Art in the Park
After two years of community meetings and a competitive international call for artists Friends of Goodale Park is announcing four permanent artworks to be in one of Columbus’s most beloved green spaces - Goodale Park.
A Community-Driven Process
The Art in the Park project began in February 2024 with a committee of dedicated volunteers - Jason Henry, Jeff Smith, Adam Brouillette, Dee Kates, and Karla Rothan. The committee identified multiple potential installation sites, secured financial backing - then issued a Request for Qualifications that drew 76 responses including 16 from Central Ohio artists and 7 from international applicants.
From that pool, 6 finalists were selected, each receiving a $1,000 stipend to develop specific proposals, ultimately submitting 13 concepts for jury consideration in June 2025. The five-person jury, including Josh Schottenstein, Jeff Pongonis, Lisa McLymont, Corey Favor (recently named president and CEO of King Arts Complex), and committee president Jason Henry - selected four works from four artists in September 2025.
Dillon Back - TRAVERSAL
The idea behind the sculpture, titled “TRAVERSAL”, is to create a piece of art that both stands on it’s own as something beautiful to observe and functions as a passageway for people to move through. It signifies brighter days ahead; something like a rising and/or setting sun.
Lelia Byron - REACHING OUT
In this sculpture, two tree-like forms extend toward each other, representing the dual meaning of “reaching out”—both as a gesture of initiating conversation, offering support, or building connection, and as a reference to how trees and plants grow, extending roots and branches to seek nutrients, share signals, and communicate with one another.
Maxwell Emcays - THE GROWTH
"The Growth" is a reflection on the intertwined journey of humanity and nature, emphasizing that progress is never a straight path but one filled with unexpected turns and transformations. The twisting, organic forms of laser-cut metal mimic the resilience and adaptability of trees and plant life, embodying the fluid nature of evolution. Tribal patterns weave through the structure, anchoring the piece in the fundamental forces of creativity and communication that connect us across time and cultures.
Virginia Kistler - UNTITLED
The inspiration for my proposed sculpture originates from the vibrant community found in Goodale Park. Steeped in history and framed by a stunning diversity of trees, the park shines as a beacon for Columbus. Whether it’s impromptu concerts, Comfest, Pride celebrations or everyday gatherings, Goodale draws people of all backgrounds into a shared experience. My sculpture reflects this energy, evokes motion, the passage of time, and the park’s lively rhythms. By mirroring Goodale’s spirit of warmth and openness, the piece honors the joy and inclusivity at the heart of this cherished public space.
We're almost there - and your gift can make it happen.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, the Art in the Park campaign is within reach of its fundraising goal. These four extraordinary works are ready to transform Goodale Park into an even more vibrant and inspiring gathering place - but we need just a little more to get across the finish line. And the excitement doesn't stop there: additional contributions will help us bring a potential fifth artwork to the park, expanding the impact of this project even further. Every gift, at any level, brings us closer to making permanent public art a reality in one of Columbus's most beloved green spaces. Please consider making a gift today.