Art becomes a mirror for being: a space where identities can stretch, fracture, heal, and reform. Urban Arts Space (UAS) is proud to present Artist Commune: Being and Belonging, an exhibition featuring the work of over fifty community artists whose practices explore their identity, and the search for belonging. Through painting, sculpture, and mixed media, the exhibition brings together a wide range of lived experiences and creative expressions. This show is on view in Urban Arts Space’s upper gallery from December 9–20, 2025.

Inspired by this year’s call for submissions, UAS invited artists to consider belonging as a felt experience, a cultural inheritance, or a personal journey. The exhibition highlights personal narratives. In Unfolding Wings, artist Adin Sadic conveys emotional truth and vulnerability, noting that the work aims to “transform individual experiences of isolation into a shared visual language.” Illustrator Kirstin Willders brings an atmosphere of joy and vibrancy to Pilgrim’s Pennants, offering bright portrayals of Black women reconnecting with themselves in everyday moments. 

To connect these individual narratives within a broader community context, UAS emphasizes the importance of accessible art engagement. Dr. Terron Banner, Director of Urban Arts Space, noted, “There’s a project at UPenn, the Social Impact of the Arts Project (SIAP), and one of their key findings that really stands out to me is how strongly access to art is connected to a community’s well-being. So with this pop-up, we strive to remove as many barriers as possible, ensuring that both artists and community members have just and equitable opportunities to display and engage with art.”

Being and Belonging will be on view alongside two concurrent exhibitions—Wanderlights and the Senior Projects Exhibition—expanding the visitor experience across multiple artistic voices and perspectives. A reception will take place on Friday, December 12, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., featuring hands-on activities including crafts and painting.

Visitors can experience the exhibition and reception at Urban Arts Space in downtown Columbus at 50 W Town Street, Suite 130. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with extended hours until 8 p.m. on Thursdays. Admission to all exhibitions and public programs is free and open to the community.