With warmer weather, sunnier days, and loads of spring break fun on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to get out and explore public art across Columbus. The entire region is dotted with murals, sculptures, installations, and other stunning pieces from local and national artists. You can easily discover public art around Columbus by searching an ever-growing list – with maps – on ColumbusMakesArt.com, but here are a few suggestions to get you started.
Portal of Perception No. 1 by artist Adam Hernandez
Portal of Perception No. 1: Freckled Dragon King of the 13 Eyes | Adam Hernandez
1443 N. High St., Campus
Adam Hernandez has painted murals all over Columbus and beyond, and his work is immediately recognizable. “Portal of Perception No. 1” is a prime example of his eye-catching work and the figures he often depicts. Follow Adam on Instagram, @ahernandezart.
Photo courtesy of Andy Spessard.
Our Single Garment of Destiny | Julian and Adriana Voss-Andreae
404 E. Broad St., Downtown
This sculpture is the centerpiece of the Washington Gladden Social Justice Park downtown. The metal sculpture is constructed from a series of plates representing six figures, which changes depending on the angle of your viewing. When you visit the park, take time to read the quotes along the mural wall, and learn about Rev. Dr. Washington Gladden, the father of the Social Gospel movement. Follow Julian on Instagram, @julianvossandreae.
Photo courtesy of Downtown Columbus, Inc.
Current | Janet Echelman
Gay and High Streets, Downtown
Janet Echelman’s “Current” hangs dramatically over the intersection of Gay and High Streets downtown. The fiber sculpture, which goes on winter hiatus but returns in the spring, was constructed using 78 miles of twine. It’s dramatic enough during the daytime, but doubly so when it’s lit up at night! Follow Janet on Instagram, @janetechelman.
Photo courtesy of Nick Dekker.
The Divine Twins: Mawu and Lisa | April Sunami
161 Neilston St., Discovery District
April Sunami’s work in the Discovery District is one of several stunning murals lining Lafayette Alley between Spring and Long Streets downtown. If you visit her work, take time to stroll the entire alley to Blockfort Gallery and artist studios, which are covered in murals. Follow April on Instagram, @ajsunami.
Photo courtesy of Short North Alliance.
The Journey | Ryan "Yanoe" Sarfati and Eric "Zoueh" Skotnes
750 N. High St., Short North Arts District
These dramatic pieces rise stories above the Short North on the sides of the Graduate Hotel. They feature mythical figures alongside Hodan Mohammed, the founder of the Columbus Somali Festival. Viewers can interact with the murals by downloading an augmented reality app on their smartphones, which then brings the murals to life when viewed through the phone camera. Follow them on Instagram, @yanoexzoueh.
Photo courtesy of Nick Stull.
Full Circle | Nick Stull
711 Twin Rivers Dr., Olentangy Trail
Nick Stull’s mural is best seen if you’re hiking or biking the Olentangy Trail along the Olentangy River. It’s painted on a pump station near the river and beautifully depicts a heron, the city skyline, and bridges. Follow Nick on Instagram, @nick_stull_art.
Photo by Rachel Barehl
Free To Be | Sarah Eberly
2338 W. Broad St., Hilltop
Sarah Eberly’s mural dramatically transforms the east side of a building in the Hilltop. The mural was coordinated and funded by the Hilltop Arts Collective. Follow Sarah on Instagram, @givemeallthecolor.
People’s Mural of Columbus | Bryan Moss
1450 E. Main St., Near East Side
Bryan Moss’ mural on East Main Street is a colorful piece that pays tribute to celebrated Columbus poet and essayist Hanif Abdurraquib. Follow Bryan on Instagram, @strangethingsmoss.
If you need another starting point in exploring public art in Columbus, guests can also browse a series of tours at ColumbusMakesArt.com/Tours, curated by Columbus artists!
