Art within the club

The Faculty Club has an long-standing history of compiling and displaying some of the finest art exhibits Columbus has to offer. Since it's founding in 1923, the Faculty Club has been a home and gathering place for the University's creative class. The Club has attracted some famous artists over the years including Erwin Frey, Ralph Fanning, James Hopkins, George Bellows, James Thurber, Joseph Russell Taylor, Sidney Chafetz, Roy Lichtenstein and others. Current exhibits feature works by selected contemporary artists in the Club's lounge and halls.

Founded by the late Dr. Henry Hunker, the art program has been in existence for over thirty years, since the 1990's, and has highlighted award-winning artists from Ohio and around the country, all with ties to OSU. Managed by our art curator, Robie Benve, this program provides a unique opportunity for the campus community to enjoy masterpieces created by our very own.

The art program is comprised of three major components: rotating current exhibits in the first floor's main hallway and the Member’s Lounge, the Ohio State Photographic Society, which has a long standing tradition of displaying their photographs in the second floor hallway, and a permanent collection of historic works displayed throughout a variety of public spaces in the club.

The art program’s mission is to feature within the club the distinctive artwork of professional artists, both living and deceased, with ties to The Ohio State University and to support the art scene at the Ohio State University and Central Ohio.  For more information about the Faculty Club art program, please contact the Club office at 614-292-2262 or Art Coordinator, Robie Benve, at 614-973-0750 or [email protected] & click on each of the headings below.


  • Annual Art Auction

    •  

       18th Annual Live Auction

      Friday, April 19, 2024


      Preview starts at 6:30 pm
      Live Auction begins at 7:30 pm
      Hors d'oeuvres and cash bar
      Auctioneer: David G. Terry

      The Ohio State University Faculty Club's 18th annual art auction will benefit
      the continued upkeep and improvement of the club's art gallery and art program.

      Artists and collectors are contributing works of art including paintings, prints, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, and glass.

      A 10 percent buyer’s premium is in effect for this auction.
      Major credit cards and personal checks with appropriate identification are accepted.
      Limited parking is available adjacent to the club.
      Ample parking is available in the Ohio Union Parking Garage off High Street, a short five-minute walk to the club.

      Auctioneer: David G. Terry, licensed and bonded by the State of Ohio

      NEW! You may preview the artworks in the auction: CLICK HERE.
      All the bidding will take place during the live auction on April 19.

      For more information, please contact Robie Benve, Art Coordinator, at 614-973-0750. 



      _________

      To read the 2024 Art Auction press release click here.



  • What's Here Now
    • Current Exhibit:

      Cody Heichel: Watercolors

      March 18 - May 1, 2024

      Reception: Friday, March 22, 2024, 6:00 - 8:00 pm

      Artist Talk: Thursday, April 25, 2024, 3:45 - 5 pm

      Cody Heichel is an Ohio-based painter working in watercolor and oil. Heichel paints both directly from life, and in his Cleveland studio. Shaped by influential figures such as Alice Schille, Charles Burchfield, and Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Heichel manipulates color and form, leaving subjects abstracted yet within an understood reality.

      Click here to read the press release



      Above: Bed and Nightstand, watercolor on paper by Cody Heichel



      Above: Early Morning, Spring, watercolor on paper by Cody Heichel


      The works in the current exhibit are available for sale
      through the club’s main office.
      80% of the proceeds goes to the artist.

      Free entry.

      The Faculty Club is open to the public during regular business hours Monday-Friday 9am-5pm and by appointment. 
      To make an appointment outside of regular hours, please contact Robie Benve at [email protected] or call/text 614-973-0750. 


      Parking Options

      University "A" Parking Permits allow for use of the lot directly in front of the club or Orton Hall. 

      Members/Guests without University "A" Permits have the following parking options: 
      - Before 3:30 pm: 1. Purchase a "Surface Lot" day pass from the catering/membership office: $10.75.  2. Utilize "Pay by App" spaces behind Orton Hall (limited availability). 3. Utilize Ohio Union South Garage, located off College Road and a 5-minute walk to the club.
      - After 3:30 pm: Complimentary parking passes are available in the lobby; park in the lot in front of the Faculty Club and display the pass on the dashboard.

  • What's Coming Next

    • 2024

      April 19, 2024
      18th Annual Art Auction

      May 7 – June 27, 2024
      Barb Vogel & Sandra Aska
      Mixed media and sculptural works
      Opening Reception: Friday, May 10, 2024 6:00-8:00 pm

      July 1 - Aug 30, 2024
      Arris’ J.Cohen
      Mixed media paintings
      Opening Reception: Friday, July 12, 2024 6:00-8:00 pm

      September 2 – November 1, 2024
      Sue King
      Fiber artist, print-maker
      Opening Reception: Friday, September 6, 2024  6:00-8:00 pm

      November 4 – December 17, 2024
      Susan Sommerfeld
      Oil paintings
      Opening Reception: Friday, November 8, 2024  6:00-8:00 pm

      Please note that scheduled artists, as well as dates and times of all exhibitions, are subject to change.  Please contact the Club office at 614-292-2262 or Art Coordinator, Robie Benve at [email protected] or 614-973-0750 with any questions.  Your understanding is appreciated!




  • Permanent Collection

    • The Faculty Club maintains an impressive collection that includes various historic and contemporary works that are owned by the club, on loan from the University Archives or a part of private collections.

      These works are displayed throughout the club's public spaces and meeting rooms for your viewing pleasure.

      The Club's collection includes a number of historic fine arts treasures from artists including Carl Akeley, George Bellows, Ralph Fanning, Wooster Bard Field, Irwin Frey, James Hopkins, Robert King, Edgar Littlefield, Josef Presser, Joseph Russell Taylor and contemporary artists George Acock, John Behling, Viki Blinn, Sharon Dougherty, Dion Johnson, Dotti Lipetz, Catherine Bell Smith, William Tansey and Dave Terry.

  • How To Apply

    • The Ohio State University Faculty Club Art Exhibit Program


      About the Club

      Established in 1923, The Ohio State University Faculty Club is located on the Oval by Mirror Lake. The Club is a busy venue for business meetings and private functions as well as dining by members. The Club’s art exhibition areas are open to non-members from Monday-Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.

      The Exhibitions

      The Ohio State University Faculty Club has a long-established tradition of displaying selected art exhibitions featuring artists with connections to The Ohio State University, such as faculty, staff, and alumni. The Club will also consider displaying art collections held by Ohio State University faculty, staff and alumni or estates of the same.

      Art Program Policies

      1. While the exhibitor is always consulted, The Ohio State University Faculty Club reserves the right to all final decisions regarding the selection of art for display at the Club, the hanging of the exhibition, and the exact dates and length of the exhibition.

      2. Art does not have to be for sale in order to be exhibited; however, the Club expects that 90% or more of the art pieces installed will be for sale. The Club will work with an exhibitor who wishes to exhibit a few high-quality privately owned pieces, award winning pieces, or pieces borrowed back for the exhibition. Such pieces will be labeled NFS (Not For Sale) and included in the insurance coverage. The Club does not guarantee any sales during the exhibition.

      3. If artwork is sold, the Club handles the sale, collecting all taxes owed. A 20% commission will be deducted from the sale of the work. The Club will send the remaining amount to the exhibitor after the exhibition is dismantled. Any work sold must remain on display until the end of the show.

      4. The Ohio State University Faculty Club will host an opening reception for the artist at which an assortment of cheese and crackers, vegetable crudités, and fruit will be served along with a cash bar. The Club offers the artist the option of purchasing wine from the Club to be served to guests during the reception. If wine service is selected, the Club requires the artist to take care of all charges incurred by the close of the reception. Receptions are usually held on Friday evenings, as the Club’s calendar permits, from 6:00 to 8:00pm.

      5. The exhibitor is responsible for delivering the artwork to the Club ready for hanging with all wiring, hooks, etc. checked, and then for picking up the work at the end of the exhibition. Artwork must have complete identification on the back. The Club is unable to store any works not displayed.

      6. Insurance is provided and covers the art while it remains on display at the Club. Values are set by the Sale/Insurance price list submitted to the Club by the artist. This list should be submitted at least four weeks before the exhibit opens.

      7. The artist is responsible for submitting to the Club in a timely manner the following: publicity materials (including photos), the list of titles of art to be exhibited, the insurance list of values for all work to be exhibited.

      8. Electronic invitations will be sent out to the Club’s Art Program Mailing list and the artist may forward to as many of their contacts as desired. The show and the reception will be publicized on social media.

      For any questions please contact:

      Robie Benve, Art Coordinator                                                                    614-292-2262 (Club Office)

      The Ohio State University Faculty Club                                                     614-973-0750 (Cell Phone)

      181 South Oval Drive                                                                        [email protected]

      Columbus, OH 43210