Right Now Downtown

ARTFUL DODGERS

Winter has returned with a snowy vengeance, destroying our dreams of spring that came with last week’s warmer days.  But we have you covered and ready to Crush Cabin Fever with Downtown Dodgeball.  Blast away the winter blues when you sign up for the second session of Downtown Dodgeball, which runs March 31 to May 12, at which point spring will well and truly have arrived.

You don’t want to miss the fun!  You can check out a video of some of the teams playing right now.  Gather up a posse and enroll today; click here for registration information.

We would love to hear what’s on your mind.  How about writing a guest blog for Right Now Downtown?  Your post will reach tons of people interested in Cbus, so whether you want to move people toward action or just let us all know what you’re thinking, we are opening up a platform just for you. 

Send us your thoughts, and you might just see your name in print.  No more than 400 words, please, and keep it clean.  Email your post to Melissa Fast at mlfast@sidservices.com.  Now check out what YP extraordinaire Steve Michalovich thinks about these cold temps and getting around town… 

THROW ON A JACKET AND EXPERIENCE OUR DOWNTOWN

We had a taste of spring, but winter is far from over. It’s gloomy, and everyone is sick of the ice and snow. We long for warm, sunny days – but those days seem so far away.  And the foot traffic on our downtown streets has also taken a hit with the wintry weather. 

So I am challenging my fellow urbanites to brave the elements, walk out the door and take advantage of everything our urban core has to offer. We have so many convenient options available to us downtown that are only a short walk away. 

Nowhere in town is there such a dense mix of vibrant dining options. Don’t settle for the drive-thru – take in a meal at a unique place you haven’t been before. Whether you are after a traditional diner, Asian cuisine, deli sandwiches, fine dining, or simply a burger and fries, downtown’s many eateries can satisfy your taste buds. 

It is also important to take advantage of the many services offered in downtown. Downtown is our neighborhood, so why not get your clothes dry cleaned, pick up household products, purchase local produce, and buy gifts from our downtown neighbors? Supporting our local businesses promotes a thriving downtown, which leads to a stronger community and city at-large. 

The chilly weather should not scare us into our cars and out of downtown. Let’s instead bring the feeling of spring to our downtown in February, by putting our boots to the pavement and showing that we can still enjoy what our downtown has to offer even when the conditions outside are less-than desirable.

THREE R’S EVOLVE OR REVOLVE?

BUCKS IN THE 43215

Columbus is a Buckeye town, no doubt.  But is it a Buckeye downtown?  Most things Ohio State are confined to the campus area and to our TVs when the Bucks don the scarlet and gray for some gridiron or cager glory.  But there is a little corner of Buckeye-dom right in the center of 43215.

Sure the OSU Urban Arts Space, which is housed in the beautifully renovated Lazarus Building, has some really cool exhibits and activities, but did you know the great minds and hard work behind the art come from Buckeyes through and through?

Leigh Lotocki, Communications Coordinator for the Urban Arts Space, explains that the mission of the OSU Urban Arts Space is to act as a bridge – between the OSU campus and the Columbus community and between the City of Columbus and the world art community.

“The Urban Arts Space is a completely student-operated gallery,” said Lotocki.  “All operations are run by OSU students, and we strive to have a wide range of artists –  international, regional and local.”

Between 15 and 20 paid students staff the gallery, along with interns and volunteers.  There are employees from a variety of disciplines at OSU, including event management, writing, communications, business, journalism and, of course, art and arts administration.  Because employees only work during their time as OSU students, there is a nice amount of turnover as students graduate.

“That is a unique thing about our space.  Lots of turnover means a lot of new energy and ideas,” added Lotocki.  “It can be challenging, but it also is part of what makes us great.”

Lotocki noted that many graduates with OSU Urban Arts Space work experience move on to careers in the field.  Her predecessor has moved on to another facility working in communications and another student assistant has moved to Chicago to work with art installation.  Students also can take advantage of networking with the artists whose work is displayed at the space.

“Working at the Urban Arts Space allows us to meet a lot of artists and make contact with people who work in the field,” added Lotocki.  “It’s a great networking tool and a stepping stone for us.”

They’re open Tuesday through Saturday and it won’t cost you a penny to check it out. So, go support the Bucks and get a creative fix as you appreciate this truly urban arts space.

SHOW YOUR LOVE!

It’s time for the third annual Show Your Love contest!  With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s a great time for you downtown-ites to show some love to your favorite downtown eatery. 

That’s right, the downtown hot spot that gets the most votes wins the coveted Show Your Love plaque!  Who will join 2009 winner Jack’s Diner  and 2010 winner Dirty Franks Hot Dog Palace?  Old favorites like Cafe Napolitana?  New hits like Jimmy John’s?  Or maybe a new twist on an old fav like Little Palace?

We don’t want you to feel left out, though.  So to show you some love, when you vote here for your favorite you will be entered to win free lunches from each of our five featured restaurants, each of which marked its downtown debut in 2010:  Lynnally’s, Michael O’Toole’s, The Pickle, Si Senor Sandwiches and More and Spinelli’s Deli . 

They are begging for your vote.  Don’t believe us?  Check out these videos!