Parks, Recreation & Leisure

Parks, Recreation & Leisure / Cultural Arts

The Permanent Collection of the Cultural Arts Commission

The municipal art collection is a permanent symbol of the Commission's many years of dynamic programs. Like the roster of exhibitions and concerts, the collection shows an eclectic mix of styles, media, and sensibilities. Such diversity reflects a conscious decision to demonstrate the tremendous pluralism of contemporary art - in some ways it is like a continuing time capsule of trends and tendencies. But is also reflects the many eyes and voices on the visual arts committees that have participated in the collection's formation. A number of early acquisitions were chosen for specific sites in the Upper Arlington Municipal Services Center. Later, as wall spaces filled up and office spaces expanded, a suitable place to display a work also came into play as a selection criteria. Another general pattern involved acquiring works by prominent local artists. Works are selected for purchase from major shows; Acquired: through purchase awards from Ohio and Upper Arlington Art League shows; the Labor Day Arts Festival; and occasionally received as gifts from artists or from donors.

John Schooley, the noted architect who designed the Municipal Services Center, envisioned art as an integral part of the building from its inception. The Cultural Arts Commission continues to build upon these early efforts by adding to the collection each year. This commitment is emblematic of the Commission's ongoing support not just of the arts, but of artists and their creative endeavors.

- adapted from The Permanent Municipal Visual Arts Collection catalog

Click a thumbnail to view it full size, along with a description.

Cultural Arts Division
Parks & Recreation Department
City of Upper Arlington
3600 Tremont Road
Upper Arlington, OH 43221
Phone: 614-583-5310
arts@uaoh.net