"Art City"

Karen Bell: We want our students to have an understanding that it is in their best interest to be engaged in their city, and so we're providing them opportunities and now having this permanent space in the Urban Arts Space is going to really let them dig in and be involved and see what the needs are in our downtown. Having the activities that we have downtown--Dance Downtown, Drums Downtown--our students and faculty are showing their work in galleries throughout the city. We think it makes them better citizens and that it is the right thing to do for their education. I'm Karen Bell, Dean, College of the Arts.

The historic Lazarus building in downtown Columbus has a new life as the OSU Urban Arts Space.

The 10,000-square-foot venue has two galleries, which will be used for performances and exhibitions by students, faculty, and alumni of Ohio State's College of the Arts, as well as community arts endeavors.

"The Urban Arts Space is a professional launching pad for the students, helping to bridge the gap between their academic and professional careers," says Karen Bell, Dean of the College of the Arts. "It will provide many, many opportunities for our students and faculty to exhibit art and present performances to new audiences in the heart of the city."

"Much of the programming will be in the hands of students and faculty; they will select solo and group exhibitions, interdisciplinary projects, screenings and performances for the space."

The space also will provide the college with the valuable opportunity for increased outreach into the Columbus community, she says. Events at the space will include free lunch-time lectures and evening programs, school projects, and collaborations with professional arts organizations throughout the city.

If You Go:

• The venue is located at 50 West Town Street in downtown Columbus; see it on Google Maps.
• The gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, with extended hours on Thursday until 8 p.m.
• Go on a Tuesday or Thursday for free public programs including brown bag lunch lectures, performances, and panel discussions.