Like other businesses and nonprofits in the Golden Triangle, the Columbus Arts Council is absorbing the shock of measures to prevent spread of COVID-19. Art classes, concerts and theatrical performances, exhibits and gatherings of writers, quilters and music students have been canceled in the interest of public health. The arts council’s Rosenzweig Arts Center in downtown Columbus is closed for face-to-face events until April 17. Creativity, however, finds a way.
Facebook Live music, free virtual art classes for kids and a “drive-by” mini art show are recent CAC innovations to sustain the community’s connection to its artists.
“The Columbus Arts Council is an advocate for artists and musicians,” said the organization’s executive director, Jan Miller. “We have been concerned about all their cancellations of classes and gigs. We wanted them to know we know what they’re going through, and this was one way to help them as well as our nonprofit.”
Quarantine concerts
Tonight at 6:30 p.m. the CAC debuts its Quarantine Concert Series on Facebook Live, from the arts center’s Omnova Theater. A different area musician will perform each Friday evening. Darren Henson of the West Point-based band The Quiet Calm kicks off the series with an acoustic set of original rock ‘n’ roll songs.
“I support the arts every chance I get, no matter what form that art takes, so I wanted to be a part of this,” said Henson. “I want people to know there is creativity out there; it’s not going away.”
Omnova Theater Manager Shane Kinder said, “We were in the planning stages of ways to include local musicians in everything we do when this quarantine happened. It’s not the best-case scenario, but we have that connection with the local music scene and plan to build on that for the future.”
Other concerts planned include April 3 with Mookie Wilson, and April 10 with Drew Dieckmann. “Attend” Friday concerts at facebook.com/columbusartscouncil at 6:30 p.m.
Art with Amy
In addition to concerts, CAC will provide a free children’s online art class each Thursday at 11 a.m. on the arts council’s Facebook page.
“We and local artist Amy Ballard want to give kids a free weekly art project — and parents a much-needed break,” said Miller. “All you’ll need to do is go to our page a minute or so before 11 a.m. Supplies needed for each class will always be basic things we already have in our homes.”
Planned classes include April 2, 3-D Optic Drawing (pencil and paper); April 9, Zentangle drawing (colored pencils and paper); and April 16, Papercrafts (scissors, glue or tape and colored paper).
Drive-by art
Passers-by the arts center at 501 Main St. will notice the new “drive-by” art exhibit in the windows.
“Everybody’s a little stir-crazy, so we thought it would be fun to put a ‘show’ in the window of work by local artists that people can see,” Miller said. “They can drive by or walk by; we’ll leave the lights on at night. If anybody sees something they want, just leave a message at the arts council, and we’ll be glad to return their call.”
In an uncertain time, the arts council, which relies on community support, hopes the innovations provide uplifting intermissions to the public as well as forums for artists and musicians, Miller said.
For more information, visit columbusarts-org, follow its Facebook page or call 662-328-2787.
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 41 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.