Gallery Hop

Gallery Hop grew out of the rebirth of the Short North commercial district in the late 1970s and early 1980s, alongside the residential resurgence of Victorian Village and Italian Village. As galleries began appearing along a then blighted stretch of High Street, Art Reach, pm gallery, and Linda Apple’s gallery helped lead the way. In late 1984, galleries coordinated their art openings and artist receptions on the same day to boost business, and by the summer of 1985 the collaborative openings had become popular and took the name Gallery Hop. Neighboring restaurants, boutiques, and shops joined by showing the work of local artists, expanding both the arts experience and its audience. Street performers and shop musicians soon became part of the event, which turned into a celebrated Columbus tradition. On the first Saturday of each month, upwards of 10,000 people come to High Street beneath the 17 lighted arches to see art openings, enjoy performances, shop, and dine in the Short North Arts District. In the fall of 2014, the district marked the 30th anniversary of its signature event, which remains one of Columbus’s most celebrated arts events.

Columbus, Ohio · United States