It’s hard to believe that Gallery Hop, the signature event of Columbus’ Short North Arts District, will celebrate 40 years this September! That means four decades and millions of guests who have gathered the first Saturday of the month to visit art galleries, shop at local boutiques, catch street performers, and dine at neighborhood bars and restaurants.
Hops on High, summer 2024. Photo provided by Short North Alliance.
Gallery Hop started in 1984, as gallery owners in the burgeoning district – named because it was “Short” of Ohio State University but “North” of downtown – started collectively opening new exhibitions the first Saturday of the month. Local businesses started catering to visitors with events and special offerings, and in 1985 the event was officially named Gallery Hop. Since that time, the neighborhood has seen incredible growth and revitalization, including the return of its signature arches in 2002.
To commemorate the occasion, on September 7, 2024, Gallery Hop will be structured as another Hops on High, where High Street will be pedestrian-only between Russell Street and East Second Street from noon to 8 p.m., with vendors and performers lining the streets. The street closure was first tested during the 2023 Holiday Hop (as the December Gallery Hop is known) and met with such success that the Hops on High return in 2024 for June, September, and December.
We chatted with Betsy Pandora, Executive Director of the Short North Alliance, and Sharon Weiss, long-time owner of Sharon Weiss Gallery, about their favorite memories of Gallery Hop, what they love about the neighborhood, and how it’s grown over the years.
Betsy Pandora, Executive Director of the Short North Alliance.
Do you remember the first Gallery Hop you ever went to? What stood out about it to you?
My earliest memories of Gallery Hop go back to my childhood in Columbus. For years, it was a family tradition to never miss Holiday Hop. Experiencing the art and artists of our city on the first Saturday of each month became a deeply ingrained and special practice for me.
In your time leading the Short North Arts District, what's been the biggest change in Gallery Hop?
The biggest change has been the overall growth, density, and physical evolution of the Short North community. While businesses come and go, our core of art galleries remains a mainstay that fuels the creative spirit of generations. It's been exciting to see how creatives from across the city have become integral to the Short North Arts District, making it a central space for new artistic endeavors and a constantly evolving creative event each month.
Hops on High, photo by Nick Dekker.
How did Hops on High come about? And what's been the reaction to it from guests and neighborhood merchants?
COVID reshaped the landscape for many, including our community. Business owners had long been asking for a reimagined use of High Street, especially during the holiday season. Although those plans were delayed by the pandemic, they became essential afterward. Shutting down the street and inviting the public to experience our community in a more inclusive way has been one of the most exciting and praised experiences in the district. We’re thrilled with the community's response and can't wait to celebrate the arts in the biggest way ever for Gallery Hop's 40th Anniversary.
To you, how does Gallery Hop represent Columbus?
Gallery Hop in the Short North Arts District is a vibrant representation of Columbus, showcasing the city's thriving arts scene and community spirit. It highlights the diverse and dynamic culture of the city, with its mix of established and emerging artists, lively street performances, and unique shopping experiences. This monthly event reflects Columbus' commitment to the arts, urban revitalization, and the celebration of creativity, making it a key cultural touchpoint that attracts both locals and visitors, offering them a true taste of what the city has to offer.
What are you most excited about, when it comes to the future of the event?
I’m most excited about how Gallery Hop is evolving to engage even more deeply with the community while celebrating its rich history. Introducing Hops on High Open Streets events, especially during our 40th anniversary, brings a fresh and dynamic element to the event. By transforming High Street into a pedestrian-only experience and adding significant art elements and artisan vendors, the event is expanding its reach and offering new ways for locals and visitors to connect with Columbus' vibrant arts scene.
Sharon Weiss, Owner of Sharon Weiss Gallery and 24 Lincoln Street Studios. Photo by Tim Johnson.
How long has your gallery been open, and what led you to choose the Short North for it?
I’ve been in the Short North for 30 years. I started off on Poplar Avenue before moving to Lincoln. I was there on Poplar before the freeway, but I knew the freeway was coming. I had a hunch that if I stayed on Poplar I would have been out of business. And I had always admired the storefront where I am now at 20 East Lincoln.
Do you remember your first gallery hop?
Sharon: I opened in 1994. The first one I became so excited and nervous I had to go home and my family had to watch the gallery! But it’s never happened since!
One of the first Gallery Hops, I was on Poplar Street and I stayed open until 11 o’clock – I was young. And then when we closed, we left and everyone around us had closed at 10. We giggled and laughed. I remember we just left and everything had closed. We thought, “Oh my gosh, what were we doing?” I just remember being excited, naïve, but excited mostly.
What is the Gallery Hop experience like for you as a gallery owner? Is it busy, overwhelming, exciting?
All of the above. Gallery Hop is above all and remains to be a very exciting day and evening, with many people coming down for the first time. It’s just joyful. And you know, even though I’m on a side street, I know the neighborhood is bustling, the streets are bustling, the restaurants are busy, the galleries are filled. I love it – I always have. Sometimes it’s busy in terms of sales and sometimes it’s not. That’s not the point; it’s about introducing the people to the gallery and the Short North who haven’t been before and welcoming back those who have.
What do you love about the vibe of Gallery Hop?
It’s busy, exciting, fun meeting new people. Because it’s a Gallery Hop, you’re celebrating the Short North, you’re proud of what you have. You’re saying, “Look what I have, and I hope you like it.” It’s a true sharing experience.
You’re celebrating the arts, whether it’s the boutiques, or the restaurants serving beautiful food, it’s a night to celebrate art in all its shapes and sizes.
What has been the biggest change, from your perspective, in Gallery Hop over the years?
For me personally, it has reiterated that things don’t stay the same, and they shouldn’t. I have found it to be extremely stimulating. I like the changes. It’s been good for me personally, and I feel it’s been good for the business. With every change, it brings new people that are interested in whatever it is that’s occurring. I have never not liked the change; I think that’s why people love the Short North, because every time you come there, there’s something new. It’s always incredible. I love having my gallery in the Short North, and I love the Short North.
Celebrate the 40th anniversary of Gallery Hop with Hops on High on Saturday, September 7. From noon to 8 p.m., High Street will be closed from Russell Street to East Second Street (although many businesses stay open later).
For more details, visit shortnorth.org/hopsonhigh.
