(COLUMBUS, July 22, 2009)-The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission's (MORPC) Art in the Halls program announces a new exhibit on display July 6-August 31, featuring works from artists representing the central Ohio region. The exhibit is part of MORPC's 40th Anniversary Celebration and includes artists from Delaware, Licking, Madison, Marion and Pickaway Counties. MORPC is located at 111 Liberty Street, Suite 100 in Columbus' Brewery District. The gallery is open for public viewing Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

MORPC's Art in the Halls program was created in 1986 and is a unique public art program that provides an opportunity for local artists to market themselves in the public sector. When it first began, it was one of the few places where local artists could exhibit their work. More recently, other communities and organizations have taken the concept and used it to bring art to their municipal and organizational buildings.

MORPC's Art in the Halls program provides Central Ohio artists with a highly visible forum in which to exhibit their work. Since its inception, the program has displayed the works of over 90 artists. Featuring new collections on a bi-monthly schedule, Art in the Halls integrates artworks among the day-to-day functions of MORPC. Gallery space is interspersed throughout MORPC's offices. For more information on the program call Shari Saunders at (614) 233-4125 or visit www.morpc.org.

MORPC is a voluntary association of more than 47 local governments, serving as a community resource in the region by providing comprehensive planning and programming in the areas of transportation, economic development, land use, energy conservation, environment, and housing. MORPC is currently celebrating its 40th Anniversary and its efforts to build a better Central Ohio region.