2024 SHORT NORTH GALA

Celebrate the passion and people that make the Short North Arts District the art and soul of Columbus.

EARLY BIRD TICKETS ON SALE NOW THROUGH APRIL 12!

Join the Short North Alliance as we proudly recognize the individuals, businesses, and organizations who have made an impact in the Short North Arts District. In addition to the annual award ceremony, guests are invited to enjoy:

  • A Taste of the Short North: Visit tables and tables of appetizers provided by various Short North Arts District restaurants. Culinary partners include Bakersfield, Bristol Republic, Galla Park Social, Jerky’s Jamaican Grill, Lincoln Social Rooftop, OX-B’s, Parlay, SoCal kitchen + Bar, and The Eagle.
  • Two-course Dinner: Enjoy a seated dinner prepared by the culinary team at the Hilton Columbus Downtown.
  • One-of-a-kind Cocktails: Sip on creatively crafted drinks from some of the best mixologists in the District.
  • Silent Auction: Bid on fabulous prizes provided by Short North Arts District businesses and partners, including Brassica, Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, Northstar, PENZONE Salons & Spas, Prologue Bookshop, Seventh Son, Stonewall Columbus, The W Nail Bar, and Zen Genius.

Start your evening with access to the exclusive Pre-Gala VIP Reception. This limited-capacity event gives you the chance to experience:

  • Complimentary Craft Cocktails: Pair your VIP reception experience with perfectly themed cocktails.
  • Live DJ: Get down to the beats of DJ Pastel.
  • Mix & Mingle: Share conversations and connections with those shaping the Short North Arts District.

MEET THE 2024 HONOREES

COMMUNITY PARTNER

The Greater Columbus Arts Council,
under the leadership of Tom Katzenmeyer

For decades, the Greater Columbus Arts Council (GCAC) has been a champion of the arts in Columbus and a key partner in advancing arts, culture and creativity in the Short North Arts District. Under the leadership of Tom Katzenmeyer, GCAC has lived its mission to support the arts and advance the culture of Columbus in numerous ways throughout the District by investing over $150,000 directly to support visual and performing artists in the Short North Alliance’s public art projects, events and placemaking programming, with hundreds of thousands more invested in operating support for the District’s arts-based nonprofits and through direct support of individual artists represented throughout its galleries. GCAC continues to innovate and accelerate their support of the arts in the Short North Arts District and throughout Columbus, and we could not be more proud to have them as one of our most esteemed community partners. 

UNSUNG HERO

The Rapid Response Emergency Addiction and Crisis TeamRREACT) at Southeast

Southeast Healthcare, a comprehensive provider of community mental health, primary care, dental, alcohol and drug, vocational, housing and homeless services, began its operations in Franklin County in 1978. Among many programs, Southeast leads the RREACT program that consists of mental health nurses, peer support specialists and outreach coordinators who are placed within the Short North Arts District to help the most vulnerable individuals in our community access permanent and supportive housing, medical care, mental health services and additional treatment. Since their work began in the Short North in 2022, Southeast has helped over 400 individuals gain access to care, housing and support. This team is the embodiment of the spirit of our community through the hope they give to so very many in one of the most demanding jobs imaginable. 

THE SANBORN D. WOOD AWARD FOR LEADERSHIP & SERVICE

Wilson Browning
Resident, Former President, Short North Alliance

Wilson Browning was the second-ever Short North Alliance Board President, has been a resident of the Short North for over a decade and is Principal of BeecherHill. Devoting over eight years of service to the Short North Alliance and the community, Wilson embodies Sandy’s signature leadership qualities as a steward of the community: diplomacy, integrity, visionary thinking and an unwavering commitment to supporting the distinct culture of the Short North Arts District. 

BUSINESS BEACON

Marcia Evans Gallery

Marcia Evans Gallery is celebrating 18 years in the Short North Arts District in 2024. After a career in consulting, Marcia  specifically chose the Short North Arts District to open her gallery in 2006. Her affinity for the District’s welcoming atmosphere and lively ambiance are core values of her business and are key in how she supports the diverse group of very talented artists she champions. Marcia not only fuels the spirit of the arts district through her beautifully curated work, but spends her time in the Columbus community advocating for the continued advancement of opportunities for art, artists and her beloved Short North community. 

Mike’s Grill

Mike’s Grill has been in owner Kim England’s family for over 70 years. Purchased by her grandfather in the late 40s, this district staple known for its tried and true regulars earned its name solely due to the lack of funding for a new sign. Mike’s Grill has been passed down for generations and is currently owned by Kim and her sister. It is managed by Kim’s husband, Mike, who is also known among the community for being a helping hand and a welcoming face. It is establishments like Mike’s Grill that transcend time, welcoming regulars and new visitors alike into an authentic artifact of the historic Near Northside that has blossomed into the Short North Arts District.

Mikey’s Late Night Slice 

In 2009, Mikey Sorboro’s dream became a reality when he opened the first Mikey’s Late Night Slice location in a shack in a parking lot in the Short North Arts District. The restaurant quickly gained a reputation for its unique toppings, creative pizza names and late-night hours. As Mikey and his team have graduated from a shack to a shipping container and eventually to numerous brick-and-mortar locations throughout Columbus and beyond, Late Night Slice continues to live in the hearts of Columbus residents as a favorite go-to and attracts tourists who visit the District to experience a must-have slice from the flagship location. 

ZenGenius, Inc.

ZenGenius owner Joe Baer moved to the Short North in 1996, falling in love with the neighborhood’s vibrant and artistic energy, diversity, bohemian spirit and creative entrepreneurship. Recognizing it as “the perfect place to manifest creative dreams,” Joe and co-founder Paul Cook teamed up to plant ZenGenius in the Short North Arts District. The revolutionary visual merchandising agency has gone through many moves and location expansions throughout the years, but relocated back again in 2021. Paul and Joe remain beacons of the District and of Columbus as a whole, staying deeply involved in local events and ongoings while continuing to shine their light into the world on an international level. They consistently draw people into their Short North showroom and have grown to support the incubation of other small businesses through their regular ZenGenius Marketplace. 


SUPPORT THE ART + SOUL OF COLUMBUS

Funds raised for the Short North Gala support the projects, services and mission of the Short North Alliance — to nurture the Short North Arts District as a vibrant, creative and inclusive community and leading arts destination.

Experience the event from behind the scenes by becoming a volunteer!

Donate items for the VIP swag, Silent Auction or award artwork.

Show off fan favorites during the “Taste of the Short North” with a culinary partnership. 

Contact Director of Advancement, Johnny Riddle, at Johnny@ShortNorth.org to learn more about how you can become a sponsor!


HOST SPONSOR


AWARD SPONSORS


HIGH STREET TABLE SPONSORS


GOODALE TABLE SPONSORS


ARCH SPONSOR


CULINARY PARTNERS


COMMUNITY PARTNERS


SILENT AUCTION PARTNERS