Clintonville Arts Guild’s tiny ‘book bungalows’ cleared for Columbus Park of Roses

The Columbus Arts Commission on Dec. 17 approved a temporary public-art installation by the Clintonville Arts Guild that will place dozens of small “book bungalows” around the Columbus Park of Roses next spring. The commission’s staff report said Recreation and Parks reviewed and approved the proposed site locations.

The applicants — Kathleen Grama, Patricia Di Maria and Laura Partridge of the Clintonville Arts Guild — described the pieces as handcrafted educational sculptures roughly 5 by 5 to 8 by 8 inches, made from a mix of weather-tolerant materials including wood, metal, resin, paper and cloth. "We want more doors," Kathleen Grama said, referencing a prior “squirrel doors” installation, and described the new bungalows as both whimsical and instructional: each artist will choose a native Ohio insect, build a small bungalow and include a short story and educational content.

Commissioners asked about materials, mounting and maintenance. Applicants said Recreation and Parks approved likely trees and locations and that the guild will handle upkeep: "All maintenance for these pieces will be performed by the applicant as necessary," a guild representative said in the presentation. Staff referenced Columbus City Code section 31.15.05 as the standard the commission uses to evaluate public-art siting and aesthetics.

The commission moved to approve application COA2501298 as submitted and carried the voice vote. The installation is planned to be hung in April 2026 and removed by September 2026.

The commission noted practical questions — mounting heights, non–volatile-organic-compound paints and protection from damage — during discussion, and applicants said they will follow the city forester’s guidance for any attachments to trees and will place pieces out of reach of small children.