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    Columbus Makes Art Presents Leather-Worker Zach Vincent Returning to the Columbus Arts Festival


    “Winning Best Emerging Artist was not just a surprise, but also a great experience. It gave me the confidence I needed to push my business forward and know I was on the right track”

    — Zach Vincent, Leather-working artist

    Zach Vincent is a leather-working artist who participated in the Emerging Festival Artist program at last year’s Columbus Arts Festival, where he won Best Emerging Artist. Vincent is returning to the 2023 Columbus Arts Festival June 9-11 so we chatted with him about his experiences, what he’s been up to since and what he’s excited about for this year’s fest.

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    Nick: When did you first start creating, and what got you into it?
    Zach: I got my start as a saddle/tack builder in the U.S. Army 1st Cavalry Division Horse Cavalry Detachment. After eight weeks of schooling in Springdale, Arkansas, I became our head saddle builder until 2008. I built everything from saddles, belts and holsters to the harnesses for our mule teams.

    Nick: How was your experience as an Emerging Artist at the festival last year?
    Zach: The experience as an emerging artist last year was very special to me and my family. The staff and volunteers were all very gracious and did not hesitate to always help you out with a smile on their face.

    Nick: How was it winning Best Emerging Artist?
    Zach: I had no expectations to win any awards. I was just happy to be there knowing I hadn’t screwed anything up. Winning Best Emerging Artist was not just a surprise, but also a great experience. It gave me the confidence I needed to push my business forward and know I was on the right track. The Arts Festival staff made the experience one I will never forget!

    GCAC CEO Tom Katzenmeyer, left, shakes the hand of Zach Vincent who was awarded
Best Emerging Artist at the 2022 Columbus Arts Festival.
    GCAC CEO Tom Katzenmeyer, left, shakes the hand of Zach Vincent who was awarded
    Best Emerging Artist at the 2022 Columbus Arts Festival.
    Zach Vincent, Best Emerging Artist of the 2022 Columbus Arts Festival.
    Zach Vincent, Best Emerging Artist of the 2022 Columbus Arts Festival.

    Nick: What was one thing you learned or took away from the festival?
    Zach: The Columbus Arts Festival was my third show but by all standards, the biggest and most difficult show to prepare for. I worked many long hours going into the last four weeks. The process leading up to, and the show itself, taught me many things about the business. Most importantly, that I was where I was supposed to be and that the hard work pays off eventually.

    Nick: How have you been keeping active artistically since last year?
    Zach: Since the festival, I retained a space in Franklinton to work and show from. I keep active with social media and online. I have a standard group of things I pattern and build, but also take in a lot of custom requests for anything from horse tack to holsters and bags.

    Nick: What are you most looking forward to about this year’s festival?
    Zach: I am looking forward to this year’s festival. I am excited to put out some new products and see how people respond. The Arts Festival is not only a good way to make some profit but also a good test market for things people like and don’t like. That’s important when you’re also making a living off of it!

    Nick: What are some of your favorite spots around Columbus?
    Zach: Some of my favorite places around Columbus would be Thurman Café, Antrim Park and the Franklinton Arts District.

    Check out Zach’s work at the Columbus Arts Festival, June 9-11 on the downtown riverfront.

    Columbus Makes Art Presents is a bi-weekly column brought to you by the Greater Columbus Arts Council – supporting and advancing the arts and cultural fabric of Columbus. The column is a project of the Art Makes Columbus campaign, telling the inspiring stories of the people and organizations who create Columbus art. Learn more about local artists, organizations, public art and events at ColumbusMakesArt.com.

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    Nick Dekker
    Nick Dekker
    Nicholas Dekker is Marketing, Communications & Events Administrator at the Greater Columbus Arts Council.
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