Campbell awarded GCAC Big Ideas Grant
Greater Columbus Arts Council Awards Third Cycle of Support for Professional Artists Grants and Final Cycle of Big Ideas Grants
CONTACT: Jami Goldstein
(614) 221-8492
jgoldstein@gcac.org
November 17, 2021
The Greater Columbus Arts Council (Arts Council) approved the following grants: 65 Support for Professional Artists totaling $58,817 in November 2021 and eight Big Ideas grants totaling $20,000 since August.
Big Ideas: Big Ideas grants are intended to uplift artist ideas and projects that bring all art forms out into the community. The Arts Council has approved eight Big Ideas grants totaling $20,000 since August. One of the eight artists is core member, Karen Albanese Campbell for her public art Big Idea titled ” Just Walls: Art for People Who Wait”.
“My idea is to create public art for public assistance agency waiting rooms. I volunteer with the Riverview International Center and take immigrants and refugees to these spaces frequently. Job and Family Services, food pantries, medical clinics, St. Stephen’s Community House and Women, Infant and Children clinics. I was inspired in particular by the waiting room at the Clintonville WIC clinic. It has dark paneling, dark carpet, broken blinds, no art, no color and little light.
Just Walls will begin my pilot program to bring a possible combination of murals, wall art, wall paper, photography and new lighting for the art into these often dreary public places. I just want to lift the spirits of people in more hidden spaces. I was shocked to learn that the Franklin County WIC system sees 23-26,000 people every year. It is my hope that introducing art into these spaces will create an inviting and encouraging atmosphere.”
Shown above: Karen Albanese Campell and her 934 Mural Fest design titled “Love Can Move Mountains”.
Follow Karen and her public art journey this year at https://www.instagram.com/justwalls_publicart/