CSU’s Friends of Art Presents the Funding Future Artists10x10 Red Dot Show: Supporting the Next Generation of Creatives

Written by TJ Shockley

Images via Funding Future Artists

If you’ve ever dreamed of owning original artwork—or better yet, making a direct impact on the next generation of Columbus artists—mark your calendar for the 2025 Funding Future Artists Red Dot 10x10 Show! This benefit exhibition is brought to you by Columbus State University’s Friends of Art (FOA), a volunteer-led organization currently chaired by Ivey Evans and committed to ensuring that CSU art students have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. The show opens at Mill District Studios on Wednesday, April 30th with a celebratory reception from 6:00-8:00pm, and works of art will remain on display through May 3rd. The show is an exciting and interactive way to directly support emerging artists and take home original artwork in the process.

How the 10x10 Concept Works

The format is designed to give both new and seasoned collectors an easy entry point into the world of original art. The FOA invited regional and national artists to contribute works—each 10 inches by 10 inches in size—to be displayed anonymously in the studio, with more than 100 pieces available. You can attend the opening night reception by purchasing a ticket, and the event is limited to 100 tickets. Your ticket not only grants entry into the reception to preview the available pieces while enjoying hors d'oeuvres and mingling with artists and fellow supporters of CSU’s art community; it also guarantees you will get to choose a piece to take home. 

Each ticket is randomly assigned a lottery number at the time of purchase, giving the buyer a specific time from May 1st through May 3rd in which to select one of the anonymous pieces. (Patrons can make their selections in person or online at the provided link at their specific time.) Once selected, the artist’s name will be revealed, and the piece will receive a red dot to indicate it as sold. 

By keeping the name of each artist a mystery, the show adds a bit of adventure and levels the playing field for all ticket holders. “You may go home with a piece by a regional artist, or you may leave with a work by a well-known national artist. You are picking art that speaks to you,” says Sally Bradley, a CSU art professor and FOA representative. “Either way, you’re supporting future artists in our community—and getting something beautiful and original in return.”

Another compelling aspect of the 10x10 Red Dot Show is its inclusivity. Since all pieces are available at the same ticket cost, art lovers at any level—from longtime collectors to first-time buyers—can participate and support the cause. This event helps to build a bridge between the university and the community by offering original art and supporting artists in a meaningful way.

More Than a Fundraiser

The purpose behind the show is deeply rooted in FOA’s mission to enhance educational opportunities for CSU art students. Proceeds from the sale of event tickets directly support Funding Future Artists, a scholarship fund established by the FOA in 2012. This year's goal is to raise enough funding to provide a full scholarship annually to an incoming student. 

Bradley notes how this type of support is transformative for young artists. “[The Red Dot Show] allows us to help students pursue what they really love, what they want to devote their career to. And every day, I see the benefit. It’s gratifying to see how generous people in this city are towards Columbus State’s educational endeavor, particularly in the arts.” 

A Growing Tradition

This is the third Red Dot benefit, which has become a fixture in the Columbus arts calendar and one of the FOA’s most anticipated events. Whether you’re an art aficionado, a proud CSU alum, a parent of a current student, or someone who just enjoys a great night out with a purpose, the Funding Future Artists 10x10 Red Dot Show is a fantastic way to support local talent and the next generation of creatives.

As Bradley points out, this event isn’t just about collecting original art—it’s about creating connections and investing in people. “The support the community gives to these students is really life changing. The show gives us a chance to bring supporters in and let them meet the students, the faculty—this really amazing group of people.”

To purchase tickets, click here. Remember that the event is limited to 100 tickets, so advance purchase is highly recommended!