Finding Art Around You: The Murals of Columbus' Short North

If you’re looking for artistic inspiration in Ohio, look no further than Columbus’s Short North. Labeled as the Arts District, there’s even more to see than just the art galleries (of which there are plenty). My personal favorite exploration comes through the street art.

Just short of the Ohio State University’s campus and north of Downtown Columbus, is a 10-block strip called the Short North. While there are art galleries and boutique shops like Tigertree, why stick to the stores when the buildings themselves have a variety of art to present?

The most well-known murals in the neighborhood are those based on famous works of art.

For example, the Mona Lisa Mural (c.1990) takes Da Vinci’s work and puts a new spin on it.

The Short North Gothic (c.2002) is based on Grant Wood’s American Gothic.

The George Bellows’ Cliff Dwellers-Inspired Mural (c.2004) was painted to highlight the connection with the famous American artist and his Columbus, Ohio roots.

Beyond artistic interpretations, there are a number of original works by local artists.

The Magnolia Thunderpussy Mural (c.2009) is located along the parking lot wall by the Magnolia Thunderpussy record shop. It’s easy to explore the wall just by walking from your car into the store.

The Stonewall/Garden Mural (c.2010) was created shortly after the Magnolia Thunderpussy Mural in a similar style as it is located just across the street.

The newest addition has been the Ibiza Lot Mural (c.2010). Painted on construction bulletin boards advertising a condo project that fell through, this is an ever-changing mural. A number of local artists have contributed, and continue to contribute, to this piece.

Along with the murals, there are a number of vintage and vintage-inspired signs that also accent the unique neighborhood style.

So if you’re in the area, check out more than just the storefronts because you never know what you’ll find just around the corner.

For More Information:
Do Your Own Walking Tour of the Short North
Further Reading on the Short North Murals
Watch the Creation of the Magnolia Thunderpussy Mural
Learn More About the Neighborhood

written by lislisdotnet on 2011-09-20 #places #street-art #location #mural #columbus #short-north #travel-destination #graffitiohio-urban-urban-adventure-art-and-culture-signs-city