MISSION: We provide and promote a diverse, lively and welcoming arts environment that enriches the lives of all
VISION: Our vision is a future where art is integrated throughout the community, diverse in medium and content and accessible to all residents and visitors to Upper Arlington
The Cultural Arts Division provides a variety of arts and culture programming throughout the year and is also responsible for managing the City’s extensive collection of interior and exterior public art. Arts programming includes a public gallery featuring an annual schedule of exhibits at the Municipal Services Center, educational programming, summer outdoor concerts, and the City’s signature special event – the Labor Day Arts Festival. The City’s art collection includes many inspiring and creative permanent installations located in parks and public grounds throughout the City, as well as an extensive collection of interior art pieces installed in public buildings.
Housed within the Parks & Recreation Department, the Division is advised and supported by the Cultural Arts Commission. The Commission is a seven-member group that is appointed by City Council for the purpose of fostering and encouraging the development and preservation of arts in the community.
To receive email updates on upcoming exhibits, programs and events please send your email address using the form below.
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December 2024
Concourse Gallery
City Tree Commission
Cultural Arts Commission
Friends of UA Parks Volunteer Day
Parks & Rec Advisory Board
Art in Work Spaces brings works of art into the hallways, entryways and offices of City buildings, fulfilling our belief that the arts improve the quality of life for all in our community. At present, the collection includes over 100 pieces, collected over the years through a combination of purchases, grants and gifts from artists and private citizens.
CONCOURSE GALLERY
Community Expressions: Artists of Upper Arlington
July 17, 2024–September 13, 2024
Nature’s Rhythm
September 18, 2024-November 15, 2024
Between the Mountains, Exploring the Great Plains of North America
November 20, 2024-January 31, 2025
Throughout the lifespan of the Cultural Arts Program, the City has acquired, through purchase and donation, pieces of artwork intended to be displayed in various public locations throughout the City, primarily at City facilities, parks, libraries, and within streetscapes. The exterior collection contains over 20 pieces.
Naturalized Park Areas Temporary Art Installation
After completing the Arts and Culture Master Plan in 2019, the Cultural Arts Division and Commission have completed formal policies and processes for bringing public art to Upper Arlington. Northwest Kiwanis and Burbank Parks were identified as an area lacking public art and an ideal location for a temporary art installation, bringing art to the northern part of UA.
The application period has closed for artists and/or artist teams to submit their qualifications to envision, produce and exhibit a unique, surprising and inclusive temporary sculpture in naturalized areas at Burbank and/or Northwest Kiwanis Park that connects visitors to nature and celebrates the natural beauty of Upper Arlington.
All over the world artists and neighborhoods have been wrapping utility boxes in an effort to reduce graffiti and beautify their communities. Upper Arlington is taking part in this artful encounter with Outside the Box. We are thrilled to include the work of 10 juried artists, located on utility boxes on Tremont Road, Lane Avenue, Arlington Avenue and Northwest Blvd. Artists include: Susie Jordan (5 points), Jeanie Auseon (Tremont/Milden), Pam O’Loughlin (Tremont/Zollinger), Janis Mars Wunderlich (Northwest/Kingsdale), Nadine Block (Tremont/Ridgeview), Laine Bachman (Tremont/Farleigh), Michael Kaiser (Tremont/Northam), Caroline Chidester (Lane/Northwest), Duncan Snyder (Lane/ Wellesley) and Stephanie Rond (Lane/ North Star). This project was made possible through a grant from the Sharon and Don Cook Fund at The Upper Arlington Community Foundation.
Click on the image to explore the interactive map of Outside the Box artwork throughout Upper Arlington.
Monday, September 2, 2024 | 10 am–5 pm
Tremont Road and Tremont Parking Lot
2850 Tremont Road, Upper Arlington, Ohio 43221
Since 1966, Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts Festival has celebrated and shared the arts with the community. Each year, more than 15,000 visitors flock to UA on Labor Day to immerse themselves in hands-on art activities, live music, and the opportunity to explore and purchase fine art. We are excited to produce this event in the central hub for the community; the beautifully designed parking lot adjacent to Northam Park and located between the UA Public Library, Tremont Elementary School, and the Tremont Pool.
Emerging Artist Program: The Emerging Artist Program grew from the desire to be a more inclusive Festival and support artists looking to begin their art festival careers. This program is designed specifically for artists who have never exhibited their artwork in a juried arts festival. Interested artists must be a resident or student of Franklin County. Click the button below for additional information.
Important Application Dates:
- Artist applications open December 18, 2023–February 11, 2024
- Performance applications open November 20, 2023–January 12, 2024
- Food vendors will be scheduled through the Central Ohio Food Truck Association. You must be a member to participate – contact COFTA to learn about becoming a member
- Community Booth applications open March 4, 2024
LDAF Countdown
The City’s Cultural Arts Division underwent a master planning process with the goal of developing a clear vision and implementation strategies for public art and cultural programming in the years ahead. That process is now complete, with the resulting Arts and Culture Master Plan presented to and accepted by City Council in early December 2019.
The Arts and Culture Master Plan establishes a series of short-, mid- and long-term implementation strategies that focus on enhancing existing programming, strengthening operations, and raising awareness of the arts and culture opportunities available to residents. It provides clarity on the purpose, roles and responsibilities of the Cultural Arts Commission, and sets forth an inspirational guiding framework for exploring expanded public art opportunities in the community.
UA Parks & Rec brings you an exciting new UA Performance Series with a lineup sure to please! Previously known as Music in the Parks, this new and improved series will feature multiple performances, food trucks, activities and fun for all. Bring your family and friends and experience the arts with us!
Thursday, April 18 | 6-9 pm
Amelita Mirolo Barn
4395 Carriage Hill Lane
Embark on a captivating journey into the heart of jazz at the Amelita Mirolo Barn. All ages are welcome for an evening of smooth rhythms and soulful melodies. Join us for a perfect fusion of music, drinks, food and a memorable atmosphere that will leave you with lasting memories.
Performance Schedule
6-7 pm | fo/mo/deep
7-7:30 pm | UAHS Jazz Band
7:30-9 pm | John Henry & The Rainmakers
Food Trucks
My Chick’N Bites
Red Head Chef
Ciao Cafe
Thursday, June 13 | 6-9 pm
Mallway Park
2096 Arlington Avenue
Join us for the return of this award-winning and favorite summertime event in Upper Arlington. Celebrating three years of bringing local, talented artists and artisans, music, and community groups to The Mallway. Explore over 20 booths, support local businesses, and savor delicious food and drinks for a vibrant celebration of art and community!
Performance Schedule
6-7 pm | NACHO Street Band
7-7:30 pm | Jesse Powers
7:30-9 pm | Fleetwood Gold
Call for Artists and Artisans
Applications are open March 15–May 15
Calling all Central Ohio artists and artisans to exhibit in this annual summertime event. Established in 2023, this award-winning event is dedicated to showcasing the immense talent of our local artists and artisans. With only 25 artist booths, this is your chance to shine and share your unique creations with our vibrant community. Click here to submit an application.
Thursday, July 18 | 6-9 pm
Municipal Services Center
3600 Tremont Road
Embrace the spirit of summer and join us for a fun evening filled with fantastic music, delicious food, refreshing drinks and engaging art activities for all ages. Discover the perfect spot beneath a picturesque tree, where you can relish a delightful summer night surrounded by music, friends, and the vibrant energy of community.
Performance Schedule
6 pm | Theo’s Loose Hinges
7 pm | Musicologie Performance will take place inside the Concourse Gallery
7:30 pm | The Deeptones
Food and Beverage
Drank Tank
My Chick’N Bites
Rolling Bistro
Paddy Wagon
The Daily Growler (Beer, Wine, and Seltzer)
Art Exhibit, Art Activities and Community Groups
Don’t miss your chance to meet local Upper Arlington artists inside the Concourse Gallery during the event. Artists from the Community Expressions: Artists of Upper Arlington exhibit will be on site during the event. Pop inside to view and purchase artwork and meet the artists.
Parking
Accessible parking will be available in the Municipal Services Center west parking lot. Additional parking is available in the east parking lot off Kenny Road, OSU Golf Course (3605 Tremont Road), and Advent Lutheran Church (3660 Kenny Road).
APPLICATION DEADLINE: JANUARY 10, 2025
Now accepting artist applications to exhibit in the Concourse Gallery or the Community Gallery at the brand new Bob Crane Community Center. Upper Arlington’s gallery spaces serve to highlight the City’s ongoing commitment to the arts through revolving and diverse exhibits that are educational, engaging, and accessible for all residents and visitors. The City of Upper Arlington offers two galleries for visual artists to share their work with the Upper Arlington community. Each gallery has unique features and goals.
Hover Box Element
Community Gallery
Best for individual artists with smaller bodies of work or smaller collaborative shows
Hover Box Element
Concourse Gallery
Best for individual artists with a large body of work or collaborative shows
OPENING SPRING 2025
Introducing the newest addition to Upper Arlington’s vibrant art scene: the Community Gallery. Perched on the fifth floor of the brand new Bob Crane Community Center, this gallery may be small, but it packs a punch in terms of creativity and community impact. Situated within a bustling public community space, this gallery offers local artists a unique opportunity to showcase their work amidst the pulse of community life. The gallery is free and open to the public. Free parking is available. The Community Gallery is ADA accessible.
For Prospective Artists/Exhibitors:
- The Community Gallery is comprised of 40 linear feet and suitable for a variety two dimensional artwork
- Exhibitions typically hung for two to three months
The Concourse Gallery—located within the Municipal Services Center, 3600 Tremont Road—is our main exhibition space. Here we program visual arts exhibits in a variety of media throughout the year, accompanied by gallery guides, receptions, school tours, workshops and artist talks. The Gallery is free and open to the public during regular office hours of Monday-Friday, 8 am-5 pm. Free parking is available. The Concourse Gallery is ADA accessible.
Many, but not all, of the artworks exhibited are for sale, and are marked accordingly within each exhibit’s Gallery Guide. Any purchased artwork is required to remain on display until the end of the exhibition. Artwork can be purchased in the Parks and Recreation office.
For Prospective Artists/Exhibitors:
- The Concourse Gallery is comprised of 181 linear feet and 3,500 square feet of space, suitable for a variety of mediums
- Exhibitions typically hung for two months
- Option of having an opening reception
- The City will develop marketing materials. This includes but is not limited to: promotion on the City’s website, City social media platforms, the Arts Link e-newsletter, and other outreach as determined by the City
- The gallery is part of an open, public gathering space and therefore considered “low security.” Any groups scheduled to meet in the space are advised of our guidelines to protect and not obscure the artwork on exhibit.
- Works on exhibit are insured by the City of Upper Arlington.
- The Cultural Arts Division does requires a 10% commission for pieces that are sold.
- We strive to balance the desire for exhibition space by professional and community artists with the provision of an engaging and varied schedule of exhibitions. The works of student, emerging, amateur and professional artists—be they local, regional or further afield—are welcome and regularly featured within the gallery exhibition schedule.
