Students unfamiliar with Columbus may find themselves veiled by 17 lighted metal archways as they walk South of campus down High Street. Those archways mark the Short North Arts District. Known as the “art and soul” of Columbus, the Short North is home to numerous art galleries, specialty shops, restaurants, and coffee houses. The first Saturday of every month, thousands of people come to the Short North for “Gallery Hop”: a 30-year-old tradition that celebrates the culture and art of central Ohio with gallery exhibitions, street performances, special events, food, and drinks throughout the district. With the diversity of people that converge to the Short North for Gallery Hop, TEDxOhioStateUniversity brought our iconic chalkboard to find out “What are your favorite things about Columbus?”.
Armed with only our massive chalkboard, colorful chalk, and radiant personalities, our members set out to find what makes Columbus the culturally vibrant city it is. Stationed outside Whit’s Frozen Custard, passersby were asked to write what their favorite things about Columbus were. To say people had a lot of ideas worth spreading would be an understatement. By the end of the night, the black face of the chalkboard was masked by a blanket of ideas written in bright chalk. Responses included everything from “The Pokemon” to “The Macaroons” and even a remark from a fan of that team up North. The Short North truly showcased its wide array of personalities, backgrounds, and values. It was a great experience and we hope to be back soon!
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