Columbus, Ohio USA
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Art Patrons
In Celebration of Short North
June 2005 Issue

RETURN TO SHORT NORTH ORGANIZATIONS

Jack and Zoe Johnstone contributed $32,000 for the Lidgus sculpture

The 15-foot “totem” sculpture, In Dreams Again, designed and created by Chicago artist Andrew Lidgus, was unveiled May 5, 2005 at Poplar Plaza, a pocket park in the Short North at N. High Street and East Poplar Avenue.

The glass-and-aluminum mosaic art piece was made possible through the generosity of Jack and Zoe Johnstone who contributed $32,000 for the sculpture.

"This is our way to celebrate all the Short North has to offer. We looked for something meaningful to do for the neighborhood we love. We’ve been here for 20 years and it was time to give back. It’s a gift of gratitude," explained Zoe Johnstone.

The name of the sculpture, In Dreams Again, is a phrase from the state of Ohio’s song "Beautiful Ohio," which was adopted from the 1918 melody by Ballard MacDonald. The sculpture is a very colorful piece and a wonderful addition to Central Ohio’s art district.

Andrew Lidgus has been nationally recognized for executing public art for Chicago, Associated Media in London, several universities and many other organizations. He once operated an art gallery in Granville.

The design includes three cardinals – the state bird – and three nature spirits.

“One is receiving water, based on the word Ohio, meaning ‘beautiful river,’ from the French-Iroquois. One is receiving leaves (reflecting the state’s natural past). And one is the trillium, the state wildflower,” explained Lidgus.

"The human spirit constantly changes and with a sense of history, it renews and revitalizes the environment. In these times, we need to add beauty to the world around us," he said.

The Short North Neighborhood Foundation (SNNF) is partnering with the Short North Special Improvement District (SID) to develop, implement and maintain the planned Pocket Parks for the Short North.

© 2005 Short North Gazette, Columbus, Ohio. All rights reserved.

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