Brick ^ mural
Fourth installment of temporary series launched on outside walls in Short North
The art on 13 buildings in the Short North tell stories about Columbus. The works — some abstract, others realistic — focus on the city’s history, neighborhoods, politics and other topics.
And each was inspired by just a half-dozen words.
The fourth Short North Temporary Mural Series, organized by the Short North Alliance, borrows the idea of “Six-Word Memoirs” introduced in 2006 by magazine journalist Larry Smith.
The artists who participated in “Six in the Short North” had the
option of illustrating a six-word story about Columbus written by Smith or one they wrote themselves.
The works they created — reprinted on weather-resistant vinyl sheets — are represented on buildings throughout the neighborhood. They’ll remain there for a year as part of the project, funded by the Greater Columbus Arts Council, the Short North Alliance and Doug and Kim Borror, as well as partner galleries and art institutions.
“I just hope lots of people walk down High Street and are surprised and delighted by what they see,” said Smith, 48, who lives in the Short North with his wife, Piper Kerman, author of “Orange Is the New Black.”
“It’s an uncomplicated way to spark a story, spark expression in yourself.”
Smith has published a series of books filled with submitted six-word memoirs. (When he and his wife moved to Columbus two years ago, he also started a Columbus-centered “Six in the City” offshoot.)
All but two of the 13 paintings — one by the late Aminah Robinson and the other by Tim Rietenbach — were created specifically for the series.
“I think the community appreciates it, and it gets the artwork outside of the gallery, which is great,” said participating artist Christian Faur, 48, of Granville.
His painting, at 680 N. High St. near the Sherrie Gallerie, subverts the idea of titling artwork. Story: Goodale Park breathes for the city. Location: 1130 N. High St.
Artist: Michael Secrest Story: A silhouette of streets delivers him. Location: 700 N. High St.
Artist: Joey Monsoon Story: Blue within a sea of red. Location: 95 N. High St.
Artist: Adam Brouillette Story: These words aren’t enough for us. Location: N. High and E. Poplar streets Artist: David Skeens Story: Columbus, my diamond in the rough. Location: 997 N. High St.
Artist: Julia Hamilton Story: Tired. But wiser for the time. Location: 1259 N. High St.
Artist: David Gentilini Story: Tending gardens of ash and symmetry. Location: 680 N. High St.
Artist: Christian Faur Story: Unique neighborhoods. Diverse inhabitants. Hidden gem. Location: 650 N. High St. Artist: Christopher Burk Story: Trolley bells signal journeys to come. Location: 1209 N. High St.
Artist: Doug Gantt