Central Ohio artists and arts organizations are recognized regionally, nationally and internationally for their achievements. Here are some of the latest headlines:

CDT and Carpe Diem go to New York

Columbus Dance Theatre in collaboration with Carpe Diem String Quartet traveled to New York's Alvin Ailey Studio Theatre to perform in a showcase concert on Jan. 10 and 11 of more than 20 dance companies from throughout the United States. The two groups performed excerpts from the Columbus concert on Jan. 3. New York Preview included the premiere of a string quartet arrangement of Philip Glass' Violin Concerto as arranged by Carpe Diem member and Columbus Symphony Orchestra Concert Master Charles Wetherbee. The Columbus concert also featured a presentation of CDT Artistic Director Tim Veach's . . . and the rest is silence. The dance is a multi-media work that reveals the destruction of a family in a war ravaged time. Set in front of a video backdrop by videographer Kevin Steele, the dance blends abstract movement, visual images, surging music, and bold theatricality to reveal its dramatic narrative.

The Columbus Symphony Returns!

The Columbus Symphony Orchestra returned to the Ohio Theatre stage in early December for the 25th Holiday Pops series and has announced its 2009 season schedule. The season opener took place on Jan. 10 at Veterans Memorial Auditorium with The Planets by Gustav Holst. Astronaut and Ohio native Senator John Glenn narrated the piece, which was accompanied by an exciting visual presentation of NASA space footage. The Classical Series will begin on Jan. 16 at the Ohio Theatre.

Stephanie Hightower Takes Role as President of National Group

Stephanie Hightower has resigned from GCAC's Board of Trustees to make time for her exciting new role as President for the next USA Track and Field quadrennial. Hightower was elected to the position in December. The USATF is the national governing body for track and field, long distance running and race walking in the US, with over 100,000 members and serves youth, elite, and master athletes across the country. Hightower is the Vice President of Institutional Advancement at the Columbus College of Art and Design and has served as a GCAC Board member since 2004.

Wild Carrot Duo Releases CD

Pam Temple and Spencer Funk of the roots duo and Artists-In-Schools group Wild Carrot recently released a new CD titled I've Heard That Song Before. The CD, featuring swing standards and traditional jazz tunes, was recorded live at Peter Karl Recording Studio.

Do you have a headline you'd like to share? Send it to Emily Swartzlander at eswartzlander@gcac.org.