As spring starts to peek its way through the last of winter's clouds, I thought it would be a good time to share some the progress we have been making on our new project. The cooking school in Clintonville is targeted to open April 15—we are on tight but optimistic schedule! All plans have been approved, the interior has been gutted and the exterior is receiving a make over in the next week, before the paint goes on. I can't wait to say goodbye to the yellow brick. Gray painted brick is going to be much more our style.

The photo above is of the entrance way arch we built to add character and charm. The cookbook library is framed by the arch and awaiting shelves and bench seats. The electrician and plumber are finishing up this week, and we are anticipating drywall, flooring and molding going up in the next two weeks.

Regardless of whether you’re new to the wine scene or you’ve been a connoisseur for years, you’ll feel comfortable at House Wine thanks to owner Donnie Austin, a craft beer enthusiast and engineer turned wine aficionado. Donnie Austin’s approachability and hospitality make his shop a safe place to enjoy high quality, affordable wines produced by artisans whose passion and hard work inspire him. Stop by House Wine for advice on what wine will go best with your next event, or relax with some friends over a wine tasting. Or, for great recommendations on more than just wine, be sure to check out some of Donnie Austin’s favorite places and events around Columbus.—Leah Wolf

Leah Wolf: What do you love most about Columbus?

Donnie Austin: The diversity and the approachability. The food, people and neighborhoods each offer something unique to people interested in a change of pace. With the Ohio State University and a number of industries focused in Columbus, the people who have moved here make our city very vibrant and special. I also like the fact that we have large city offerings and amenities tucked into a small-city frame.

Michael Mercil is an artist, associate professor and the chair of graduate studies in the Department of Art at the Ohio State University. Over the last few years he has dedicated himself to the making of a documentary film about the lives of farm animals here in Ohio. On Thursday, February 7 his documentary film "Covenant" will premiere at the Wexner Center for the Arts. We asked Michael a few questions about the making of the film, his love of farm animals and why we should love farm animals too. 

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Colleen Leonardi: What drew you to the subject of farm animals and our relationship to them?

Michael Mercil: In 2006, I began a series of "agri/cultural" artworks on the Ohio State University (OSU) campus. First, I planted "The Beanfield" at the Wexner Center for the Arts. Two years later, I converted "The Beanfield" into "The Virtual Pasture". Such projects are part of my effort to reclaim the land grant college as an agri/cultural commons; as a place wherein we might shape our thinking and actions as creatures that, like all creatures, live from the land.

Part of "The Virtual Pasture" project included my monthly transport of a small flock of Shetland sheep to graze on a plot grass outside the Wexner Center and across from the main campus Oval. On those days I stayed with my flock, and more than once I was asked, "What kind of animals are those?" So I knew I had plenty of work to do.

CL: Why did you decide to make a documentary film about farm animals?

MM: From my conversations with students and other visitors to "The Virtual Pasture", I realized most people have no everyday experience with livestock. It is as if these creatures on which we most depend have become the least familiar of animals to us.

Dave Filipi is Director of Film & Video at the Wexner Center for the Arts, where the fourth annual Field & Screen series will commence this February. The series takes a closer look at topics surrounding our food and environment, screening a number of films throughout the month, entirely open to the public. This year's films include the journeys of foragers, the radioactive repercussions of the 2011 Japanese tsunami, a popular safari park in Quebec and a look into our global sushi obsession, among others.

Along with regular film screenings, a panel discussion organized by Ohio State's Department of Art's Living Culture will follow the February 7 showing of "Covenant", which peers into raising livestock and the complexities of human-to-animal bonds. Before the Valentine's Day showing of "Step Up to the Plate", Heirloom Cafe, located inside the Wexner Center, will offer a special menu.

We are looking forward to this year's intriguing lineup, and we're pleased to learn more from curator Dave Filipi about the process of film selection, the origins of Field & Screen and which films are on his radar this year.