Gallery Hop invites central Ohioans to enjoy the creative side of the Short North

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The beloved Gallery Hop in the Short North was in full swing Saturday.

Organizer Johnny Riddle with the Short North Alliance said having this monthly event is important so the community can come together and celebrate the artists of Columbus and beyond.  

“Gallery Hop is a really great platform for established and emerging artists to get that showcase and connect with potential patrons and the community, ask questions and really create that relationship,” Riddle said.  

For 40 years, Gallery Hop has been a staple in the Short North community, returning the first Saturday of each month. The event highlights the works of a variety of artists, from painters to dancers. But even for a light-hearted event like this, organizers said it is imperative that everyone feels protected.  

Watch: Gallery Hop is hopping

“We really want to emphasize is that the Short North Arts District really is still a safe and embracing community where a family can have a great meal, explore some of the traditional galleries and walk down streets and discover public art all while feeling safe,” Riddle said.  

Another goal for organizers is to make Gallery Hop more pedestrian friendly in future events, like next month's Holiday Hop. Ideas include shutting down certain streets and increasing Columbus police patrols. Overall, the hope moving forward is to develop new ways to celebrate artists.   

“To continue to evolve and grow and new ways to showcase different mediums of art, as well as showcase the art that's not just created in the Short North Arts District -- which is a lot -- but the art that is created throughout the city,” Riddle said.