Columbus Area Arts Council

09/01/2026

Hey, Columbus! We're looking for local screenprinters. Go!

08/31/2026

There's a lot happening this September, and there are so many ways to get involved, create, or simply show up. See the calendar link in our bio for details.

🖼️ 411 Gallery Exhibition: "Now Is The Time / The Time Is Now" by Bridget Conn
📅 September 3–October 16
📍 411 Gallery

Experimental analog photography inspired by nature.
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🎉 Arts Alley Event & 411 Exhibition Reception
411 Exhibition Reception
📅 September 3 | 5:00–8:00 pm
📍 6th Street Arts Alley + 411 Gallery

Live music by Jan Bell & Devin Brown, DORA Bar, + more!
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🎨 50/50 Open Call Begins
📅 September 18
Now in its ninth year, 50/50 is our community art project where anyone can be part of a gallery exhibition. Registration opens September 18.

🎸 Battle of the Bands — Video Audition Deadline
📅 September 25
Calling all musicians. Get your audition in by September 25, link in bio!

👹 Mill Race Monster Festival
📅 October 23–25
📍 Mill Race Park, 50 Carl Miske Dr, Columbus, IN 47201
Three days of art, music, storytelling, food, performances, and immersive experiences, all inspired by Columbus' legendary 1974 monster sightings. Tickets are available now, link in bio!

🏺 Studio C
See the complete Studio Hour and workshop schedule → Studio C

08/28/2026

🎸 CALLING YOUNG MUSICIANS!

Battle of the Bands is back—and this year, there are two ways to get on stage.

🤘 Apply with a band
🎤 Apply individually and audition to join a band

Musicians ages 19 and under from across southeastern Indiana are invited to apply.

Selected applicants will advance to live auditions at Columbus East High School, with finalists performing November 20 at The Commons for a cash prize + future Arts Alley Parklet performance.

📅 Application Deadline: September 25
🎤 Live Auditions: October 24 & 28
🎶 Battle of the Bands: November 20

Apply now using the link below!
https://www.artsincolumbus.org/botb

08/20/2026

Join us on the 6th Street Arts Alley for a night of art, music and fun.

🖼️ “Now is the Time/The Time is Now” by Bridget Conn
🎼 Music by Jan Bell and Devin Brown
🍷 DORA Bar
🎟 Free, open to everyone

Bridget Conn’s Exhibition Statement
As I watch the foundation of American democracy crack in our current political climate, and witness Artificial Intelligence erasing activities that define our humanity, I am drawn into intense observation of my immediate physical environment for a sense of grounding. Watching the cycle of life present itself from spring ephemeral flowers to small winter remnants is my counterbalance to headlines – an antidote to the uncertainties of American reality, and fuel for what may lie ahead.

About Jan Bell
Jan Bell splits her time between Brooklyn, NY and Nashville, IN. Her country and folk songs have led to grand adventures from Grey Fox Bluegrass Fest. to Glastonbury; The Woody Guthrie Archives to The Waldorf Astoria. Independent Music Awards Winner Best Americana Album, and Best Concept Album 'Dream of the Miner's Child'.

About Devin Brown
Devin Brown started backing up his father, Thomas Brown at the young age of 15. Over the years he picked up several instruments and played with many different string band projects. In recent years he has focused a lot on bass, both electric and upright on stage and in the studio. He performs several times a year, showcasing his original music as well.

08/17/2026

🎤 A FEW DAYS UNTIL THE MIC OPENS.

We’re getting closer to another night of poetry, music, stories, and community at Stunna’s.

This month’s lineup includes:
✨ Featured Poet: DDE the Slammer
🎸 Musician: Albert Nolting
🎙️ MC: Janae Garner-Kelley

Whether you’re stepping up to the mic or settling in with a drink and a good audience, Open Mic is a chance to experience the creative voices that make Columbus interesting.

And don’t forget to support our local host while you’re here!

Pre-order your charcuterie from Stunna’s and enjoy it during the evening:
👉 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfuOa0sBEGn9geZEq9UgDwxMvo3h4y3-y-SeicmFGJf0WjWww/viewform

📍 Stunna’s
1604 Central Ave
Columbus, Indiana 47201
📅 August 18, 2026
⏰ 6-8pm

Save the date. Bring a friend.
You never know what you’ll hear when the mic is open.

Presented by Red Bridge Writing Community.

With support from Columbus Area Arts Council, empowering creative changemakers in Columbus.

08/17/2026

🖼️ "Now Is The Time / The Time Is Now" by Bridget Conn
📅 Reception: Thursday, September 3, 5:00–8:00 pm
📅 On View: September 3 – October 16, 2026
📍 411 Gallery, 411 6th St, Columbus, IN 47201
🕛 Thursday & Friday 12:00–6:00 pm | Saturday 10:00 am–2:00 pm
🎟️ Free and open to all

Artist Exhibition Statement:
As I watch the foundation of American democracy crack in our current political climate, and witness Artificial Intelligence erasing activities that define our humanity, I am drawn into intense observation of my immediate physical environment for a sense of grounding. Watching the cycle of life present itself from spring ephemeral flowers to small winter remnants is my counterbalance to headlines – an antidote to the uncertainties of American reality, and fuel for what may lie ahead.

More details → https://www.artsincolumbus.org/411

08/14/2026

Get your tickets now!

08/10/2026

Announcing three handbuilding workshops! These workshops welcome all skill levels!

🪴 Pinch Pot Planter
📅 Monday, August 17 · 6:00–8:00 pm
Learn basic handbuilding techniques to design your own pinch pot planter, then add surface details with slip trailing and pick your glaze.

🍓 Strawberry Trinket Tray
📅 Friday, August 21 · 6:00–8:00 pm
Build a strawberry trinket tray from scratch, explore texture and surface design, and choose your finish from the studio's glaze options.

🕯️ Wall Sconce
📅 Friday, August 28 · 6:00–8:00 pm
Prepare, shape, and decorate your own wall sconce, perfect for a small candle or another special item, and pick the glaze color Studio C will apply and fire for you.

📍 Studio C, 4760 Ray Boll Blvd, Columbus, IN 47203
💵 Registration open now on our website: www.artsincolumbus.org/studio-c

Come make something with us.

08/07/2026

Our third art show, NUANCE THE POWER OF SUBTLETY officially opens tomorrow night from 5-7p. Join us to meet and greet our resident artists: Christina Bailey, Kat Baylor, Maryka DeBusk, Karen Porter, Kris Taylor, Members of the Columbus Viewfinders Camera Club and Joanna Tucker. We will be serving walking tacos along with beer, wine, lemonade and delicious homemade sweets by Carole Elam.

We're looking forward to you joining us as we open our newest show!

08/06/2026