Local Artists Featured At City Hall Thanks to One Employee’s Efforts

By Meggan Fallon
Public Information Intern

Bare, stark white walls are not what you see when you enter Gahanna City Hall. Instead, visitors are met with a surprising amount of pictures and pieces of art that are livening up the halls, and soon these walls will get another art “face-lift,” as they do every month.

Katey Powell, a Gahanna Division of Police employee, began updating the City Hall’s art in July of 2011. Since then, visitors of Gahanna City Hall have seen elementary kid’s art, local photographer’s pieces and, in August, dogs!

“We have a lot of room to exhibit all the pieces, and I love being approached by artists,” said Powell. 



Powell says that she likes to showcase local artists within City Hall. In fact, you might see some pieces from Gahanna Lincoln High School graduates who have approached Powell and had their art showcased on the walls. A local photographer will also have dog portraits showcased in City Hall in August, in addition to City Hall Administration’s own animal pictures.

“I’m open for anything,” Powell said. “I’m constantly looking for art or artists when I’m around town, especially at restaurants that display local art. I’m just thrilled I got to be a part of this!”

Powell likes to mix up the pieces and have fun with it, when she has multiple contributors, such as with the dogs.  However, when there is just one artist showcasing pieces she likes to let them arrange their work anyway they see fit.

“An artist knows the way they want to their art to be shown and I don’t want to intrude on their vision,” Powell said.

In November Powell will turn to the City Hall staff to once again help out in hopes of showcasing veterans and their families on the walls of City Hall.­­

“I think it’s important to acknowledge everything veterans have done for us,” Powell said. “And when people come to City Hall, I think they will appreciate the photos hanging on the walls.”

The next time you visit City Hall, make sure to stop and look at of all the wonderful local art that is hanging on the walls.

If you have any suggestions for art or would like to showcase some of your work, contact City Hall at (614)342-4000.