Mayor Andrew J. Ginther today joined city and community leaders to unveil three new pieces of public art that decorate and beautify the recently completed Starling Garage on the Scioto Peninsula. The unveiling took place on the first day of the 60th-annual Columbus Arts Festival, which returns this weekend to the Scioto Mile and will feature more than 200 visual artists, three stages for performances and dozens of food vendors.
“This investment in public art on the Scioto Peninsula reflects our overarching commitment to enriching the social fabric of each and every Columbus neighborhood,” said Mayor Ginther. “Franklinton is rich in culture and history, and the artists behind these creations have truly captured what makes this area so special. We are excited to showcase exceptional talent in innovative ways, especially as we celebrate the return of the arts festival to the heart of Downtown Columbus.”
The Columbus Art Commission selected three artists for this project from a field of more than 80 applicants, all of whom were tasked with creating public art to visually depict their interpretations of the community while promoting inclusion, optimism and diversity. The recently completed Startling Garage was developed by the Columbus Downtown Development Corporation on behalf of the city and will service employees, residents and guests of the mixed-use development currently under construction in the immediate area.
“Simply put, public art humanizes our city and the environment it’s placed in. This, in turn, helps to energize and invigorate public spaces. These murals serve as fascinating intersections between Columbus’ past, present and future,” said Council President Hardin. “As for the Arts Festival, we’re so excited to finally have it back as we emerge from the pandemic. This will be a year unlike any other.”
The following works of art were commissioned by the city for $250,000 and presented to and approved by the Columbus Art Commission during its February meeting:
- “Vejigante Godmask” by Adam Hernandez – A celebration of Columbus’ culture and diversity and the artist’s own Puerto Rican heritage, the mural depicts a Godmask inspired by the indigenous meanings of the words Scioto (Wyandot for “deer”) and Olentangy (Delaware for “river of the red face paint”).
- “Creative Consciousness” by Nick Stull – Depicting elements from both nature and science, the mural celebrates the relationship between Columbus’ naturalistic history and technological advances aimed at preserving the environment.
- “Scioto Magic” by Lucie Shearer – A surrealist depiction of a woman holding a river symbolizing time, the mural conveys the fluidity of the past, present and future, and captures a river’s role as a source of life.
The 2022 Columbus Arts Festival, presented by the American Electric Power Foundation and produced by the Greater Columbus Arts Council, features local and nationally recognized artists, bands and hands-on activities for guests of all ages. Admission is free. More information is available at https://www.columbusartsfestival.org/.
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