Volunteers are the 'Power Behind the Columbus Arts Festival'

The Columbus Arts Festival presented by Time Warner Cable will proudly celebrate its 47th year June 6, 7 and 8 in its new home in Columbus' Discovery District, which will be transformed into a stunning, outdoor art gallery as the nation's top artists display their work and attract art enthusiasts from all over the country.

But the Festival doesn’t happen on its own. Hundreds of volunteers work thousands of hours each year to make this event a success. And this year, Festival volunteers will officially be known as the “Power Behind the Columbus Arts Festival” thanks to American Electric Power, who will sponsor the volunteer force along with providing electricity for the Festival site.

In addition to the Festival Coordinating Committee – an all-volunteer committee that works November through June to coordinate nearly all aspects of planning for the event – the Festival brings together an on-site volunteer force of over 400 people. Hundreds of volunteers return each year to take part in the annual festivities surrounding the Columbus Arts Festival, providing attendees with the opportunity to view and purchase original pieces of art, listen to hours of live music and poetry, enjoy hands-on art activities and performances by local arts organizations, eat great food and more. The Columbus Arts Festival is dedicated to creating a unique and creative environment for all who attend, and this would not be possible without the immense dedication of our volunteers.

“One of the things I love most about serving on the Festival Committee helping to put on a fantastic party and the Columbus Arts Festival is hands-down one of the best parties in town,” said Rick Sherman, who’s been a Coordinating Committee volunteer for 22 years. “It’s truly been a rewarding experience for me over these past 20 or so years – I’ve built lasting friendships. Everyone is welcome to be a part of the fun – just looking at the Festival Committee, you see a cross-section of the Franklin County community. Folks come together from all walks of life to put on this event, and it’s obvious they love what they do and are proud of the work they contribute in putting on such a great event.”

If you are interesting in joining the amazing team of volunteers for the 2008 Columbus Arts Festival presented by Time Warner Cable, you can apply online. We look forward to seeing you in the Discovery District, June 6, 7 and 8!