Columbus Art Commission approves expansion of Short North thermoplastic sidewalk artwork at 1161 High Street

The Columbus Art Commission on Aug. 20 approved an application to expand a permanent sidewalk artwork at 1161 High Street to include additional identities from the LGBTQ+ community.

Commission staff presenter Betsy Penderarm described the request as an expansion of an existing thermoplastic installation that will add symbols representing additional identities and longer representation of the artist’s original design. "The aim of the expansion . . . is to further integrate the LGBTQ plus narrative and to shorten our artistic identity, creating inclusive spaces where all individuals can be themselves reflected in the communities whose creative background," Penderarm said during her presentation.

The commission’s staff packet and the presenter both said the material is thermoplastic — the same material used for pavement markings — and is not paint. Penderarm and others explained thermoplastic is heat‑adhered and fused to pavement, which staff said avoids the slip risks that can come from painted surfaces without grit. Penderarm described plans for a general refresh and some touch‑up work during the reinstallation and said the project is fully funded and ready to proceed upon the commission’s approval.

Members of the public and representatives of Stonewall Columbus told commissioners the installation has become a community landmark since its original installation and that Stonewall Columbus has incorporated the imagery into event materials. Commission members asked whether the existing surface would receive a retouch; staff replied the reinstallation would include a power‑wash and a refresh of the whole piece.

The commission moved to approve the application (listed in the meeting materials as COA2500254, 1161 High Street). The meeting record shows a voice vote with the chair asking, "All in favor?" and commissioners responding "Aye." The chair announced the motion passed; no roll‑call tally was recorded in the transcript.

Commissioners and the presenter discussed public‑facing information for the piece. Staff said a map and a video documenting the installation and identities represented are available on the city and Stonewall Columbus websites; commissioners suggested adding or clarifying a QR code on site so passersby can easily access documentation and identity information.

The commission’s approval allows the city to proceed with the expanded thermoplastic installation, with staff noting the method chosen is intended to meet slip‑resistance and durability standards for public sidewalks. The applicant and Stonewall Columbus said they expect to complete the work in time for events planned in September and that the project is fully funded.

Votes at a glance

- Application COA2500254 (1161 High Street) — approved by voice vote; no roll‑call recorded. Notes: Material = thermoplastic (heat‑adhered); project fully funded; applicant expects completion tied to September events.