The moment you turn the corner onto Jefferson Avenue you have the sense that this is a place where creativity and artistic expression is honored in all its many forms. What you can't miss is the strong shape and lines of the gazebo, stately there at the south entry to the elliptical green park and lively with the annual Jammin' Jefferson Festival and the new annual concerts honoring performing artists from Columbus. And nearby as you walk north the unicorn grazing among the lilies in a garden befitting the Thurber fable.

There are of course dogs, real Thurber ones (four, maybe five if you search well in the garden court and fountain between the Thurber House and Center). That's what you can't miss, along with the handsome houses now nearly 125 years in the weathering: generous porches' front doors yet more friendly for the years of wear, iron fences and limestone posts strong enough to hitch a horse.

Once inside, there are fireplaces with mantles you want to photograph, staircases worthy of grand descent, and wood floors just awaiting a fine oriental or a fast dance. And now two galleries: the Thurber Center Gallery with book-related art and the Vorys Gallery in our headquarters, the Carriage House.

There's another kind of artistry best known as creativity and best practiced as leadership. Creative, life-enhancing work seems to happen with ease in these historic buildings into which sunlight and fresh air pours through the many windows. Eleven brand new organizations have been born here, and dozens more renewed and refreshed week in and week out in the good and worthy work for the arts, health, education, and human services.

And artistry is not too lofty a word for the leadership required to form and further the ventures herein that so enrich our community. That's why the Academy for Leadership and Governance is now a part of us, paying thoughtful and consistent attention to the well-being of those who have said yes to trusteeship, the board presidency, or careers as nonprofit executives.

The artistry of it all: public art, architecture, interior design, organizational creativity and the fresh and passionate practice of leadership. That's what you can expect at the Jefferson Center.