"The Best Arts Event in the State" . . . Ohio Magazine 2008

Short North, Columbus, Ohio -With nearly 25 years of tradition, the Short North is renowned for the buzz of "Gallery Hop."

Every first Saturday, thousands of visitors converge on the strip to see new art exhibits and add to their growing collections. With dozens of galleries and non-traditional exhibit spaces, it’s Columbus’ favorite night of the month to celebrate art. Though many shops are open earlier, the Gallery Hop officially starts at 4PM and runs to 10PM with restaurants and bars staying open considerably later.

In the galleries and shops... On a typical Hop, over 40 galleries and non-traditional art venues (think restaurants, boutiques, and salons) spotlight the best of established and emerging Ohio-based artists. They also feature the works of nationally and internationally acclaimed artists.

On the streets... performers settle into the many nooks of the District to entertain the throngs of Short North fans. Saxophonists, singers, improvisational dance troupes, even stilt walkers and stage characters add to the unforgettable experience.

2009 marks the 25th anniversary of the Gallery Hop.

The Gallery Hop is hosted by Columbus alive! and CD101, and supported by the CW on WWHO-TV, Outlook Weekly and the Columbus Dispatch. Following is a sneak preview of what's on tap this month.

Byzantium   1088 N High St / 614-291-3130 www.bigbead.com   Exhibit Title: HAITIAN VODOU FLAGS (Drapo)   Artist(s): Sequin artists of Haiti   Art Media: Textiles, sequins and beads   Opening Date: Saturday, October 03, 2009   Closing Date: Tuesday, June 01, 2010   About the Exhibit: Traditionally, these beaded and sequinned flags were designed to be used in the practice of the Vodou religion, but have also become recognized as amazing works of art. They each represent a "loa", an immortal spirit who functions as an intermediary between the Voudou follower and God. The "loa" are also representative of the natural world and moral principles, such as death, love, or the sea.The flags may contain 20,000 to 30,000 sequins and may take weeks to sew. IN RESPONSE TO THE RECENT EARTHQUAKE IN HAITI, 20% of the sale price of any Haitian Vodou Flag will be donated to the RED CROSS for earthquake relief.   About the Artist: Some of the finest sequin artists are represented..... George Valris, Eveland Lalanne, Jean Baptiste Jean Joseph and others

Marcia Evans Gallery   8 East Lincoln St. / 614-298-8847 www.meartconsulting.com   Exhibit Title: "Naturescapes"   Artist(s): SANDY KIGHT / German Village   Art Media: Silkscreen Monotypes   Artist Reception: Friday, February 05, 2010   Opening Date: Friday, February 05, 2010   Closing Date: Tuesday, March 30, 2010   About the Exhibit: "Naturscapes" deals with earth, water and sky. These Monotypes evoke a feeling of self-identity within space and time, focusing on the spirit of place, rather than details, inviting the viewer to enter.   About the Artist: Sandy has a BA / WIttenberg U and a MA / OSU