Were it not for the ongoing pandemic, the first-floor gallery at Greater Columbus Arts Council’s new office would likely be buzzing with patrons taking in its inaugural exhibit, New Beginnings: From There to Here, featuring the work of African American women artists.
That’s one of the reasons the Arts Council, led by CEO Tom Katzenmeyer, decided to move from its relatively unaccessible space on the 22nd floor of Chase Tower into its new office at 182 E. Long St. The new space allowed it to open a community gallery where people could walk in from off the street.
“We wanted a place that was more accessible to constituents,” said Jami Goldstein, vice president of marketing, communications and events for the council.
The gallery, at the intersection of North Fourth Street and East Long Street, will show work year-round by “artists from historically marginalized communities,” Goldstein said. This first installation is curated by artist Janet George and a collective called Creative Women of Color.
“It’s the right thing to do,” Goldstein said. “There’s not enough exhibition spaces for those kinds of artists. We wanted to help fill that hole.”
The gallery, which will also be available as a community room when groups start meeting in person again, is just one part of GCAC’s vibrant new office.
The 8,100-square-foot space, the former site of the Winders Motor Sales Co., was built 1916 by Wilbur Winders. It is one of a few original auto dealership buildings in downtown Columbus, according to GCAC.
GCAC has a long-term lease at the building, which is owned by Connect Realty. The building has been renovated by Connect Founder Brad DeHays.
The outside of the building is currently covered in murals erected during the recent social unrest downtown. They are part of the Art Unites CBus program and feature civil rights messages.