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Built by creatives,
for creatives.

Columbus Society of Communicating Arts is the longest-running independent organization of its kind in the Midwest. Are we a little rebellious? Maybe. Do we resist the temptation to merge with bigger national organizations? Always have. It keeps us lean and affordable and honestly just more fun. We like our independence.

2007 Creative Best “Best of Show” Winner: Keith Novicki
2018 Speaker: Reina Takahashi
2016 Speaker: Mikey Burton, during social hour
2017 Pinewood Derby standouts
2019 Speaker: Adé Hogue
2019 Speaker: Ashleigh Axios
2009 Speaker: Armin Vit
2021 Creative Best “Judge’s Choice” Winner: Kevin Rapp, Root Insurance
2018 Audience: Lousie Fili
2011 Speaker: Matteo Bologna
2019 Pinewood Derby: Birthday Car
2016 Social Hour: Brian Deep and Paul Nini
2018 Speaker: Temi Coker
2016 Audience: Mikey Burton
2016 “Icons of Fail” Panelist: John Youger

CSCA provides programming that unites, informs, and inspires the central Ohio design community. Local and national speakers share their work and experiences, and our educational programs bridge the gap between theory and practice — and encourage the next generation of creative professionals.

Since 1970, we’ve introduced our members to the world’s most admired creative professionals, from emerging stars like MoMA’s Julia Hoffmann to Massimo Vignelli, Doyald Young, and other legendary figures. Yet for every guest we welcome, we also focus inward to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of our own. CSCA’s Creative Best, our annual showcase for local design achievement, gives professionals and students alike the recognition they deserve.

CSCA has always been a self-sustaining, fully volunteer labor of love. Every gathering, every trophy, every web page has been a donation of time and talent. That totals tens of thousands of hours. Our community is better for it, and we thank everyone who has helped along the way.

The tools of our trade have changed dramatically in the past five decades. And they’ll continue to change. But the fundamentals of our world — creativity, collaboration, discovery — endure. We can't wait to see what the next 50 years brings.

CSCA Hall of Fame

The Hall of Fame is CSCA’s highest honor. It recognizes the rare few who’ve made an extraordinary impact on central Ohio’s communicating arts profession and to the overall development of our region’s creative identity and economy.

2010 Hall of Fame inductee: David Smith
2010 Hall of Fame presenter: Jamie Alexander
2010 Hall of Fame inductees: Deane Richardson and David Smith, RichardsonSmith
2010 Hall of Fame inductees: Deane Richardson and David Smith, RichardsonSmith
2004 Hall of Fame inductees: Fred Coe and Guy Salvato, pictured in their office, 1988

These visionaries’ talent, mentorship, and influence extend far beyond their own work, leaving a lasting mark on the people and places they’ve inspired.

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Deane Richardson
2010
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David Smith
2010
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Fred Coe
2004
Guy Salvato
Guy Salvato
2004

The Ed Grauer Award honors the doers, believers, and champions who keep CSCA thriving.

2011 Ed Grauer Award recipient: Paul Nini
Ed Grauer, CSCA founding member and award namesake
2019 Ed Grauer Award recipient: Gregor Gilliom
2018 Ed Grauer Award recipient: Elliott Cennamo

Since 1979, the Ed Grauer Award has recognized those whose time, talent, and heart have strengthened CSCA from within. Named for one of our founders, it celebrates the designers, leaders, and advocates whose dedication keeps our creative community connected, inspired, and thriving year after year.

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Elliott Cennamo
2023
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Lydia Stutzman
2022
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Gregor Gilliom
2019
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Dylan Menges
2017
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Paul Nini
2011
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Terri Price-Deep
2007
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Peter Megert
2004
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Denny Griffith
2000
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Kathy + Jeff Frank
1999
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Nancy Kramer
1998
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Dwight Yaeger
1997
Schmeltz + Warren
1996
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Mike Harden
1995
Michael Milligan
1994
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Walter W. Seifert
1993
Bob Bennett
1992
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Warren Motts
1991
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Fred Coe
1990
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Sandy Wood
1989
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Max Brown
1987
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Dean Richardson
1986
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Dave Smith
1986
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Charles Csuri
1985
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Dave Ellies
1984
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Guy Salvato
1983
Amos Gott
1982
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Gene Gerrard
1981
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Jack Shinn
1980
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Joseph Canzani
1979

Honor their legacies by becoming part of CSCA’s future.