By Jennifer Sadler

The New Year is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of this reflective time and enjoy the revitalizing energy that comes with new beginnings.

Few areas in life offer the kinds of shared and enriching experiences like the arts. Creative energy and community spirit all are barometers of well-being in a society. The arts help improve not only the quality of life in our community, but also offer new possibilities for growth and opportunities.

The past couple of years have been ripe with creative initiatives that seek to bring Columbus residents and visitors together to experience art. Building on the successes of the past year, there are a few exciting dream projects that are finally taking shape in 2011—the completion of phase one renovations to the Columbus Museum of Art which include extensive restoration of historic elements and innovative upgrades; the transformation of the old Wonder Bread factory into Wonderland, a hub for the local arts scene; and finally the completion of the Riverfront urban park projects, bringing beautiful green space downtown where people can converge for outdoor entertainment and relaxation.

Massive Renovation Brings Columbus Museum of Art into the 21st Century

More than a year and $6.9 million later, the Columbus Museum of Art (CMA) opened its doors to the public on New Year’s Day for the much-anticipated unveiling of extensive historic restoration and renovations which include redesigned galleries and a brand new Center for Creativity.

The big dream remodel began in October 2009 on the CMA’s historic Italian Renaissance Revival building, now known as the Elizabeth M. and Richard M. Ross Building, in honor of its benefactors.

Visitors can expect a striking transformation of the Museum revealing a new, luminous skylight in Derby Court; a spiffed up auditorium with comfy new seats and upgraded technology; improved accessibility; upgrades in lighting throughout; restoration of original decorative building features; and a re-imagining of the entire first floor as a Center of Creativity.

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PROFILE:  Christie Angel

By Jennifer Sadler

In just over a year, Columbus will celebrate the 200th anniversary of its founding in 1812. The 2012 Bicentennial will provide an opportunity to honor and reflect on our city's past, take a look at where we are today and look forward to a promising future. Leaders from a wide range of Columbus' private, public and civic organizations have formed a Bicentennial Organizing Committee. With the support of a broad-based group of community volunteers, the Committee will spearhead efforts to realize the core mission of Bicentennial 2012--to develop a robust and transformative commemoration of the city's Bicentennial that is a catalyst for greater economic prosperity. The Bicentennial’s goal is to create a community that is more inspired, proud and engaged in their progress and the increasing vitality of our city, putting Columbus on the map as one of the best places to live and work.

2011 will be an exciting year for the Bicentennial Committee and the bicentennial planning efforts are well underway in three core areas—Promotions, Celebrations and Initiatives. The Promotions Committee, led by Experience Columbus, is focused on promoting amazing local events and building pride in our great community. The Celebration Committee, led by GCAC, is charged with preparing an events strategy to celebrate our past, present and future. The Initiatives Committee is working to guide the projects and programs that will create a lasting Bicentennial legacy. To learn more, visit www.columbus2012.org.

GCAC is proud to serve as a leader in the Bicentennial planning and is honored for the chance to work with Christie Angel, the Initiatives Committee Co-chair, along with Mike Reese in the Mayor's office. GCAC spoke recently with Angel to find out more about her career, her involvement in the 2012 Bicentennial and what she’s looking forward to in the new year in Columbus.

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