Discover the Art: 2008 Columbus Arts Festival June 6,7 & 8

Think you know the Columbus Arts Festival? Think again!

There’s so much to discover at this year’s Columbus Arts Festival presented by Time Warner Cable, which will take place June 6, 7 and 8. The 2008 Festival is full of new, exciting things to see and do, from the Giant Eagle Family Stage, to exhibitions of work by local artists, to the attractions in our new Discovery District location, including the Columbus College of Art and Design, the Columbus Museum of Art and Columbus State Community College.

“We’re really looking forward to this year’s Festival, which will be a great combination of Festival favorites and new features,” said Katie Lucas, Columbus Arts Festival Director. “And we’re so excited to work with our partners in the Discovery District.”

The Festival will be open from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Fri., Jun. 6 and Sat., Jun. 7, and 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sun., Jun. 8. Parking is available at Columbus State Community College, Capital University, Motorists’ Insurance and at meters and lots throughout the area. Proceeds from parking at Columbus State and Capital will go to student scholarships and activities.

Here’s a sample of what you’ll find at this year’s Columbus Arts Festival:

• Artist Market Approximately 250 artists from across the country and Canada will showcase and sell their work throughout the Festival site. This year, our artists were chosen from 1,200 applications in 15 types of media. More than 50 artists are brand new to the Festival.
• Music and more Hear everything from rhythm and blues to jazz to world music on the Main and Club stages, then head to the Ohio Magazine Poetry Corner for the best in spoken word and original poetry. Kids of all ages will enjoy the Giant Eagle Family Stage and the Topiary Park Children’s Theater Stage, where you can see storytellers, Irish dancers, a performance of Pinocchio by central Ohio children, and more. Plus, you’ll find mimes, magicians and strolling artists throughout the event.
• Great food Have a crab cake sandwich from Boulevard Grille, a giant meatball from Buca Di Beppo or a fried pickle from Old Bag of Nails, all in the same meal. We’ve got great food and drink from some of Columbus’ finest restaurants all throughout the Festival. See the enclosed release on our food vendors.
• Hands-on fun for the family Children and adults can show their artistic sides by participating in several interactive arts activities. The Hands-on Activities Area is located in the Columbus Museum of Art parking lot. A schedule of activities is enclosed.

While you’re at the Festival, don’t forget to take some time to learn more about our new location in the Discovery District. For more on the Discovery District, go to www.discoverydistrict.com.

Don't miss an exclusive preview of the Columbus Arts Festival's new home, part of Time Warner Cable's Local on Demand programming. For more information, click here.

You can also find out a little more about our Festival sponsors, without whom this event would not be possible. Our thanks to Time Warner Cable, our presenting sponsor, and NBC 4 and alive!, our media sponsors. Thanks also to AEP, Motorists Insurance, SWACO, Michelob Light, Ohio Magazine, the Salon Schools Group, Giant Eagle, Elmer’s and Design Communications for supporting this event. To download a map of the 2008 Columbus Arts Festival site, click here. We look forward to seeing you June 6, 7 and 8 at the Columbus Arts Festival!