Determined to build community through the arts, the multidisciplinary arts organization Wild Goose Creative opened a new center in Franklinton on Friday.

The newly renovated facility comes nearly two years after the nonprofit launched a Kickstarter campaign to extend its services locally. After raising more than $25,000 within 40 days, the organization landed the privately-owned space.

And with the pulse of Columbus' art scene in the heart of the Franklinton area, Executive Director Lydia Simon said there was no better place for expansion.

"In Franklinton, everybody is helping each other, and I've never experienced that in Columbus as far as businesses valuing partnerships as much as they do," Simon said. "It's just amazing."

Located at 188 McDowell St., the 3,000-square-foot building underwent construction for 18 months to make way for the center's signature art programs and creative events. Board Director Heather Lynn Kyle said the added space, nearly twice the size of its previous location at 2491 Summit St., will allow for broader developments to take shape.

"The building couldn't be in a better space with the art district being down here," Kyle said. "It's definitely a great setup and platform for us.

"We love Clintonville, and we were sad to leave, but it was time."

Franklinton's transformation into an artists' neighborhood

Chris Sherman, who's owned and occupied the space since 2004, said he's witnessed Franklinton's transformation over the years. And with Wild Goose's official placement in the area, he's confident the group's influence will heighten the neighborhood's reputation.

"I had so many offers to sell this place or rent it to someone else but I said, 'I want them here and we'll make it work however we can,' said Sherman, vice president of development for the real estate management and development company, Urban Smart Growth. "We've got a good plan in place."

Having encouraged Wild Goose to move to the area for years, Jim Sweeney, former executive director of the Franklinton Development Association, said Wild Goose's presence will strengthen the area's support of community members and local creatives.

"It's a perfect fit and huge jump forward for the Franklinton Arts District," he said.

Simon said the original plan was to build the Franklinton facility and maintain its flagship structure in Clintonville. But those ambitions were washed clean with the effects of COVID-19, which made operating two centers too tough a task, she said.

The organization was forced to close its Clintonville center last August and temporarily operate out of Bridge Gallery on 400 W. Rich St.

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Now, Wild Goose will place its focus on developing the new center and establishing programs essential to the development and creative expression of artists residing in the area, Simon said.

In addition to bringing past programs to the Franklinton center, Wild Goose will offer free space rentals for community-led programs on Sundays and launch a new community arts incubator aimed at connecting emerging creatives and professional artists to discuss career advancement opportunities and resources.

Simon said the organization will also host pop-up shows and weekly salsa dance classes, and allow residents to use the space for weddings, baby showers, private parties and other milestones. And coinciding with the area's programs, Wild Goose will gain a larger presence at Franklinton Fridays, she said.

Once the organization is established in Franklinton, Simon said one of the nonprofit's biggest priorities is to directly aid residents and community partners in need.

"We want to get into the community rather than them come to us, and just asking organizations what they need and what we can do to support them," she said. "We don't want to reinvent the wheel, we just want to give support where support is needed."

At this point, Simon said there are no plans for the original space to be reopened or for the organization to further expand. Instead, she and others will work to make the new center a fitting spot for support and collaboration inside the city's creative hub.

"We're just excited for people to see the space and envision what it is they want to do in the space."

– The Columbus Dispatch

At a glance

For more information about Wild Goose, visit https://www.wildgoosecreative.com/ or call 614-859-9453.