What's Happening in February?
Welcome to our email letter full of updates from Art Space, calls for art, exhibition news, and other fun things!
Art Space regular schedule:
Art Space is open Monday through Friday from 10AM-3PM. We now have Tuesday Tours with Leslie! Please schedule all tours for Tuesdays.
We will be CLOSED on Thursday, February 12th for a staff training day.
Reminder that in a Level 3 snow emergency, we are CLOSED. Level 1 and 2, please use your own discretion and put your safety first!The next online meeting will be on 2/10/26 from 1-1:45PM. Always on a Tuesday! The link will be sent out the day before, with a reminder the day of. If you’ve been missed from the meetings email list, please let me know! I’ll be happy to add you.
Upcoming Events
Introducing our new Saturday Class - Drawing with Leslie! Starting this Saturday, February 7th, from 1-3PM at 1221 Art Space. Email 1221artspace@concordcounseling.org if you have any questions.
Save the date! The Heart of Concord event will be Saturday, May 2nd from 1PM-4PM. There will be a lot more information sent via email soon!
We have many exciting workshops and classes coming soon, please look forward to those announcements!
Announcements
THANK YOU Art Space Artists for your participation in the Community Canvas! We’re very grateful to each member who gave a little piece of their art to the canvas. Check out the results below, or come see it in person!
We have a brand new look! Come check out our new and improved studio spaces. We can’t wait to hear what you think!
We have a new website! 1221artspace.org. Please keep in mind it is still under construction. Have any ideas to include on our site? Let Rebecca know!
Call for writing! We’re looking to collect some quotes from our artists that describe what Art Space means to them, what they like to do here, or how the community has helped them for our new website. But anything you would like to share is welcome! If you would like to volunteer, please email your writing to rgonzalez@concordcounseling.org. The writing can also be anonymous. Thank you!!
If you haven’t already, give our social media a follow for more updates and information! Feel free to tag us in any of your art-making processes!
Calls for Art
If you are interested in any of the below opportunities, please reach out to rgonzalez@concordcounseling.org. By scheduling an appointment, I can help guide you through the application process or find a resource for you, virtually or in person. Please note: For art opportunities outside of Art Space, it is important for us to be notified you need assistance at least a month in advance.
Shot Tower Gallery
Deadline: February 20th, 2026
The Shot Tower Gallery is calling for art from artists of the Columbus area for a community show. They are looking for art that aligns with their goals of showcasing community, togetherness, and creativity. Free to submit!
Pennington Custom Art Services
Deadline: February 13th, 2026
CALL FOR ART: Femme Eclectique IV
Pennington Custom Art Services is in search of women artists for their March (National Women's Month) exhibition.
Send entries to penningtononpaper@gmail.com by February 13th.
Dairy Barn Arts Center
Call for entry open December 5, 2025 – February 22, 2026
SEE ● TOUCH ● BUILD invites artists to submit works that transform observation into participation. We seek work that shifts meaning when someone engages with it; work that responds to touch, motion, sound, or interaction. Designed for kids, adults, and everyone in between, this exhibition transforms the gallery into a playground for the senses, where visitors are encouraged to create, explore, and rediscover the joy of making. From soft textiles to shifting lights, from puppets and dolls to puzzles, or immersive installations, we seek art that embraces play as a serious form of exploration.
Information and application here
Wexner Center for the Arts Ohio Shorts 2026 Call for Entries
Entries due February 7, 2026
Known for presenting an eclectic mix of short films—from documentary, animation, and dramatic narrative to anything in between—Ohio Shorts is turning 30! This landmark year features celebrated author and past Wex guest Hanif Abdurraqib as juror.
Apply here
Common Greens - Clintonville Farmers Market
Local Artist T-Shirt Design Contest Guidelines
Application Deadline: March 16th, 2026
Theme: Design must include “Clintonville Farmers Market” and “2026”. Think food and community!
Colors: The winning design will be printed on a solid color t-shirt. Please submit your design in either black, white or both.
Design Software: Designs must be digital.
*Your design must be entirely original- no clip art, copyrighted, or AI generated material allowed. Keep it simple: one color designs only, and make sure it’s print-ready.(If you need help with making your traditional artwork digital, reach out to Rebecca!)
More info and how to apply here
OTE Arts Gallery
Deadline: February 27th, 2026
MILK TRAIN
This is not a show to please you. Wild, grotesque, and bleeding – MILK TRAIN explores the uncongenial side of womanhood and the feminine psyche.
CONCEPT
Objects of desire– paintings, sculptures and photos of posed beautiful women fill our life and minds: constructing a manufactured view of feminine nature. But what about that feeling we have but don’t dare talk about, a call to be something more wild. MILK TRAIN is a group show featuring work from artists exploring the theme of womanhood through a non-aesthetic based lens. Paintings, sculptures, video, and photography come together to build a glimpse into buried sides of femininity.
Apply here
Art Related Events
WexArts is hosting a film event, The Willow Weeps for Me, curated by Cinéseries member Sarra Negassi, that highlights groundbreaking short films that explore the intersections of Black womanhood across several decades. Join student group Cinéseries for an eclectic program of short films exploring themes of Black love, identity, history, and introspection, handpicked by Ohio State students.
Free event with Ticket!
📍 WexArts Film/Video Theater - 1871 N High St, Columbus, OH 43210
📅Feb 12, 2026
⏰7:00 PM
Bexley Public Library is hosting a special afternoon celebrating the life, words, and legacy of Toni Morrison, featuring readings from four incredible local local authors and artists.
Rachael “Rae” Scott, 1:30 PM – 2:15 PM
Dr. Carlotta Penn, 2:20 PM – 3:05 PM
Claudia Owusu, 3:10 PM – 3:55 PM
Cynthia Amoah, 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM
Whether you’re a lifelong Morrison reader or just beginning your journey, this is a beautiful chance to listen, reflect, and celebrate together.
Also, this event will be available online! Join in person, or live stream this program on BPL's YouTube channel.
📍 Bexley Library (or on their Youtube channel!) - 2411 East Main Street, OH, 43209
📅Sunday, February 15
⏰1:30pm - 4:45pm
Register here!
Mpex Photo is having a Blind Date with a Film Roll for film cameras!
”Stop in the store and come choose a $10 blind-bag style mystery roll!
Each roll has a little love note to help you choose which may be a better match for you (and your camera)!”
📍 Midwest Photo: 2887 Silver Dr, Columbus, OH 43211
📅Ongoing
⏰10AM-6PM Daily
Queer Craft Society’s Bring Your Own Craft Nights at East Market!
📍212 Kelton Ave, Upstairs
📅Tuesdays, 6-8PM. An infographic on what to expect!
Craft Raccoon - “Craft night returns on Feb. 11 with @craftraccooncbus and special guests @thereturningartistsguild! This one is all about love & solidarity. We’ll have materials for y’all to make valentine’s cards for loved ones. We’ll also be partnering with the Returning Artists Guild to make a collective valentine sharing love and support for incarcerated artists.”
This event is free and will be held at Honest Friend Brewing (2112 S. High St.).
📅Feb 11th
⏰6:00pm to 8:00pm
📍Craft Raccoon - 1526 S High St, Columbus, OH 43207
The Wex: Spring 2026 Exhibitions Opening Celebration
Be among the first to see the Wexner Center’s spring exhibitions—spanning everything from film to sculpture—and hear from the artists about what inspired the work.
📅Feb 13, 2026
⏰4:00 PM Open Galleries
📍Wexner Center for the Arts
No cost
Free for all audiences with ticket
Conversation with Martina Droth, Ximena Garrido-Lecca, and Naeem Mohaiemen, moderated by Rebecca Lowery | 5:30–6:20 PM
Film/Video Theater
Admission to the talk is first come, first served
Reception continues | 6:30–9 PM
Serving hors d’oeuvres
Lower Lobby and Galleries
Grants, Workshops, Opportunities
Fox Hollow Ranch
Applications open for 2026 residencies!
Applications close February 15. Applicants notified by March 1 of status.
We accept applications from emerging and mid-career painters, poets, sculptors, writers, playwrights, screenwriters, composers, ceramicists, dancers, culinary artists, photographers, scientists and filmmakers.
For emerging and mid-career artists
No application fee or residency fee
Residents contribute 4 hours of work a week (help with land upkeep)
We will be accepting 3 resident artist for 2026 for these dates:
June 13-28
July 11-26
August 1-16
More info here!
Clintonville Books
Annual Poetry Award
Applications will close on March 15, 2026
Clintonville Books is launching an annual poetry award to celebrate poets who live and work in Columbus, Ohio. “We want to celebrate this diverse and creative community through an annual poetry book award.”
More info and apply here!
Greater Columbus Arts Council
Part-time Job Opportunity
Front Desk Associate
Salary: $15/hour, 20-24 hours per week (6hr/4 days a week)
Comprehensive Benefits including PTO, Wellness Days, 10 holidays
THIS POSITION IS NOT HYBRID
The Greater Columbus Arts Council supports an inclusive workplace where everyone excels based on personal merit, qualifications, experience, ability, and job performance. We are devoted to providing fair and equitable consideration of all employees and candidates. GCAC will ensure that reasonable accommodations are provided to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.
Application Here
Cultural Arts Center
Registration for art classes begins February 21st at 8:30am
With a long line-up of painting, jewelry, sculpture, drawing, printmaking, pottery classes, and beyond, the Cultural Arts Center offers a vast array of options for both beginning and experienced artists. Classes are available in sessions of 7-8 weeks.
There is class fee assistance available! Form Here
Interested in sharing your opinion about affordable housing?
In November 2025, Columbus voters approved a $1.9 billion bond package for investments in public utilities, infrastructure, recreation and parks, and more. That bond package included $500 million specifically for affordable housing and neighborhood development.
Now Columbus City Council would like your feedback on how the City should invest those dollars over the next few years. Take the anonymous survey linked below to include your voice.
Local Resources
Reminder that Art Space has our own food pantry and pet pantry, everyone is welcome! Take what you need and leave what you can.
Bishop Griffin Resource Center
o Mid-Oho Food Market and Community Store
o Offers the opportunity to get various items such as food, apparel, books, and home décor for free.
FreshTrak is a platform designed to connect people with food resources like pantries and soup kitchens by allowing users to search for nearby locations based on their zip code. Enter your zip code on the FreshTrak website to find local food pantries, mobile markets, and other distribution events.
Can you or someone you know benefit from a free digital skills class? There’s the possibility to qualify for a free device at the end of the 4-class series as well! https://www.connectcentralohio.com/digital-skills-hub/
There are Free Admission Sundays at the Columbus Museum of Art! Every Sunday from 10AM-5PM.
Jewish Family Services has opened back up The Columbus Financial Empowerment Center, which offers free one-on-one financial counseling as a public service for all Central Ohio residents. More info here!
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) - The Breathing Association
Get HEAP assistance such as income-based payments for utilities, season crisis help and referrals for additional resources. Call 614-457-2997 for eligibility and appointments.
Looking for links from our past update emails? They will be posted on the Substack soon! Keep an eye out.
Something Fun!
We are stronger together!
Video courtesy of @buckeyesfortransit
A cool learning website to explore, Learn Anything!
Learn-anything.xyz
Need some letter-making inspiration, or some collage materials? Check out Letterform Archive!
Stay warm out there!!
If you’ve reached this point, thank you! Have a wonderful February. :)