was formerly a hairdresser.)

In the show, you’ll see a few pieces he created during his Wexner Center Residency, including Pinocchio is on Fire , a series of album covers designed following a staged rock event at Mershon Auditorium last fall. Another is literally a black room full of rectangular shaped paper on the walls and ceiling with music by Columbus native Nancy Wilson playing.

Impressive in scale and content, there are a few pieces that take up the entire wall, including Bread and Circuses which is a bright silver piece layered with drawings, string and paper. Another work that stuck with me is James Brown is Dead , made of a series of billboard papers Bradford scraped off of walls in urban Los Angeles. (more…)

If you only had 24 hours to spend in Columbus, what would you do? This was a hard question for me to answer, but I’ve come up with a list of must sees and must dos that I feel will leave any visitor with an experience uniquely Columbus.

I’m sharing these ideas in a three part series - the first post is geared to families, the next to the business traveler, and finally, a post to help a local decide what to do with visiting friends or family.

Here’s part three of three, with suggestions geared to residents looking to entertain visiting friends or family.

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We all have friends and family come to visit us. And inevitably we all get asked the question, “So, what are we going to do while in town?”  Check out the following ideas for a fun Columbus experience and give your visitors a better sense of why you call Columbus home.

Where to Eat
My favorite place to take family and friends to eat in Columbus is Tasi Cafe . Located just behind High Street, Tasi’s offers freshly prepared comfort food with a unique flair. The casual atmosphere makes it a favorite of locals, and the menu offers breakfast, lunch and dinner options.

The Refectory is an AAA Four Diamond award winner, offering contemporary American cuisine and classic French cuisine. The restaurant’s location is unique - it’s inside of an old church, and the atmosphere has a rustic feel. Also, they have an amazing wine cellar with over 700 selections.

No matter what your visitors’ tastes, they are sure to find something they like at the North Market . Central Ohio’s historic public market since 1876 and located between the Short North and Arena District, it features fresh and prepared foods, and authentic ethnic cuisine. (more…)

Festival season is upon us, and it’s my favorite time of the year in Columbus. Being an English major, the Ohioana Book Festival on May 9 is one of my very favorites.

More than 70 Ohio authors will be there - all of whom have recently been published. Some are household names, like children’s favorite R.L. Stine, who wrote the Goosebumps series. Jeff Smith, author of the award-winning graphic novel series Bone, will be back in Columbus for the event. His work was featured at the Wexner Center last year. (If you’re a big fan, don’t miss the Wexner’s screening of The Cartoonist - a documentary about Smith showing May 22.)

There are lots of chances to meet the authors. A book fair runs all day and many of them will participate on panel discussions. Topics range from romance novels to what a writer’s life is really like. And, if you’re an aspiring author, this is the place to be. There’s a panel discussion on the oh-so-important topic of how to get published.

My favorite part is listening to the authors read. All 70-some authors will give 10 minute readings from their latest books. Last year, I heard poetry, followed by fantasy, followed by a historical biography.

If you can’t make it to the festival, you can still support it by book shopping this week. Download this Barnes & Noble voucher and use it at any B&N location in the country May 7-9. A percentage of the sale price will go to Ohioana.

As Valentine’s Day approaches, I thought I’d share some budget-minded ideas for a unique, special way to celebrate this year. This list was shared with 10TV viewers on Saturday morning, so if you missed it, here’s a recap complete with costs.

Dining Ideas

Valentines by Candlelight at the Ohio Village
$57
From 6:30-9 p.m., guests will be greeted by Victorian costumed interpreters. After an elegant meal, the Ohio Village Singers will present a concert of period love ballads and comic songs interspersed with romantic verse, poetry and readings. Each guest also receives a handmade valentine.

Shadowbox Presents: Bringin’ Sexy Back
$30 or $20 for seniors and students
At 7:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., this show redefines sex appeal. It features outrageous original comedy sketches and raucous rock ‘n’ roll. The subjects range from the first date to the last - and everything in between!

Valentine’s Warmup at Vino 100 Polaris
$12-$14
From 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Vino 100 Polaris, you can enjoy a specially selected red or white wines and enjoy a serenade by jazz and blues singer Lisa Imondi.

Entertainment Ideas

Photo: Will Shively
BalletMet dancers Adam Hundt & Adrienne Benz

BalletMet and the Columbus Jazz Orchestra present: Jazz Moves Take 2
$28-$45
At 2 p.m. at the Capitol Theatre, Riffe Center. Directed by Byron Stripling, this performance creates a mesmerizing fusion of dance and music perfect for Valentine’s Day. Jazz lovers and dance devotees alike will be jamming to the most American of all art forms.

Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus Presents: Obsessed, A Vox Performance
$2
At 8 p.m. at the Columbus Performing Arts Center. Join Vox, a small ensemble of the Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus, for a fun and eerie performance. Audience members will enjoy a wide collection of fun and slightly creepy songs, such as Can’t Get You Out of My Head, Every Breath You Take, From This Moment On, and All By Myself, among others.

Free Valentine Concert of Love Songs at Areopagitica Books
FREE
From 7-9 p.m., the evening features serious love songs and a humorous trivia quiz. Bill Cohen will strum and sing acoustic guitar favorites made famous by great American folk singers like John Denver, Bob Dylan, Simon and Garfunkel and others. In addition to the classic love songs, Bill will challenge the audience with trivia questions about famous couples and love songs throughout the decades.

Warhol Farewell Reception
FREE, $8 to enter the exhibit
From 5-7 p.m. at the Wexner Center for the Arts, the reception will feature a live auction (around 6 p.m.) of two Andy Warhol/Wexner Center street pole banners and an Andy cutout to benefit Wexner Center education programs. Stick around for other events later in the evening, including a Hitchcock screening, a Japanese theater group performance and a live performance by Columbus-based Velvet Underground tribute band, Times New Viking.

Family-Friendly Ideas

Columbus Children’s Theatre Presents: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
$10 - $20
At 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. at the Park Street Theatre. This sprightly version of Snow White has played to the delight of children of all ages from Toronto to New York to Los Angeles. The exceptional score and the caring relatedness of the young girl and the dwarfs distinguish this version of the classic Brothers Grimm fairytale.

Valentine’s Day Sweetheart Skate at Skate Zone 71
99¢
From 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., featuring Radio Disney Music. Wear something red or pink for 99¢ admission to this family friendly Valentine’s Day party for kids. Skate, make Valentines, play fun games, and win great prizes.

For more ideas, you can visit the Columbus Events Calendar and search by date or enter keyword “Valentine.” Or please feel free to add your own in the comments.

No matter what you choose to do, I hope you share it with someone special. Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us at Experience Columbus.

Schiller Park in German Village
Photo by Larry Hamill

As extreme cold grips much of the country, I started to wonder how I might want to spend this upcoming weekend in Columbus.

So I turned to two groups who know and love this place - the Experience Columbus staff and our Twitter pals. I received no shortage of suggestions.

Here’s what some of the Experience Columbus crew had to say when asked their favorite things to do during a (really) cold weekend in Columbus:

Ben Walters : I like to head to a favorite watering hole like Tip-Top , Betty’s , or Bodega to get a nip and some good food with some good friends. It’s social and warming. Another favorite option is to find a indoor concert, preferably at small venues like Ruby Tuesday, Carabar or Rumba Cafe.

Nicole Massenelli : When it is cold I love to meet friends for a hot drink at Cup O’ Joe or grab a bite at Panera because both places have fireplaces. I love to sit by the fire in comfy clothes and enjoy great food and drinks with friends.

Scott Peacock : When it gets really cold outside I like to go to grab some good comfort food at Tasi , get a coffee to go and then head to the Wexner Center for the Arts or the Columbus Museum of Art to see the latest exhibits inside.

Claudia Plumley : Like Nicole, I head to Cup O’ Joe . We get a big latte and sit around the fire. Then we head to the movies to see an Oscar contender.

Kelly Brooks : This may seem counter intuitive, but when it’s cold outside I like to go to a Blue Jackets game. Not only does winter weather set the mood for hockey, but at tonight’s game I will be almost comforted to know that it is actually warmer inside Nationwide Arena than it is outside!

Amy Gatto Klein : Vino Vino in Grandview. The coziness of the space, a bottle of Pinot Noir (before I was pregnant, anyway) and small plates of yummy food warm me right up.

Cathe Moog : When it’s cold outside, our family likes to go to the North Market for lunch. We select entrees with a spicy kick to warm us up.

And what did the Twitter pals have to say? I was surprised to find three in particular who laugh in the face of the cold. They reminded me that being outside during this time of year has its advantages:

Betty B : Hiking at a Metro Park . It postpones the winter blues.

Jeff Johnson : Being in any city park because I have it all to myself when it’s this cold.

Andrew Miller : I’ll be the third person to say that this is the perfect time for a stroll. Plenty of alone time plus beautiful snowy scenes.

I’d say this is proof positive that there are more than enough reasons not to camp out at home during the winter.

What gets you out and about when it’s cold in Columbus?

Photo: WexArts.org

I stumbled upon Antony and the Johnsons for the first time in 2002 - I knew nothing about them and decided to attend the concert on a whim. I take these "risks" often at the Wexner Center for the Arts . I don’t always know if I will "like" what I see there, but I do know that when I leave I’ll be a little more informed and always more appreciative of the variety of film, music, art and dance that the Wex brings to Columbus.

The show began quietly, when a performer provided the audience with a long opening message given entirely in Morse code. Then a strong but feminine voice filled the room and gently commanded attention. The lights lifted and slowly unveiled the lead singer of the band, the androgynous-looking Antony Hegarty .

Antony wore a pink boa and moved subtly across the stage, allowing me to concentrate on his lyrics of melancholy and longing. In fact, the draw of his unique voice was so powerful that, after a few minutes, I stopped trying to figure out if he was male or female and instead got lost in the rest of the performance.

I left the concert and purchased anything I could find by Antony and the Johnsons. I also knew if they came back to Columbus, I’d be there. Needless to say, I’m looking forward to the show coming to our city on Feb. 4 .

Back in 2002, the dimly lit performance space at the Wexner Center was the perfect venue for a minimalist, cabaret-style delivery. But over the past seven years, Antony and the Johnsons albums have seen subtle increases in orchestral sound and growing recognition from the mainstream. So it makes sense that the venue for this visit is the Southern Theatre . Antony’s voice and the organic acoustics of this beautiful theater are sure to complement each other.

Until showtime, here are some additional links worth a look:

• Buy tickets
• Tell your friends and RSVP on Facebook
  
• Listen to tunes on YouTube
• Check out a video, an MP3 and artist info on the Wexner’s site