“Hop cop-out?” vs. “Best Arts Event in Ohio”

The Gallery Hop. If you currently live or have lived in Columbus, Ohio, you know this event very well. The first Saturday of every month, over 20,000 visitors come to the Short North to celebrate art and partake in an evening of shopping, food, music and cosmopolitan fun. Over 40 galleries and non-traditional art venues spotlight Ohio-based artists.

Just published this past Saturday, the Columbus Dispatch article, “Hop cop-out? Gallery owners think Short North event gives short shrift to its original purpose,” discusses the Gallery Hop and the lack of its arts focus–its grassroots origin. Even though the Short North has as many galleries as its every had at any one time, several art gallery owners state in the article that “[the galleries] have scattered or moved north — outnumbered by upscale boutiques, prime restaurants and innovative bars” causing commercial rent to rise significantly, shutting out galleries and independent shops. One gallery owner claims that rather than being an arts district, its now an “entertainment district.” 

On the other hand, last year, Ohio Magazine, January 2008, listed the Short North of Columbus, Ohio of having the “The Best Arts Event in the State.” Despite the claim that the Gallery Hop has lost its arts focus, the traffic and number of people coming to the Short North every month remains steady and seems to be growing.

Of course, I see this as a huge opportunity for Cargo Metro. The entertaining and experiential element of the store will bring a different spin to the area. With the current perception of the art galleries and restaurants/bars/boutiques being on different ends of the spectrum, Cargo Metro has the opportunity fill a void. An opportunity to help the Gallery Hop bring art back as the main focus by placing attention on different type of artists that aren’t necessarily being showcased, at this time. Due the social nature of authors, designers, musicians and photographers, the store will display their work and introduce a new angle to Columbus, Ohio.