HONORED ARTISTS

Greg Phelp’s, one of this year’s honored artists, has been exhibiting art cars since 1997. As an event planner for conventions he was interested in educating the community about Columbus and collaborated with local artist, Susan Sturgill of PM Gallery  by creating an interactive art car using images on magnets for school groups and local events. He sought out corporate sponsors and Charlie Einhorn and Lynn Stan of InnerArt invited him to his first Hot Times in 1998. That first year Susan also introduced Greg to Ramona Moon and that meeting brought kindred souls together and Greg’s first That Car a Miata sports car that used found objects and clear silicone to decorate. Greg’s goal of seeing more art cars in communities and advocating for representation has encouraged other local community members to create their own art cars. This writer considers Greg an ambassador of art cars for Columbus and his efforts allowed for art cars to be represented at the newest Hilton Tower via photography with various locations around the city. Greg currently is working on That Car #4, a blue Toyota RAV with a skull and mirror theme. He enjoys the patterns the mirrors create on roadways and other vehicles. It truly looks like a mobile disco ball.  His That Car #3 was famous for the many doll heads and also a mohawk of Barbie doll legs that is an homage to the OSU synchronized swimming team, which has won 34 national championships. Every art car he has owned is a daily driver and most are a work in progress. Greg lives in the Clintonville area but travels all over town. Greg has been to many events for art cars such as Houston TX, Baltimore MD, and Detroit to name a view.  His next goal is a roadtrip to Seattle WA and using Roadside America’s Atlas Obscura to stop at the various quirky, off the beaten path landmarks and tourist stops our country has to offer. Our city has been enriched by Greg’s contribution and mentoring to others. His goal of seeing more art cars has been his ongoing life’s endeavor and our community is richer for it. – Micki B. Pike 

Born Walter Brewer, Wallabe is a Columbus, Ohio native who uses street savvy and self-empowering lyrics to inspire, invoke and motivate his audience.  Wallabe has over 250,000 listens and currently over 100,000 downloads earning a "Bronze" status on the popular website www.datpiff.com. His music is all about delivering current and past excerpts about life and how to overcome the pitfalls the society offers.

Wallabe is solely independent; he has his own store called Hood Solid Urban Store, a printing company, record label and a college degree in business. Currently being represented by PR-Attaylah Raheem (Icuazur Inc.) (Atl)(OH)Business Manager-(Ohio) April Dillard(Marketing) & Darrel Brown (Branding Consultant) (Atl).

Currently Wallabe’s delivery with his powerful voice/words is like an instrument; in which has him on over 27 cable networks starring on appliance store commercials & jingles for local & major brands.

Last but not least, Wallabe has a mentoring program called; Stay Out the Streets Youth Empowerment Program. 2-3 days per week, Wallabe conducts sessions that help prevent drug use, violence, truancy, and treatment for mental health. Goal is to save as many lives as possible in my city.

"Wallabe is a born star!