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COLUMBUS — A new downtown art gallery is opening its doors with a mission that extends beyond showcasing artwork.
Artist Toni Conner celebrated the grand opening of the Toni Conner Art Gallery on July 24 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 518 Spring St., inside Dorsett Dye & Associates Real Estate. Guests filled the gallery and spilled onto the sidewalk as they waited to view Conner’s collection of original artwork.
During the opening, Conner thanked those in attendance and announced that all proceeds from art sales will benefit Alejandro “Alex” Maya, the Columbus Animal Clinic veterinary technician who was seriously injured in a shooting at the clinic earlier this month.
The Columbus Animal Clinic reopened July 20 after the incident, which sent Maya to Memorial Hermann Hospital for critical care. He is now continuing his recovery at home with family.
Conner’s artistic journey began in 2020 after attending an art class with her mother, who was living with dementia. While the class was not the right fit for her mother, it sparked a passion that has grown into a collection of portraits, pet artwork and paintings inspired by Conner’s travels with her wife.
In addition to displaying her artwork, Conner said she hopes the gallery will serve as a welcoming gathering place where visitors can enjoy conversation and creativity. Guests can also become part of the experience by contributing to her “Wall of Fame” through a quick sketch.
Columbus Chamber of Commerce officials welcomed the gallery to the community during the ribbon cutting, noting that they look forward to seeing it contribute to the city’s growing arts community.
Among those attending the ceremony were Chamber Ambassador Angela Mlcak of Yellawood and Chamber board members Peggy Harrison of Yoga Country Yoga and Marsha Matura of Columbus State Bank.
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