Feeling artistic? The Columbus Arts Council”s second annual Chip Off the Old Block community art project gives everyone the chance to set imaginations free by turning ordinary 5 1/2-by-6-inch blocks of wood into original works of art.
“This was an exciting project that we started last year,” said Rachel Smith Hurt, executive director of the Arts Council. “I was really impressed with the variety of art that was submitted. The blocks ranged from wood works, painting, glass tile mosaics, pencil sketches and some really interesting 3-D pieces, just to name a few, and were submitted by individuals of all ages and skill levels.”
Plain wood blocks, available for free at the Rosenzweig Arts Center at 501 Main St. in downtown Columbus, have been donated by Ellis Woodworking. Proceeds from the project will benefit the Columbus Arts Council Volunteer Guild.
“Our chairman, Ina Walters, took this idea and ran with it last year,” Hurt continued. “She is a hard worker and a dedicated supporter of the CAC, and it shows in all that she takes on for us. Especially on this project. I”d say, it”s a labor of love.”
“We”ve already had some wonderful pieces submitted,” Walters stated. “And there are examples at the RAC people can look at if they need to get an idea of how the blocks can be used.”
Block party
Those attending the block party Saturday, Jan. 30, at the RAC, from 2-4 p.m., will enjoy refreshments while previewing the completed artworks. Vouchers to select an original piece are $25 each; or purchase five vouchers for $100.
The top three submissions will be selected by a judges” panel and then auctioned off to benefit Guild community projects.
“The fun part is, unless you recognize the artist”s work, you don”t know whose work you”re buying because there”s no signature or any identifying marks on front on the piece,” Walters added.
Submission guidelines and applications can be downloaded at www.columbus-arts.com, or picked up at the Arts Center after Jan. 4. Completed blocks are requested by Jan. 15, said Walters, but latecomers are still welcome up until Jan. 25. For additional information, contact the Arts Council at 662-328-2787.
“The beauty of the competition is that anything goes,” Hurt said. “And that gives the artists free range to bring their ideas to fruition. The amount of talent in the Golden Triangle continues to surprise and delight me. We”re fortunate to live in a community that fosters the artists in all of us.”
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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