The Giving Tree - A way to give art to the community. For free.

The Vanderelli room , known for providing unique opportunities for artists and patrons alike is hosting a social distancing event called “The Giving Tree”. This is an outdoor, neighborhood experience where you can get one of possibly 200 original pieces of art. For free. It’s located on the Franklinton Art Walk in Columbus, OH.

The “lady cards” These were great to do because I was able to play with color in a new way.  Further down you can see more experimental & illustrative work.

The “lady cards” These were great to do because I was able to play with color in a new way. Further down you can see more experimental & illustrative work.

The Franklinton Arts District is normally bustling on the Second Friday of every month for an event called Franklinton Fridays. This event was created by the artist community several years ago and has open artist studios (up to 100!) in multiple walkable venues within a few blocks of each other. It’s free. Anyone can come look at art, talk to the artists and meet great people. There are also several watering holes and food trucks. With the development of Covid-19 affecting everyone and everything, AJ Vanderelli has been promoting outdoor, self-guided art experiences that are safely spaced apart. But you can’t really take things home with you. For June, she’s changing that

AJ is collecting original artworks in the form of Artist Trading Cards, (or ATC’s) donated by the artists. ATC’s are purposely small—2.5 x 3 inches and the idea is to trade them with others. But this is a “Giving Tree”, not a "trading tree”. The Giving Tree will be blossoming with these ATC’s for the taking by anyone. So here’s the deal:

While you’re on your walk, keep your eyes up in the trees. If you see the trading card (sealed in a ziplock bag) grab it! It’s for you! Each bag includes an original artist trading card, an Art Fan sticker, a pack of #artmakescbus trading cards and a raffle ticket for a live raffle on @thevanderelliroom and @ajvanderelli Facebook page June 12th beginning at 8:30p. Winning raffle tickets will also be posted after raffle. You’ll have 24 hours to contact me to claim your prize.
Win art, gift certificates, t-shirts!!! This months raffle sponsors include @pinnacleperformanceoh @roygbivgallery @glassaxis @strongwatercolumbus @witchlab @ajvanderelli @katemorgankmid @james_kindler @eln4art
Artist trading cards include but not limited to @ajvanderelli @jaymuellerart @alan.reeve @nsmeltze @katemorgankmid @aimeeinks @5_13studios Lynda McClanahan @donnaestep @tiffanychristopher Samantha Farkas @jenalan79 @janetdgeorge @eln4art @mugwortandroses @swing_low_studio @palefacerudy @allisonsponhaltz @henryhessartist and more!!!

Promoting art, artists and always providing opportunities to engage with her community, AJ never disappoints in being a visionary leader in the Columbus Arts community. This is why I’m proud to be friends with her & be a part of it. I’m donating A BUNCH of cards I have been working on over the last few weeks. Soma are easily identifiable as mine, while others are just playing or experimenting. I won’t lie, several were done on Zoom calls!

These are a few of the experimental pieces. Some are familiar subject matter, but all were fun to make. It’s important as an artist to challenge myself and try new things so I don’t get stale!!

These are a few of the experimental pieces. Some are familiar subject matter, but all were fun to make. It’s important as an artist to challenge myself and try new things so I don’t get stale!!

I already have requests for more of these cats. Believe me, I plan on it.

I already have requests for more of these cats. Believe me, I plan on it.

AJ Vanderelli runs the Vanderelli Room, a gallery and event space in Columbus, OH. Se is an artist, leader and advocate for humanity. You can see her, her work and her efforts here:

The Vanderelli Room Website

The Vanderelli Room Facebook Instagram

AJ Vanderelli Instagram

AJ Vanderelli Facebook

We’re waiting to see when the city will allow us to be open like before. For now you can walk the outdoor galleries and plan your route! Stay safe!