12/5/18

By Jenica Richards

Engaging in the arts is undisputedly good for one’s health. Viewing art can increase one’s ability to empathize and think critically, while creating can relieve stress and boost self-esteem. Thankfully I can count on columbusmakesart.com for arts events, to get my blood flowing and soothe what ails me.

Kick your butt into high gear with the ABBA-fueled musical favorite Mamma Mia! at the Short North Stage, opening Thursday. Every time I watch this show, it bumps visiting the Greek Isles to the top of my bucket list, and the lighthearted plot makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. The Harmony Project’s concert this Thursday is sure to produce similar feelings of positivity. Five hundred voices, one orchestra and singer-songwriter Joshuah Brian Campbell will come together under the Nationwide Arena’s roof for The Concert for US: Sing Out. March On. Looking for something a little more low-key for your Thursday evening? 2018’s final Speak Easy at Wild Goose Creative may be just what the doctor ordered. Here you can watch community friends tell short stories, and even exercise your own yarn-spinning skills.

In this day and age, I often find myself reminiscing on simpler times. You know, the times when a wintry Saturday morning involved a bowl of Froot Loops and cartoons. The Wexner Center for the Arts will offer just that at its annual ZOOM Family Film Festival. Put on your Saturday best (e.g. that plaid flannel robe) and bring the kiddos for a pajama and cereal party before starting a hands-on craft or settling in front of the Wex’s big screen. If your wee ones like cartoons, go for shorts like Kid Flix; older tykes might enjoy Sherlock Jr. and Purple Dreams.

When I was but a nine-year-old myself, I starred in Cleveland San Jose Ballet’s The Nutcracker as one of 200 mice. So you can imagine I get a little misty-eyed when the holiday favorite returns to the Ohio Theatre stage. Catch the opening of BalletMet’s The Nutcracker this Friday, and continue feeding your Christmas spirit Saturday and Sunday at the Lincoln for An Unforgettable Nat King Cole Christmas.

Everyone knows music is like chicken soup for the soul, so it’s no wonder that Songs at the Center’s showcase in the round always draws my affection. This Saturday only, Eric Gnezda will host a nationally televised concert taping at the Grandview High School Auditorium for its upcoming season, no tickets required. Need some visual art in your diet? This Saturday marks the opening of Floyd Cooper’s Back of the Bus illustration exhibition at the Columbus Museum of Art, and Blockfort will close its Colorchart show with a vibrant reception on Sunday.

Whether you find laughter, meditation or excitement to be your best medicine, a healthy dose of the arts will surely wet your whistle. Get your creative juices flowing with local art this weekend, and be sure to include #artmakescbus in all your arts fitness endeavors!