Columbus has made a name for itself with its collection of cutting-edge, forward-thinking architecture. To complement that, ArtFEST will offer visitors a chance to see the world-renowned designs and the works of nearly 100 local, regional and national artists.
The fifth annual ArtFEST will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Aug. 23 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Aug. 24 in the Columbus Arts District. The event is free. The juried art show showcases the talents of nearly 100 artists from 16 states and will on both Washington and 4th streets in the historic downtown.
In addition to artists, there are plenty of opportunities for hands-on experiences. The Columbus Area Arts Council is hosting Meltdown, its annual Iron Pour and Glass Forming Workshops, where participants can create their own art objects. Lisa Pelo of Hot Blown Glass Studios will lead glass-blowing demonstrations and hands-on workshops where 45 participants will make their own glass paperweights (register in advance by calling 812-276-253).
For those who want to extend their stay and make it a long weekend, there will be an iron pour at 7 p.m., Aug. 22, in Mill Race Park where artists and foundry employees will work side-by-side for iron pour demonstrations where they will pour molten iron into 3D forms and scratch blocks to create pieces of art. Lead sculpture artist Jim Brenner considers Columbus the perfect place for an iron pour, because of the city’s historical relationship between industry and the arts. Columbus is home to Cummins, which designs and manufactures diesel engines.
3D works from artists working with glass and metal will be featured in an invitational group show at Mill Race Center, in conjunction with the Arts Council’s Meltdown. Works by many of the artists leading the Iron Pour will be featured in the show.
Eight new large-scale, outdoor sculptures by nationally recognized artists can be viewed at various locations throughout the Columbus Arts District. These pieces, part of the 2014 Columbus Indiana Sculpture Biennial, supplements the city’s permanent public art and will be on display through May 2016.
Fourth Street will come alive during the weekend with local and regional bands playing a wide array of musical styles, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Aug. 23 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Aug. 24.
“ArtFEST is the perfect time for people to experience Columbus,” said Lynn Lucas, executive director of the Columbus Area Visitors Center. “In addition to the festival, local shops and restaurants will be open, and there are a variety of walking and bus tours.”
The Columbus Architecture Tour is at 10 a.m. Friday and at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. Tours of the Miller House (the country’s most highly regarded example of a mid-century modern residence, which epitomizes the international modernist aesthetic) are at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Sunday. Reservations are required for all tours.
For more information about ArtFEST or to schedule a tour, go to: www.columbus.in.us.
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