Ta-Nehisi Coates, April Sunami, Columbus Fury and More Things to See and Do in February

A curated list of things to see and do in Columbus for the month of February

I Am Because You/We Are 

Through March 13

In this exhibition at Worthington’s McConnell Arts Center, local artist April Sunami pays tribute to the resilient women who have influenced her life—from her mother to the local collective Creative Women of Color. Sunami’s striking, mixed-media paintings focus on themes of spirituality, the African diaspora, ancestral ties and more. mcconnellarts.org  

Ta-Nehisi Coates 

Feb. 4

Upper Arlington Public Library, in collaboration with 10 other Central Ohio libraries, brings the celebrated author of “The Beautiful Struggle” and National Book Award-winning “Between the World and Me” to Upper Arlington High School (notably the site of a Black cemetery). Columbus Metropolitan Club president and CEO Sophia Fifner will guide the discussion. ualibrary.org 

Over the Rhine 

Feb. 9

A special Valentine's concert is coming to the Lincoln Theatre presented by Cincinnati-based husband-and-wife team, Over the Rhine, a duo who has been bringing folk-pop delight to audiences for over two decades. This concert will showcase "Infamous Love Songs." capa.com  

‘Alice’

Feb. 9-11

Before finishing his final season with BalletMet, artistic director Edwaard Liang will bring back to the Ohio Theatre stage “Alice,” his reimagining of the Lewis Carroll classic. Expect a family-friendly extravaganza featuring familiar characters, gorgeous costumes and unique sets, such as a wall of playing cards. balletmet.org  

Columbus Fury Opening Night 

Feb. 21

Watch Columbus’ new professional women’s volleyball team play its first home game at Nationwide Arena against the Omaha Supernovas. The Fury, whose ownership group includes Joe Burrow and his parents, is among seven inaugural teams in the new Pro Volleyball Federation. The team has 12 home games during the season, which runs through May. columbusfury.com  

Give Back 

Feb. 10 | JCC Super Bowl Soiree 

This fundraiser is billed as a Vegas-style party benefiting the Jewish Community Center of Greater Columbus, a human service agency that supports the local Jewish community. columbusjcc.org 

Feb. 23 | Sneaker Soiree 

Show off your favorite kicks at this benefit for Girls on the Run of Central Ohio, a nonprofit that helps girls develop healthy relationships and self-confidence. The event includes a cocktail party and a Fleet Feet fitness fashion show. sneakersoiree.com 

Feb. 29-March 3 | Volunteer at the Arnold 

The Arnold Sports Festival is seeking volunteers for various roles, including greeters, seat finders and event set-up. All volunteers receive festival apparel and a three-day expo pass. arnoldsports.com/more/volunteers 

This story is from the February 2024 issue of Columbus Monthly.