Staff Reports
Two new exhibit spaces that opened Sept. 20 in the middle of Columbus’ downtown arts-oriented cultural district give artists and designers more outlets to highlight their work and creativity.
And a third — the Indiana University J. Irwin Miller Architecture Program Gallery in the former Republic building, at 333 Second St. — opened Sept. 7.
One space called 411 at 411 Sixth St. initially features local artist Bobby K Owens’ exhibit “Return to Sender.” The display highlights playful mixed media works on paper and a site-specific installation featuring miniature airplanes. The official opening reception for the exhibit will be 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 4. The gallery’s regular hours are noon to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays with free admission.
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“This community art gallery fills an important need in Columbus,” Owens said. “As a long-time Columbus artist and an art teacher, I know how much creative potential we have in this community, and how important it will be to have a space devoted to creative expression.”
The Columbus Area Arts Council is operating and overseeing 411.
A second space, named w/ — pronounced “with” — at 609 Washington St. features an inaugural exhibition that is a collaboration between furniture and exhibition designer Jonathan Nesci and sculptor and ceramist Robert Pulley, both of Columbus. Nesci is operating the storefront gallery, which he said is “founded to foster new relationships between art, design and industry.”
Both Pulley and Nesci’s work is nationwide.
“My work always included collaboration ‘with,’ and my hope is that the next chapter of my practice will broaden, nurture and celebrate these relationships through curated productions at w/,” Nesci said.
Designed by Nesci, w/ is a versatile, 250-square-foot space with contemporary lines that complement the original details of the 19th-Century building. He said the venue will feature collaborations with artists for each exhibition, resulting in a limited-edition collection that will be available for sale through the gallery.
Currently, he’s planning future exhibits with local to international artists and designers.
In this initial collaboration, Pulley describes his clay-based work as seeking a balance between natural wildness and control. Nesci and Pulley met through the local arts community and approached this partnership with what Nesci called “enthusiasm and trepidation” as Nesci provided specific forms for Pulley to execute in clay.
The resulting body of work includes 20 pieces — vessels and objects made with three construction methods: on the wheel, hand-hewn slab assembly and a coil technique. All are fired with a black copper glaze in the kiln that Pulley built.
“It has been really exciting to learn about Bob’s process and watch a master of clay realize my forms,” Nesci stated.
Pulley also enjoyed the teamwork.
“The tension in the final forms is the resolution of a successful collaboration,” Pulley said.
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w/
Where: 609 Washington St., downtown Columbus.
Hours: By appointment via email to [email protected]stries
Admission: Free.
Current exhibit: “Jonathan Nesci w/ Robert Pulley” featuring 20 collaborative works through Nov. 15.
411
Where: 411 Sixth St., downtown Columbus.
Hours: Noon to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.
Admission: Free.
Current exhibit: “Return to Sender,” featuring the works of local artist Bobby K Owens through Nov. 24.
Indiana University J. Irwin Miller Architecture Program Gallery
Where: 333 Second St., downtown Columbus, in the former Republic newspaper building.
Hours: 1 to 5 p.m. weekdays.
Admission: Free.
Current exhibit: Steven Baker and Jennifer Riley’s “Floor to Wall.”
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