Columbus Museum of Art kicks off free-admission campaign for local youth, caregivers

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After a year of educational disruptions and social disconnection, the Columbus Museum of Art is offering a free admission program this summer for local youth, Columbus City Schools students and their caregivers.

To "renew their experience of wonder," the museum's WonderPass program applies research-based engagement strategies to nurture K-12 students’ own sense of joy, meaning and possibility, according to a press release. These strategies will be exercised through several experiences aimed at fostering discovery and innovative thinking.

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Things to do this summer in Columbus: What's happening, what's canceled and what's changed

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As venue and event spaces have begun to open their doors, a sense of hope has permeated through the city's entertainment circles.

As the summer festival and event season is fast approaching, we thought a roundup on the status of what is happening, what's going virtual or has been modified, and what is cancelled was in order.

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Asian Americans address need for awareness, advocacy during this year's Asian Festival

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As members of the Asian American community face an onrush of violent hate crimes, attacks that have increased since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jona Hilario and others said sharing their experiences is essential in the fight against racism.

While there's been growing awareness nationally, there's still a line of separation between Asian Americans and other residents on a local level, Hilario, a Hilliard resident, said. In helping educate central Ohioans on the matter, Hilario said events such as the Asian Festival can help bridge the gap.

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As an ode to mothers everywhere, author Mindy Drayer pens new book titled 'Dear Mom'

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As Mindy Drayer reflected on the life of her 90-year-old mother, Carm Drayer, she was driven to write a book that served as a public and worthy tribute to the person who raised her and her three siblings.

At the start, Drayer, a former WCMH-TV (Channel 4) news anchor, chronicled her mother's triumphs, devastating losses and continued fight against sarcoma cancer. (Drayer's father passed away 10 years ago.)

But as she filtered through the loving memories shared with her m

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Artist's work captures gravity of George Floyd's death, highlights racism in America

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In the days following the death of George Floyd, artist Charles "Mark Phi" Smart watched the gut-wrenching video of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin pinning his knee on the neck of the 46-year-old Black man as he pled for his life.

While Floyd's death prompted international protests, riots and renewed cries for social and racial justice, Phi felt compelled to create an art piece that spoke to his emotions.

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Trying to plan your summer vacation without leaving central Ohio? Check out these events

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As venue and event spaces have begun to open their doors, a sense of hope has permeated the city's entertainment circles.

As the summer festival and event season is fast approaching, we thought a roundup on the status of what is happening, what's going virtual or has been modified, and what is cancelled was in order.

Here's the status of some popular summertime events, based on information available now.

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An 'Immersive Van Gogh' exhibit to make its mark in the capital city

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Although details have yet to be confirmed, the "Immersive Van Gogh" exhibit will make its way to the capital city in the near future.

Filled with 500,000-cubic-feet of monumental projections that animate Vincent van Gogh's post-impressionist work, the exhibit will allow visitors to wander through various images that highlight his artistic genius.

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Ohio State Fair will not be open to the public this summer

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The Ohio Expositions Commission announced Thursday that the 2021 Ohio State Fair will not be open to the public. Instead, the annual event will focus on agricultural and educational competitions for exhibitors, their families and guests.

In an online release, members of the commission expressed concerns for the public health of residents and guests, as well as the potential financial impact of hosting a fair under current COVID-19 safety protocols.

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Columbus singers promote acts of kindness, shared empathy with debut singles, music videos

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As central Ohio marks the one-year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic, two Columbus artists are encouraging acts of kindness and shared empathy through their debut singles.

On March 12, artist Imber Solis, released "Proud of You," which serves as a call for the increased support of local health care workers.

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Columbus media pioneer in Black media industry shines light on value of TV network opportunity

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As a former hairstylist and makeup artist, Sharon Gordon never imagined she would operate her own TV network, one that has positioned her as a pioneer in the Black media industry.

Gordon's journey began with a desire to change the narrative about Black communities in the media.

"In my opinion, when I would see and view news about us in the mainstream (media), very seldom was it good news. It was still murder, death, kill," Gordon, 57, said.

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The Columbus Museum of Art receives $1 million for new fellowship program

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The Columbus Museum of Art on Wednesday announced that the Roy Lichtenstein Foundation has permanently endowed a $1 million gift to the organization to support a rotating two-year fellowship for emerging museum professionals.

This rotating fellowship, named the Lichtenstein Foundation Curatorial Fellowship for Diversity and Inclusion in the Arts, is the latest outcome of a partnership between the museum and the Roy Lichtenstein Foundation.

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Fashion brand Amongst Peers tailors a retail hub centered on creative collaboration

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Beyond creating its own stylings, Columbus fashion brand Amongst Peers has formed a retail hub in the Short North, one that aims to promote and sell streetwear brands from around the world.

Along with offering working class-inspired street and leisurewear branded under the Amongst Peers moniker, co-owner Mario Hairston said the store, located at 15 W. 5th Ave., carries brands and high-end garments from Montana, Miami, New York, Los Angeles and France.

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The coronavirus hasn’t dulled the Columbus battle rap scene

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Before Lucius Jones stepped in as promoter of the Shotz Fired Battle Rap League in July 2019, the league was a relatively unknown gem in the local hip-hop community, celebrated mostly by those diehard backers who believed strongly in its greater potential.

But since connecting with longtime Shotz Fired owner AR Green, Jones has helped carve out a platform for the city’s top battle rappers, expanding the league locally as the art form has grown in popularity.

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The reopening of Mesker Zoo offers much needed adventure post-quarantine

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As the Mesker Zoo Park & Botanic Garden reopened Monday, Kateryna Krasin said she couldn't wait to take her 10-month old daughter to see their favorite animals on display.

After the zoo closed due to the novel coronavirus, Krasin and other local families were relegated to Google searches and virtual tours online to get their exotic animal fix. But with Mesker staff welcoming back locals for the first time since March, dozens of families joined Krasin as she roamed through the zoo's grounds.

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