Johnny Riddle, incoming Executive Director (Credit: Taylor Franz @taylorfranzphoto)
January 5, 2021
To our most valued supporters:
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, it is my distinct honor to announce that—effective February 1, 2021—the Franklinton Arts District will welcome Johnny Riddle as our first-ever Executive Director.
Johnny is currently the volunteer executive director at 934 Gallery, a not-for-profit art gallery in Milo-Grogan. At 934, he was instrumental in developing an emerging exhibition space into the thriving arts organization it is today.
His notable contributions there include development of youth education initiatives such as the Summer Music and Mural Mentorship Programs; expansion of 934 Fest, an annual mural and music festival; creation of the 934 Outdoor Gallery, a 24/7 accessible collection of 36 murals spanning five buildings; and the formation of 934's first-ever board of directors.
In addition to his efforts at 934 Gallery, Johnny is an active member of the Columbus arts community. Since 2019, he has served on the board of directors at ROY G BIV Gallery in Franklinton as a member of both the development and programming committees. Over the past several years, he has assisted in the coordination and execution of multiple public art projects, both here in Franklinton and throughout the city of Columbus. In his spare time, he is also a practicing musician.
Johnny brings a holistic approach to arts management through his extensive professional experience as a fundraiser, arts administrator, event planner, and neighborhood advocate. We feel fortunate to have him join our organization at this pivotal moment in our neighborhood’s history, and can’t wait for you to meet him!
In the coming weeks and months, we will be introducing Johnny (or re-introducing him in some instances) to all of our neighborhood and organizational partners. We are also eager to provide an opportunity for the hundreds of artists who live, work, and practice their craft in our creative community to say hello at an open house-style event during an upcoming Franklinton Fridays once the pandemic begins to subside.
During the interim, if you’d like to send a note of congratulations and/or welcome Johnny to Franklinton in his new position, please feel free to send him an email at johnny@franklintonartsdistrict.com.
As always, thank you for your support of the Franklinton Arts District. We look forward to a bolder and brighter year ahead in 2021.
Yours in service,
ADAM HERMAN President, Board of Trustees Franklinton Arts District