Arts on the River is a cultural arts festival held each October near the Columbus Riverwalk overlooking the Chattahoochee River. Born nearly out of necessity, it evolved from the Columbus Artists’ Guild’s Fall Arts Festival, held for many years in various locations — Wynnton Shopping Center, then for eight years at Main Street Village in the northern part of town, which featured local and Southeast area artists. When that event was discontinued, the show became a part of the Columbus Uptown Jam for two years, utilizing the old Cunningham Building. Though a good opportunity, the organizers found that this venue was not the ideal event for the fine arts, and in 1996, struck out on its own with no financial backing, to the Green Space at the foot of 10th Street.
This delightful spot overlooking the River seemed to be made for the arts; all members of the Columbus Cultural Arts Alliance were invited to participate, and still do so, resulting in an exhibit by Historic Columbus Foundation, Historic Linwood Foundation, the Columbus Ballet, The Columbus Symphony, to name a few. Artists visiting from out of town are advised to bring cameras and sketch pads, as the beautiful river area is a great resource for new material. The event is free to the public, allowing access to anyone who may be interested, and the entire event is handicapped accessible.
Times change, and the former Green Space is now owned by Columbus State University, and no longer available for use by the public. The Columbus Artists’ Guild no longer sponsors the event, instead preferring to have a show restricted to Columbus artists only, held at a different time of year. The horse and buggy are no longer available, the riverboat now docks elsewhere, and the location has moved to Front Avenue at 6th Street, in the Historic District, but still on the River, by the Chattahoochee Promenade.
Entertainment in keeping with the nature of event is scheduled throughout the day, and local food vendors are on site. The art show is juried, in that representative work of all participating artists is reviewed to assure that the show remains fine arts only. Slides or photographs are required from first time exhibitors — who nearly always seem to be asked to be invited back. The event is quite artist friendly, in that samples can be submitted via e-mail, or if the artist has a web site, that can be used. If an artist has participated in previous years, no samples are required. The awards for the fine arts show have attracted the attention of artists from throughout the southeast. ge from outside the area is brought in to dispense the honors. Attempts are made to bring new and varied media to the show, which now accepts original computer art and fine art jewelry as well as the traditional forms of presentation. The result is a unique collection of paint media, photography, metal work, glass, hand thrown pottery, sculpture, and wood carving. Artists are encouraged to demonstrate their expertise during the show, and talk to interested persons, especially children who may become the artists of tomorrow.
In addition to the entry forms sent to potential artists, local companies and corporations are offered the opportunity to sponsor an employee, who is an artist, and be listed on that person’s booth tag as a sponsor in the show. These artists are subject to the same jury process as the other artists, but the entry fee may be paid by the employer. Helpful hints for first time exhibitors are available at no charge from the event committee.
A student art show was held in conjunction with this event at one time, and there are hopes to bring back this portion of the event. from This portion is totally dependent on getting a sponsor for the student show.
A “Special Purchase Award” began in 2000, with donations collected for the purchase of a painting which is then donated to a local facility such as Columbus Hospice, the Ronald McDonald House, and the Alzheimer’s care facility, Heritage Hills.
Artists who sign up for the current year’s show are offered a free web page with samples of their work on artsontheriver.com for one month prior to the show and two months after, and are given the opportunity to purchase future web pages at a special rate.
For visiting artists who decide to spend the weekend, maps and accommodation information is furnished, and the 12 mile Riverwalk offers a great opportunity for biking, walking or jogging. The event also serves as an opportunity to bring visitors to Columbus, be they artists or shoppers, who will then hopefully return to visit the other sights and locations in the area, such as the “Discover Columbus” page on the web site.
The event is now co-sponsored by the Columbus ABC affiliate WTVM, channel 9, and Uptown Columbus, Inc, which is the non-profit sponsor. In addition to the web site, TV advertising has a strong presence on ABC and FOX networks locally. The chairman is Lois Tryon, a Columbus artist, and contact is ltryon@infionline.net.
Copyright © 2007 by Lois Tryon – All Rights Reserved