It was a wild night in the Columbus area on June 29th. Here’s how it went: I got to the hotel downtown at 3. It is adjacent to Short North and about 8 miles from Bexley where the gallery is. I called for my car at 4:30 to head for the gallery-opening to begin at 5. The storm hit downtown at 4:40. I have never driven in such a storm. A metal street sign blew off the pole and hit the car in front of me. The streetlights were blowing at 90 degree angles. Lights were all out, flash flooding on the streets and sirens everywhere. I pulled over, but that did not help. The winds were over 80MPH and knocked out the radio station I was trying to listen to for info. Streets were closed so I had to go a different route and then got lost. I was dodging downed tree limbs everywhere. Stella (my trusty GPS) lost reception. It took me 1 hour to get there, but, I did. I was late but not a problem as so were many guests. The gallery, amazingly, had power. The opening was the best I have ever attended. I met so many nice people. My dinner plans were understandably cancelled, so, I decided to go back to the hotel and order room service and a much deserved glass of wine. I fought my way back through more closed streets and took my car to the valet guy and asked him if it was too late for room service. He got a funny look on his face and said, “You haven’t heard?” The power was off in the hotel and entire surrounding area. ( I later found out 400,000 people up there lost power) I couldn’t believe it. So, being the trooper that I am, I asked the desk clerk if they had any hope for it being restored soon… she just looked dazed. The elevators are on a different generator, so I rode up to the 7th floor room I had crashed in for all of 1 hour. In PITCH BLACK -only by the light of my iPHone ( GET that app), I packed. ( all but a dress and jacket I had hung in the closet-so much for being organized.) The valet guy told me I71S was closed, but I did not care. I would have taken Montgomery Rd all the way home if need be. I knew from our neighbors that we had power and all I wanted to do was get home. So, I drove like a bat out of hell on an empty 71 and got home in record time. Here are some photos of the opening. I still find it amazing that the only place in the area with power was ART ACCESS GALLERY. I think it was a sign that this gallery and I are a good fit!
Here are some photos of the evening:
