Short North Murals

Short North Murals. Turning Art on its Ear. The Short North Arts District’s growing collection of murals embodies the spirit that has earned the district its reputation as the art and soul of Columbus: a funky, colorful, larger-than-life patchwork of classic and original works. The large-scale paintings represent the many facets of the offbeat community. , Art as Attitude. Completed in 1986, a sly and sideways Mona Lisa reproduction set a playful tone that still resonates today in Italian Village Park. The topsy-turvy take on another sober masterpiece, American Gothic on Lincoln Street, provides a consummate backdrop for visitor photos, and a prime example of how this neighborhood turns convention, and art, on its head. , Art as Perspective. The Short North Arts District Temporary Mural Series is an ongoing public art installation featuring works of art from Short North Arts District galleries and partner arts institutions in Columbus. The murals, designed to remain in place one year, are vinyl reproductions of smaller works that are heat-sealed to buildings along High Street. Each series is installed along a theme, and features many nationally recognized artists from Central Ohio and beyond. , Art as Inspiration. A reproduction of Van Gogh’s Cafe Terrace at Night was initially conceived as a facelift for a then barren stretch of the District. Now a backdrop for the real-life cafe that has taken shape there, the impressionistic stars are a hopeful reminder of this area's artistic path from blight to brilliance. , Art as Entertainment. The Short North Arts District pocket parks let visitors and locals alike soak in the urban ambiance of High Street. Four concrete and brick pillars form beautiful archways with the help of three stained glass panels that act as an entrance to Chase Park. The pocket park is home to The Guardian, a colorful, playful sculpture by Russ Vogt that symbolizes organic creativity of the District. In the picturesque Poplar Park stands Andrew Lidgus’ obelisk titled In Dreams Again. The name is a phrase from Ohio’s state song, Beautiful Ohio, while the design on the totem depicts three cardinals and a trillium, Ohio's state bird and flower, and nature spirits: one receiving water to represent the name “Ohio,” based on the Iroquois word meaning “beautiful river,” and one receiving haves to honor the natural history of Ohio.