Columbus Area Arts Council

Columbus Area Arts Council The Columbus Area Arts Council (CAAC) is a not-for-profit arts organization in the heart of Columbus

The Columbus Area Arts Council has been a leading arts agency in Bartholomew County since 1972, partnering with state, regional and local arts and culture organizations to bring the arts to everyone. CAAC's mission is to strengthen the community through arts and culture. It is our vision to be the central resource for the arts by inspiring a creative life for all. We value accessibility, diversity, inclusion, collaboration and excellence, and are working to serve the community, cultivate a creative network, foster and develop young talent and expand quality of place.

Mark your calendar: 50/50 registration opens Friday, September 18.🎨 50/50 at 411 Gallery📅 Registration opens September 1...
09/09/2026

Mark your calendar: 50/50 registration opens Friday, September 18.

🎨 50/50 at 411 Gallery
📅 Registration opens September 18

Now in its ninth year, 50/50 is our community art project where anyone can be part of an art show. The first 50 registrants receive a free 4" x 4" wood block to turn into an original art piece. Return your creation to be displayed at 411 Gallery. Each finished piece is then sold for $50 to support the gallery's exhibitions and programs. Crafters, hobbyists, and established artists are welcome to register.

There are 50 spots, and they go fast. Set a reminder for September 18 so you don't miss this opportunity to create something original and impactful.

More details coming soon

September at Studio C is full of ways to work with clay. We’re offering six One-Night Wheel Throwing workshops, plus the...
09/09/2026

September at Studio C is full of ways to work with clay. We’re offering six One-Night Wheel Throwing workshops, plus the return of the Mushroom Pinch Pot. Studio Hours are also open every Tuesday and Thursday for makers to work on their own projects.

🏺 One-Night Wheel Throwing
In a single session, you'll learn to cone, center clay, pull up walls, and shape and finish pots you'll take home with you.

With Ben Eckert
📅 Saturday, September 12 · 2:00–4:00 pm or 5:00–7:00 pm
📅 Wednesday, September 23 · 6:00–8:00 pm

With Águeda Formoso Mayan
📅 Wednesday, September 16 · 6:00–8:00 pm
📅 Saturday, September 19 · 2:00–4:00 pm or 5:00–7:00 pm

🍄 Mushroom Pinch Pot
Learn simple handbuilding techniques to make a pinch pot with slip-trailed surface details. All materials and glazes are included.

With Abby Moses
📅 Wednesday, September 30 · 6:00–8:00 pm
📍 Studio C, 4760 Ray Boll Blvd, Columbus, IN 47203
💵 Registration is open for all September workshops!
https://form.jotform.com/artsincolumbus/studio-c-september-wheel-throwing

Studio Hours
Studio Hours give makers with some ceramics experience dedicated time to work on their own projects using the studio's clay, wheels, tools, and space. Registration is required.

📅 Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:00–9:00 pm
Learn more and apply at https://www.artsincolumbus.org/studio-c

09/01/2026

Hey, Columbus! We're looking for local screenprinters. Go!

There's a lot happening this September, and there are so many ways to get involved, create, or simply show up. See the c...
08/31/2026

There's a lot happening this September, and there are so many ways to get involved, create, or simply show up. See the calendar link in our bio for details.

🖼️ 411 Gallery Exhibition: "Now Is The Time / The Time Is Now" by Bridget Conn
📅 September 3–October 16
📍 411 Gallery

Experimental analog photography inspired by nature.
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🎉 Arts Alley Event & 411 Exhibition Reception
411 Exhibition Reception
📅 September 3 | 5:00–8:00 pm
📍 6th Street Arts Alley + 411 Gallery

Live music by Jan Bell & Devin Brown, DORA Bar, + more!
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🎨 50/50 Open Call Begins
📅 September 18
Now in its ninth year, 50/50 is our community art project where anyone can be part of a gallery exhibition. Registration opens September 18.

🎸 Battle of the Bands — Video Audition Deadline
📅 September 25
Calling all musicians. Get your audition in by September 25, link in bio!

👹 Mill Race Monster Festival
📅 October 23–25
📍 Mill Race Park, 50 Carl Miske Dr, Columbus, IN 47201
Three days of art, music, storytelling, food, performances, and immersive experiences, all inspired by Columbus' legendary 1974 monster sightings. Tickets are available now, link in bio!

🏺 Studio C
See the complete Studio Hour and workshop schedule → Studio C

🎸 CALLING YOUNG MUSICIANS!Battle of the Bands is back—and this year, there are two ways to get on stage.🤘 Apply with a b...
08/28/2026

🎸 CALLING YOUNG MUSICIANS!

Battle of the Bands is back—and this year, there are two ways to get on stage.

🤘 Apply with a band
🎤 Apply individually and audition to join a band

Musicians ages 19 and under from across southeastern Indiana are invited to apply.

Selected applicants will advance to live auditions at Columbus East High School, with finalists performing November 20 at The Commons for a cash prize + future Arts Alley Parklet performance.

📅 Application Deadline: September 25
🎤 Live Auditions: October 24 & 28
🎶 Battle of the Bands: November 20

Apply now using the link below!
https://www.artsincolumbus.org/botb

Join us on the 6th Street Arts Alley for a night of art, music and fun.🖼️ “Now is the Time/The Time is Now” by Bridget C...
08/20/2026

Join us on the 6th Street Arts Alley for a night of art, music and fun.

🖼️ “Now is the Time/The Time is Now” by Bridget Conn
🎼 Music by Jan Bell and Devin Brown
🍷 DORA Bar
🎟 Free, open to everyone

Bridget Conn’s Exhibition Statement
As I watch the foundation of American democracy crack in our current political climate, and witness Artificial Intelligence erasing activities that define our humanity, I am drawn into intense observation of my immediate physical environment for a sense of grounding. Watching the cycle of life present itself from spring ephemeral flowers to small winter remnants is my counterbalance to headlines – an antidote to the uncertainties of American reality, and fuel for what may lie ahead.

About Jan Bell
Jan Bell splits her time between Brooklyn, NY and Nashville, IN. Her country and folk songs have led to grand adventures from Grey Fox Bluegrass Fest. to Glastonbury; The Woody Guthrie Archives to The Waldorf Astoria. Independent Music Awards Winner Best Americana Album, and Best Concept Album 'Dream of the Miner's Child'.

About Devin Brown
Devin Brown started backing up his father, Thomas Brown at the young age of 15. Over the years he picked up several instruments and played with many different string band projects. In recent years he has focused a lot on bass, both electric and upright on stage and in the studio. He performs several times a year, showcasing his original music as well.

08/17/2026

🎤 A FEW DAYS UNTIL THE MIC OPENS.

We’re getting closer to another night of poetry, music, stories, and community at Stunna’s.

This month’s lineup includes:
✨ Featured Poet: DDE the Slammer
🎸 Musician: Albert Nolting
🎙️ MC: Janae Garner-Kelley

Whether you’re stepping up to the mic or settling in with a drink and a good audience, Open Mic is a chance to experience the creative voices that make Columbus interesting.

And don’t forget to support our local host while you’re here!

Pre-order your charcuterie from Stunna’s and enjoy it during the evening:
👉 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfuOa0sBEGn9geZEq9UgDwxMvo3h4y3-y-SeicmFGJf0WjWww/viewform

📍 Stunna’s
1604 Central Ave
Columbus, Indiana 47201
📅 August 18, 2026
⏰ 6-8pm

Save the date. Bring a friend.
You never know what you’ll hear when the mic is open.

Presented by Red Bridge Writing Community.

With support from Columbus Area Arts Council, empowering creative changemakers in Columbus.

🖼️ "Now Is The Time / The Time Is Now" by Bridget Conn📅 Reception: Thursday, September 3, 5:00–8:00 pm📅 On View: Septemb...
08/17/2026

🖼️ "Now Is The Time / The Time Is Now" by Bridget Conn
📅 Reception: Thursday, September 3, 5:00–8:00 pm
📅 On View: September 3 – October 16, 2026
📍 411 Gallery, 411 6th St, Columbus, IN 47201
🕛 Thursday & Friday 12:00–6:00 pm | Saturday 10:00 am–2:00 pm
🎟️ Free and open to all

Artist Exhibition Statement:
As I watch the foundation of American democracy crack in our current political climate, and witness Artificial Intelligence erasing activities that define our humanity, I am drawn into intense observation of my immediate physical environment for a sense of grounding. Watching the cycle of life present itself from spring ephemeral flowers to small winter remnants is my counterbalance to headlines – an antidote to the uncertainties of American reality, and fuel for what may lie ahead.

More details → https://www.artsincolumbus.org/411

Get your tickets now!
08/14/2026

Get your tickets now!

Address

431 6th Street
Columbus, IN
47201

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm

Website

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