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One-Hit Twelve limited-time holiday shows to see this December
By Amanda Stevens
THE HOLIDAY SEASON in central Ohio is full of classic, festive performances such as The Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol, but don’t forget about the unique, one-night-only wonders sprinkled in between – special shows and limitedtime performances that bring their own kind of magic to the stage.
Holiday stage productions
Columbus Dance Theatre presents Wonderment
Dec. 6, 3 and 8 p.m.
Lincoln Theatre
Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s The Snow Queen, this original production follows a girl’s journey to save her friend from the Snow Queen. This holiday ballet seeks to captivate audiences of all ages with its modern take on a classic fairy tale.
With music both sacred and secular, the Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus returns
with another theatrical holiday concert full of acting, singing and dancing, led by local drag performer Greta Goodbottom.
Season of symphonies
Columbus Symphony Orchestra presents Holiday Pops
Dec. 5-7
Ohio Theatre
Enjoy a night under the festive lights as the Symphony is joined by the Columbus Children’s Choir, Columbus Symphony Chorus and special guests to bring holiday classics to life.
Central Ohio Symphony presents Sounds of the Season
Dec. 7, 2 p.m.
Ohio Wesleyan University, Gray Chapel
Dec. 14, 2 p.m.
Marion Palace Theatre
Designed with kids in mind, this festive blend of classical pieces, holiday songs and more gets patrons into the holiday spirit.
St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church Hallelujah! The Westerville Symphony Orchestra hosts its second-ever Messiah sing-along, in which the audience becomes the choir. Audience members can bring their own score or pre-order a vocal score by Nov. 15.
New Albany Symphony Orchestra presents Santa & The Symphony
Dec. 20, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
McCoy Center for the Arts
This program includes classical and contemporary holiday compositions and is part of a sensory-friendly concert series that provides a relaxed environment and accommodations for individuals of any age. The New Albany Symphony Orchestra will also present its Holiday Spectacular concerts from 3-5 p.m. on Dec. 20 and Dec. 21.
Photos courtesy of A Magical Cirque Christmas, Alexis Mitchell Photography and Designs, Bob Carey, James DeCamp, Randall Schieber, Westerville Symphony Orchestra
Santa & The Symphony
Holiday Pops
Celebrate with small ensembles
Fifth Annual Tony Hagood Quintet plays jazz holiday standards
Dec. 14, 2-4 p.m.
Columbus Museum of Art
Looking to add some swing to your holiday season? Named after Westerville native, pianist and composer Tony Hagood, this quintet of local musicians offers a range of holiday jazz arrangements from both classic and contemporary artists.
Carpe Diem String Quartet
presents I’ll Be Home for Christmas
Dec. 20, 3-5 p.m.
First Unitarian Universalist Church of Columbus Dec. 21, 3-5 p.m.
Our Lady of Victory
Founded in 2005 in Columbus, the Carpe Diem String Quartet has brought its multi-genre programming to concert halls across the world. For these December performances, the quartet is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a blend of Mendelssohn and holiday favorites.
Touring acts
A Magical Cirque Christmas Dec. 4, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Palace Theatre
This nationwide variety act includes gravity-defying stunts and acrobatics by world-class cirque performers, all set to a soundtrack of holiday favorites.
Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour
Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m.
Palace Theatre
Saxophonist Dave Koz reunites with special guests and friends for the 28th anniversary of his long-running jazzbased Christmas tour.
Tinsel Tunes
There’s no shortage of tunes that are easy to recognize as soon as you hear them, but the artist behind them may not be as recognizable. Classic holiday one-hit wonders include I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas (1953) by Gayla Peevey, Santa Baby (1953) by Eartha Kitt, Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer (1979) by Elmo & Patsy and Do They Know It’s Christmas? (1984) by supergroup Band Aid. Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas is You (1994) is not a one-hit wonder, but it has surpassed two billion streams on Spotify as one of the most-streamed holiday songs.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra presents The Ghosts of Christmas Eve Dec. 23, 3 and 7:30 p.m.
Nationwide Arena
With its blend of rock and symphonic sounds, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra brings its much-loved showcase back to Columbus for one night. CS
Amanda Stevens is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com
Handel’s Messiah
A Magical Cirque Christmas
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Under the Mistletoe Research on mistletoe’s effects on cancer and other medical conditions
By Korrigan Craddock
courtesy of Andrea Astes/iStock
MISTLETOE ISN’T ONLY for spreading love during the holiday season.
Though the berries and leaves are toxic if eaten, when properly extracted, mistletoe may have health benefits. For years, scientists have studied mistletoe’s ability to treat conditions such as migraines and degenerative joint disease. Recently, though, much of the research is focused on the plant’s effects on cancer.
Ancient medicine
Mistletoe is a poisonous, semi-parasitic plant that grows on trees, including apple, oak, maple, elm and pine. The plant’s use dates back to civilizations such as the Celtic druids – its name may derive from the Celtic word for “all-heal” – and the ancient Greeks. Its uses by these cultures included treatment of medical conditions ranging from menstrual cramps to epilepsy.
More recently, researchers have begun studying mistletoe more closely because of the way it grows on trees. Mistletoe attaches itself to a host tree in a manner similar to a tumor, feeding on its nutrients and eventually spreading to different parts of the tree.
Different strains of mistletoe are associated with different host trees. Some studies suggest that certain strains work better on different types of cancers and other medical conditions.
Upcoming research
Treating cancer
In Europe, mistletoe is used regularly in treatment.
According to the National Cancer Institute, its extracts are among the most widely studied and prescribed therapies for cancer patients, providing complementary and alternative options to other available treatments. These extracts decrease tumor sizes and reduce side effects of the other treatments.
Though the plant is not FDAapproved for treatment in the U.S., research on it continues. For example, the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins University recently completed the first phase of a mistletoe therapy clinical trial.
Currently, mistletoe therapy can only be suggested as treatment in some integrative care clinics throughout the country.
Jody Mitchell is a nurse practitioner at Hyperbaric Therapy of Dublin who is certified in mistletoe therapy.
“(Mistletoe) is amazing alongside chemo and radiation because it helps with the side effects of chemo and radiation and improves quality of life,” says Mitchell. “It helps with nausea, fatigue and difficulty with eating. It’s a great alternative.”
Dr. Lucas Tims, a naturopathic oncologist with the holistically-focused Riordan Clinic, says many clinical stud-
Researchers are beginning to explore mistletoe as treatment for other medical conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, liver diseases, epilepsy and Alzheimer’s disease.
ies have shown improved outcomes in conjunction with other therapies as well as a stand-alone therapy.
“Another compelling benefit, which has been observed in a multitude of clinical trials, is improved quality of life measures,” he says.
Administering mistletoe
Mistletoe extracts can be processed to make the chemical compounds safe for therapy. The extracts are prepared in water and alcohol solutions or through fermentation.
Different strains can have slightly different chemical compositions depending on the species of the host tree, the time of year it is harvested and how it is prepared.
Depending on the desired effect, patients can inject mistletoe extract directly into a tumor or underneath the skin, or receive it through an IV.
Photo
“It boosts the immune system,” says Mitchell. “Your immune system is what really kills the cancer cells in your body, so when you boost it, it’s the same as immunotherapy. Mistletoe does the same thing, but in more of a natural way.”
Reported side effects of mistletoe therapy include hives, fatigue, nausea and fever. These side effects are often signs that your immune system is intact and responding, Mitchell says.
In the clinical trial data from Johns Hopkins, patients have likewise reported side effects such as fatigue, nausea and chills, but have noted that these side effects are manageable. These patients have also reported improved quality of life. CS
Korrigan Craddock is a contributing writer at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com
SINCE ITS 1926 inception, the Michelin Star has become a landmark award for fine dining restaurants around the world.
Though Michelin has never published a guide for central Ohio, local chefs have revolutionized the cuisine scene, building restaurants that can compete with the best.
From groundbreaking flavors to innovative atmospheres, these are a few spots with culinary feats worthy of the hallowed star.
Agni
German Village’s award-winning Agni is driven by Chef Avishar Barua’s vision, fusing his Bangladeshi heritage with global techniques and a distinctly Midwestern spirit. The spot opened in 2023 and, in just two years, it has become one of the highest-rated dining destinations in Columbus.
Inspired by Barua’s travels and his team’s cultural backgrounds, Agni’s multicourse tasting menu is a global expedition. Each dish tells a story, from Bengali flavors originating from Barua’s childhood kitchen to a crème brûlée born in Türkiye, and takes the palate around the world in one sitting.
“The Midwest is really adaptable and hospitable, so I just wanted to share some of that back in the city,” Barua says. “I’ve traveled so much, I’ve gotten to experience these things. … It’s so cool that you can learn about somebody’s culture or somebody’s story with a tasting menu.”
Make it Michelin
Columbus’ star-worthy dining destinations
By Megan Brokamp
Photos courtesy of Norman Ai, Comune and Veritas
Agni
Agni approaches its dishes with two competing principles: to honor a recipe’s original intent or to reimagine it through the lens of place and culture.
For example, a Columbus-inspired interpretation of Pad Thai that balances traditional flavors with a fresh, local perspective.
“We want to give it the tribute that it deserves, but if it’s something awesome, can we make it the Agni way?” Barua says. “And the Agni way is to dial up the flavors a lot, because the bites are smaller.”
Collaboration with the kitchen team is vital, as team members directly contribute ideas to help improve dishes, and the menu is continuously evolving.
“Every time we do a new menu, we try to add more complexity so it becomes more challenging for us and it becomes a little bit bolder,” Barua says.
Although the team samples flavors from around the globe, each dish is made with the spirit of Midwest nostalgia in mind – capturing the joy of shar-
Veritas
ing good food in the company of others. Dishes are plated individually, but they are presented and portioned communally, encouraging guests to share and experience the food together.
Agni tailors each experience to the individual guest, Barua says.
“We make most decisions for you so you don’t have to,” he says. “We want to get to know you along the way, so a lot of it is based on dialogue with the servers and our staff.”
Barua studied under Wylie Dufresne at the Michelin-starred restaurant wd~50 in New York and reached celebrity status on Top Chef and Beat Bobby Flay, but his mother remains one of his biggest influences.
“She’s very intuitive and resourceful,” Barua says, “She would always make two meals a day, and no matter what was going on, we’d all sit around the table and eat the food.”
Veritas
In 2012, Veritas, a passion project of Chef Josh Dalton, opened its doors in historic downtown Delaware.
“It was kind of his outlet to do a lot of his creative expression … and then it became a smash in Delaware, like a hidden gem,” says Mitch Coale, the front of house lead and administrative assistant to Dalton.
The restaurant made the move to the historic Citizens Trust building in downtown Columbus in 2018.
The glass-walled kitchen and ornate mid-century furniture immediately set the tone for the dining experience. You might spot herbs or dehydrated fruits hanging from the ceiling, as each new menu is accompanied by a new thematic hanging decoration.
After moving, Veritas shifted to a tasting menu-only format, one of the first of its kind in Columbus at that time.
“Coming from the pandemic, (Dalton) wanted to intertwine his two passions of traveling and food, so we started doing like a supper club series, which comes from him taking trips across the world,” Coale says.
Inspiration for Veritas’ menus spans the entire world, from Nordic to Italian to Mediterranean.
“We’ve found that our guests really enjoy that we try to create a full immersive experience from an entire tasting menu, highlighting native and seasonal ingredients to the region that we’re investigating and cocktails to match,” Coale says.
An example: this past July’s A Journey through Mexico, a supper club multicourse menu born from a collaboration with Rosalita, the downtown Columbus Mexican restaurant that’s Dalton’s newest concept.
The menu featured dishes such as pan-roasted golden tilefish rubbed with Mayan recado rojo and finished with sour orange aioli and habaneropickled onions. For dessert, a warm canela-dusted churro with caramelized banana, canela ice cream and brown butter-cocoa nib crumb.
In October, Veritas introduced its Japanese supper club, which lasts through Nov. 29. Back by popular demand, the experience takes guests on a journey through Japan through culinary customs, a curated beverage program and an immersive dining experience.
The dining experience features a whiskey highball cart, and the menu features variations on Dalton’s favorite street food from Osaka, along with upscale dishes from his time in Kyoto and Tokyo.
Comune
In late 2018, a plant-based restaurant popped up on Parsons Avenue and immediately made headlines. Since its opening, Schumacher Place restaurant Comune has earned all kinds of accolades for its plant-based menu.
Comune reimagines the idea of vegetarian cuisine, moving beyond the expected tofu and black bean burgers to offer something more memorable.
“We just take vegetables and try to highlight them in the best way that we can through familiar cooking techniques, flavor profiles, textures: things that feel familiar to a more traditional omnivore,” says co-owner Joe Galati.
Comune overhauls its menu roughly three times a year, though Galati and his staff make sure a few fan favorites stick around.
The signature bread and spread has been on the menu since day one. The pillowy flatbread, falling somewhere between pita and naan, is enhanced with koji and served with three rotating, seasonal spreads.
Another longtime favorite is the crispy rice, inspired by global rice traditions and originally served with kimchi, a soft egg, tahini sauce, sesame and scallions – with an avocado option for vegans. After years of seasonal variations, the original version returned this summer and quickly became a staple again.
Comune’s aim isn’t to convert guests to vegetarianism, Galati says, but to spark a deeper appreciation for ingredients and inspire fresh, creative ways to enjoy them.
“I think what we hope that everyone takes away from coming in is a new appreciation for how you can enjoy a meal and enjoy an experience without necessarily relying on a traditional animal protein,” he says. CS
Megan Brokamp is an editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at mbrokamp@cityscenemediagroup.com.
OHIO THEATRE DECEMBER 11—28, 2025
on the scene
Light it Up Light show fun around Columbus
By Luisa Christian
FOR THOSE WHO appreciate over-the-top celebrations of holiday spirit, central Ohio is home to dozens of light shows, displays and holiday events to get you through the chill of the winter months.
Wildlights
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is typically a daytime destination, but the fun doesn’t stop when the sky darkens. The zoo comes to life in the evening with more than one million LED holiday lights.
While the gorillas and orangutans sleep through the holiday activities, some outdoor animals, such as the tigers and reindeer, stay awake to enjoy the warm glow of the holiday lights. Animals with indoor habits – such as reptiles, elephants and manatees – can be viewed from the warm comfort of indoors. The zoo provides holidaythemed tours and performances during Wildlights at well.
Wildlights runs from Nov. 21-Jan. 4.
Clark Griswold Approved
Looking to make your home light up like the Griswolds’ this winter? Here are some tips to make your light display stand out.
• For features you would like to highlight, combine uplighting and downlighting to create shadows that will draw eyes onto those elements.
• Utilize dimmers and switches to inspire different moods through out the season and save electricity on areas not being viewed.
• Light walking paths with soft downlights so guests won’t catch a glare as they walk up the path to your home.
• C9 bulbs are large, tear-shaped bulbs that work best for coverage on large features, such as an outdoor evergreen tree or the roof.
The McCoy Cabin
The McCoy Cabin offers a seasonal holiday light display that has become a local favorite for families. Located in Pataskala, the cabin provides a memorable evening with a short walk across the grounds to view thousands of dazzling holiday lights, enjoy hot chocolate and cookies, and spot blow-up holiday characters scattered along the way. The cabin opens for the season on Nov. 7.
Wanderlights
Against the backdrop of the city, the Wanderlights display – half-a-million holiday lights in downtown Columbus –seems to expand across all of central Ohio.
The first of three Wanderlights stops is Columbus Commons, where guests can enjoy an array of different colors and evergreen trees. Every Friday, attendees can pair this experience with live music, carousel rides, hot chocolate and photo booths.
The second stop, on Town Street, is lit with thousands of lights and a scavenger hunt to see who can spot all 30 twinkling penguins.
The third stop is the the Scioto Mile fountain, which is decorated by 40 sculpture lights, making it a perfect photo opportunity for guests.
Photos courtesy of Mike Cairns, Amy Coffee, Experience Columbus, Brandon McCoy, Kevin Rhodes
Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights
Wildlights
The McCoy Cabin
Multiple family-friendly events are scheduled at these stops throughout the holiday season. Visitors can experience Wanderlights Nov. 22-Feb. 16.
Butch
Bando’s Fantasy of Lights
Entering its 26th year of spreading holiday cheer, Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights in Delaware puts up new displays every year to keep visitors entertained with fresh sights.
The drive-though light show runs through the campgrounds at Alum Creek State Park, and its owners are passionate about giving back to the community by partnering with local charities. In addition to the lights along the three-mile drive, Mrs. Claus is on hand to collect unwrapped toys and winter clothing from guests for charitable donation, as well as letters to Santa. Guests can experience Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights from Nov. 21-Jan. 4.
Residents of Lucy Depp Park in Shaw nee Hills take the holiday season seri ously and, for the past few years, have joined forces to design a musical drivethrough light display. Guests can tune their radios to 87.9 FM to pair the light show with synchronized music that loops every seven minutes.
The Lucy Depp Park Light Show runs from Nov. 29-Jan. 5. CS
Luisa Christian is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group, Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.
REHABILITATIVE CARE A TRUSTED NAME IN & LONG TERM NURSING FOR OVER 113 YEARS
With Columbus, Ohio locations in a variety of settings, we can offer a wide array of care levels including Independent Living, Assisted Living, Rehabilitation, Long Stay Nursing Care and Memory Care.
| NEW ALBANY | GRANVILLE
Lucy Depp Park Light Show
Wanderlights
Lucy Depp Park Light Show
Painless present prep starts here
Chopping it Up Ohio cutting board
$44.99 amishoriginals.com
An Ohio-shaped cutting board from Amish Originals can double as a decorative piece and a serving platter, making for both a stylish and functional gift.
Gift Giveaway!
Don’t miss the opportunity to get a free gift as part of CityScene’s 2025 Holiday Gift-away! Check out www.cityscenecolumbus.com for more information.
‘Tis the Season to Shop Local
Put Your Best Paw Forward
Personalized Pet Calendar
2026 Desk Calendar & Easel
$50
onpaper.com
This calendar stocked by On Paper, a small and cozy stationery store in the Short North, lets pet owners face 2026 with an adorable rendering of their furry friends. Shoppers can choose from more than 90 cat and dog illustrations designed by Stacy Claire Boyd.
Down to Earth
Small Maker Gift Boxes
Starting at $35 rewashrefillery.com
These curated and pre-wrapped bundles of artisan body butters, hand-poured candles and more can suit any eco-conscious friend or family member.
This hand crafted cutie is the perfect way to add some whimsy to your table this holiday season. Complete with a mango wood stand, this Haus & Home favorite is a fantastic gift for the cheese lover in your life, and a must-have for every charcuterie board.
Bits and Bobs Trinket Trays
Starting at $12 shoptigertree.com
Collectors and maximalists are always on the hunt for fun-loving, functional trinket trays. Head to Tigertree to browse an eye-catching array of options and prints, ranging from fire-breathing dragons to ditsy florals.
An Art Lover’s Paradise
Individual Membership
$75 columbusmuseum.org
A 2026 Columbus Museum of Art membership grants the recipient access to several exhibitions, including upcoming showcases dedicated to British-European visual artist Tacita Dean and 17th-century painter Artemisia Gentileschi.
Scale New Heights
Prepaid Annual Membership
$1,144
5.life/va/
This membership to the Vertical Adventures climbing gym includes foundational bouldering and rope climbing courses, specialized yoga sessions, Adaptive Ascent events for individuals with disabilities, and children’s programming.
Activities to Spark Cheer
Curtains Up
Short North Stage Flex Ticket Package
Starting at $368.55 tickets.capa.com
Even as 2025 comes to a close, it’s not too late to take advantage of Short North Stage’s Flex Ticket Package, which allows theatergoers to purchase tickets in multiples of six and redeem them for any mainstage production. Surprise someone special with passes to Short North Stage’s three upcoming shows – Come From Away, Miss Saigon and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee – side by side.
Let the Light In Private Stained Glass Class
Starting at $85 per person gooddeaglassco.com
Participate in an exclusive stained-glass workshop with local artist Kara CullenenO’Dea and receive a crash course alongside three to 12 of your favorite people.
Lucky Charms Charm Bar Experience
Individual charms start at $2 pochettely.com
Jewelry bar Pochettely – from the French “pochette,” which translates to “little pocket” in English – stocks a wide range of Italian charms at its Columbus studio. Just stop in with a loved one or buy a gift card to get started.
Palate Pleasers
Practice Makes Perfect Pass the Plate: 100 Delicious, Highly Shareable, Everyday Recipes: A Cookbook Starting at $35.00 carolinagelen.com
Containing hearty meals such as “Super-Simple Spicy Tomato Pasta” and “OnePan Garlicky Chicken Couscous,” this cookbook provides sweet and savory shortcuts in the kitchen.
Serve
Your Guests
Feisty and Fabulous
Sassy Storage Canister
$68.00
uncommongoods.com
These cheeky organizational containers, available in light gray or white-andblue speckle, add a whimsical touch to any kitchen.
Shine Bright with Holiday Beauty
Glow From Within 4-in-1 Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand with Red Light Therapy
Multi-Grain Bread Board
$198
renewbytrinity.com
Prepare and plate your food on this smooth, artisan-crafted serving and cutting board made out of recycled bamboo chopsticks. Boards can also be personalized with engravings.
Sweetest Surprise
DIY Dessert of the Month Subscription
Starting at $142
uncommongoods.com
This monthly subscription helps home bakers prepare bubble waffles, Scandinavian cinnamon buns, strawberry hand pies and more.
$169 solawave.co
Combining four separate dermatological technologies – red light therapy, facial massage, therapeutic warmth and galvanic current – Solawave’s skincare wand is FDA-cleared, rechargeable and accompanied by a travel case for optimal portability.
Not One Hair Out of Place
Papaya Scalp Scrub
$36
ceremonia.com
Formulated for all hair types, Ceremonia’s Papaya Scalp Scrub is made up of core ingredients including pink salt, papaya fruit ferment extract, guava leaf extract and prickly pear fruit extract.
Fresh as a Daisy Discovery Set
$39 phlur.com
This perfume set contains eight different 8-by-2-milliliter samples, allowing the wearer to explore a wide range of notes and find a fresh scent to love.
Decked-Out In Gold
Gold Chain Necklace
$140 lynnique.com
In addition to its reflective crystals and adjustable golden chain, this timeless jewelry also offers a detachable charm for wearers to explore their best look.
All Smiles
Rechargeable Cordless Water Flosser
$50
getquip.com
This oral hygiene device offers two pressure modes and continuous water flow to help reduce plaque buildup, especially for users with braces or other orthodontic appliances.
Gift Giveaway! see page 16
Gift Giveaway! see page 16
CS
No Wrapping Required
Not sure what to get someone? You can always pick up one of these local gift cards.
Get Festive with Fitness
A Running Start Forerunner® 265 Running Watch
$449.99
garmin.com
With a 13-day battery life in smartwatch mode, this running watch devises customized workouts and tracks heart rate variability to help promote sustainable progress.
• City Barbeque
• Woodhouse Spa
• Moretti’s Restaurant on Sawmill
• North Market - Downtown and Bridge Park
• Roosters
• Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
• COSI Tickets
• Dave & Buster’s
Ohio Against the World Ohio State 9X National Champions Hoodie
$72
homage.com
Buckeye football is woven into the cul tural fabric of Columbus, making The Ohio State University merchandise a reliable gift for almost anyone on your list. This classic hoodie from Columbus-based lifestyle apparel brand Homage is avail able in women’s, men’s, kids’, baby and toddler sizes.
Warm for the Winter Unisex Heated Jacket with Dual-Control Heating
$179.99 venustas.com
Get Into the Swing
JOOLA Essentials Pickleball
Paddles & Balls Set
$129.95
joola.com
Ideal for recreational players, this pickleball set includes two well-balanced paddles, two durable balls and a stylish sling bag to keep everything organized.
Balanced and Beautiful The Retro Grip Sock Starting at $16
luckyhoney.nyc
Beat the cold with this heated jacket that can keep you warm and dry with up to 16 hours of runtime and a waterresistant shell.
For yoga, Pilates, barre and other workout classes, grip socks help to improve participants’ stability. This set features bold, tri-color stripes for a nostalgic look.
Gift Giveaway! see page 16
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Around the Clock
Author Clock - Small $209 store.moma.org
Avid readers are sure to be enchanted by this clever clock, which tells time by displaying a mix of quotes from books published across a span of 600 years.
Branch Out
Maple Garden Carry-all
Starting at $78 anthropologie.com
For devoted flower and vegetable gardeners, this container helps streamline harvesting and weeding.
Down Memory Lane
IVY 2 Mini Photo Printer
$109.99
usa.canon.com
This pint-sized photo printer quickly converts digital images into physical stickers. No ink is required, and photos can be easily edited or customized before printing using the companion Canon Mini Print app.
Strum On System 65™ Complete Guitar & Bass Setup Tool Kit
$83.99
jimdunlop.com
The fret polishing cloth, four-way screwdriver and string action gauge are just three noteworthy tools among the 12 included in this guitar maintenance kit.
Smell the Roses
DIY Natural Soy Candle Making Kit with Dried Flowers
$84.99
hearthandharbor.com
Complete with natural soy wax flakes and nine kinds of dried flowers, this craft kit has all the supplies needed to create four distinct candles.
SeniorLiving
SPECIAL SECTION
Aging Actively Activities
keep residents active at senior living communities around Columbus
By Korrigan Craddock
Staying active and social is important at every stage of your life, and it only gets more important as you get older.
According to the National Institute of Aging, social isolation can increase feelings of depression and anxiety, which can negatively impact other aspects of your health.
Research also shows that older adults who maintain active lifestyles live longer, report higher levels of happiness, are less likely to develop certain diseases and see an increase in cognitive abilities.
Many senior living communities around Columbus are committed to offering events that keep their residents active and social.
From chair volleyball at Wesley Woods and craft shows at Verena to 10 different card groups at the Forum, there is something in each living community for residents to be engaged in.
Get up and out
One of the most popular groups at Wesley Woods in New Albany is the chair volleyball team, which practices regularly and even has matching T-shirts. Though the group mainly plays against other residents, they have occasionally battled associates at Wesley.
Wesley Woods also offers a wide range of workout classes, including such popular options as chair yoga and stretching. Residents engage their minds as well thanks to the work groups, interest groups and committees that Paige Trotta, executive director at Wesley Woods, says make the space unique and keep residents involved.
Work groups – which focus on subjects such as finance, dining, sales and the environment – allow residents with profes-
sional backgrounds to meet with Wesley Woods staff to stay informed and provide input. For example, the facility’s chief financial officer meets with the finance work group to discuss the financial side of Wesley Woods operations, sharing updates and taking suggestions.
Committees and interest groups focus more on hobbies. The most popular are the woodworking and gardening groups and the welcoming committee, with activities including decorating new residents’ doors and maintaining the garden boxes throughout the property.
Arts and entertainment
Lisa Rees, activities director at Hilliard-based Verena, emphasizes the importance of creativity and having a variety of events to keep residents engaged. Among the community’s most popular pastimes are:
• Music activities such as regular visits from musicians and other performers, along with performances by talented residents
• Art projects including an annual craft show featuring residents’ creations in December
• An annual Buckeye Bash that brings in the OSU Alumni Band, cheerleaders and even Brutus Buckeye himself
• Guest speakers from such groups as a wildlife association that brought trained wolves
• Discussions led by the local fire and police departments about technology, safety and scam protection, among other topics; and Verena chef-led
Photos courtesy of Ebony Crockett and Kimberly Gumble
Wesley Woods
Verena also has a unique connection to the Hilliard branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library, which is right around the corner. Residents take trips to the library to attend author talks and enjoy the reading opportunities.
Music and dance
One of the most popular programs at The Forum at Knightsbridge in northwest Columbus is a regularly scheduled singalong session, which tends to inspire poignant memories among participating residents.
Other Forum fan favorites include live music and performances, dance classes, balance-building classes, and a walking club. Speaking engagements featuring such guests as local geologists and art historians are well attended, too.
Connie Fellers, director of life enrichment, considers seasonal events in addition to the residents’ interests when planning the calendar. Fellers works to ensure there are options for new residents as well as longtime residents.
The Forum’s list of resident engagements also features organized community outings, such as a fall trip to pick apples at Lynd Fruit Farm in Pataskala –often followed by related activities such as canning apples or making applesauce.
Relaxation and passion
Music-based activities are the most popular choices at Cotter House in Worthington, not least because music is known to trigger core memories. Some of the options for residents are silent discos, ballroom dancing and drumming sessions.
The walking club gives residents the chance to walk around the nearby neighborhood with visiting family members. Residents also tend to appreciate calming exercises such as meditation and Tai Chi.
Kimberly Gumble, activities director at Cotter House, emphasizes the importance of creating an environment to provide residents with a feeling of normalcy.
One way she does that is to ensure every resident feels they have a purpose –a regular responsibility to greet visitors, peel vegetables, scoop ice cream, etc.
Cotter House also gets residents involved in farm-to-table meals. The community will bring in guest speakers to host classes about the foods involved.
A bee habitat behind Cotter House provides residents with more learning opportunities. CS
Korrigan Craddock is a contributing writer at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.
Senior
Trading Work for Travel
When packing up office boxes turns into packing your bags
By Jane Dimel
courtesy of Jane Dimel
Shutting the door on your professional career means opening another for what’s ahead.
Take the next steps toward putting your feet up and enjoying an umbrella drink by the beach, or spotting the best views on an on-the-go tour. From domestic to international trips, and long treks to short getaways, here are options to make sure you can sit back, relax and celebrate your retirement.
Beach, please!
The view may change, but one thing stays the same: the urge to breathe in the salty air, cozy up in the sun and dive headfirst into relaxation. At an all-inclusive resort, you can have spas, dining options and fun activities all within walking distance.
Domestic locations such as Waterfront Bungalows in Key Largo, Florida have options for relaxing by the water or engaging in activities such as yoga and kayaking, while international destinations such as Paradisus Palma Real Golf & Spa Resort feature more elaborate offerings – in this case, 14 options for dining and drinks, an onsite spa, a golf course and more. That means resorts are curated for your dream experience without ever having to leave the grounds.
Choo-choose your destinations
Want non-stop views over the course of a trip?
With organizations such as Vacations By Rail, you can explore domestic and international marvels by train. On a 10day cross-country tour from New York to Los Angeles, you can make stops in cities such as Washington, D.C., Chicago and Las Vegas, and see wonders from the Grand Canyon to Canyonlands National Park along the way. Or
take a trip that focuses on nature and visit a collection of National Parks on an 11 day-tour of Mount Rushmore and the Wild West of the Black Hills, Badlands and Yellowstone.
Internationally, explore Singapore and Malaysia’s rainforests and coastlines in the peak of luxury on the Eastern & Oriental Express. Or take a trans-continental trek of the outback to experience the Great Victoria Desert, Barossa Valley and Blue Mountains of Australia.
No wrong way to cruise
Cruising on the water is another way to explore multiple destinations with a planned itinerary.
River cruises are well-suited to individuals who like smaller groups and more sightseeing, whereas ocean cruises can provide more of an all-inclusive resort feel with more time on the water and more guests to experience the sights with.
River cruises also provide a unique opportunity to explore places such as the U.S. mainland without the hassle of highway traffic or airport waits.
American Cruise Lines offers river cruises with tours such as the Grand Heartland and the Maine Coast & Harbors. Some international options through Viking include the Middle Rhine through Amsterdam, France, Germany and Switzerland, as well as Budapest’s Castle District and more along the Danube River through Hungary, Austria and Germany.
Traveling by sea is also an option, especially when you’re looking for more time for activities on the ship deck between stops. You could go on a 13-day trip to see the aurora borealis from England to Scotland, or sail from Hong Kong to Tokyo to dive into history and experience the hot springs of Beppu Onsen and more.
You can also customize your trip by adding pre- and post-trip add-ons to see new destinations, or stay longer in one of your favorite places. CS
Jane Dimel is an assistant editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at jdimel@cityscenemediagroup.com.
Senior Deals and Travel Memberships
From AAA to AARP, and Costco to Sam’s Club, there are plenty of options for getting travel perks and deals from your everyday memberships.
There are many senior deals out there, but not all are as advertised as others. Check in to see if your airline or resort has senior deals for you!
Photo
Paradisus Palma Real
SeniorLiving
Is 62 the New 65? The science and behavior behind retirement ages
By Avery Gillis
Photo by Jacob Wackerhausen/iStock
People tend to consider retirement between the ages of 62 and 70, generally aiming for the earlier part of that range. So what’s so special about retirement at 62-65?
Setting the precedent
According to the Social Security Administration, Germany was the first nation to implement a social insurance program. Initially, in 1889, this program recognized 70 as the retirement age, lowering it to 65 in 1916.
In 1935, the U.S. implemented the Social Security program using 65 as the baseline retirement age. This age was largely based on actuarial studies and other private pension systems in place.
These days, the average U.S. retirement age is 62 years old, according to the 2024 MassMutual Retirement Happiness Study.
While life factors, such as poor health, might contribute in part to this low average, societal pressure and psychological associations between early retirement and happiness seem to present a behavioral reason for 62’s status as the new retirement age.
Why wait
According to the Social Security Bulletin Behavioral and Psychological Aspects of the Retirement Decision, “retirees appear to anchor on ages that have some retirement significance, however arbitrary. ... If people are used to hearing that 62 is ‘the retirement age,’ as opposed to it being the ‘early retirement age,’ convincing them to wait past 62 to claim benefits may be
In some cases, this reference age can be helpful, giving retirees a starting point for considering when retirement would be the best decision for them. But viewing it as a universal standard may lead to resentment among those who must wait until age 65 or older.
“Loss aversion, or the empirical finding that individuals weigh losses more heavily than they do equivalent gains, suggests that obtaining an increased monthly benefit may not be enough to compensate for the strong reluctance to work longer,” writes Knoll.
Find your joy
According to a MassMutual study, those who reported increased happiness in retirement focused more on preparing for the transition both financially and socially, rather than on hitting a certain age.
The study found the majority of retirees who reported being happier in
retirement had worked to pay off debt and take care of their health through diet and exercise.
It also found that cultivating community through social activities and events shows a correlation with greater happiness in retirement. CS
Avery Gillis is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com
Community Connections
Looking to find a community in retirement? Check out these local organizations that offer volunteer opportunities and ways to get connected to your community.
• The Gardens at Gantz Farm (Grove City)
• Westerville Public Library
• Dublin Community Recreation Center
• The Grandview Center
• Upper Arlington Senior Center
Swedish Death Cleaning
A mindful approach to decluttering life
By Amanda Stevens
Photo by SolStock/iStock
The Swedish practice of döstädning (literally “death cleaning”) may sound morbid, but its fans see it as a way to simplify life for yourself and your loved ones.
Swedish death cleaning is a decluttering method that helps one to determine which possessions are meaningful and essential. The idea is to reduce the physical and emotional burden placed on the loved ones left to clean out your home after you pass on.
Not only does death cleaning give you control over what happens to your possessions, it’s also a thoughtful approach to tidying up your space, which can help reduce stress – especially if you’re planning to downsize.
The term was popularized by Margareta Magnusson’s 2017 book The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning. It even became the focal point of a 2023 reality TV show of the same name, which focuses on several individuals in different stages of life who, with the assistance of three Swedish experts, were given the chance to organize their homes and lives.
However, a team of professional death cleaners isn’t a requirement for embarking on this decluttering journey.
In her book, Magnusson emphasizes that anyone can engage in death cleaning, and that doing so sooner rather than later can help them recognize what items are most meaningful to them.
But this isn’t a process to be rushed. Death cleaning is a gradual process that encourages mindfulness as you evaluate which possessions are truly significant and consider the legacy you’ll leave behind for your loved ones.
Magnusson suggests tackling larger and less sentimental items, such as clothing and furniture, before items such as photos and letters. Organization experts also suggest starting in one room or one area of the home, such as the closets. Storage spaces such as a garage, attic or basement can also be good starting places, as they’re more likely to have less sentimental items.
For items that only hold value to you or items you don’t necessarily want others to have, you can create a “throw away” box with instructions to simply dispose of it without opening it. This not only simplifies the cleaning process further, but helps maintain privacy.
In comparison to other popular decluttering methods, such as the Kon-
Mari method or the “one-in, one-out” rule, death cleaning isn’t limited to physical objects.
Swedish death cleaning is particularly pragmatic in its inclusion of digital and financial decluttering and ensuring important paperwork is up to date. Paperwork should be organized in a designated area, while important digital login credentials – such as email, social media and online banking – should be prepared for those who will be responsible for handling those accounts.
While decluttering in general can provide peace of mind, death cleaning takes it a step further by taking into consideration what you want loved ones to remember you by.
And death cleaning doesn’t have to be sad. It can also be an opportunity to bond with friends and family as you decide which items have a real emotional connection. Additionally, it can be an opportunity to donate, sell or gift items that others might appreciate more. CS
Amanda Stevens is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com
Award-Winning Views
2025 Parade of Homes review
By Rachel Hanz
Pillar Homes, LLC – 11451 Winterberry Dr.
For more than 70 years, the BIA of Central Ohio has hosted the Parade of Homes, and this year’s iteration was one for the books.
With more than 40 homes to explore, Columbus natives and central Ohio homeowners traversed from Plain City to Canal Winchester and from Grove City to Lewis Center to get a look at some of the unique homes and features created by the 17 builders that masterminded the displays. Features include windowlined sunrooms, open-concept kitchens and relaxing outdoor landscaping.
Rachel Hanz is the lead editor of CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at rhanz@cityscenemediagroup.com Condomunium
The Parade, featuring a scattered site format for the fifth consecutive year, showcased homes with a variety of price points and sizes, sharing homes ranging from condominiums to multifamily homes in 38 different communities.
Homeowners and visitors walked away with new ideas and a fresh look, while many builders walked away with new connections and even a few prizes.
For more information about highlighted homes and neighborhoods, visit the Tour Guide, which is available year-round at www.cityscenecolumbus.com on the Homes tab. CS
Photos courtesy of 3 Pillar Homes, Epcon Communities, M/I Homes, Wayne Homes and Wilcox Communities
The Rest of the Best
Condominium
Best Community Amenities
($600,000 and Under)
Pulte Homes – 337 Hockberry Ln.
($600,001 and Over)
3 Pillar Homes, LLC – 4211 Laguna Lp.
Best Front Curb Appeal
($600,000 and Under)
Pulte Homes – 1103 Oldcastle Rd.
($600,001 and Over)
Epcon Communities – 7887 Grassland Dr.
Best Floor Plan
($600,000 and Under)
Pulte Homes – 1103 Oldcastle Rd.
($600,001 and Over)
Epcon Communities – 10502 Clare Way
Best Living Space
($600,000 and Under)
Pulte Homes – 1103 Oldcastle Rd.
($600,001 and Over)
3 Pillar Homes, LLC – 1474 Dogwood Lp.
Best Outdoor Living Space
($600,000 and Under)
M/I Homes – 4506 Nonius Dr.
($600,001 and Over)
3 Pillar Homes, LLC – 1474 Dogwood Lp.
Best Kitchen
($600,000 and Under)
M/I Homes – 4506 Nonius Dr.
($600,001 and Over)
Epcon Communities – 10502 Clare Way
Best Owner’s Suite
($600,000 and Under)
M/I Homes – 4506 Nonius Dr.
($600,001 and Over)
Epcon Communities – 5729 Arcadian Ave.
Best Interior Decorating
($600,000 and Under)
M/I Homes – 4506 Nonius Dr.
($600,001 and Over)
3 Pillar Homes, LLC – 1474 Dogwood Lp.
Single Family
Best Curb Appeal
($600,000 and Under)
Arbor Homes – 301 Kendall St.
($600,001 and Over)
3 Pillar Homes, LLC – 5609 Evans Farm Dr.
Best Floor Plan
($600,000 and Under)
Arbor Homes – 347 Jacob Ln.
($600,001 and Over)
Virginia Homes – 6905 Holbein Dr.
Best Living Space
($600,000 and Under)
Pulte Homes – 3411 Tender Ave.
($600,001 and Over)
P&D Builders – 9724 New California Dr.
Best Outdoor Living Space
($600,000 and Under)
Schottenstein Homes – 8798 Eliot Dr.
($600,001 and Over)
3 Pillar Homes, LLC – 11451 Winterberry Dr.
Best Kitchen
($600,000 and Under)
Wayne Homes – 9470 Lancaster Rd.
($600,001 and Over)
Diyanni Homes – 6624 Scioto Bluff Ct.
Best Owner’s Suite
($600,000 and Under)
Schottenstein Homes – 6971 Aster Way
($600,001 and Over)
Old World Custom Homes – 11141 Harlem Estates Ct.
Best Interior Decorating
($600,000 and Under)
Arbor Homes – 347 Jacob Ln.
($600,001 and Over)
Pulte Homes – 9556 Burghey Dr.
Multi Family
Best Community
Ardent Communities – 166 Carlton Manor Dr.
Best Floor Plan
Wilcox Communities – 35 Lucy Ridge Rd.
Best Kitchen
Wilcox Communities – 35 Lucy Ridge Rd.
Best Owner’s Suite
Wilcox Communities – 35 Lucy Ridge Rd.
Best Interior Decorating
Ardent Communities – 166 Carlton Manor Dr.
Brighten the Holiday Season
LED versus incandescent Christmas lighting
By Ali Hartzel
courtesy of SergeYatunin/iStock
’Tis the season for discovering that the incandescent Christmas lights you stored in the basement all year didn’t last to see this year’s holiday season.
LED lights and incandescent lights differ in the way they give off light. LED bulbs use semiconductors to convert energy into light, while incandescent bulbs use electricity to heat a wire inside the bulb until it is hot enough to produce light.
The main advantage of switching to LED holiday lights is their extended lifespan. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, LED lights can last up to 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs, meaning they could last for another 40 holiday seasons.
The extended lifespan of LED lights (ranging from 25,000 to 50,000 hours, according to Induction Lighting Fixtures) may result in a higher cost up front, but it’s more cost-efficient in the long run.
LED lights also require significantly less energy for use. The average household saves $225 in electricity payments a year when it switches to LED, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. That means LED Christmas lights can offset high wintertime expenses: heating bills, gifts, travel costs, etc.
LED lights are more than just money-savers. An average of nearly 830 fires occur annually due to Christmas light decorations, according to a 2022 report by the National Fire Protection Association. Any kind of electrical current can pose a fire risk, but the risk is greater with incandescent lighting.
Because they use heat to generate their glow, incandescent light bulbs get
much hotter than LED light bulbs – a dicey proposition if they’re touching flammable materials such as ribbons, dry Christmas tree branches or fabric ornaments. If you have a live tree, it’s important to keep it watered and hydrated while making sure that no lights are touching flammable objects.
Because they use more energy, incandescent lights are more likely to overload an electric socket. Conversely, multiple strings of LED lights can plug into one
another without concern about shorting the circuit. LED lights are more durable and flexible, as they are made with epoxy lenses rather than the glass that makes up incandescent light bulbs. That means LEDs are less likely to break, making it easier to store them as well as display them outside. CS
Ali Hartzell is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.
Photo
Movie Magic
Experience picture-perfect travel destinations for the holidays
By Disha Hoque
Photos courtesy
of iStock:
Alex_533, Aliaksandr Antanovich, ehrlif, GummyBone, JCPhotosss, Kyle Little, Maxvis, Meindert van der Haven, Poike, tunart, vkyryl, zrfphoto
LAMPPOSTS WRAPPED WITH shimmering lights, horse-drawn carriages lining cobblestone roads, shops lit up and people walking by holding warm cups of hot chocolate. This scene plays out in front of countless stories of love, hometown appreciation and family in holiday Hallmark movies.
When planning a winter getaway or 2026 vacation, consider adding some real-life Hallmark towns to your list.
Out of state
Middleburg, Virginia
A six-hour drive from Columbus, Middleburg is the epitome of small-town Southern charm intertwining with U.S. history and nearby Blue Ridge Mountains scenes.
Dubbed the Nation’s Horse and Hunt capital, the town is known for its equestrian culture and solo, couple and family adventures. Alongside opportunities to ride horseback and visit historic horse farms, shop at the various boutiques, antiques businesses and fine art museums along the historic district.
Dahlonega, Georgia
About an hour and a half north of Atlanta, central Georgia transforms into a mountainous retreat filled with festivals and celebration, such as the Dahlonega Chocolate Crawl, Literary Festival and Bear on the Square Mountain Festival.
After spending time in historic downtown Dahlonega, embark on a scenic drive around the Great Smoky Mountains and enjoy the views, or book an overnight stay through one of Dahlonega’s bed and breakfasts, cabins, retreats or hotels.
Frankenmuth, Michigan
Regardless of the time of year, Frankenmuth is always in the holiday spirit. Travel north to experience German culture and celebrate Christmas all-year round in Michigan’s Little Bavaria.
Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, “The World’s Largest Christmas Store,” offers ornaments, trees and more. Hop on a trolley ride or riverboat to view all of the southeastern German-inspired architecture and landscaping. Peruse Bavarian clothing and imports downtown, and later spend an afternoon splashing at Bavarian Blast Waterpark, Michigan’s largest indoor waterpark.
International
Steveston, British Columbia
A filming location for a few Hallmark films – as well as other shows and movies, including Supernatural, Once Upon a Time and the 2014 Godzilla film – Steveston is a great getaway for film lovers.
See the fishing village by taking a walk along Fishers Walk, enjoying fresh offthe-dock seafood and whale watching.
Bruges, Belgium
Take a flight back in time to experience medieval Europe in Bruges and Flemish culture, scenes and sounds.
For classical music lovers, Bruges is a global hotspot and hub for the orchestra. Watch a show at the Concertgebouw Brugge, one of the finest music halls in the world, or visit during the MA Festival and experience music and art in Bruges’ landscapes.
Tour centuries-old canals, courtyards and buildings found in Hallmark films, such as Love, Romance & Chocolate (2019), and don’t miss out on the chance to get a taste of one, or several, of Bruges’ chocolate shops.
Local getaway
Lakeside Chautaqua
A picturesque weekend doesn’t have to be an elaborate getaway.
Curate a local Hallmark adventure at Ohio’s “most beautiful mile,” a roughly two-and-a-half hour drive from Columbus. Spend the weekend sailing, swimming or enjoying the Lakeside Symphony Orchestra.
Experience Lake Erie’s shoreline through kayaking and paddleboarding, or spend the day fishing. End the evening hopping on a boat ride, touring the waterfront and great lake.
Out of the water, delve into fitness and art classes, or put your athletic skills to the test by playing tennis, pickleball or shuffle board along the waterfront. Turn a day trip into an overnight stay by booking a Lakeside cottage, inn or hotel. CS
Disha Hoque is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.
Frankenmuth, Michigan
Fun fact!
Although primarily filmed in Ireland, the Hallmark movie Forever in My Heart (2019) begins in Columbus, Ohio, where protagonist Jenna works for a Columbus-based hotel chain.
Dahlonega, Georgia
Steveston, British Columbia
Bruges, Belgium
Life-like Landscapes
Self-taught artist celebrates local scenes
By Ali Hartzell
AFTER SUSTAINING MULTIPLE concussions from high school volleyball, Autumn Grant discovered a new interest that would grow into much more than just a hobby. With no formal art education, she began to dive into the world of paints and canvases, empowered by the support of friends, family and mentors.
Her high school injuries inspired her to learn about the brain, leading Grant to graduate from Ohio University in spring 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Before she graduated, she connected with Terra Gallery in Dublin. There, she found peers and mentors who supported her career.
Her first painting, The Link, was a black-and-white acrylic painting of the Dublin Link bridge, and it sold the same
day she graduated from OU. This propelled Grant to give art a real chance, and she joined the talented team of artists at Terra Gallery.
Shifting from being a college student to a full-time artist was not without its challenges. The process of learning how to turn her passion into a career was intimidating, she says.
“I think that artists or people thinking about artists forget that there is a whole other side of things that doesn’t require painting or being creative,” Grant says. “It’s really the business side where you have to have discipline.”
Her pieces sold quickly, and she began experimenting with her art style. She particularly enjoyed creating detailed minipaintings, as small as 2 inches by 2 inches.
Photos courtesy of Autumn Grant
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Aside from commissioned works, Grant works with local organizations. A personal favorite of hers, “September on the Scioto”, was a donation to the Greater Columbus Arts Council. The painting of Scottie Scheffler in the bunker was a collaboration with the Memorial Tournament.
Recently, Grant has been working on commission projects. Teaching classes and continuing to develop her own creative voice through detailed
Transform the entry into a oneof-a-kind experience. One that blends artistry, craftsmanship and modern engineering. Because the entry is where home begins. And homes with uncompromising style demand uncompromising entryways.
landscapes have helped her to grow as an artist, she says.
“(It’s) the highest form of understanding, trying to explain what you know to other people,” Grant says.
Grant’s goal is to create work that reflects her own artistic expression.
“I just want to make sure that where I continue to take this business is full of meaning and purpose,” she says.
When creating a piece, Grant is focused on detail, and guided by her strong faith.
“God has put so much delicate and thoughtful detail into the world around us, so whenever I’m painting, I try to capture that,” she says.
One of her favorite pieces, a colorful painting of the Dublin Link bridge, showcases Grant’s attention to detail.
“I am self-taught, so I’m still learning as I go,” she says.
Grant gains artistic knowledge and inspiration through her peers and students, and from the world around her. She hopes to expand beyond Ohio and work in other states.
Her next works will include local landscapes and architecture from Dublin, Delaware and other central Ohio lo-
cations. Grant says this next collection will focus on light and water to bring an even more lifelike look to the paintings. Grant’s work can be found at Terra Gallery in Dublin or online at www. autumngrantart.com. CS
Ali Hartzell is an editorial assisant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com
Classic Craft Fir Grain CCA82350 | Acorn
Visualize on Your Home
Distributed by
ON VIEW Dates and shows are subject to change. Visit the websites for more information.
Gallery Exhibits
24 Lincoln St. Gallery & Art Studios: Freezing Time: On the Olentangy and Beyond. Paintings by Tamar Rudavsky capture feelings surrounding the flow of time on the Olentangy River and beyond. Open Nov. 1-30. www.sharon weissgallery.com
Chaos Contemporary Craft: Containing and Being Contained. Teresa Audet explores various themes surrounding containment and connection through wood creations. Open through Nov. 21. www.chaoscontemporarycraft.com
Columbus Museum of Art: Tacita Dean: Blind Folly. The exhibition highlights work by British European visual artist Tacita Dean, including mediums
such as film and printmaking. Open through March 8. Artemisia Gentileschi: Naples to Beirut. This exhibit brings together the Baroque painter’s Neapolitan period: Bathsheba (c. 1635–37) and Hercules and Omphale (c. 1635–37). Open through May 31. www.columbus museum.org
Columbus Museum of Art at The Pizzuti: Las Vegas Ikebana: Maren Hassinger and Senga Nengudi. This exhibition is the first museum retrospective on the pioneering collective and cross-disciplinary practices of artists Maren Hassinger and Senga Nengudi. Open through Jan. 11. www.columbusmuseum.org/ the-pizzuti
Fresh A.I.R. Gallery: Flourish: Beyond the Silence. Abstract, surrealism and still-
life paintings by award-winning artist Lori Rivera. Open through Dec. 31. www.southeasthc.org/services/fresh airgallery
Hammond Harkins Galleries: Things We Hold Dear. Artwork by Brenden Spivey, Gaynelle Sloman, Glenn Doell, Richard “Duarte” Brown, Susan Corcoran, Susan Sommerfeld and Veena Bansal in various styles. Open Nov. 2-23. Small and Wonderful. Annual holiday exhibition featuring a variety of art by Hammond Harkins artists that can be bought. Open Nov. 29-Dec. 21. www. hammondharkins.com
Hayley Gallery: Birthday Open House and 2025 Holiday Preview. Open Nov. 7-9. Holiday Open House. Holiday artwork handmade by our local Ohio artists, including paintings, stained glass, fused glass, punch needle, ceramics, wood, silverplate, jewelry and more. Open Dec. 6-24. Lost in the Moment Work by Todd Buschur and Suzanne Robinson. Open through Jan. 12. www. localohioart.com
Mac Worthington Studio: Springtime in Winter. Exhibition featuring original floral paintings from Mac Worthington. Open through Nov. 30. Small Paintings. Landscapes and florals. Open Dec. 1-30. www.macworthington.com
Fresh A.I.R. Gallery
Fisher Gallery
Marcia Evans Gallery: Kirsten Bowen New Works. Works by Kirsten Bowen featuring text-based fresco – which incorporates her poems and quotes, as well as those of famous poets – in addition to watercolor works, many depicting variations of colorful water scenes. Open Nov. 1-30. www.marciaevansgallery.com
Ohio Craft Museum: Gifts of the Craftsmen. Unique gifts handcrafted by nearly 200 artists from across the country. Open Nov. 2-Dec. 23. www.ohiocraft.org
Open Door Columbus: Are You Afraid of the Art? View artwork inspired by some of Hollywood’s most infamous and frightening films. Open through Nov. 28. www.opendoorcolumbus.org
ODU Wehrle Gallery: Chaz O’Neil: Strataform. Referencing diagrams, strata and speculative futures, Chaz O’Neil visualizes the invisible forces shaping both planetary matter and human meaning. Open through Jan. 10. www.ohiodominican.edu
OSU Faculty Club Gallery: Interpreting the Landscape. Laura Wetz, Justin Collamore and Rod Hayslip create distinct yet complementary visions of the landscape, resulting in a nuanced dialogue about place, memory and artistic interpre-
tation. Open through Dec. 17. www. ohio-statefacultyclub.com
Otterbein University: www.otterbein.edu
• Fisher Gallery: Urushi: exploring the chromacosm. Work by Vietnameseborn Urushi artist Nhat Tran. Open through Dec. 5.
• The Frank Museum of Art: Ukiyo-e’s Living Legacy: The Yoshida Family Prints. Prints from the Yoshida family from the Flaten Art Museum at St. Olaf College. Open through Dec. 5.
• Miller Gallery: Gathering Currents Work created by faculty and staff across multiple disciplines and media. Open through Nov. 9.
Riffe Gallery: 2025 Biennial Juried Exhibition. Works created by 61 artists living and working in Ohio, chosen from more than 1,900 entries. Open through Jan. 9. www.oac.ohio.gov
Sean Christopher Gallery: Time Flies. Work by Julia Hamilton that focuses on her perceptions of love and loss. Open Nov. 1-Dec. 13. www.seanchristophergallery.com
Sharon Weiss Gallery: Past and Present Michael Guinane’s solo exhibit features his newest paintings, showing a variety of environments and the people that are a part of those places. Open Nov. 1-30. NEW WORKS. Fred Fochtman’s solo exhibit is a new collection of oil paintings featuring observational still life and landscapes. Open Dec. 5-Jan. 11. www.sharon weissgallery.com
Chaos Contemporary Craft
Sharon Weiss Gallery
Studios on High Gallery: The Art of Gifting. Studio member artists showcase smaller works in the studio’s annual holiday show, featuring work ranging from jewelry and oils to wildlife sculpture, ceramics and mixed media collages. Open Nov. 1-Dec. 31. www.studiosonhigh.com
The Arts Castle: Women OF and BY Design
An exhibition by the Collage Group of Women Artists celebrating their appreciation for life’s many experiences. Open through Jan. 9. Holiday Art Fair. More than 60 artists will show and sell one-of-a-kind works at Gallery 22. Open Nov. 7-Dec. 14. www.artscastle.org
The Schumacher Gallery: The Art of Presence: Contemporary Realism from Ohio Artists. Drawings, paintings and sculptures by artists from various cultural, racial and ethnic backgrounds focusing on everyday subjects. Open through Dec. 5. www. capital.edu
Urban Arts Space: Laura Da’: Why Lazarus. The exhibition celebrates the work of Shawnee poet and educator Laura Da’ by
emphasizing the significance of the Scioto Trail for connecting towns and settlements of her ancestral communities in Ohio. Open through Nov. 15. www.uas.osu.edu
Wexner Center for the Arts: Eric N. Mack. Mack’s visual vocabulary of painting, textiles and fashion converges and expands the notion of sculpture and painting as a medium. Nanette Carter: Sentinels. Key works from the Columbus-born artist’s nearly 50-year career. Veronica Ryan: Unruly Objects. Ryan’s abstract and multifaceted sculptures present a network of connections influenced by transatlantic exchanges, global histories of travel, and narratives of healing and belonging. All open through Jan. 11. www.wexarts.org
Wild Goose Creative: What Lies Beneath Work by Elaff Houmsse, Hannah Buss, Joleanna Bare and Reagan Mounts. Open Nov. 14-Dec. 3. Wild Art Columbus 2025. Works from emerging and established central Ohio artists up for auction. Event on Dec. 12 from 6-9 p.m. www.wild goosecreative.com
Find additional listings at www.cityscenecolumbus.com
The Arts Castle
Picks&Previews
Keep your eyes peeled for these events!
An Evening With Joe Bonamassa
Nov. 3, 8 p.m.
Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St.
From opening for B.B. King to selling out his own shows, Grammy-nominated blues rock singer and songwriter Joe Bonamassa returns to Columbus for the first time since 2023. www.capa.com
Columbus Symphony Orchestra presents JAWS in Concert
Nov. 7, 8 p.m.
Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St.
Enjoy the Academy Award-winning score by composer John Williams as the orchestra performs live alongside this legendary movie. www.columbussymphony.com
Chicago Nov. 8, 7:30 p.m.
Mershon Auditorium, 1871 N. High St.
With countless awards to its name and a long list of accomplishments over its decades-long career, this legendary rock ‘n’ roll band (with horns) needs no introduction. Catch the band as it takes on its 58th consecutive year touring. www.mershonauditorium.com
Jonas Brothers: JONAS20 Greetings
From Your Hometown
Nov. 8, 7:30 p.m.
Schottenstein Center, 555 Borror Dr.
A celebration of the group’s 20-year journey, the show includes sets from every chapter of the trio’s career – from small performances in malls to solo work and careers. www.schottenstein center.com
makes his ProMusica debut performing Saint-Saëns’ Piano Concerto No. 2 alongside the orchestra’s performances of Gabriela Lena Frank’s “Elegía Andina” and Schubert’s Symphony No. 4 “Tragic.” www.promusicacolumbus.org
John Legend Get Lifted Tour
Nov. 10, 8 p.m.
Schottenstein Center, 555 Borror Dr.
With an impactful career on and off the stage, this award-winning, multi-platinum artist takes the stage to perform songs from throughout his career including “All of Me” and “Like I’m Gonna Lose You”. www.schottenstein center.com Champions of Magic: Holiday Spectacular
Pianist Terrence Wilson, who is also an Avery Fisher Career Grant recipient,
Holiday Pops
Joe Bonamassa
CAPA presents Champions of Magic: Holiday Spectacular
Nov. 12, 7:30 p.m.
Palace Theatre , 34 W. Broad St.
Enjoy a festive magic show full of illusions, high-energy tricks and jokes from a group of illusionists, magicians and escapologists from all over the world. www.capa.com
CAPA presents Black Violin Full Circle Tour
Nov. 14, 8 p.m.
Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St.
Hailing from Florida, Wil Baptiste and Kev Marcus have combined hiphop with classical violin since 2003. This Grammy Award-nominated duo is joined by Texas-based musician and songwriter Abraham Alexander, whose song “Like a Bird” from the film Sing Sing was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song. www. capa.com
PNC Broadway in Columbus presents Some Like It Hot Nov. 18-23
Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St.
This Tony Award-winning musical dazzles audiences with song and dance as two musicians, who witnessed a mob hit, flee Prohibition-era Chicago and take the cross-country train trip of a lifetime. www.columbus.broadway.com
Shadowbox Live presents Holiday Hoopla
Nov. 20-Dec. 27
Shadowbox Live, 503 S. Front St.
This fan favorite sketch comedy and music show returns to celebrate, and poke fun at, the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. www.shadowboxlive.org
CAPA and Short North Stage present A Christmas Carol Nov. 28-30
Ohio Theatre, 39. E State St.
Directed by Short North Stage Artistic Director Edward Carignan, this original production weaves dance, musical moments and carols into a classic holiday tale. www.capa.com
Pentatonix: Christmas in the City Tour Nov. 29, 7 p.m.
Nationwide Arena, 200 W. Nationwide Blvd.
Celebrate the season with Grammy Award-winning a cappella quintet Pentatonix as it brings fan favorites and festive songs to central Ohio. www.nationwide arena.com
Jazz Arts Group presents Home for the Holidays Dec. 4-7
Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St.
Enjoy a program of seasonal favorites with jazz trumpeter Byron Stripling and the Columbus Jazz Orchestra. www.jazz artsgroup.com
Columbus Children’s Theatre presents Mr. Scrooge Dec. 5-23
Riffe Center, Studio One Theatre, 77 S. High St.
This lively and fast-paced production is full of music and merriment, and is especially suited for young theatergoers. www. capa.com
Some Like it Hot YARRINGTON
Columbus Symphony Orchestra presents Holiday Pops
Dec. 5-7
Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St.
Joined by the Columbus Symphony Chorus, the Columbus Children’s Choir and special guests, the Columbus Symphony Orchestra celebrates the season
with a festive program. www.columbus symphony.com
Short North Alliance Holiday Hop
Dec. 6, noon-8 p.m.
Short North Arts District
North High Street from Nationwide Boulevard to Seventh Avenue.
Engage with interactive art, local artisans, live performances and community activities in this festive market. www. shortnorth.org
BalletMet presents The Nutcracker Dec. 11-28
Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St.
This holiday ballet tradition follows Clara and the Nutcracker Prince
through magical lands and features more than 200 dancers from BalletMet’s professional company and academy. www.balletmet.org
The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio presents A Christmas Carol Dec. 11-21
Riffe Center, Studio Two Theatre, 77 S. High St.
Witness a retelling of the classic tale with more than 30 characters, all performed as a one-person show by Angela Iannone, an award-winning actor, director, playwright and educator. www.capa.com
The Abbey Theater of Dublin presents A Christmas Carol Dec. 12-21
Abbey Theater of Dublin, 5600 Post Rd.
In this theatrical page-to-stage adaptation, a miserly Ebenezer Scrooge embarks on a journey to rediscover the Christmas spirit. www.dublinohiousa.gov
PNC Broadway in Columbus presents Six Dec. 16-21
Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St.
This energetic, Tony Award-winning musical gives the six wives of Henry VIII the stage as they turn heartbreak into pop hits. columbus.broad way.com
McCoy Center for the Arts, 100 E. Dublin-Granville Rd.
Enjoy the sounds of the season with a program full of classical and contemporary compositions. The New Albany Symphony Orchestra and Chorus is also joined by special guest worldacclaimed Irish tenor Emmet Cahill. www.newalbanysymphony.com
Find additional listings at www.cityscenecolumbus.com
