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The Supreme Court of Ohio has established a commission to assist and advise the Court regarding the preservation of the artistic, architectural and historic integrity and public use of the Ohio Judicial Center.
The Commission on the Ohio Judicial Center is made up of individuals who have an appreciation for and understanding of the significance and symbolism of the Ohio Judicial Center as the home of the judicial branch of Ohio government and the history and timelessness of the art and architecture displayed in the building.
The commission serves as an advisory body that makes recommendations to the Court. The Court can then ensure the recommendations are consistent with current building regulations and modify them as it sees fit. There are 10 voting members, seven appointed by the Court, and representatives of the Office of the State Architect and Engineer, the Ohio Arts Council and the Ohio Historical Society. Administrative Director Steven C. Hollon serves as a nonvoting, ex officio member.
“The commission is working toward a goal of developing more structure and uniformity in how the building is used and modified,” Hollon said. “The commission’s primary purpose is to preserve the integrity of the building and the work that was done in the three-year restoration process.”
Within the commission are three committees: the Art Acquisition Committee, the Public Use Committee and the Ohio Judicial Center Trust Committee.
The Art Acquisition Committee works to acquire art and determine the appropriate locations. The committee also will draft a policy on how the commission will respond to offers on donated art.
The second committee, the Public Use Committee, will work to draft standards for public use of the building based on general guidelines contained in the Ohio Judicial Center Regulations.
Finally, the Ohio Judicial Center Trust Committee is working to develop a trust, which will serve as a vehicle through which charitable donations can be made to the Court. Currently, donations are made directly to the Court. The trust, however, will be a separate charitable organization, similar to the Capitol Square Foundation created by the Capital Square Review and Advisory Board that oversees operation of the Statehouse.
The commission held its first meeting Oct. 24, and will meet again in mid-January to hear reports from each of the committees. For more information, visit: www.supremecourtofohio.gov/boards/OJC/default.asp.
Contact: Chris Davey or Bret Crow, 614.387.9250