May has been a pivotal month for 83, with the commencement of major new partnerships, additions, and projects, and our Mega May Hop set the tone. As expected, this show shattered our attendance record and depleted our PBR, food, and artwork in record time. The combination of Cinco de Mayo, Kentucky Derby, Hell City, Obama at OSU, perfect weather, and Gallery Hop was plenty to get everyone out, and anticipation of our significant installation brought them all to us.

Monthly crowd shot from on the desk.

Speaking of the installation, thank you, thank you, thank you to Digilog Futures. They transported from Brooklyn, reconstructed, installed, and unveiled their large, amazing work in less than 60 hours. Read about it. The art and (especially) crew were inspirational, and truly elevated the level of excitement and purpose around 83. We can’ t wait to work with them again! (read: 83 Road Trip). The rope portion of the structure will remain up until Memorial Day, and I’ve included some pictures for those that couldn’t make it to see the stunning whole. Photos courtesy of Caroline Stiers at Asteria Photography.

Styrofoam Stalactite, Pagan Pendulum, or Robot Crusher?

Spilling onto Mikey’s like Slut Sauce.

Entrance view with the love trunk.

Stage view with the backlit PBRbar.

“Suck it, traditional galleries.” -PBRbot

And a big thanks to our stellar musicians as well. J Rawls and O Sharp led it off, with Andy Cook and Bobby Stevens carrying us into Cincy-grown State Song. The three completely different genres meshed well, fittingly.

Stay tuned, the aforementioned details on those major partnerships, additions, and projects warrant an entire post, up next.

Another Gallery Hop, another absolute destruction of the art gallery status quo at 83. I should temper my enthusiasm, but there was no question to everyone present (and Columbus Underground) that something important is happening here. Bustown Music’s venue review from a few days ago provides further evidence. This exhibition was arguably our best visually, and the work was complimented all night with throngs of diverse and beautiful people. The Sandy Tarbottoms opened with an afro-bluegrass tilt, and Cadaver Dogs frontman (and 83 favorite) Mat Franklin headlined with a rare solo set.

Interns Danielle and Mariah, plus Leah, Cropper, and Crowd!

Featured artists Jimbo Tamoro and W.E. Arnold

The highlight of the night was certainly the glass installation created by John Sharvin and Leah Lynn. This innovative work consisted of hundreds of hand-blown glass balls individually filled with terrariums, then suspended with fishing wire from cages on the ceiling. The end result was a gorgeous, floating, flowing mass of interesting emerging from near the stage. The installation will remain up for at least the remainder of the month, possibly longer, but make sure to stop in soon to see what the “party” gallery is actually capable of.

Installation (Close)

Installation (Far)

Up next is a pop-up show this Thursday, April 12th at Via Vecchia. Located at 485 S Front St. in the Brewery District, this event will last from 6pm-midnight, with art, live music, cash bar and food.

83 Gallery often has the privilege of hosting organizations we respect, and next Thursday, March 22nd, Shade Publishing joins that list with their Second Anniversary Party. Should be a blast, and tickets are only $20 for complementary drinks and gaming chips! Also, providing the “purpose” to the party, 90% of all money raised will be donated to Columbus Youth Expressions, a local nonprofit that is changing the way the next generation views credit, and helps define “needs” versus “wants.” Really good music, booze, and casino games for a great cause? Sign us up.

Visit Shade Publishing for tickets and check the hot cards below for info.

Event Details

Live Entertainment

“To see the growth that we have seen in this two-year period is not only a fantastic achievement, but a direct reflection of what can be done when you follow your vision and surround yourself with positive, like-minded individuals.” -Jones, Owner/Author, Shade Publishing.

83 at 9pm

Thank you Columbus! Despite gloomy skies and a rain-sleet mix, the gallery was consistently crushed Saturday night. The traffic was endless and tight, and the huge, fully stocked beerquarium was empty by 9pm. Yea. Also, pushed quite a few shirts from the new 83 line by Scott Yonker. As always, our artists, patrons, bands, and friends showed up in a big way. Check out the event preview by Columbus Underground.

Jackie & The Stabbs

A special shout-out to Jackie & The Stabbs, who killed it with the 9pm slot. They played with a strange, delicate energy and oozed independent charm, suspending their audience (and yours truly) between swooning and dancing.  If it’s up to us, this won’t be the last time you see them at 83. They headline A&R Bar this Saturday, then open for Company of Thieves March 8th at Newport. More Jackie & The Stabbs on Facebook. Thanks also goes the closing band, Relentless Mules, for a great set; you can catch them Tuesdays at Dick’s Den.

Man, look at all those beautiful people

If you weren’t able to make it or would like a better look, the exhibit will remain up until February 25th.