After more than two months of closure, the Columbus Arts Council main gallery and G2 gallery store will reopen to the public on Tuesday, June 2.
“The staff and board of directors are ready to get back to a new normal by showing the community we will have quality-of-life events again. We can’t wait to see people and to help our artists,” said CAC Executive Director Jan Miller.
One of the first of those events will be a new exhibition featuring wood silhouette artwork by Jimmy Criddle of Columbus, and paintings by Victoria Bailey of Hamilton.
Community and staff health will be a priority, Miller noted, as the arts council’s Rosenzweig Arts Center in the center of downtown Columbus reopens its doors.
“We are following all of the governor’s and mayor’s guidelines and have strict protocols in place,” she said.
Until further notice, arts center hours will be modified to Tuesdays through Fridays, 9 a.m.- 3 p.m.
“Our hours will be limited for cleaning purposes,” said the director
All who enter will have temperature taken and be asked to wear a mask and use provided hand sanitizer.
“In the interest of the health and safety of our customers and staff, please do not enter without a face mask,” said Miller. “If you don’t have a mask, we will supply you with one.” Social distancing guidelines of at least 6 feet will also be in effect. Anybody experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19 is asked not to enter.
Restarting a season
The new show will open Thursday, June 4, but with a different format than past opening receptions. Beginning at 5:30 p.m., the CAC will be able to admit eight people into the gallery for 30-minute increments until 8 p.m. A virtual viewing will also take place on Facebook Live from 5-8 p.m., including talks with the artists. The public is also welcome to visit the gallery during operating hours throughout the month to view the artwork.
In addition to gallery exhibitions, the arts council typically provides the community with concerts, classes, writer’s talks and theater performances, and serves as a meeting place for numerous community groups as well. As CAC eases into reopening, the first class begins June 2. The four-part Shiboi fabric dyeing class with Karen Arzamendi, with limited spaces, is almost full. Art classes for youth and adults with Amy Ballard will begin on second Saturdays.
July will bring an exhibition showcasing folk artist Elayne Goodman. An Art Academy, with a limited number of participants, is also planned. Hopes are to also be able to offer live music some time this summer as well.
“We are so ready to be open,” said Miller.
The arts center is located at 501 Main St. Follow updates at columbus-arts.org and on the CAC Facebook page. For more information, contact the center at 662-328-2787.
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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