Columbus Art Walks Launched -- 9.1.2010
COLUMBUS PUBLIC HEALTH – Press Release
For Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Mayor Coleman and Health Commissioner to Launch Columbus Art Walks - Walking Art Map to Help Combat Obesity as part of City’s Active Living Initiative
Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman and Columbus Public Health Commissioner Dr. Teresa Long will join State Auto CEO Bob Restrepo, Columbus College of Art and Design President Denny Griffith, Greater Columbus Arts Council Interim President Milt Baughman and Columbus Museum of Art Director Nannette Maciejunes at 2 p.m. on Sept. 2 to launch Columbus Art Walks. The group will introduce and preview Columbus’ first walking art map in front of a replica mural of Aminah Robinson’s A Street Called Home on the State Auto Insurance Building at 518 E. Broad St.
“Columbus Art Walks showcases some of our city’s artistic treasures and gets people up and moving for a healthier, more active lifestyle,” says Mayor Coleman. “This innovative map is another way we are helping our residents live active lives and have a little fun at the same time.”
Columbus Art Walks was developed by Columbus Public Health’s Healthy Places Program which is working to create built environments that encourage walking, biking and physical activity as part of every day life.
“We are working to give residents healthier and safer options where they work, play and live because the choices people make are limited by the choices they have,” says Dr. Long. “Columbus Art Walks is also a fun -- and free -- way to fight childhood obesity which threatens the very lives of a whole new generation of kids,” she adds.
The map, which will eventually feature more than 80 artistic, historical and architectural sites in the Discovery, Downtown and Arena districts, is part of the city’s Active Living Initiative. The Active Living Initiative is working to reduce childhood obesity through the Institute of Active Living, farmers’ markets and community gardens, bike paths and the Healthy Choices Committee led by Dr. Long.
For more information, visit Columbus Public Health or Facebook.