The Gallery Hop provides a vibrant, entertaining, and culturally diverse experience for visitors.  From the more than twenty-five art galleries to the many public murals and Pocket Parks that liven the area, art can be found at every corner. Along with visual art, the district also features a plethora of local musicians, dancers, and entertainers to share their talents. Some of Columbus' most eclectic and talented performers add their unique flair to the day. The mix changes each month, but we do have our "regulars."

The Saints Drumline is a youth percussion group consisting of twenty-three members ages six to seventeen from all over Central Ohio.  Because of their impressive sound and interactive performances, the Saints have been a local favorite among Gallery Hop visitors since their first performance three years ago. Marshall Cheatham, Saints Drumline coordinator, explained, " When we come to Gallery Hop the music is exciting, creative and improvised. When we perform it turns into a big jam session. People come off the street and play the drums with us."  By participating in the Hop, this group, which is focused on positive youth doing positive things, gains exposure for its young musicians and raises funds for the program.

Anna and the Annadroids mix modern dance, theatre, yoga positions, and contortions to create a new and different performance for visitors.  When asked what people coming to the Hop could expect, Anna responded, "Something new. A performance that isn't typical.  Because it's so theatrical it gives some excitement to the evening, it helps people remember the Gallery Hop as something new and different and makes them want to see what's going to be there next time."

Spin Columbus is a volunteer community color guard that formed in 2007 and includes a few previous members of Columbus' other color guard group, Flaggots. Michael Olshawsky, logistics coordinator and board member of Spin, explained what the group hopes to give: "What we want is for the audience to see a diverse group - different ethnicities, different ages, people who are gay and straight - coming together."

Flaggots was formed in 2002. The group is now in their seventh season. Flaggots is very focused on sharing their talents, giving the crowd a good time, and bringing gay pride to local events as well as far-reaching venues.  Matt Eisert, director of Flaggots, explained why they continue to perform at the Hop: "It is about being a part of the community.  Every time we perform we are so well received and supported."

Ekklesia, a church located in the heart of the Short North, has lent its space for local artists' exhibits during the Hop since April of 2006. Self-taught artists display their works in Ekklesia's lower level, renamed the "Catacombs". Ken Dillman, Ekklesia's pastor, outlined what people can expect to see when visiting the church during the Hop: "It is a very tasteful gallery, never the same any two months.  There is always a wide variety of media displayed.  Anything you could name from acrylics to photography, ceramics, oil painting, jewelry, also art made through media and video." Ekklesia is one of many unconventional spaces visitors can find art exhibited during the Hop.

Kevin Malcom James, also known as, Malcom J, is a local artist that frequents the Hop.  Malcom J began selling his works in 2005 in the Short North.  The majority of his pieces portray social justice issues.  Malcom J specializes in charcoal drawings, oil pastels, acrylics, mixed media, and graphite penciling.  His art is presently being showcased presently at Edward Jones Investment, July 2- August 29.  The collection titled, “Art Mix Volume 2” includes Malcom’s original drawings and paintings for sale and special limited prints.




Be sure to catch other Hop regulars like artist violinist Carter Rost and stilt walkers and performers from CM2, at the September 6 Hop.

by Frances Riggins