Business Details
48 Years
experience
Your Premier Art Gallery in Columbus, Ohio
William H. Thomas Art Gallery, established in 1978, has served as a cornerstone for cultural expression in urban Columbus for over four decades. Our mission is to create a better world through the arts by fostering community engagement, showcasing diverse artistic talent, and providing educational programs. We host local, national, and international artists, offering exhibitions, workshops, and festivals that celebrate creativity across generations and geographies. Our commitment to community development is demonstrated through initiatives like the African Village Arts Festival and Elder Artists in the Hood project, which honor cultural heritage and intergenerational knowledge sharing.With a focus on accessibility and inclusivity, we provide spaces for artistic exploration through hands-on workshops, studio rentals, and collaborative mural projects. Our team combines decades of curatorial expertise with grassroots community leadership to ensure art remains a transformative force for all. Transparency in operations, ethical programming, and partnerships with organizations like the Columbus Foundation and Greater Columbus Arts Council underscore our dedication to artistic excellence and social impact.
Services
Art Exhibitions
Artist Talks
Art Workshops
Music Events
Community Festivals
Mural Projects
Studio Rentals
Cultural Programs
Book Events
Think Tanks
Details
- Year established: 1978
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of experience promoting urban arts and culture
- We host international artists from Africa, Europe, and Asia annually
- Our Elder Artists in the Hood project preserves local cultural heritage
- We offer multigenerational art workshops for all skill levels
- Our African Village Arts Festival has operated continuously since 2007
What people say
Cultural treasure
Inclusive programming
Community-focused
Unique festivals
Elder artist recognition
Services
Art Exhibitions
Our rotating exhibitions showcase local, national, and international artists with ten-week runs. Each exhibit launches with a public reception featuring artist talks and community engagement activities. We prioritize works that explore cultural identity and social themes through diverse mediums including sculpture, photography, and mixed media.
Art Workshops
Hands-on workshops teach traditional and contemporary art techniques to all ages. Programs include African dance instruction, batik textile art, woodcarving with master artists, and digital photography. Specialized sessions like 'Photography - My Family, Friends and Me' combine technical skill-building with personal storytelling.
African Village Arts Festival
This annual August festival celebrates African and African-American arts traditions with live performances, vendor markets, and community art projects. Highlights include Yoruba ceremonies, drum circles, dance workshops, and collaborative mural creation led by resident artists like Queen Brooks.
Elder Artists in the Hood
This initiative documents and honors Columbus' senior artists through exhibitions, oral histories, and educational materials. Selected artists receive banners, book features, and public programming that preserves their contributions to local cultural heritage while inspiring new generations of creators.
Community Mural Projects
We facilitate collaborative mural creation during festivals and workshops. Participants work with professional artists to design and paint large-scale works that reflect community identity. Completed murals are displayed publicly in our sculpture garden and neighborhood spaces.
People
Chief Shongo Obadina
Curator & Founder
Chief Shongo Obadina established the gallery in 1976 to support indigenous artists. He curates exhibitions that explore cultural identity and has led the African Village Arts Festival since its inception in 2007.
Sabine Lampe
Project Leader
Sabine Lampe directs the Elder Artists in the Hood initiative. She coordinates community outreach, develops educational materials, and manages traveling exhibitions that showcase Columbus' senior artists.
Questions
What types of art programs do you offer?
We provide multigenerational workshops in photography, dance, textile arts, woodcarving, and mural painting. Special programs highlight African cultural traditions and contemporary artistic techniques.
Do you host community art festivals?
Yes, our annual African Village Arts Festival features live performances, artist demonstrations, and family activities celebrating African diaspora arts traditions during August.
Can I rent your gallery space?
The gallery offers rental opportunities for private events, business retreats, and cultural celebrations in our unique African Village setting.
How do you support local artists?
We showcase Ohio artists through rotating exhibitions, professional development workshops, and the Elder Artists in the Hood recognition program that documents career achievements.
Are there educational opportunities for youth?
Yes, we offer age-specific art workshops, summer programs, and school partnerships teaching traditional and modern art forms in a supportive community environment.
How can I participate in mural projects?
Community mural creation occurs during our annual festival and special workshops. Participants of all skill levels collaborate with professional artists to design and paint public artworks.
Reviews (3)
Upton Roundtree
Aug 22, 2021
Report
An intimate place to become aware of cultural completeness. The gallery is well-lit safe and the people there are warm and inviting.
Anita Ba
Sep 03, 2019
Report
I love this gallery because for over 30yrs it have had artists from local community's and from around the world share their Arts. Everyone from Seniors, adults, teens and children can take part in their workshops. They also have Think Tank events.
Cutiepie
Jan 06, 2019
Report
My good friend Baba Olu Bala Shongo Obadina art gallery. A lot of great art work. love you Baba
