The LocaL, February 2026 by The LocaL Magazine, Columbus, Ga

STUFF TO READ

PAWS Humane Society

Introduces The Yard: A New Social Space For Dogs & The People Who Love Them

ART & MUSEUMS Calendar

COLUMBUS JAZZ SOCIETY

Columbus, Jazz, & Why It Still Matters

AROUND TOWN Calendar

CineForge Co-op

When What Is On Screen Ain’t What The Real Story Is Abou

A Night Out with Riverdance

Choose Wonder. Choose Joy. Choose the Exceptional.

Stirrup Trouble

Baddie, Spelled with a V

We Are The Drum & The Scribe Najee Dorsey

ebruary has a funny way of slowing us down. The holidays are long gone and the new year shine has worn off. We’re left with the real work of showing up, for ourselves, for each other, and for the places we call home.

That’s where this issue lives.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve spent time listening. Sitting across from artists, business owners, cultural stewards, and creative minds who are quietly doing the work of keeping Columbus interesting, thoughtful, and alive. Not flashy work. Real work. The kind that doesn’t always ask for attention, but deserves it anyway.

This February issue of The LocaL is about presence.

You’ll find that in The Drum and The Scribe, an exhibition rooted in history, voice, and intention. After spending time with Najee Dorsey, I came away with a deeper understanding of the philosophy and urgency behind Black Art in America, and why seeing this work in person matters. The exhibition runs alongside new works by Bo Bartlett at the Bo Bartlett Center, with both holding a shared public reception on February 19 from 6–8 p.m. It’s a rare and meaningful moment for our city, and one not to be missed.

You’ll also meet local entrepreneur and all-around baddie V, the force behind Stirrup Trouble. What started as a watering hole has become something much bigger: a gathering place, an event space, and a collaboration catapult for people building community in real time.

Local film writer Andy Carpenter shares a personal story that reminds us that what we see on screen is rarely the whole story, and why the truth often lives in the quiet moments just outside the frame.

Our resident jazz enthusiast and president of the Columbus Jazz Society, Z Lawrence, reflects on the legacy of Ma Rainey following her recent Grammy recognition, tying national acclaim back to deep local roots.

And because joy is not optional, I also had the chance to speak with Padraic Moyles, CEO of Riverdance, ahead of their February 10 performance at the RiverCenter. His words were thoughtful, grounding, and full of heart.

As always, you’ll find a full smorgasbord of events in our calendar, because building a life here should include art, music, conversation, and plenty of reasons to leave the house.

At The LocaL, our goal has never been to chase what’s loud. We exist to document what’s real – to spotlight the people and places shaping Columbus with intention, heart, and hustle.

Thank you for reading, supporting, and believing in local storytelling. It only works because you do.

Monica Jones

Publisher, The

LocaL

issuu.com/thelocalcolumbus

What We Are All About.

The mission of the LocaL magazine is to bring you the best in art, music, food and fun from Columbus and the surrounding area. Locally owned and operated, we work to improve and expand community relationships through promoting positive events, people and stories. When good things are happening, we will be here to help you get involved. Our monthly print issues feature stories and events that comprise and drive the ongoing surge toward a more beautiful community. This magazine exists because we who work on it believe in actively engaging with community improvement, and we invite you to join us, not only by reading these pages, but also by taking part in any of the many wonderful events we feature.

Image by boudoir by Jeanita

Introduces

The Yard

F or anyone who has ever watched their dog sprint freely across a local dog park, tail high and joy unfiltered, the feeling is unmistakable. It’s that small, perfect moment where time slows, conversations start naturally, and community forms without effort. That simple, shared experience is the heartbeat behind The Yard — the newest venture from Paws Humane Society, and one designed to bring dogs, their people, and the Columbus community together.

Just one year after being awarded the City of Columbus Animal Services contract, Paws Humane

Society is stepping into a bold new chapter with the launch of The Yard, a membership-based dog park and social space built on connection, compassion, and belonging.

Located at 1432 5th Avenue, The Yard is breathing new life into the former home of Fetch Park, transforming a familiar space into something refreshed, reimagined, and deeply purpose-driven. While longtime locals may recognize the address, the vision behind The Yard represents an entirely new chapter — one rooted in creative community engagement and sustained support for animals in need.

At its core, The Yard is a space built for connection. It offers a place where dogs can run, explore, and socialize off leash in a safe, thoughtfully designed environment, while their people slow down and enjoy the experience alongside them. Guests can relax with a drink, strike up conversations with fellow dog lovers, catch up with friends, or simply enjoy being outdoors

while their dogs do what they do best.

Whether stopping by for a quick visit or settling in for the afternoon, The Yard is intentionally designed to feel comfortable, easy, and inviting — more like a neighborhood gathering space than a traditional dog park. It’s a destination where people are encouraged to linger, return often, and feel at home.

This new space is for dog people and their friends — not just pet owners, but anyone who appreciates a good atmosphere, genuine connection, and being part of something positive. The Yard will host live music, social gatherings, themed nights, and community-focused events, along with dog-friendly

activities that make every visit feel a little different from the last. With a thoughtfully curated calendar of experiences, The Yard gives people a reason to come back again and again.

Presented by Paws Humane Society, The Yard also serves a much larger purpose. Every membership, every event, and every visit directly supports the lifesaving work of Paws. Revenue generated through The Yard helps fund animal care, adoptions, medical treatment, and community outreach programs — allowing guests to enjoy themselves while making a meaningful and tangible impact in the lives of local pets.

The Yard represents an exciting step forward for Paws Humane Society: a fresh, innovative way to engage the community, grow sustainable support for animals in need, and create a destination that feels both fun and meaningful. It blends recreation with compassion, offering a space where people can relax, connect, and know that their time there contributes to something bigger than themselves.

Opening dates and a full events schedule will be announced soon.

Paws Humane Society invites the community to come experience The Yard — a place where dogs, people, and purpose come together, and where every visit helps create a brighter future for animals.

Paws Humane Society 4900 Milgen Road, Columbus, GA 31907 pawshumane.org | 706-565-0035

½ off Tuesdays at the Columbus Collective Museums Immerse yourself in a maze of thrifting and discovery. Originally the Lunch Box Museum, now also the Royal Crown Cola Museum, The Chero-Cola Museum, The Nehi Drink Museum, The Georgia Radio Museum, The Tom Huston Peanut Museum, a Car Museum and more. Over 1,000 lunch boxes will just get you started. Local Readers get ½ off their ticket price every Tuesday. Open 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Monday - Saturday , 3218 Hamilton Road, Columbus Tours at the Springer

Springer Tours is an unforgettable evening of history, mystery, and the unexplained. Are you brave enough to face the possible ghosts that haunt our historic theater? Please be aware that this is a 45-minute walking tour that will involve navigating multiple staircases within the Springer. For ages 12 and up. Tickets are available at their Box Office at 706-327-3688. 8 p.m., 9:30 p.m., 11 p.m. , Springer Opera House, 103 East 10th Street, Columbus Sketching Under the Skylight

Come and join us for our monthly figure drawing series to catch the creative spirit while drawing under the Center’s skylights. This free event happens every second Thursday of the month and is open to the public of all ages and skill levels. Just bring your own supplies. The Bo Bartlett Center, 921 Front Avenue, Columbus America Fantastica: Memories, Dreams, and Chance Dive into a dreamlike atmosphere that makes a nod to pivotal moments in American surrealism, including the legendary “mile of string” installation from Marcel Duchamp and the iconic View magazine cover by Joseph Cornell. You’ll discover interactivity woven throughout the show, including a can’t-miss tech display where visitors of all ages can play the classic exquisite corpse drawing game. Don’t just visit - experience it. Daily , The Columbus Museum, 1251 Wynnton Road, Columbus Drop In Tour:

Celebrating the Columbus Museum Collection

Join a COMU docent for a guided tour highlighting The Columbus Museum’s permanent collection. No registration required. Every Saturday, 2 p.m. , The Columbus Museum, 1251 Wynnton Road, Columbus

The Da Vinci Code

Professor Robert Langdon is called to the Louvre in the dead of night, where he unwittingly becomes the center of a murder investigation. When cryptologist Sophie Neveu arrives at the scene, she alerts Robert that, not only is he being asked to solve the crime, he is also the prime suspect. Soon they are in a race against time to clear Robert’s name and decipher a labyrinthine code before a shocking historical secret is lost forever. From Paris to London and beyond, follow along with two of your favorite characters as they solve this pulse-racing mystery. Sunday, February 1, 2 p.m. , The Springer Opera House, 103 10th Street, Columbus Riverdance 30th Anniversary

The Grammy award-winning music and the infectious energy of its mesmerizing choreography and breathtaking performances has left audiences in awe. This spectacular production rejuvenates the much-loved original show with new innovative choreography and costumes and state of the art lighting, projection and motion graphics. And for the first time Riverdance welcomes “The New Generation” of performers, all of whom were not born when show began 30 years ago. Tuesday, February 10, 7:30 p.m. , RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, 900 Broadway, Columbus

The Black Experience in Civil War Columbus: Slavery and Freedom

An insightful talk by the museum’s Director of History and Collections, Logan Barrett, who will explore the lived experiences of African Americans in Civil War–era Columbus. Then stay for the tour. Guests will take a guided walk through this unique museum and its impressive collection of Civil War naval artifacts. There will be plenty of time to ask questions, make connections, and reflect together as we deepen our understanding of this important chapter of our shared history. Bring a friend. Bring your family. Bring your curiosity. S aturday, February 14, 1 p.m. , National Civil War Naval Museum, 1002 Victory Drive, Columbus

The Orchestra Games:

An Olympic Musical Adventure for Kids!

With the help of a narrator, kids will learn how the orchestra works all while clapping, laughing, and rooting for their musical champions. John Williams’ thrilling “The Flight to Neverland” from Hook and “Flying Theme” from E.T. bring this musical adventure full circle in an unforgettable symphonic showdown. Saturday, February 14, 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m ., RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, 900 Broadway, Columbus Lights, Camera, Music!

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a spectacular Pops concert honoring the legendary collaboration between composer John Williams and director Steven Spielberg. From the sweeping drama of Saving Private Ryan and War Horse to the exhilarating thrills of Jurassic Park and Jaws, Williams’ music captures the heart of every story it touches. The program features unforgettable selections from Hook, E.T., Indiana Jones, Munich, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and more—each score brought vividly to life by the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. Saturday, February 14, 7:30 p.m. - 9:15 , RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, 900 Broadway, Columbus The Puzzle of Politics:

Calvin Smyre Exhibition Reception

Celebrate COMU’s newest exhibition The Puzzle of Politics: Calvin Smyre in Service, 1975-2025, at this memorable event. View the exhibition and enjoy a moderated conversation between Smyre and Jim Blanchard about his political and philanthropic career. Light snacks and a cash bar will be available. Thursday, February 19, 5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. , The Columbus Museum, 1251 Wynnton Road, Columbus Public Reception: We Are the Drum and the Scribe & Bo Bartlett’s Homefront

Join us for the public reception of We Are the Drum and the Scribe: Black Art in America Collection, in which we celebrate the amazing works of several artists showcased by BAIA. Along with a concurrent Reception for Bo Bartlett’s Homefront series. This event is free and open to the public, and refreshments will be provided. Thursday, February 19, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m ., The Bo Bartlett Center, 921 Front Avenue, Columbus Gallery Exhibition at The Do Good Fund: INTERIOR

A thematic group exhibition about the psychological space that shapes who we are in private. Drawing from southern female lens-based practices, curator Elizabeth Elliott pulls together work from both inside and outside of the Do Good Fund collection to explore domestic spaces as sites of healing, agency, joy and pain. Join us for a Do Good Salon Saturday, February 21, at 5p. This event is free and open to the public. ThroughFebruary 21, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. , The Do Good Fund, 111, 12th Street, Columbus Swan Lake by International Ballet Stars

A story of love, magic, and triumph, brought to life through the powerful choreography of Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov, set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score. This production features allnew, hand-painted sets and over 200 custom-designed scenery elements, transforming the stage into a dreamlike landscape. With world-renowned ballet artists from Moldova, Spain, Italy, Kyrgyzstan, Romania, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Poland, the United States, Japan, Turkey, Armenia, Tajikistan, Belarus, and Principal Dancers from Ukraine, this performance embodies the spirit of international artistry and excellence. Thursday, February 26, 7 p.m. , RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, 900 Broadway, Columbus

A Bad Case of the Stripes

In this fun musical adaptation of David Shannon’s beloved book, Camilla thinks she must choose between her favorite food - lima beans - and the acceptance of those around her. But the harder she tries to conform to other people’s opinions, the more miserable (and colorful) she becomes. With infectious energy and heartfelt message, A Bad Case of Stripes reminds audiences of all ages that embracing your true colors is the key to selfdiscovery and acceptance. February 28 - March 8, (various dates/ times), Springer Opera House, 103 10th Street, Columbus

The Miracles ft. Sydney Justin & The Delfonics

Founded by Motown legend Smokey Robinson, The Miracles produced an amazing 26 Top 40 songs, four of which are in the Grammy Hall of Fame – big hits including “Shop Around,” “The Tracks of My Tears,” “Tears of a Clown,” “I Second That Emotion.” “Ooh, Baby Baby” “Mickey’s Monkey” “Goin’ to A-Go-Go” and many more. Their music captivated audiences with its heartfelt lyrics and catchy hooks. As one of the first black groups to achieve

mainstream success, they paved the way for other Motown artists and left a lasting impact on the music industry as a whole. Saturday, February 28, 7:30 p.m. , RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, 900 Broadway, Columbus

The Puzzle of Politics: Calvin Smyre in Service

This exhibition explores Smyre’s decades of service and his role in high-profile legislation, such as making Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday a state holiday, replacing the 1950s-era state flag, construction of the Georgia Dome, and passing a hate crimes law. Smyre’s advocacy for Muscogee County issues and causes is highlighted, including his role in bringing the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts to life and his long-running involvement with the Fountain City Classic and Leaders of Today and Tomorrow. His dedication to public service is matched only by his zeal for jigsaw puzzles. Through - March 1 , The Columbus Museum, 1251 Wynnton Road, Columbus Exhibition: Bo Bartlett: Paintings from the HomeFront

Georgia-born artist Bo Bartlett has been heard to whisper in confidence that he is unofficially “retiring”. No one knows what that means or what it may look like, but apparently work is continuing in the privacy of his studios both in Georgia and in Maine. Through - March 14 , The Bo Bartlett Center, 921 Front Avenue, Columbus Mixed Doubles: Community Portrait Series

A community portrait project inviting people to be photographed in pairs—partners, siblings, friends, coworkers, neighbors, caregivers, and more. The project celebrates human connection and shared relationships through portrait sessions. Open to all, no experience required, and free to participate. Each pair receives a copy of their portrait. Portrait Sessions: Monday, March 2 –Saturday, March 14, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. , daily. More Info / Sign Up: thedogoodfund.org/mixeddoublesinfopage. Exhibition Opening & Artist Presentation: Saturday, March 21 , (time TBD), By Teri Slotkin, The Do Good Fund Gallery, 111 12th Street, Uptown Columbus

Making Bank:

Money and Columbus Financial Institutions

This exhibition utilizes artifacts in the Museum’s permanent collection and object loans from individuals and local financial institutions. It also features historic coins and banknotes, placing a special focus on the artistry and symbolism of designs used on these commonplace objects. Through - March 26 . The Columbus Museum, 1251 Wynnton Road, Columbus Exhibition: Elizabeth Brim

Born and raised in Columbus, Georgia, Elizabeth Brim forged her way as a pioneer of contemporary blacksmithing. She draws from traditional trappings of a proper southern lady: a Sunday hat, strappy high heeled shoes, a lacefringed pillow, and a silky slip dress to name a few. She introduced a distinctly feminine perspective into the maledominated field in the late 1980’s. The irony and metaphor of such delicate objects wrought in iron cannot be missed. A true homecoming. Public reception on March 26th, 6-8 pm, with a screening of Iron Pearls, a retrospective film of Elizabeth, to begin at 7:30 pm. Through - April 25 , The Bo Bartlett Center, 921, Front Avenue, Columbus Exhibition: We Are the Drum and the Scribe: Black Art in America Collection

Both an exhibition and an affirmation of Black Art In America‘s (BAIA) ongoing mission to document, preserve, and promote the contributions of African American visual culture. As the Scribe, BAIA records, preserves, and safeguards the visual histories of African American artists—ensuring that their legacies, past and present, are written into the record of American art. As the Drum, BAIA amplifies those voices—allowing both emerging and established artists to resonate across the nation through exhibitions, collections, media, an d meaningful institutional partnerships. Through - May 16, The Bo Bartlett Center, 921 Front Avenue, Columbus

Want to see your event listed here? Email:events@thelocalcolumbus.com

COLUMBUS JAZZ

& Why It Still Matters

Before we talk about national awards or televised ceremonies, we should talk about Columbus. Jazz and blues didn’t arrive here through history books or curated playlists. They grew here. They lived here. And they continue to shape the city’s cultural identity in ways that don’t always need outside validation to matter.

That legacy came into sharper focus in 2023, when Ma Rainey, widely known as the Mother of the Blues, received a posthumous Lifetime Achievement

Grammy. Born Gertrude “Ma” Rainey in Columbus, her groundbreaking artistry laid the foundation for the blues and directly influenced the evolution of jazz, gospel, and popular music worldwide.

The Grammy recognition, awarded decades after her passing, affirms the lasting cultural and historical significance of her work and formally enshrines her

legacy among the highest achievements in American music. It also serves as a reminder of the responsibility and opportunity Columbus holds in preserving and honoring that heritage.

The Music and Entertainment Council has played a key role in documenting and celebrating the city’s musical history through education, programming, and community engagement. These efforts have helped pave the way for the Columbus Jazz Society to formally recognize the blues as a core and essential part of its artistic and cultural mission.

By honoring the blues not only as a historical genre but as a living tradition, Columbus continues to celebrate the artists who shaped it and the community from which it emerged. Ma Rainey’s Grammy Award stands as both a milestone in music history and a reaffirmation of our city’s place in the American musical story.

What makes jazz endure in a city like Columbus isn’t visibility. It’s commitment.

Jazz has never relied on mass appeal to survive. It

relies on listeners who are willing to slow down, lean in, and listen closely. That kind of attention is cultivated over time, through small rooms, recurring events, educators who keep teaching, and audiences who keep showing up even when the crowd is modest and the spotlight is elsewhere.

In Columbus, jazz continues to exist in that quieter,

more meaningful way. It shows up in conversations between musicians after a set, in students discovering the roots of the music for the first time, and in community gatherings where the music isn’t background noise, but the reason people came together in the first place.

That kind of scene doesn’t make headlines, but it makes history. And it’s exactly how legacies like Ma Rainey’s continue to matter — not as museum pieces, but as living influences shaping what comes next.

This spring, that legacy takes shape through events that bring jazz and blues out of the history books and into shared spaces. The Columbus Jazz Society Annual Soirée on April 4, the Fountain City Jazz Festival on April 11, and MaFest: Blues, Jazz & Bar-B-Q on April 25 each offer opportunities to experience the music not as an abstract tradition, but as a living, breathing part of

By Arreasha Z Lawrence

Z Lawrence, Jack Flournoy & Super Producer Billy Dorsey

the community.

Against this backdrop, the 2026 Grammy nominations offer a broader snapshot of where jazz sits nationally. They reflect a genre that continues to stretch stylistically, honoring both revered icons and younger artists reshaping the sound through experimentation, collaboration, and cultural storytelling.

Still, jazz doesn’t live on ballots. It lives in rooms. On stages. In cities willing to show up for it.

That’s why local jazz scenes matter more than any awards ceremony. They are where artists develop their voices, audiences learn how to listen, and traditions are carried forward not by institutions alone, but by people. In Columbus, jazz isn’t something we wait to see validated elsewhere. It’s something we actively participate in.

The Grammys may spotlight jazz once a year, but Columbus carries it year-round. And that’s the story worth telling. u

UPCOMING JAZZ & BLUES EVENTS IN COLUMBUS

• Columbus Jazz Society

• Annual Soirée – April 4

• Fountain City Jazz Festival – April 11

• MaFest: Blues, Jazz & Bar-B-Q – April 25

Weekly Swing Dance

Monday scaries? Not anymore. Come learn how to swing dance and twirl your cares away every Monday night at First Presbyterian Church in Uptown Columbus. 6:30-7 Beginner lesson (free with admission), 7-8:30 Dancing. Every Monday, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. , First Presbyterian Church, 1100 First Avenue, Columbus Tuesday Trivia with April Norris

Fun trivia with an even funner host. Come out to The Bottom every Tuesday and work your brain, while enjoying some tasty cocktails and food from your friends from the Wicked Hen. Every Tuesday, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m ., The Bottom (upstairs from the Wicked Hen), 1350 13th Street, Columbus Story Time with Grammy Trish

Join us for Story Time with Grammy Trish where she’ll read charming children books and engage with your little ones. Every Wednesday at 11 a.m. , Columbus Bound Bookshop, 1328 13th Street, Columbus Bachata Wine Wednesday

Grow your dance skills with us in our fun, judgment free environment. 1hr classes are $15 | Cash or card @ door. Pay for the month at a discounted rate. We can’t wait to see you. Every Wednesday, 6 - 8 p.m. , Event by BailaMo, Art of Yoga, 4924 Armour Road, Columbus Sweet South Music Revival @ The Loft Enjoy music of the American South. Gospel, Blues, Soul, Funk, Zydeco, Jazz, Americana, and more. With Jesse Shelby & Jason Ezzell. Wednesday nights, 7 p.m.10 p.m. , The Loft, 1032 Broadway, Columbus Crown and Comedy Night @ The Loft

It’s always laughs at the Loft as our favorite hostess with the mostest Lil’ Bit takes the stage to introduce the best comedians around. Every Thursday, 7:30 p.m. , The Loft, 1032 Broadway, Columbus

Live Music @ The Bottom

Good friends and oxymoronic experiences. With live music most Wed, Thurs and Friday’s. Check their social media for the latest updates. Bottom’s UP! Open Monday - Saturday, 4 p.m. - 12 a.m. , The Bottom, 1350 13th Street, above the Wicked Hen Restaurant, near Lakebottom Park, Columbus Look at Lunch @ COMU

Spend your lunch break at COMU with a 20-minute gallery presentation followed by lunch in the courtyard. Bring your food or purchase from the Museum Café. E very 2nd Tuesday, 12:15 p.m. - 12:35 p.m. , The Columbus Museum, 1251 Wynnton Road, Columbus Columbus River Dragons vs Biloxi Breakers Women in business night. Friday, January 30, 7:35 p.m. , The Columbus Civic Center, 400 4th Street, Columbus Dixie Red at The Varsity

Never miss a night at the Varsity with Dixie Red. Friday, January 30, 9 p.m. , The Varsity Sports Bar and Grill, 3745 Hwy 80, Phenix City

Food and the Soul of America: Preserving Family Recipes

Georgia Author and Archivist Valerie J. Frey leads this lecture/ workshop on how you can save and explore your family history through recipes. She’ll offer tips on preservation of old/ heirloom materials and will offer guidelines on developing your personal “toolkit” to work with your own family recipes. S aturday, January 31, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. , Columbus Public Library, 3000 Macon Rd, Columbus

Full Moon Market

This is not me-maw’s craft market. Catch the vibe with our select makers and curators. Food trucks and always good vibes. Sunday, February 1, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. , The Vibe on 6th, 1301 6th Avenue, Columbus Full Moon Ride

We will ride at a conversational pace with just a few miles to our destination. We’ll have some great music and will stop at a local spot to grab a beverage. Rentals are just $5, but be sure to reserve in advance. Sunday, February 1, 8 p.m. , Ride On Bikes, 1036 Broadway, Columbus Magic Hunks - Australian Takeover

This show is intensely exciting and will drive you absolutely WILD...in the best possible way. These guys bring down the house with a Man-tastic Night of Fun & Excitement. Get ready for the Best Girls Night Ever. Whether you’re celebrating a Birthday, Bachelorette Party, Divorce, Dirty Thirty or your Sheer Awesome Self. Wednesday, February 4 , Chattabrewchee Southern Brewhouse, 1301 6th Avenue, Columbus Camellias and Cocktails

Grab a self-guided tour book and start your walk at our cash bar with complimentary charcuterie. It will feature specialty cocktails inspired by several of our camellias, such as the “La Peppermint” and “Sweet Scent-sation.” A fun scavenger hunt will also be featured. Non-alcoholic “mocktails” will be available. Thursday, February 5, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. , The Columbus Botanical Garden, 3603 Weems Road, Columbus

Artist Lecture by Jonathan Kline:

Raphael, An Italian Renaissance Artist

Known for his graceful style and powerful ideas, Raphael created artworks that were both beautiful and meaningful, shaped by the politics and culture of his time. Though he lived only 37 years, his impact as a painter, designer, and architect set a standard for artistic excellence that lasted for centuries. Thursday, February, 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. , CSU Illges Gallery, 921 Front Avenue, Columbus Food and the Soul of America:

Author/Television Host John T. Edge

This multiple award-winning writer and storyteller was the longtime director of the Southern Foodways Alliance and one of the important voices who raised the nation’s consciousness on the glory of grits, collards, and cornbread. Mr. Edge’s books will be for sale at the event and he will be available for autographs. Thursday, February 5, 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. , Columbus Public Library, 3000 Macon Road, Columbus

Rob Obando Live @ The Vibe

Local musician Rod Obando performing and debuting his upcoming single. Thursday, February 5, 7 p.m. , The Vibe on 6th, 1301 6th Avenue, Columbus

706 Shop Social

Join us for our very first event of the year. We will host a sidewalk sale with pop up vendors, local author book signing, prizes, wine slushie specials, and tons of fun. Stay tuned for a complete list of activities and sales. F ebruary 6 & 7 (67), The 706 Social, 1025 Broadway, Columbus Murder at the Shady Grove Trailer Park

Are you ready for some more murder mystery fun? Well we are too. This time we take our story to a local trailer park where the residents have colorful lives with some occasional discourse. They go to roller derby and play bingo each week and they all want to be on the Jerry Springer show. What an opportunity for some shenanigans. Friday, February 6, 7, 13 & 14, 7 p.m. , Midland Lodge, 8701 Garrett Road, Midland Midnight Club @ The Vibe

Local Car Meet, Live music, Vibe lounge, Local Retailers and Friends. Friday, February 6, 7 p.m. , The Vibe on 6th, 1301 6th Avenue, Columbus

Paint Sip & Vibe

The perfect option for a date night, friends’ night out, or a unique way to unwind. Each guest will receive a canvas and all painting supplies needed to create their own masterpiece. Enjoy the smooth sounds of a live saxophone performance by BigSaxy. A full bar will be available. No experience required. Friday, February 6, 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. , Columbus Civic Center, 400 4th Street, Columbus

Artful Babies (Ages 6-24 months)

Designed to spark curiosity and creativity, this dropin program encourages early learning through play, discovery, and shared experiences in a museum setting. Saturday, February 7, & Tuesday, February 10, 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. , The Columbus, Museum, 1251 Wynnton Road, Columbus

Columbus Community Orchestra

“Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute Concert”

As a special Black History Month remembrance, the CCO will offer a reflective “The Patriotic MLK, Jr.” presentation. Special guests include WTVM’s Dee Armstrong, guest narrator and select student talent from the Rainey-McCullers School of the Arts. Admission is free. Call 706-575-5371 for more information. Monday, February 9, 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. , Rainey-McCullers School of the Arts, 1700 Midtown Drive, Columbus After School Art Break

Join us in the Studio each month for a new artmaking project inspired by an object from the COMU collection. Explore different materials, spark your imagination, and take home a one-of-a-kind creation—no registration required. Tuesday, February 10, 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. , The Columbus Museum, 1251 Wynnton Road, Columbus Food and the Soul of America: Classic Country Cooking: With “The Chicken Lady”

Growing up surrounded by good southern cookin’ and local restaurateurs, the inheritor of Minnie’s Uptown Restaurant has learned more than a thing or two about bringing a classic recipe to life, being a local business owner, and sharing the joy of a warm plate of comfort food. Tuesday, February 10, 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. , Columbus Public Library, 3000 Macon Road, Columbus Georgia Poetry Circuit Reading by Tim Seibles Tim Seibles was born in Philadelphia in 1955. His poems engage many aspects of life, from the romantic to the sociopolitical to the mystical. His poems have appeared in several anthologies including: Poetry Goes to The Movies, Seriously Funny, Uncommon Core, This Is The Honey, and Villanelles. Come enjoy a reading by this amazing Georgia Poetry Circuit poet. Wednesday, February 11, 5 p.m. - 6 p.m. , Columbus State University, Main Campus, 4225 University Avenue, Columbus Food and the Soul of America:

“Food Scarcity in the Time of War” Lecture Series

Dr. Anne Sarah Rubin, the renowned Organization of American Historians Distinguished Lecturer and the award-winning author of A Shattered Nation: The Rise and Fall of the Confederacy, will talk about the complications of keeping soldiers, citizens and slave fed as the Civil War reached its concluding years. Wednesday, February 11, 6 p.m.- 7 p.m. , Columbus Public Library, 3000 Macon Road, Columbus

Workshop: Figure Sculpting with Jon Lumpkin Participants will explore proportion, gesture, and form while developing a three-dimensional understanding of the human figure through hands-on practice. Registration for this workshop is required for this event through the Illges Gallery. Contact us for more information. Friday, February 13, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. , CSU Illges Gallery, 921 Front Avenue, Columbus Galetine’s “Girl Dinner”

This elevated experience features three handcrafted

cocktails, each expertly paired with three chef-curated small bites that highlight playful flavor combinations. Guests will also enjoy a stunning artisanal charcuterie board, a decadent dessert board, and plenty of cozy, beautifully decorated spaces perfect for relaxing, taking photos. Friday, February 13, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. , Columbus Botanical Garden, 3603 Weems Road, Columbus

The Black Hearts Ball

The Vibe’s “Anti-Valentines Day” Featuring fun breakup jams from local acts. Friday, February 13, 7 p.m. , The Vibe on 6th, 1301 6th Avenue, Columbus Midnight Satellite @ The Loft

Is it bad to be good? It’s the night before Valentine’s at the Loft and it’s Friday the 13th? YES. It’s the absolute place to be for a great band, some good food and a ton of friends to bring in the night. Friday, February 13, 9:30 p.m. , The Loft, 1032 Broadway, Columbus Great Backyard Bird Count

Participants spend time in their favorite places observing and counting as many birds as they can find and report their findings. This helps scientists better understand global bird populations. We hope we can ‘count you in’ this year. Guided hikes and counts from 9am-12pm

Not an early bird? Feathery friends activities will continue throughout the day. Fun for the whole family, no experience necessary. Saturday, February 14, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. , Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center, 3535 South Lumpkin Road, Columbus Valentine’s Day Needle Felting Workshop

Join us and our talented staff will guide you through the process and provide all the materials to make a card, envelope, or keychain. $5 per person with museum admission. Event will take place in the Kiser House. Call 706-221-9330 or email info@westville. org for more information. Saturday, February 14, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. , Historic Westville, 3557 South Lumpkin Road, Columbus Mini Makers (Ages 2-4)

Each session features new materials to explore and a chance to create mini masterpieces to take home. Designed for ages 2–4, this drop-in program encourages imagination, learning, and quality time together in a fun, welcoming environment. February 14 & 17, 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. , The Columbus Museum, 1251 Wynnton Road, Columbus Yoga at the Museum

Start with a short mindfulness exercise then relax with a gentle, all-levels yoga session led by Sue Tomkiewicz. Some yoga mats are available on a first-come, firstserved basis. Registration is required. Saturday, February 14, 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m ., The Columbus Museum, 1251 Wynnton Road, Columbus Lifelong Learners

Join us for our monthly lunch lecture series highlighting topics related to objects and exhibitions currently on view. Dr. Judy Purnell will be discussing the history of Columbus’s Black schools. An optional gallery experience will begin at 11:30, while the talk will begin at 12:15. Participants have the option to purchase lunch from the Museum’s Café or bring their own. Registration requested. Tuesday, February 17, 12:15 - 1 p.m. , The Columbus Museum, 1251 Wynnton Road, Columbus Artist Lecture: Dan Haskett

Known for his influential design work on The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and numerous beloved characters, Haskett brings a deep understanding of animation history, storytelling, and artistic integrity. Joining us via live streaming from San Francisco, his lecture offers a rare opportunity to learn directly from a master whose vision continues to shape the field of animation. Tuesday, February 17, 12:15 p.m. - 1:15

p.m., CSU Illges Gallery, 921 Front Avenue, Columbus Food and the Soul of America: Very Vera! Known for her many food-oriented businesses as well as for defeating Bobby Flay during one of his “Throwdown with Bobby Flay” episodes, she’ll bring her unique perspective and captivating personality to our Library. Ms. Stewart’s books will be for sale at the event and she will be available for autographs. Tuesday, February 17, 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. , Columbus Public Library, 3000 Macon Road, Columbus Wunderkind:

Carson McCullers Screening & Interview

Join us for a screening of Wunderkind Carson McCullers, followed by an interview with Carson McCullers Center Director, Nick Norwood and Georgia Public Broadcasting’s Orlando Montoya. Thursday, February 19, 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. , Columbus Public Library, 3000 Macon Road, Columbus

February Festival:

Celebrating Black History Month

Enjoy hands-on art making inspired by works in the Museum’s collection, take part in a fun scavenger hunt, and connect with local organizations sharing their talents and stories. This year’s festival will feature special activities with community partners like the Carver High School Art Club, live entertainment, and delicious food available for purchase from a local food truck. S aturday, February 21, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. , The Columbus Museum, 1251 Wynnton Road, Columbus Metal, Emo, and Metalcore

Live Music At The Vibe, All bands, All good, Come hang. Saturday, February 21st, 7 p.m. , The Vibe on 6th, 1301 6th Avenue, Columbus

Jake Xerxes Fussell @ The Loft

Join us for an unforgettable night of music with Jake Xerxes Fussell, a singer, guitarist, and composer born and raised right here in Columbus and now based in Durham, NC. Friday, February, 21, 8 p.m. , The Loft, 10322 Broadway, Columbus

Food and the Soul of America:

Historic Georgia Recipes

Valerie J. Frey returns to explore sources of recipes in Georgia and the South. At the end of the her presentation she’ll offer samples of some of the food items discussed, all to be washed down with Temperance Punch from a 1909 recipe. Ms. Frey’s books will be for sale at the event, and she will be available for autographs. Thursday, February 26, 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. , Columbus Public Library, 3000 Macon Rd, Columbus

The Art of Glassmaking: Decorative Paperweights

Learn to make your own glass decorative paperweight with Kelly Robertson of Calvary Glass. All materials are provided. No experience is necessary. February 27 - March 1, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. , The Columbus Museum, 1251 Wynnton Road, Columbus

Tomorrow’s Achiever Live @ The Vibe

Local, energetic pop punk with the coolest finds and even funner friends. Saturday, February 28, 7 p.m. , The Vibe on 6th, 1301 6th Avenue, Columbus

Want to see your event listed here? Email:events@thelocalcolumbus.com

When what is on screen ain’t what the real story is about

By Andy Carpenter

On a chilly winter morning, a group of filmmakers stood around a kitchen while cold rain pinged on the tin roof. Everyone tucked into their coffees, contemplating the day ahead. A mother of one of the actors preparing

own father, now an eighty-six year old, hard of hearing, widowed and isolated, as he sat in a vinyl side chair beside a single window, next to a single, narrow desk, and a single, narrow hospital style bed. Over a stack of

for his scene suddenly asked, “What is the story about?”

It was a reasonable question; as the writer and director of the film we had gathered to make, it was important to me to be honest about intention, motivation, and significance behind the script I wrote the night before. The pages offered a story about a young father who had never been involved in the life of his child, and the father’s realization that he might never be a worthy parent. The dialogue danced, alternating between a cautious first dance and an elbow to the throat, around the edges of distrust, failure, and whether time, empathy and courage could increase the capacity for hope, could eventually prove transformative for this father and child.

So, what was the story about? When I scraped away the allusion, there I stood with nothing but my own reality; the week before I had walked away from my

just-signed consent medical forms, a hug and a slight wave goodbye, I left my father in a rehab facility, the same one my mother, his wife of over fifty years, spent the last five years of her life in as she was swallowed whole by Alzheimer’s.

For the entire seven hour drive back home from South Carolina, I considered my father. For his entire life he never abandoned me, or my sister, or his wife. There were many Sundays where he walked away from me and had his own drive home, to contemplate his hopes for my turnaround as I sat in rehab or in foster care. He always came back to get me.

Anyway, I made it through a little speech, rallying this group of filmmakers who came together under Paul Rowe’s encouragement as the Tie-Snakes, to produce a

short film for the 25 Hour Film Race, sponsored by the Cobb International Film Festival in Atlanta. Our team consisted of Trey Walker of Mud Films running camera and lights with assistance from James Massey, Paul Rowe producing, Jenn Rowe running sound, Jason Townsend with set design, Brooke Gibbons Corley and actors Galen Graff, Jeffrey Mercer Hudson, Keely McCallister, Aston Regan and Buckley Scott, plus a couple horses, and Travis Mackie as our Behind the Scenes photographer (who provided a gift of music with a phenomenal song, “Hope,” which fit the movie perfectly.)

The Tie Snakes, like hundreds of other international teams, huddled around computers at 8:00 pm on a Friday night, waiting for the parameters (three prompts) of what needed to be included in each movie in order to qualify for entry into the festival. Paul and I were together in my living room, Trey on speaker, as we analyzed the prompts. After kicking around some ideas, Paul wandered off to the kitchen, and I started writing. Forty minutes later we had a script we felt was good enough, and if it felt good enough for Paul, I would sign my name on it. We sent out a flurry of emails, then called it a night.

The next morning, we found ourselves in that kitchen, and I looked at the actor’s mother and shared what the script was meant to convey. I am convinced the actors

took the message to heart, and for the next eight hours offered the best they had. They gave nuanced, emotional, calm, measured performances that matched the meaning of the film, not only the words on the page. This is what I am most proud of.

Trey set the lighting, set the angles of the shots, let the lens linger when it needed to, giving an in-the-room feeling that is palpable on screen. Jason and Keely turned the set into a living, breathing world, Jenn made sure to catch every breath and spoken word with deft skill, and Brook worked on the looks of the actors to make sure everyone looked naturally in their environment.

Nature collaborated with us. A brooding sky kept watch over the production, while calm and interested horses stood where we needed them to. That day was a testament to selfless friendship and collaboration. Once the actors left, Trey got to work and edited the project. As Paul and I annoyed him, Travis offered up his song,

Andy Carpenter, Trey Walker (DP), Jeffrey Mercer Hudson, Galen Graff & Paul Rowe

Set design - Jason Townsend. Credit Paul Rowe

Trey Walker (Mud Films) Doing Some Behind The Scenes

“Hope.” Trey layered the track over the film, and it was then that the true potential of the piece emerged. After several nerve wracking attempts to upload and submit the film on time, our film, “Everything That Comes With It,” got in just at the wire.

We learned later that our film has been awarded “Finalist” and will be screened at the Strand Theater in Atlanta with the potential to win other awards. If any or all of this sounds interesting, maybe fun, even (and it is, I swear!), CineForge Co-Op, our collective of passionate filmmakers aimed at building and supporting the filmmaking industry in and around Columbus, are contemplating launching a CineForge film festival in 2026.

In any case, we’ll let you know how “Everything That Comes With It” fares. No matter what happens, we want to underscore that when you work with people who believe in each other, a vision, effort, and teamwork, it is possible to create something which carries a lasting impact.

One specific way we hope Everything That Comes With It will help Columbus filmmaking continue to grow is through our plan to leverage its success to secure financing for a feature indie drama I wrote and plan to direct in June 2026. Too Fast Boat, featuring Jeffrey Mercer Hudson and Keely McAllister, is a bittersweet story about a twelve-year-old loner who steals a race boat and heads down the Chattahoochee River, desperate to outrun his grief after losing one of his parents. Overflowing with local talent, the project will be produced by Paul Rowe and captured on film by Trey Walker. We’re excited to create another meaningful project right here in Columbus. Keep an eye out for this production.

If you have an idea you’d like help developing and bring to the screen, drop Andy Carpenter @stronglandlive@gmail.com or Paul Rowe @ prowe9793@gmail.com a line and we’d be glad to offer the support of CineForge Co-Op. We also want to make sure local filmmakers are aware that the Columbus Film Fund has made available five, $10,000 Local Filmmaker Grant Program grants; the application deadline is fast approaching. For more information visit Filmcolumbusganews.com. u

A Night Out With Riverdance

By Monica Jones

There are moments when we don’t need another obligation, another errand, or another item on the calendar. What we need instead is to step outside of our routine and into something that reminds us why we love being here at all. On February 10, Riverdance will arrive at RiverCenter with exactly that kind of invitation.

For some, the name Riverdance brings up a set of familiar images: fast feet, upright postures, Irish tradition. While that impression isn’t wrong, it barely scratches the surface. Riverdance is not a niche performance meant for a specific audience. It is a global, multi-generational experience built on movement, music, and the shared human need for joy.

More than thirty years after it first took the world by surprise, Riverdance continues to evolve, not by abandoning its roots, but by deepening them. The current tour, often referred to as Riverdance: The New

Generation, reflects a company that understands its history and takes its responsibility to audiences seriously.

“Riverdance isn’t just a show,” says Padraic Moyles, CEO of Riverdance and a former performer who danced with the company for eighteen years. “It represents cultures from around the world, the pride people have in that culture, and the sacrifices that were made so others could stand on that stage today.”

That sense of responsibility shows up in every detail of the production. This touring company includes Irish dancers, American tap dancers, flamenco dancers, folk dancers, and world-class musicians performing to Bill Whelan’s Grammy Award–winning score. The physical demands placed on the performers rival those of professional athletes. Riverdance dancers perform up to

eight shows a week, totaling more than 400 performances a year. Universities have studied the cast using the same performance tracking systems applied to NFL and NBA players, confirming what audiences instinctively feel: this is elite-level athleticism paired with artistry.

Technical mastery alone, however, is not what has sustained Riverdance for more than three decades.

“What we always say to our performers,” Moyles explains, “is that the position you are in makes you a cultural architect. What are you going to leave behind for the person who comes next?”

That philosophy carries directly into how the company approaches each performance. Each night, the question is not how to repeat the show, but how to exceed expectations.

By Monica Jones

Moyles explains that returning audiences are never

taken for granted. Each performance is approached as a fresh opportunity to raise the bar, asking how the experience can feel sharper, deeper, and more memorable than the last time the curtain rose.

This new generation of Riverdance reflects that commitment. The sets have been redesigned, the visuals reimagined, and the costumes entirely renewed. Many of the performers were not even born when Riverdance first premiered, yet they carry its legacy forward with an energy and precision which has surprised even its original creators.

“The show has evolved with its people,” Moyles says. “Each generation raises the bar.”

What audiences experience, then, is not a reproduction of something frozen in time, but a living, breathing performance shaped by musicians and dancers fully present in the moment. Moyles speaks with particular affection about those fleeting instances when everything aligns, when a musician leans deeper into a phrase or a dancer finally reaches a personal breakthrough on stage. “Those moments,” he says, “are when the show becomes something more.”

That “something more” is what makes Riverdance resonate across cultures, languages, and ages. It is why

the audience often includes grandparents, parents, and children sitting side by side. It is why people who never considered themselves dance fans find themselves completely absorbed.

That sense of wonder is not accidental. Behind the scenes, Riverdance functions as a living ecosystem, one built on trust, discipline, and care for the people who make the show possible. Performers are encouraged to understand their own limits, to communicate openly, and to see longevity as part of their success. In a world that often glorifies burnout, Riverdance quietly models something different: excellence sustained by balance.

Moyles describes the company as a place where people are not only trained, but genuinely supported. With casts rotating across continents and schedules that resemble complex puzzles, the goal is always to protect the well-being of the performers while maintaining the integrity of the show. “You have to trust people,” he explains, “and let them know that trust is real.” That trust, in turn,

translates into performances that feel alive, generous, and deeply human.

It is also what allows Riverdance to remain timeless without feeling dated. While the choreography and music are precise, the emotional experience is never rigid. Each performance carries

the possibility of something unexpected: a musical phrase that lingers a moment longer, a dancer who finds a new level of confidence, a shared hush in the audience before the applause breaks. These moments cannot be rehearsed, but they are invited.

For audiences in Columbus, Riverdance offers more than an evening of extraordinary entertainment. It offers a reminder of what it feels like to be fully present, to witness people operating at the height of their abilities, and to leave a theater feeling lighter than when you arrived.

Riverdance: The New Generation will take the stage at RiverCenter for the Performing Arts on February 10. Tickets are available through the RiverCenter box office, and audiences can expect an evening that blends world-class dance, live music, and striking visuals into a performance designed to inspire, energize, and uplift. u

Baddie, Spelled with a V

By Monica Jones

Some people leave Columbus and never look back.

Most of us are not those people.

Most of us are boomerangs - we go, we grow, we test ourselves somewhere bigger, louder, faster. Then, one day, we circle back to the place that built us. Not because we failed, but because we finally know what we’re building, and we want to build it here.

That’s the energy behind V, the woman who opened Stirrup Trouble last year, quietly turning a tucked-away downtown space into one of the city’s most magnetic little hubs. It’s part cocktail lounge, part collaboration machine, part “pull up, exhale, and be yourself” kind of place. The vibes are warm, a little sultry, a little playful, and unmistakably intentional.

V calls Columbus home. She moved here in elementary school, grew up here, and later left for college at the Air Force Academy in Colorado.

While living out west, V remembers telling her best friend she would open a bar one day. At the time, it sounded aspirational. Looking back, it sounds inevitable.

The idea didn’t arrive fully formed. It unfolded gradually through years of bartending, event work, and paying attention to the kinds of spaces she gravitated toward. What began as intention slowly turned into momentum, each step reinforcing the next.

Before the lounge, there was the mobile bar. Stirrup Trouble’s horse trailer is coming up on four years, with its first official event taking place in April 2021. What began as a

“Someone told me ‘You can tell how much love you poured into your place.’ I’ve heard that a few times, and the acknowledgement means so much. I poured in all the love, down to the toilet paper (Charmin ultra comfort only lol). Love is truly what I want Stirrup Trouble to symbolize.”

mobile bartending service quickly became the foundation for everything that followed. Each event brought new menus, new partnerships, and new relationships, shaping the brand long before the doors ever opened.

That history is evident today. Many of Stirrup Trouble’s signature cocktails carry the names and stories of people in the community. The Boss Bitch, the lounge’s top seller, was created for Stephanie Lee’s opening at Teased Hair Salon. The Puerto Rican Mami traces back to V’s first wedding client. Tequila Tox was created for Brittany at Toxicology, and Pasture Bedtime, the espresso martini favorite, features cold brew sourced from Iron Bank Coffee.

These drinks aren’t just clever names. They’re markers of

moments, relationships, and collaborations that helped build Stirrup Trouble from the ground up.

When the opportunity arose to take over the former Belloo’s and Circa space downtown, it felt less like a leap and more like alignment. It was the place where V and her husband Logan had their first date, a location she had long named as her dream spot. Eventually, it became a space fully gutted and rebuilt into something unmistakably her own.

Today, Stirrup Trouble operates as a three-layered business: the mobile bar, the brick-and-mortar lounge, and a growing line of canned cocktails and mocktails. Those cans have opened the door to partnerships with other venues, including a collaboration with Stephanie O’Neal at Whiskey Rail, where Stirrup Trouble’s mocktails are available on site.

The cans also allow the brand to show up at festivals, concerts, and large-scale events across the region, while keeping the menu accessible for those who prefer non-alcoholic options.

Still, for all the growth, V is quick to credit the people around her.

“It takes a village,” she says. “And my village starts with my husband, but it expands to the community. None of this happens without people choosing to show up.”

That culture extends behind the bar as well. Many members of the Stirrup Trouble team are entrepreneurs in their own right, including bartender and event producer Kache Garcia, founder of Evolve Community Events. As Garcia put it, V is “10,000% down” for the people she brings into her orbit. She wants her people to succeed in all areas, offering flexibility,

Image by Michelle, Cirrus Gold Photography

support, and space to grow.

The result is a team that feels invested, empowered, and aligned with the larger mission.

To keep up with happenings at Stirrup Trouble: Visit thestirruptrouble.com

Follow along on social media @the_stirrup_trouble. u

Stirrup Trouble is open Tuesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to midnight, with private bookings, custom events, and the option to reserve the entire space for private events. From birthdays and Galentine’s gatherings to popups and theme nights, it continues to function as a small but mighty hub for connection and creativity.

The thing about Stirrup Trouble is that it isn’t pretending to be something it’s not. It’s not trying to be the biggest spot in town. It’s trying to be the most intentional. It’s a place built from a dream, welded together through hustle, grown through community, and held down by the kind of women who don’t just talk about supporting local, but actually make it happen.

Baddie, spelled with a V.

Olivia, Tam, V, Aubrey, Kache and Alli - Image by Cirrus Gold Photography

Image by boudoir by Jeanita

You don’t have to know much about art to recognize when something is worth your time. You feel it when a room slows you down. When the work asks you to stand still. When beauty, history, and craft meet you without explanation and quietly say, stay with this.

That’s what happens inside We Are the Drum and the Scribe , now on view at the Bo Bartlett Center. Drawn from the Black Art in America collection, the exhibition brings more than 40 works to Columbus. This is world-class work, often seen on national and international stages. Right now, it’s here –accessible, thoughtful, and deeply felt.

“We are intentional about beating the drum, amplifying the message, getting the word out,” says Najee Dorsey, founder and curator of Black Art in America.

“And the scribe is about documentation. Telling the stories. Paying the writers. Making sure the work is recorded and placed where it belongs.”

Together, those roles make a clear and necessary claim that Black stories belong at the center of American art history, not at its margins.

The exhibition unfolds through a wide range of styles, generations, and media. Prints, sculpture, painting, and mixed media exist in conversation. The experience doesn’t rush the viewer toward conclusions. It rewards time, attention, and curiosity.

Dorsey describes the exhibition as preservation and

Monica Jones

Kevin Williams - Date Night , Oil On Canvas

Woodrow Nash - Untitled , Clay Sculpture

Najee Dorsey

conversation, with education woven throughout. “A lot of people have been underexposed to the work of artists of color,” he says. “I’m hoping people get excited about seeing works they haven’t seen before and artists they’re not familiar with, and that it energizes them to keep engaging with the arts.”

carries a sense of lineage and collective memory, rendered through repetition and material weight. Nearby, sculptural works by Carl Joe Williams introduce bold color and geometry, shifting the rhythm of the gallery and expanding the emotional range of the exhibition.

Anchoring the show historically is John Biggers’

Works by Jamaal Barber appear in multiple forms throughout the show, including woodblock prints on fabric, relief printing, and metal sculpture. His imagery

Family Ark Triptych, a work that feels foundational without being distant. Dorsey speaks of Biggers not only as a master artist, but as a builder of community.

“The subjects he tackled were family and community,” he says. “That’s what we’ve been building. From an historical standpoint, it was important to show legacy artists alongside today’s brilliant artists creating work right now.”

In contrast, Baldwin by Khalif Tahir Thompson layers oil, handmade paper, fabric, gold leaf, and construction paper into a portrait which feels both intellectual and

Continued On p.18

Carl Joe Williams - Untitled , Mixed Media Sculpture

Khalif Tahir Thompson - Baldwin , Oil, Handmade Paper, Fabric, Gold Leaf, & Construction Paper On Canvas

Jamal Barber - A Council of Women , Woodblock Print On Paper

John Biggers - Family Ark Triptych, (Color) Offset Lithograph On Paper

intimate. It invites prolonged looking rather than quick interpretation, reinforcing Dorsey’s belief that art reveals itself through presence. “The work is done,” he says. “It’s really about people taking the time to engage with it and see what speaks to them.”

Rather than cataloging every artist individually, the exhibition allows the work itself to lead. As Dorsey explains, “The thread is the relationships. These are the artists we live with. These are the artists we support. We’re the ones putting the work into the world and building the connections that allow it to be seen.”

That philosophy is echoed by Michael McFalls, executive director of the Bo Bartlett Center, who has written about the difference between collecting art and

truly seeing it. Seeing, he suggests, is not passive. It’s an act of presence. That distinction feels alive throughout the galleries. This is not an exhibition meant to be skimmed. It asks you to stay.

There is added significance to encountering this work in Columbus. Many of the artists represented are museum-collected and internationally recognized. Their presence here isn’t about novelty. It’s about proximity. As Dorsey puts it, “It’s free to come in. It’s free to engage. Just see what the other side of the family is doing.”

At the same time, visitors will also have the opportunity to experience new works by Bo Bartlett himself. Before traveling to New York, Bartlett’s latest paintings will be on view at the Center from January 20 through March 14, offering a rare chance to see these works up close, here at home. Drawn from his HomeFront series, the paintings will share the same public reception date and time as We Are the Drum and the Scribe, creating a singular moment where local, national, and international conversations in art intersect under one roof.

We Are the Drum and the Scribe isn’t an exhibition you fully understand from a paragraph or a photograph.