Simply Living has revived its Monthly Movie Series. It’s not designed to be a money-making program; we depend on the generosity of sponsors, who donate funds to support the Program. Pease consider becoming a sponsor.
Arts & Culture
Simply Living’s Film Series Returns: BOMBSHELL
Join Simply Living’s Film Series at Gateway Film Center for a special screening of BOMBSHELL, a compelling 2026 documentary exploring how the story of the atomic bomb was presented to the public—and the courageous journalists who challenged official narratives and worked to uncover the human cost, even as government censorship limited what could be reported.
The Simply Living BOMBSHELL screening will take place at Gateway Film Center, 1550 North High Street in Columbus, on October 26 from 6:30–8:30 PM (doors open at 6:15 PM). Tickets will be available soon for $10 from Gateway Film Center.
In Memory of Wendell Berry
Wendell Berry was an essayist, novelist, poet, environmental activist, cultural critic, and farmer. He lived and farmed with his wife, Tanya, in Henry County, Kentucky until his recent death at age 92 on August 31, 2026. To get a better idea of his accomplishments, see his obituary in the Kentucky Lantern here.
Columbus Area Free Outdoor Concerts
Columbus Area Free Outdoor Concerts
Spotlight on the Greater Columbus Arts Council
The Greater Columbus Arts Council (GCAC), a partner of Simply Living, is a 501(c)(3) organization officially incorporated in 1973 to support, promote, and advocate for the arts in Columbus and Franklin County. With offices at 182 East Long Street, Columbus, it serves as the arts agency for the city. It provides grants, manages community arts initiatives, and offers resources for artists and cultural organizations.
Spotlight on Global Gallery
Global Gallery is a fair-trade nonprofit coffee shop located at 3535 North High Street in Clintonville. It is dedicated to promoting fair trade, handcrafted products from around the world while developing cultural enrichment through educational workshops and social events. Beyond retail, it serves as a community gathering space, hosting free live music, art exhibitions, and educational events that create accessible entry points into global culture and fair-trade practices. On April 17th, Global Gallery is holding a Music Series Fundraiser & Silent Auction to raise money for this year’s musical line-up. As a community-focused nonprofit organization, Global Gallery is committed to supporting local artists and keeping live music accessible to everyone.
Reader’s Corner: The War Within a War by Wil Haygood
Wil Haygood was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, graduated from Franklin Heights High School and then attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio where he earned a degree in Urban Studies in 1976. He became a staff writer at the Boston Globe in 1984 and moved to the Washington Post in 2002. Wil’s latest book, The War Within a War: The Black Struggle in Vietnam and at Home (2026) describes the experiences of Black soldiers and their families navigating racial injustice in America while fighting the war in Vietnam. It highlights the disproportionate death rate of Black soldiers, the rise of racial tension in the military, and the fight for voting rights at home.
Embrace the Spirit of Giving this Giving Tuesday with Simply Living
As the holiday season approaches, we find ourselves immersed in a blur of shopping lists, festive decorations, and the anticipation of gatherings with loved ones. Amidst the hustle and bustle, it’s easy to get caught up in the cycle of spending. Yet, there’s a profound joy that comes from giving—a […]
A Musical Version of One of Simply Living’s Basic Themes? Yep! Guest blog from Bill Cohen
For decades now, Simply Living has been a unique activist group, spreading the idea that few other organizations espouse. In a nutshell, that theme is — We’ll all be happier and the Earth will be healthier if we stop buying so much “stuff” and we focus on more meaningful parts of life […]
America Recycles Day: Bridging the Gap Between Individual Action and Corporate Responsibility
As we approach America Recycles Day this Friday, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on our relationship with waste and consumption. At Simply Living, we believe in fostering sustainable communities through conscious living and education. While individual efforts in recycling and reducing waste are commendable and necessary, it’s crucial to […]
Makerspaces Can Bring Diversity and Innovation to Transition Communities by Chuck Lynd
I first heard the word “makerspace” when Alex Bandar made a presentation to the Columbus Metropolitan Club about The Idea Foundry (see photo above).https://www.ideafoundry.com/ Alex was passionate about the benefits of creating a space where makers, broadly defined, can have access to tools — from woodworking to welding, art media to communication […]
Urban Art Walk! It’s Free, 24/7 thru June 30
by Ann McDowell Art Spot is a series of temporary public art installations that explore themes around climate change and conservation. Featuring 14 artists, 13 installations and nine locations in and around downtown Columbus, Art Spot installations will be on view 24/7 in the windows of partner businesses and nonprofits […]
Why this blatant “sales pitch” for Bill Cohen’s annual “songs of gratitude” concert is not outrageous
For 8 years now, some musical friends and I have put on a Black Friday concert of songs that express gratitude for many of our blessings: friends, family, freedom, nature, art, music, laughter, our bodies, and our emotions. We’ve used the free event to declare: instead of joining the day-after-Thanksgiving […]
The Hill We Climb by Amanda Gorman
The Hill We Climbby Amanda Gorman Watch her deliver the inaugural poem on January 20, 2021 When day comes, we ask ourselves, where can we find light in this never-ending shade? The loss we carry. A sea we must wade. We braved the belly of the beast. We’ve learned that […]
Creating a compassionate and sustainable world through personal, community and cultural transformation.