The Most Delectable Art Galleries in Columbus

Reed Arts

★★★★☆ 4.4 (9)

"This place is an art gallery for the masses. You can't miss the red and purple building with the giant frame and cool "all weather" Koi pond in front. The first thing you notice about this place is the friendly staff. Tim, Celeste and the others are extremely art-savvy, but manage to make your experience feel more like a visit to a neighborhood hangout than a snotty art gallery. They do a great job of having a variety of art on hand. Examples when I was there - beautifully framed prints and posters; unique sculptures ceramics; wide selection of Charlie Harper works (a great painter using geometric shapes and colors to depict his subject matter (animals) in a modern vibrant way; and a myriad of other artworks that I didn't have time to take in.This place has been here for years and if you haven't stopped in, do yourself a favor and go. Very accessible art no matter your price range, custom framing, and they will order or find you anything you want if they don't have it."

Java Central Cafe and Roaster

★★★★☆ 4.2 (175) • $

"We've stopped here multiple times and always have delicious coffee. They have regular coffee and unique flavors like cardamon rose. You can order them iced, warm or frozen. Definitely worth a stop to grab a drink while you shop down Main Street"

Open Door Art Studio

★★★★★ 5 (4) • $$

"Talk about art that gives you goosebumps, well I have found that here in abundance. Established over a decade ago, Open Door Art Studio is exactly what the name depicts, a place where artists who might face physical, mental or emotional obstacles elsewhere are empowered to express their creativity. I was fortunate to have been at the opening of the "This Inspired That" exhibition opening where you could see the inspirational piece & then the artist's interpretation of that work. The artists were on site & you could see the joy & pride all over their faces & I was honored to have had the opportunity to share that experience with them."

Winter Street Gallery

★★★★★ 5 (3)

"This is a great place to get your prints or photographs framed! The owner has an expert eye with lots of frames and matting to choose from. Prices are very reasonable and the quality is unsurpassed! I wouldn't take my art anywhere else."

Schumacher Gallery

★★★★★ 4.8 (5) • $

"I'm ashamed of myself folks. I've lived in the Columbus area all my life and there are times when I say ho hum, I've seen everything worthwhile in Columbus, Ohio. Then I discover a cool and interesting art museum just minutes from my house.I heard that the Schumacher Gallery was having a photography exhibition in tribute to The Beatles first US visit, "The Beatles! Backstage and Behind the Scenes" I really enjoyed that interesting exhibit but that was just the tip of the iceberg.I also spent time looking around their permanent art collection, which was far larger than I'd anticipated. Their collection contains nearly 2500 items ranging from paintings, to sculpture, tapestries and more. Whether you like art from Asia, Africa, Oceania, Europe and America with a substantial exhibit on the art of the Inuit Indians of North America, there's something here for everyone.The term "hidden gem" often gets overused but this is the real deal. It is a really well organized, interesting space to visit. I'm the first to review this wonderful art museum and I hope there will be a whole lot more from other art lovers.I'd encourage anyone to spend some time and tour the museum. I took my time and was there for about an hour. Couple this museum with a Drexel movie, a dinner at a nearby restaurant or maybe some ice cream from across the street and you might just have yourself a very pleasant afternoon.* Located at Capital University on the 5th floor of the Blackmore Library.* Hours are somewhat limited - check their website for details.* Admission is free."

Wanderlust Studio

★★★★☆ 4.4 (15)

"Wanderlust Studio boutique is located in Merion Village. There is plenty of street parking and the storefront takes up the entire first floor. The studio is set up in two sections/suites that are connected inside. It is such a fun, inspiring, and inviting atmosphere.This trip I stopped in to purchase one of Tiffany's (the owner's) recycled candles that she makes. The are some of my favorites. Wanderlust Studio is full art, candles, ceramics, cards, clothing & accessories, and so much more that is available for purchase. Always fun to stop in and see what's new and what Tiffany has lined up for the month. Definitely recommend stopping in and taking a look around and see what you can find."

Sharon Weiss Gallery

★★★★☆ 4 (3) • $$$

"I love the street, the building, the floors, the art...everything! Seriously- what a charming place!! The building and surroundings themselves are almost an installation piece. It combines the quaint elegance of a cottage and a loft all in one and while the art is great, I was more impressed with what they had done with the place!! Sounds horrible, I know. This will definitely be a place that I stop in regularly to monitor the work of artists who are lucky enough to exhibit there."

Art & Clay On Main

★★★★☆ 4.3 (18)

"This place is the cutest. It's a pottery painting studio that's also a coffee shop. So you can visit just to grab a coffee or hot chocolate or tea, or you can visit to paint some pottery, or both! I highly recommend doing both.You should know, though: This place seems to get very busy on the weekends, and they do not take reservations. So if you want to beat the crowds, your best bet is to get there right when they open. If all of the painting tables are full, you will need to wait outside until someone leaves. That could be 10 minutes, which is what it was for us. Or, like the nice man who works there pointed out, it could be 30 minutes or more, because there is no time limit once you're at the painting tables, because the creative process can't be rushed. Fair enough. Once we got a table, we walked around the store and looked at all of the pottery options. They had bowls, plates, piggy banks, coasters, planters, trinkets and ornaments (these are seasonal). My kids picked out a truck piggy bank and a kitty ornament. Pottery pieces vary in price -- the ornament cost around $12, and the piggy bank cost $35. Next we made our way to the painting station, where we loaded up our pallets with paint. They recommend using three coats of paint for the brightest finish, but my kids, who are impatient like all children, only did one coat of paint and their pieces came out really well. After you're done painting, you leave your pieces on the table, pay for them at the register, and then Art & Clay on Main fires them and glosses them, and you pick them up about a week later. It is so cool to finally get your finished pieces. Ours really looked professionally done! While we were painting, we ordered some hot chocolate with whipped cream, and drank and painted at a leisurely pace. It was a nice and relaxing family activity, and my kids were really into it. I highly recommend dropping by Art & Clay on Main if you're in downtown Lancaster if you're looking for a fun and relaxing activity with your kids."

Kussmaul Gallery

★★★★☆ 4 (6)

"The Kussmaul Gallery in Granville is one of our favorite spots to stop when we visit the Denison campus. The space itself is in the middle of downtown Granville amidst a collection of shops and eateries. They have quite a collection of eclectic art and trinkets along with a selection of fresh flowers that seems to have shrunk over the years. We've purchased items such as jewelry, art and small sculptures over the years and have never been disappointed."

Mindless Matter

★★★☆☆ 3.3 (6) • $$

"Mindless Matter wins for truth in advertising. This store truly sells random stuff that is hard to categorize. It has interesting, unique items that you could buy but you will then never find a place for. Its like that store you would go to trying to buy a painting that has the constitution superimposed on the back of it. Good luck!Mindless Matter is fun to shop at though. The woman who owns it is always chatty and fun in a kooky way. She keeps her own hours so if the door is open you know the store is as well. The store itself is actually one room underneath the greystone apartments. Inside you will find everything from antique lamps, children toys, and hand made pieces of art and furniture.Mindless Matter is an adventure in shopping akin to a garage sale. One man's trash could easily be your treasure."

Pennington Custom Art Serv

★★★★☆ 4 (5)

"Val is the owner and he does a really great job. In addition to being very creative, he has great suggestions on color and layout. Finally and most important, for all this his prices are very competitive. Add in the other qualities, and his service beats the big chains even with their huge coupons. Give Pennington a go. On Indianola just north of Weber, near Studio 35."

Columbus Glass Art Center

★★★★★ 4.5 (38) • $$

"Heads up: New location and new name! Previously known throughout Columbus as Glass Axis, now the Columbus Glass Art Center, is a non-profit org offering glass blowing and glass art classes to the general public, no membership needed! I went to their Grand Opening of their new building and the space, and it's fantastic! Ample space for several different glass art technique classes. The teachers I met are absolutely wonderful, too! Willing to help/guide if necessary, creative minds, and just plain genuine and personable. I got the chance to make a glass mosaic (think glass art to hand in a window) and a simple smoking pipe (torch melting glass and all!), and it was phenomenal! I'm seriously looking into taking a few classes; and, besides, I know my money is going to an excellent org that's promoting art, culture, and creative partnerships throughout central Ohio!"

Black Art Plus

★★★★★ 4.5 (11) • $$

"I bought a good amount of art here before I moved to Pittsburgh 2 years ago. And when I moved back to Columbus, I decided I needed to visit and see what was new. For some reason the shop is comforting to me. George and I always have pleasant conversations and he is very knowledgeable and welcoming. What he tells me about my art I share with guests at my house. Recently I bought some prints of William Johnson from the Cleveland Museum of Art. I needed them framed and was curious to see what George thought of my selections and taste. He affirmed that I had selected well and I was pleased by his cosign. If you want Africana books stop in. If you want African art stop in. If you want Africana related Harper's Weekly newspapers from the 1800s stop in. This for me is truly a black gem in Columbus ."

Modern Organix

★★★★★ 5 (1)

"This has been far the best party venue I have ever hosted a party at. This venue is so big and has the most beautiful art I have ever seen. You can host any kind of party ranging from a birthday party , baby shower, wedding, reception to a fashion show! The other best thing about this venue is the owners Mike and Marcus. They are so nice, helpful as well as professional! Don't hesitate to contact Modern Organix for your future event. I know i will!"

Marcia Evans Gallery

★★★★★ 4.7 (3)

"Marcia Evans Gallery is wonderful gallery in the Short North Columbus neighborhood.A friend and I have visited Marcia's gallery for a number of years, as we've stayed at the B&B nearby and we always stop by when we're in Columbus for an afternoon, as she's always so friendly and welcoming, but also allows you to take time to view and take in the art in the gallery.She has rotating group of artists in the gallery and one of our favorites is Annette Poitau, her colorful abstract art with vibrant colors and just the right amount of varnish are remarkable pieces.This past Saturday finally one of Annette's pieces called my name and proud to purchase and bring a piece home.The art in the gallery is affordable and variety of sizes, from pieces you could put on an office desk, to main focal point in a home or business.Marcia's gallery is a must while you're in Short North!"

Hawaii Fluid Art

★★★★★ 5 (3)

"I have been to Hawaii Fluid Art multiple times and each time Angelina has been great. I have done multiple painting types including resins canvases and water bottles. Angelina was very patient with the kids and very informative to the adults. We had a wonderful and will be back for more classes."

Peggy R McConnell Arts Center of Worthington

★★★★☆ 4.3 (12) • $

"I have now taken two sessions of hand-building ceramics classes at the Peggy McConnell Arts Center and have enjoyed the experience thus far.The studio space itself is well-maintained, organized, and conducive to a productive and focused creative process. They offer all the tools you need to create and additional clay can be purchased throughout the session if needed. The selection of glazes that they offer to finish your projects are beautiful.Additionally, the Peggy McConnell Arts Center frequently hosts events and exhibitions that provide opportunities for students to showcase their work and connect with the local art community."

Adamah Ceramics

★★★★★ 5 (3)

"Excellent new gallery in the Short North. Owner Josh is an accomplished ceramicist and now he is an accomplished gallery owner. Make sure you make a visit next time you are in the Short North. We came for Michael Rosen's show opening. Excellent work!"

Short North Gallery Hop

★★★★☆ 4 (20) • $$

"I am absolutely shocked that the SN Gallery Hop hasn't been reviewed in 3+ years! While this year they obviously had to pivot and go virtual, this art hop is just one of the many things that makes this neighborhood so special. I'm currently really missing the hustle and bustle on High St. that occurs on this first Saturday of the month celebration. Between musicians busking on the street to the art galleries opening their doors and the creative works that come out of the artists in our beautiful city, it's pure magic. A lot of the bars and restaurants will also have specials and fun promotions going on. It's my favorite to simply walk up and down the sidewalk, admiring the fun. I used to have a studio and participate in an art walk in my hometown of Zanesville and I really miss being on the artist side of things. That being said, I'm glad Columbus celebrates art all year around. I can't wait until the in-real-life hops start up again. I can only imagine the artwork that came out of the year that was 2020."

Ohio Arts Council's Riffe Gallery

★★★★★ 4.9 (8) • $$$

"I've been wanting to go here for quite some time!I walked in with a friend about early afternoon and there was no one in there except a lady at the desk. She told us that the artwork changes every once in a while.We walked around and enjoyed the paintings, sculptures, and such. It's cool! And it's free.I'd love to return for another exhibition!"

Elements of Art

★★★★☆ 4 (1)

"Elements of Art is located in the Short North across from the Greater Columbus Convention Center. The building is just a little south of the main hub of the district, so it doesn't really get the recognition it deserves.The gallery is spacious and well-lit. It has an industrial feel with open ceilings and a barebones floor.On the walls are many mixed media paintings, and on pedestals throughout the space are sculptures. Most of the pieces in the gallery are created by owner, Roman Czech. Roman is always in, so if you stop by, you'll have the pleasure of meeting him. He's a dear, genuine man who loves to talk.You may notice that much of the work in the gallery focuses on the human form, Roman's current obsession. I particularly like the raw, rough, almost painful looking casts with jutting hair and old blood colored wrappings that, to me, resemble gauze. Roman describes them as other-worldly. When I spoke with him, he talked about the casts as being creatures from 10,000 years ago that had come back to visit modern day America. Every one of his pieces has a strange story behind it.But not all the work in the gallery is by its owner. Roman also brings in international artists. His tastes are very highbrow. Though I could never afford anything within his walls, I respect his style.Please be patient with the gallery's website. Roman told me it is currently under construction and will soon be renamed elementsofart.net. We had a good laugh about the fact that the web address has 'fart' in it. Oh, serendipity."

Executive Frames

★★★★★ 5 (1)

"We take our work to Executive Frames exclusively. Michael, is kind and creative and the work is proper and professional. Sarah is a joy to work with as well. Every job we've done has been a personal and most pleasurable experience."

Ohio Art Market

★★★★★ 5 (5) • $$

"I just love this store. If I ever need a special gift for someone (or myself) I come here. The staff is always so friendly and helpful. They carry all kinds of locally made and unique items. Always a fantastic shopping experience."

Ellen Sea Art & Antiques

★★★☆☆ 2.7 (3)

"This place is seemingly stuffed to the gills with all kinds of artwork. Art gallery plus gift shop equals Ellen Sea. Anything from oil paintings, watercolors, engravings, wood carvings, encaustic, hand blown glass, lithographs to mixed media is available. Some famous artists, like Renoir prints, can be seen, but more often than not there are local artists being sold from all over the states, but especially Ohio. Local artists include Robert Brubaker, Art Hedges and JoAnn Warnke, a local Columbus woman who passed away recently in 2007. Many of the artworks are antiques from as far back as the 1800s.Major name gift sellers are sold as well, including Royal Doulton, Lladró and Longaberger. There is an old country kitchen room with kitschy gifts but also Longaberger baskets and china.Ellen Sea does some consignment, but most of the items are acquired by the owners, Lawrence Myers and his wife, Claudia. The goal for the Myers is to sell things at a price that most people can buy A great deal of what they come by is consignment with the people selling the pieces. The Myers do have contributing dealers who do consignment with them, including Don Treux, who makes Amish style furniture."

Coffee Break Pottery Art Ceramics

★★★☆☆ 3.4 (5) • $

"I am a customer of Coffee Break as well as a pottery student. I have taken other less expensive pottery classes but have been unable to get pottery wheel instruction. In a four week class under the instruction of the Coffee Break, I feel confident and I'm enjoying the wheel so much. This is a family owned and operated business. The owners of the coffee break are a wealth of information and are more than happy to share their knowledge. I highly recommend the Coffee Break to anyone venturing into pottery."

The Archive Gallery

★★★★★ 5 (7) • $$

"If you're in the market for custom framing, drop that pile of 40% coupons from the big box store and just go to The Archive Gallery instead. Seriously, this awesome local business was cheaper even after all that other place's silly discounts... and SUCH a better experience.The owner is stellar. She is friendly and incredibly helpful. She really figured out my style and made fantastic recommendations for the piece I was having framed. I loved getting to brainstorm with her on some creative finishes too. The end result was gorgeous, and the work was fast -- only a few days. I can't recommend this place enough."

Studios On High Gallery

★★★★★ 4.6 (8) • $$

"Studios on High Gallery was one of the participating galleries of the monthly Gallery Hop. It is home to 18 artists of different mediums. For the month of August, they are featuring Yesterday's Tomorrow World by Tracy Greenwalt. I enjoyed looking at the different metaphysical themes, including salt shakers, water towers, corn, and bugs. I also enjoyed looking at mixed media pieces by Marty Husted, ceramic sculptures by Denise Romecki, printmaking by Jennifer Jolley-Brown, and cityscapes oil paintings by Jessica Wojtasek."

Hawk Galleries

★★★★★ 5 (3) • $$$$

"What an extraordinary gallery. We went to see the Fresh Air Swedish Glass exhibit and were quite simply blown away by this magnificent collection of art in all its glory.This particular exhibition features pieces that you can't peel your eyes from which isn't a bad thing because of the exquisite detail to be found within each. Speaking of detail, you may want to check out my videos of certain pieces as I tried to capture their beauty afar as well as in your face detail. I am in awe of these gifted artists. The gallery was offering wine, cheese and crackers for their opening event which was a nice touch. Plenty of street parking in the area as well as many restaurants and bars that you could visit afterwards."

Ohio Craft Museum

★★★★☆ 3.9 (15)

"Didn't realize this place existed! Family from out of town new about it and wanted to go.There's 3 gift shops all with artists works for sale. The place was in between displays so there was little art on display. This place is associated with Winterfair for Columbus and Cincinnati.Anxious to go back again to see their new exhibits."

Hayley Gallery

★★★★★ 4.5 (6) • $$$

"No reviews yet? Okay, I'll go first. I stopped in after eating next door and seeing some of the art on the restaurant walls. This is a nice little gallery with a lot of local art, from jewelry and small glass items to paintings and sculptures. The staff was very friendly and helpful, and the house dog, though a bit shy, was friendly enough. Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area. Parking is a bit odd if you don't know the area. There are a few spaces out front, and a big lot in back. Turn in at the bank, or if you're coming from the highway turn at the second street on the right, then make a quick left into the lot."

Brandt-Roberts Galleries

★★★★★ 4.8 (4) • $$$$

"Brandt-Roberts Galleries was one of the participating galleries of the monthly Gallery Hop. The staff were friendly. They let us roam the gallery. Some of my favorite pieces were Jungle Wolf by Caitlin Cartwright, Limitations Space by Bernard Palchick, Solstice Series: Long Nights Moon by Jolene Powell, and Chickens Feeding by Mark Gingerich."

Wild Goose Creative

★★★★★ 4.5 (29) • $

"We stopped into Wild Goose Creative during Franklinton Friday. We accidentally passed it the first time we walked by because we were so distracted by looking at the art on display in the tents and the performance art taking place. Happily, we noticed the space with its large door open on our next pass and we popped into view an interesting comics exhibit. They had a nice art activity set up on a stage in the corner, which a number of kids were enjoying. The space is nice - very high ceilings make it feel pretty roomy. The staff at the desk were very welcoming and helpful."

Chromedge Studios

★★★★☆ 4.3 (3) • $$

"Really cool space! Not sure why they've never gotten ratings on here but a lot of people step in here during Franklinton Fridays.It's a smaller warehouse than 400 W Rich, but still worth seeing.Lots of rooms and hallways. You can peak into different artistic expressions such as photography, paintings, drawings, and all sorts of things. The art is expensive but they've got more talent than I do!It's free to visit! There are a few parking lots right by it, as well as street parking.Totally coming again!"

Andy's Frame Setting

★★★★★ 5 (12) • $$

"Andy is so knowledgable and helpful. We brought 2 big items to be framed and he explained the options to us and had them ready in just a few days! I will definately go to him again."

Creative Chaos

★★★☆☆ 3 (4)

"The service and atmosphere of this store are beyond amazing. The owner and her daughter never hesitate to help you find things, or do projects. They have an amazing and beautiful selection of card making and scrapbooking supplies. It is by far my favorite craft store to shop at. The prices are great. And if they don't have what you need, they will do what they can to help you find it."