A Remarkable Year for Central Ohio Branch

By Darlene Yeager-Torre

For the past year, the Central Ohio Branch has been extraordinarily busy. In addition to planning and hosting the NLAPW 51st Biennial with the art exhibit in the Main Gallery of the Priscilla R. Tyson Cultural Arts Center, the branch hosted a concurrent exhibition in The Loft Gallery on the third floor. President Dawn Petrill organized the ekphrastic show, with branch members in all disciplines participating. “Creative Viewpoints,” the exhibit title, showcased the creative work of 24 members. An opening reception took place on April 12, with branch members providing a variety of food and drinks for guests.

The “Creative Viewpoints” exhibit came on the heels of “All Together,” a diverse exhibition of talent with “all for one and one for all.” Displayed Sept. 10 to Oct. 26, it was the first exhibit at the freshly updated Martin de Porres Gallery and was the kickoff of the branch 2023-24 season of programs.

As the year unfolded, the work of the branch officers in planning programs came into focus as we welcomed speakers in letters, music, and art. The Columbus Koto Ensemble, three women musicians, gave an educational and entertaining program about the national instrument of Japan, the koto. Linda Mizjewski, author of “Pretty Funny: Women Comedians and Body Politics,” gave a thoroughly researched presentation describing how, traditionally, successful women in film have been pegged as either “pretty” or “funny.” Of interest to all members was a panel discussion, “How to Apply for and Get Grants and Fellowships.”

Jennifer Evans Kinsley offered a program on book arts and Bev Goldie hosted an artist talk about her solo exhibit as a guest artist at First Community Village. Sandwiched in between the exhibits and presentations was a docentled tour of the Columbus Museum of Art and the muchanticipated annual holiday luncheon where members had an opportunity to share current work, recent successes, and upcoming events of interest.

It comes as no surprise then that the Central Ohio Branch had the largest percentage of growth for the 2023-24 year as we welcomed new members into our ranks.