Liz Writes Art

I have recently created a separate site, "Liz Writes Art", on which to post all of my published articles. It is still under construction and I will be uploading more and more articles over the next few days. I would love your comments and feedback about what I have written.

P.S. You have to click on many of the pages so that they will be larger, more clear and, thus, easier to read.

Final Fridays and Second Look Saturdays

Final Friday

Over the Rhine/ Downtown

6-8 pm

http://www.irhine.com/index.jsp?page=finalfriday

The end of the month always means Final Friday. If case you've never been, its an evening during which downtown galleries open their doors to the public. There is food and cocktails at many galleries and local bars and restaurants are also open. Check out the link above- it includes a great map. Although there are usually plenty of places to park, The Pendleton Arts Center (1310 Pendleton St.) offers convenient valet parking for $4.

Second Look Saturdays

The Pendleton Art Center (1310 Pendleton St., downtown)

11 am- 3 pm

The Pendleton Art Center is always a part of Final Friday. Now its also opening its doors on the last Saturday of each month. For those of you who don't know, the Pendleton houses gallery spaces for a wide range of artists. Its a large place and a great way to see many different kinds of art under one roof. For directions and more information visit http://www.pendletonartcenter.com/ebrochure.pdf.

All Our Favs at the Malton Gallery

(A Ripple Winds, Dan Miller)

New Works

The Malton Gallery (2643 Erie Ave, Hyde Park)

Although there was no opening reception, the Malton Gallery has just opened a new show that promises to be spectacular. It features all of the Malton's most talented and famous artists. The photorealistic work of Dan Miller and the colorful compositions by Natalya Romanovsky are sure to please.

July's Hip Picks

From now on I will have a "Hip Picks" list for each month. Its designed as a list of the most exciting, interesting, and intriguing shows and evetns that you absolutely don't want to miss. I will display these lists at the beginning of each month as a blog entry and you will also be able to access them under "Calendar" (right). If you have any suggestions for events or categories let me know!

Best Weekend Event: Manifest Opening (July 18), Miller Gallery's Up Close and Personal (July 18, August 2, August 9)

Best Mid-Week Event: CAM's Creative Design Breaks (July 16)

Best Gallery Show: Masterpieces at Manifest (July 18-August 5)

Most Exciting Event: Final Friday, July 25

Best Museum Show: Views from the Uffizi, Taft Museum (through October 12)

Up Close and Personal with the Miller Gallery

(above: Canal Boats, Jon Michael Carter)

Up Close and Personal 2008: The Summer Artist Demonstration Series

Saturday, July 19. 11 am-3 pm.

The Miller Gallery (Hyde Park Square)

FREE

For three Saturdays this summer The Miller Gallery has an exciting lineup of artists demonstrations. This Saturday, John Michael Carter will paint from a live model. He is a talented artist whose paintings focus mainly on things he sees in his everyday life and his travels.

Save the Date: Saturday, August 2 and Saturday August 9 from 12-3 pm Ron Johnson and Ron Mosma will also do live demos. I will post more details about those artists later.

Architecture at the CAM

Creative Breaks Design Summer- Architecture

The Cincinnati Art Museum

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

5:30-8:30 pm

FREE

For the next installment of its Creative Breaks Design Summer, the CAM is focusing on architecture. GBBN Architects, a renown firm in Cincinnati, will be on hand to discuss Green Design (which is obviously a hot topic today). There will also be tours of the CAM's featured exhibition David McCauley: The Art of Building Books and live bluegrass music by the Rumpke Mountain Boys. As per usual, there will be happy hour specials at the Terrace Cafe. As I have said before, this is an awesome way to get out mid-week.

Young Art

("Untitled Study 6," Kim Krause)

Young at Art: Works on Paper by Emerging and Established Artists

The Phyllis Weston-Annie Bolling Gallery

July 11-August 16

This is an exciting show explores the flexibility and diversity of prints from the 1920s to the present. Prints are a form of media that is not always immediately recognized and is often underestimated. They are often great ways, however, to collect works by famous artists because they are often more affordable and readily-available (i.e. Picasso print vs. Picasso oil on canvas). Prints themselves, however, are also a great form of expression in and of themselves. The prints of Albrecht Durer (c. 1500), for example, have a great amount of precision and detail and were produced in relatively few editions and, thus, are very expensive. In the 1960s, Andy Warhol began to mass-produce photo-silkscreens and toyed with the idea that art, like other commercial endeavors, could be mass-produced. However you look at it, prints have been used throughout art history by many artists for many different reasons. This show explores that by showing everything from the traditional prints by Harry Shokler to the contemporary architectural structures depicted in George Schmidt's works. My personal favorites include the incredible colorful "Untitled Study 6 " by Kim Krause and the kitschy 1950s-inspired "2nd Place" by Melissa Harshman.

The Taft Goes to Italy

Canaletto, The Tower of Marghera, c. 1750


This summer, patrons can immerse themselves in a multi-sensory experience at the Taft. The museums is offering an incredible special exhibit, a special menu at its cafe, and an incredible summer concert series.

Views from the Uffizi: Painting of the Italian Landscape

The Taft Museum

Now- through October 12, 2008

$13- adult, $10 seniors and students.
Wednesdays: $5 adults, $4 seniors and students.
special coupons with meal at cafe (see below)

If you can't pocket a trip to Italy this summer, a visit to the Taft might just be the next best thing. Views from the Uffizi: Painting of the Italian Landscape, explores the evolution of Italian landscape painting from the Renaissance through the 18th century. With artists such as Botticelli, Guercino, Poussin, Claude Lorrain and Canaletto, who needs to fly to Europe?

The Taft is also offering special Italian-inspired cuisine at its Lindner Family Cafe. With the purchase of a meal at the cafe, patrons can receive free admission with the purchase of at least 2 tickets.

Taft With a Twist: Molto Italiano

Thursday, July 10, 7-10 pm.

Food, Wine, Italian food, and "Fellini Bellinis" at cash bar

$10 non-members, free for members

Reservations recommended ((513) 684-4526, www.taftmuseum.org)

To go along with their Italian theme, the Taft is offering an evening of relaxing and festive Italian entertainment. This is also a great way to check out the exhibit since admission is cheaper than usual. The event will also feature a bocce tournament and noodle games.

Saturday, July 19, 11 am- 4 pm.

A Day In Italy

FREE

This day is geared towards family fun. Folk dancing, crafts, music, and cultural displays promise to keep children entertained. Parents will love the performances by the Cincinnati Opera, Paul Wagner Band, My Nose Turns Red Theater Company, and Frisch Marionettes. With no general admission, this would be a perfect day to check out the Uffizi show.

Taft Sessions Music Series

Sunday, July 20, 2 pm: Kim Taylor

Sunday, August 17, 2 pm: Peter Mulvey

Cash bar, FREE

These concerts take place under the the tent of the Taft's garden and are a perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Interior Design at the CAM

Cincinnati Art Museum

Creative Breaks Design Summer- Interior Design

Wednesday, June 2, 5:30-9 pm.

For the third part of its Creative Breaks Design Summer, the CAM is focusing on interior design. Admission is free, and there will be music and drink and appetizer specials. The most enticing features of this installment include the opportunity to create Rookwood inspired tiles, live reggae music, and an opportunity to chat with the innovative High Street Studio about their unique London style. This is definitely a relaxing, mid-week treat. There will also be tours at 6 and 8 pm featuring the museum's best make out spots.

ART & SOUL

(Suzanne Lambert)

Art & Soul

YWCA Women's Art Gallery

Opening Reception: Friday, June 20, 6-8 pm.
(show runs through September 8)

Two artists, Suzanne Lambert and Ann Zeff join forces to create an exhibit that exudes life, beauty, movement, and color.

Suzanne Lambert states that “My intention is to visually demonstrate the underlying movement within All Life through color, tone and composition. I want to infuse this energy in the audience and lift their souls.”

And Ann Zeff describes that she has "tried to use my creativity to express the beauty of life as it occurs in emotional and spatial relationships. My goal is to make a solid piece of stone come alive.”

This show and exciting open reception are not to be missed.

Fashion at the CAM

Creative Design Breaks Summer: Fashion

Cincinnati Art Museum

Wednesday, June 18, 5:30-8:30 pm

FREE

For their second and last installment of Creative Design Breaks Summer, the CAM has decided to entertain art and fashion enthusiasts alike. The owner of Suki, a local Hyde Park boutique will be hosting. The Museum Teen Advisory Board will also host a Fashion Challenge. There will also be music and cafe and bar specials and the museum galleries will be open.

Meet David Macaulay at Fitton

(from Cathedral, David Macaulay)

Presentation and Book Signing

Fitton Center for the Arts

Monday, June 16, 6-8 pm

Today the artist David Macaulay will be conducting an artist presentation and signing books at the Fitton Center for the Arts. Macaulay is famous both for his work as an author, illustrator, and expert of architecture and design. He originally hails from Lancashire, England and is an alumnus and faculty at the Rhode Island School of Design.

He has written a number children's fiction books about the construction and creation of certain historical architectural phenomena. This includes Cathedral, which explains the way ancient Gothic Cathedrals were erected using a fictitious Gothic Cathedral. He employs this similar techniques of explaining the way historical architectural structures were built in his books City, about a Roman city; and Aberwyvern Castle, about a Medieval castle. He has also written Pyramid, about Egyptian pyramids; Mill; about the New England mills; and Unbuilding, about the hypothetical dismantling of the Empire State Building to be re-erected in Asia. There is also the self-explanatory Mosque and Underground, a series of books which explains foundations, support structures, and underground water and sewer pipes are built.

His books are terribly interesting and it would be great to hear the process behind his genius creations as well as obtain a signed copy of one or more of his works. This would also, obviously, be a great event to bring children to. These books also offer a straightforward way for adults to understand the incredible way in which great works of architecture were constructed.

Rookwood at Treadway

(E.T. Hurley)

Rookwood Auction

Northern Kentucky Convention Center (One West Rivercenter Blvd., Covington)

Preview- Friday, June 6. 10 am- 9 pm.

Saturday, June 7- Session 1- 10 am. Lots 1201-1522

Sunday, June 8- Session 2- 12 pm. Lots 1523-1942

Online Catalog & Information: www.treadwaygallery.com

This Saturday and Sunday the nationally recognized Treadway Gallery will host an auction of Rookwood pottery at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center. The world famous creations of Rookwood pottery today can fetch upwards of $300,000 and are unique for their exceptional quality and exquisite decoration. Its history is rich and can be traced back to the late 1870s, when Maria Longworth aspired to create a place for women to go and decorate pottery. Her work was almost instantly recognized for its unique decorative quality and Rookwood became one of the first major businesses owned exclusively by a woman.

Rookwood became committed to developing innovative techniques and continued to create cutting-edge work. They were the first to use an atomizer, similar to an airbrush, to glaze their creations. They were also famous for their distinctive green and golden hues, which were made from combining clay found in the Ohio Valley.

Today, you can visit the old Rookwood Pottery in Mt. Adams. It currently houses the restaurant Porkopolis, but retains its original architecture. Diners, for example, can enjoy a meal inside one of the old kilns and black and white photos decorate many of the walls. In 2006, The Rookwood Company negotiated with Michigan collector Dr. Art Townley to purchase the trademarks and over 3,000 molds used in the original factory. The original techniques are, thus, largely kept under wraps.

Michael Feinstein Concert

Michael Feinstein Concert & Reception



Fitton Center for Creative Arts (101 S Monument Ave, Hamilton)



Friday, June 6, 8 pm.



Tickets $100-150.



Michael Feinstein is one of the "premier interpreters of American popular song." He performs at major concert halls, symphony orchestras, jazz clubs and, in this case, the Fitton Center. To learn more about him check out http://www.michaelfeinstein.com/. After his performance, he will attend the reception at the Carruthers Signature Ballroom. To reserve tickets call (513) 863-8873 X110.

MANIFEST Opening

(untitled, Lisa Wilson)

Magnitude 7

MANIFEST (2727 Woodburn Ave.)

Friday, June 6, 6-9 pm.

MANIFEST made its 4th annual call to artists and designers to submit works no larger than 7 in any dimension. The goal is to create works that evoke in the viewer the sense of one's own physicality. They create the opportunity for viewers to have a closer relationship with the work.

Kristin Stewart at V & V

Visionaries & Voices (800 Main St.)

Meet the Artist: Kristin Stewart

Thursday, June 5, 5-7 pm.

Kristin Stewart is a resident artist at the local Elgin Retro Furniture Store (810 Main St). In addition to providing fabulous retro furniture, this store features some cool modern art and classic stained glass. Check out their website at http://www.elginoffice.com/elginretro.htm.

Food and Fashion at the CAM

Creative Breaks Design Summer: FOOD

Wednesday, June 4. 5:30-8:30 pm.

Cincinnati Art Museum

FREE

The Terrace Cafe's (the cafe at the CAM) chef Bruce Muncy will cook up great food and the CAM will provide music, cafe, and bar specials. The rest of the museum will also be open for your viewing pleasure. Also be sure to keep in mind that this series will continue on Wednesday, June 18, with a "fashion" theme. The owner of Suki and the Art Museum's Teen Advisory Board will both be hosting and there will be a fashion challenge.

Karaoke at CAC

Walt's Karaoke Bar and Cafe

Contemporary Arts Center

Monday evenings through April 25, 6-8 pm

Admission free on Mondays, 5-9 pm

As part of its American Idyll exhibit, the CAC is offering a Karaoke night every Monday from now until April 24. "Artist-as-karaoke-jockey" Joel Armor "explores human behavior and social interaction through is pop culture phenomenon." In addition to performing your favorite Karaoke song, there will be a cash bar featuring "karaoke-inspired cocktails." Since admission is now free on Mondays from 5-9 pm, this is a a great new way to check out the museum.

ArtWorks Reception

There Were Three: works by Molly Donnermeyer, Matthew Morris, Eric Ruschman

ArtWorks Gallery, 811 Race St.

Friday, May 30. 6-9 pm. (show runs through June 13)

For this exhibition, three local artists and Art Academy graduates create aesthetic masterpieces using found objects, fabric, soap, paper and other simple materials. The exhibit consists of drawing, sculptures, and installations that create personal narratives. The overall show is designed to "address the poetics of space" and express "the three's personal mythologies."

Oakley After Hours

Oakley After Hours

Friday, May 30. 6-10 pm. (final Friday each month)

Participating Sponsors: Aglamesis, blue manatee, BOCA, Casa Delorenzo, Dewey's Pizza, 20th Century Production, Habit's Cafe, Kathy Jones Skincare, King Arthur's Court Toys, Kona Bistro, Oakley Pub & Grill, Queen City Nutrition, The Spotted Goose, Voltage Inspired Living Spaces, City Beat, Astute Furnishings, denium, The Fresh Market, House of France.

Similar to Final Fridays in downtown Cincinnati, the last Friday of each month bars, stores, and galleries in Oakley stay open late the last friday of each month. This event also features sales at local stores, live music by local bands, and happy hour specials and participating restaurants and bars

Dianne McElwain at Weston-Bolling

Also this Friday, the Phyllis Weston- Annie Bolling gallery is opening a show by local artist Dianne McElwain. She is known nationally as an artist who expertly depicts botanical art with great scientific accuracy. This exhibit includes plants from native to Ohio, wildflowers, orchids, and some from the Krohn Conservatory.

New Botanical Paintings by Dianne McElwain: Opening Reception and Meet the Artist

Phyllis Weston- Annie Bolling Gallery

Friday, May 28. 5-8 pm. (show runs through June 28)

2008 Cincinnati Fringe Festival

The Fringe Festival gets its roots from Edinburgh, Scotland, where artists who were not included in the local arts festival decided to create a way to showcase and celebrate "fringe" art. In Cincinnati, local, regional, and national artists showcase their work downtown in both traditional and nontraditional spaces. The festival not only showcases alternative visual art, but also performance and film pieces. The goal is to have a forum and opportunity for artists who are not normally acknowledged by traditional art and to show the world how fabulous progressive art is.

I recommend checking out the website as well as the link to the official Fringe Festival blog for details about daily events. There's a lot going on so this would be the best way to pick and chose the events you want to go to. This weekend Fringe joins up with traditional Final Friday celebration.

Cincinnati Fringe Festival- Final Friday

Friday, May 30. 5-9 pm.

Pendleton/ Mainstreet area galleries (check out website for official map)

Kennedy Heights Art Center Opening

Shattered Myths- Twenty-One Visions Contemplaring the Actual Cost of War

Saturday, May 24, 6-9 pm. Artist Talk 7 pm.
(show runs through June 14)

Kennedy Heights Art Center (6546 Montgomery Road)

For those of you who have never been to the Kennedy Heights Art Center, you should know it is something definitely worth checking out. This Saturday would be the perfect opportunity. They do not release a great deal of information about their exhibits beforehand, however, the artist talk mentioned above promises to answer any questions you may have about the show.

3 Tomorrow at the CAC

Images above: Matt Coors, Here Be Dragons? 2005. Mark Harris, Mao Songs, 2006. An-My Le, Small Wars 1999-2002.

Uncoordinated: Mapping Cartography in Contemporary Art, American Idyll: Contemporary Art and Karaoke, An-My Le: Small Wars

Contemporary Arts Center

Friday, May 23. 7-11 pm (shows run through August 17, 24, and 10 respectively)

$10 guests, free for members

This Friday the CAC is opening 3 amazing shows. Since it lasts until 11 pm, you could easily hit up Miller Gallery and then stop by CAC. Uncoordinated: Mapping Cartography in Contemporary Art is highly conceptual in nature but also consists of a body of aesthetically pleasing artwork. It addresses the way in which we rely on maps as subjective and complete sources of information when, in actuality, there can be intentional or unintentional omissions. Thus, the cartography (map maker) has a great deal over power and influence over a society which relies upon maps.

American Idyll: Contemporary Art and Karaoke looks at the way in which this pop culture fascination has affected our society. This show examines the way in which artists have been inspired by karaoke. It also looks at the concept of karaoke itself (i.e. does it unite people or is it a "mass produced catharsis for alienated cultural spectators?") At the very least, the show references American Idol and The Real World and promises to be very entertaining.

An-My Le: Small Wars is a more serious show but is nonetheless terribly important and poignant. It consists of 50 gelatin silver prints from the two series, both of which address and examine military and war. For her series An-My Le went to a Marine base in the Mojave Desert where she photographed soldiers in various stages of training. This included situations in which soldiers roll-played and dressed up as their enemies. For her second series, Small Wars, An-My Le joins a Vietnam re-enactor group. She examines the way in which we recreate and glorify warfare after the fact.

Amy Giust & Ron Romano

left: Thinking Happy Thoughts, Amy Giust
right: Sola #2, Ronald Romano


Amy Giust & Ron Romano

The Miller Gallery

Opening Friday, March 16, 2008, 5-8 pm

Showing May 16-30

This Friday two amazing artists are opening at The Miller Gallery. Amy Giust and Ron Romano both make use of abstraction and playful color in what promises to be an exciting and interesting show. Amy Giust, a Cincinnati-born artist, is inspired by the artwork of her children and the sounds of jazz, classical and rock music. She uses the techniques of Matisse and Picasso to create everyday images that could be classified as geometrically abstract.

Ron Ramano uses a palette similar to Giust's but takes abstraction to a much higher level. Unlike Giust, there is no figurative subject matter and the goal of his work is to create depth on a 2-D surface. Both artists are extremely talented and this show is certainly worth checking out.

Discover the YWCA Women's Art Gallery

above: Impressionist work by Trish Weeks


The YWCA Women's Art Gallery is a hidden treasure. It is the only local gallery to exclusively feature women artists and, along with the YWCA, its mission is to "empower local women artists." I regret that I have yet to post anything about this gallery and I hope that this posting will inspire you to visit sometime soon. Its current show Spring Awakening, celebrates the "arrival of this season of new beginnings."

Spring Awakening

YWCA Women's Art Gallery (898 Walnut St, corner of 9th and Walnut, across from Public Library)

April 11- June 16

Monday- Friday, 9-5 pm, afterhours and Saturday by appointment

Malton Gallery is Illuminated

Illuminated: The Art of Light and Color featuring work by Carol Henry

The Malton Gallery (Hyde Park Square)

Tuesday- Saturday 11 am- 5 pm

Semantics at Semantics Gallery

Aging: Its not just for kids anymore

Semantics Gallery (1107 Harrison Ave)

open Saturday, 12-4

This is another gallery who have probably never heard of but definetly need to check out. It is one of Cincinnati's oldest co-ops and presents a wide range of traditional and non-traditional artists. They generally hold openings the first Saturday of every month and thus each show lasts only 1 month. The space is only open on Saturdays from 12-4, so it would be the perfect place to spend a nice spring afternoon.

Photo-Realistic Warhol

Turn In, Turn On and Hook Up

ArtWorks (811 Race St.)

April 18-May 23

Sadly the days of Warhol's photo silkscreen prints and the parties at his silver Factory are over. Scott Donaldson, however, has taken over where Warhol left off. Unlike Warhol, however, all of the portraits are unique and photo-realistic. All and all, the exhibition's purpose is to "represent Donaldson's take on popular culture." The glaring, energetic colors and portraits of both past and contemporary celebrities will take you back to the 1970's and the beginning of Pop Art. His depictions of Amy Winehouse and Bill Gates make it well worth the trip.

One World Wednesday: Scandinavia

One World Wednesday: Scandinavia

CAM. Wednesday May 7, 2008. 5:30-9 pm.

$8 non-members, free for members

limited beverage sampling and food for purchase

This is the CAM's final One World Wednesday of the year. Entertainment includes designs by IKEA, mixing by DJ SplottyKaeko, dancing by the Cincinnati Ballet, singing by the Trolls and Sweeds Choir, and tours through the LeWitt Collection.

Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice

Silk & Spice Gala

CAC

Saturday, May 10. Gala (6-10 pm). Build/ Stacked After Party (10 pm- 1 am)

Tickets (advance on sale now): $300-$175 for the Gala, $20 for the After party

The seventh annual Silk & Spice Gala at the CAC to celebrate its almost 7 decades in Cincinnati and to honor visionary Jay Chatterjee. While the Gala at the beginning of the evening is followed by the less-pricey after party geared towards the y.p. crowd. At the Gala, guests have the opportunity to bid on the works mentioned in my posting below. The after party offers a more laid-back opportunity for Cincy's younger art enthusiasts to mix and mingle.

FORM Auction at the CAC

FORM: Contemporary Architects at Play

Saturday, May 10, 2008. 7 pm

Auction Preview by Appointment May 3- May 10

Bidders MUST register in advance

(Massimo Vignelli Cube)

(www.contemporaryartscenter.org/FORM//index.html)

CAC, Lower Level Performance Space

Exhibition of View: Level 5

May 3- August 31

"As we celebrate our fifth year in the Lois & Richard Rosenthal Center for Contemporary Art, we want to mark this historical moment with a bit of history-making. Design is essential to our daily lives- its not confined to buildings and structures, but is part of how we live, work and play. FORM celebrates and advances the centrality of creative design in our lives."

(Raphaela Platow, Director and Chief Curator)

The CAC and the Formica Corporation have teamed up to commission a number of world-famous architects to create various pieces of fine art which, in one way or another, incorporate Formica into their designs. This exclusive auction features work by many renowned contemporary architects including Peter Eisenman, Michael Graves, Zaha Hadid, Thom Mayne, Bill Pederson, Laurinda Spear, Bernard Tschumi, Jaime Velez, Massimo Vignelli, and Buzz Yudel. The works are extremely contemporary, incredibly innovative, and range from $1800- $290,000.

2 to Check out at the CAM

The Cincinnati Art Museum has a few new exhibits that I've neglected to mention. Maps & Manifest: New Works by Mark Bradford is a show features canvasses that are address both physical and psychological space. He addresses urban sprawl and the local effects of globalization using advertisements and and billboard paper gathered from his neighborhood in L.A.

Maps & Manifest: New Works by Mark Bradford

March 1-May 5

(check out his youtube video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGhzDqZDxt4)

Also, for those of you car enthusiasts, the CAM has a Jaguar E-Type Roadster designed by Sir William Lyons on loan from the private collection of Stephen A. Locker. The designer avoided the typical "muscle car" look that was so popular in the 1980s and created a sleek, stylish car that helped established Jaguar's reputation as a manufacturer of well-designed cars. Even its top competitor, Enzo Ferrari, called it "the most beautiful car ever."

Jaguar's E-Type Roadster

January 1- May 18

Gallery Talk at the CAC

Daniel Libeskind Tour

Saturday, March 29. 2 pm.

(Installation runs through May 11)

Contemporary Arts Center

Free for members, admission fee for non-members.

After a world-wind exciting Final Friday, be sure to check out this intriguing gallery talk at the CAC. Exhibition curator Cynthia Goodman and Associate Professor of Architecture, UK and long-term colleague of of Libeskind Jerzy Rozenburg will discuss and lead a tour of the Daniel Libeskind installation currently on view.

Even if you can't make it to this exciting tour, be sure to check out the installation before it leaves the CAC. In the words of the Libeskind himself, "this installation is like a microcosm of a city in which public spaces move in new directions and create new scales of public space in relation to the individual."

Discover Fitton Center for Creative Arts

Spring Showcase: Fitton Center Member Artists

Opening Reception Friday, March 28. 6-8 pm.

(exibition through May 9)

101 South Monument Avenue, Hamilton

The Fitton Center for Creative Arts is an out-of-the-way treasure. If you can't visit the opening (since it is on Final Friday) be sure to make the trek to see this exhibiton before its over. The Fitton is a little treasure that most people in Cincinnati never visit. This reception showcases work by the members of the center, who are most likely promising but unknown artists.

http://www.fittoncenter.org/

Final Friday

Final Friday

Pendleton and North Main Streets, Over-the-Rhine

Friday, March 28. 6-10 pm

FREE

At the end of the month, Cincinnati art buffs can always look forward to Final Friday. On Pendelton and North Main Street, this event always showcases new and seasoned artists at a diverse group of galleries. In addition to art, the event boasts artistic furniture, floral arrangements, and other design projects. It is always one of the best art ventures in Cincinnati and is a very social and educational event. Check out the website below for a map and list of participating galleries.

http://www.irhine.com/index.jsp?page=finalfriday

Art and Cinema

Nanking

Cincinnati World Cinema

Cincinnati Art Museum

Tuesday, March 25 and Wednesday, March 26. 7 pm

$9, $7 for members.

Cinema is a form of art and it is, thus, appropriate that the CAM would host viewing of artistic, top-notch movies. This Tuesday and Wednesday The Cincinnati World Cinema is pairing up with the CAM for a viewings of Nanking. The Cincinnati World Cinema is an organization that provides "the community with outstanding motion pictures that explore the human condition and and celebrate cultural diversity." In other words, highly artistic films you could not see outside independent film houses or museums.

Nanking is the "the true story of how a few brave souls saved the lives of thousands." Its a documentary of the Nanking massacre of 1937, one of the most brutal in all history. Although not terribly uplifting, it is informative, thought-provoking, and important.

http://www.cincinnatiworldcinema.org/

Go Contemporary at the CAM

Weekend Special Exhibition Tour: Contemporary Collection

Saturday, March 22. 2 pm

Free

Meet the docent in the CAM lobby, tour generally lasts 1 hour

We must not underestimate the CAM as a valuable source of modern work. Although the CAC is the best source for all things contemporary, the CAM does have an entire third floor devoted to newer work. Unlike the CAC, the CAM also has a permanent collection, so if find something you like you can go back to see it. There is nothing better, moreover, than spending one hour of your Saturday afternoon learning more about art.

ART4CHANGE

ART4CHANCE

Saturday, March 22. 3-5pm

(Display rungs March 15-April 3rd.)

Red Tree Gallery (Oakley)

Red Tree has, once again, provided us with a show unlike any other in the greater Cincinnati area. art4change is a collaborative community organization revitalizing the city through the arts. This particular event features work by Big Brothers and Big Sisters on sale for $40, with the profit going to directly back to them.

The LK at CAC

The LK

Saturday, March 22. 8 pm

CAC performance space

$7 members, $10 non-members

The creative assemblage of art and music done by LK is unique, entertaining and innovative. Oftentimes in contemporary art, the boundaries between music, art, and performance are completely diminished. This creates a multi-sensory experience and has the potential to impact the viewer more than a simple 2-D canvas would. Like much of the work at the CAC, this work combines performance, music and other visual elements. At the very least, it promises to be something new and different.

http://www.contemporaryartscenter.org

Odita at the CAC

Flow, Odili Donald Odita

Artist Lecture: Odili Donald Odita

Saturday, March 22. 2 pm
(show runs through Fall 2008)

Free for members, CAC admission for non-members

As part of his show currently on display, Odili Donald Odita will give an illustrated lecture about his work and the way that his upbringing in both Nigeria and Ohio have influenced it. He will describe the musical and visual influences behind it and the connection it has to the minimalist/conceptual art of Sol LeWitt, who also has a current show at the CAC.

Odili Donald Odita:Flow

November 10- Fall 2008

In October 2007, Odita began planning his work for Kaplan Hall, the lobby of the CAC designed by famous architect Zaha Hadid. It continues Hadid's idea that the area should be a public square and a part of Cincinnati's urban landscape. The work is intended to make the viewer move about the open space and complements the architecture. The work contains over 112 colors with different combinations on each wall. Its both enchanting and memorizing.

http://www.contemporaryartscenter.org

Comboni Missionaries Depict Darfur

The Combini Missionaries, a group devoted to aiding the poorest and most disadvantaged people of the world, currently has an intriguing show purpoted to benefit the victims of the Darfur crisis. The beauty of the Comboni Mission Museum, moreover, is an excellent backdrop for any kind of art exhibit. Click on the image above to enlarge and get more details.

Rembrandt at the CAM

Self-Portrait with Gorgon and Beret, 1629

Rembrandt: Three Faces of the Master

March 8- May 21

If there is any one show to get excited about now it would be Rembrandt at the CAM. Everyone's heard of him and everyone knows he's fabulous. Unfortunately, for non-members there is a $5 fee and the show is very small. Nonetheless, its Rembrandt. Enough said.

The main feature are three of his self-portraits, one of which has never traveled outside the Louvre. Rembrandt painted self-portraits throughout his life, and in this show one can see firsthand how his style evolved. The show also promises to address the issues of self-representation and image as well.

http://www.cincinnatiartmuseum.org

Art History at Eisele

"New Acqusitions"

Now- March 31

Eisele Gallery of Fine Art

5729 Dragaon Away (fairfax)



Findlay Market in August, John Effler

This traditional art of this gallery is expertly framed by the beauty of the Historic Ferris House itself. It features mostly traditional style art by both contemporary and older artists and has a very small but eclectic assortment of decorative art objects. Decorative objects are, unfortunately, typically omitted from fine arts collections so this gallery offers something unique. A lot of the art, moreover, is somewhat affordable and there is even a section of their website which features art that is under $2500. There is also a great deal of work done by local artists depicting local scenes. It is definitely worth, at least, checking out this website.

http://www.eiselefineart.com

Friday Nights, Open Studio, and Friends Night Out and Created Illusions

Every Friday, 5-8 pm

Great Art, Wine and Cheese

2838 Observatory Ave.

This is a relatively new gallery with an eclectic array of work you couldn't necessarily find anywhere else. This is another place that is non-intimidating and is likely to appeal to the individual who doesn't want to look at scenes of death or controversial images. Its almost impossible to leave this gallery in a bad mood.

Open Studio Night

Final Wednesday of Every Month

$35 if you bring your own supplies, $50 including all supplies

Taught by Artist in Residence Andrea Frangiosa

This is an opportunity to paint and meet fellow artists. Instruction and supplies are available.

Friends Night Out

Anytime

Possibly the coolest thing is gallery does. On any given night, you can schedule your own customized class. It would be a fun way to get together with a group of friends and try something new. Supplies, drinks, and hors d'oeuvres are provided.

http://www.createdillusionsartgallery.com

The Buzz at The Weston Art Gallery

Dungeon Thud, "Hairrier," 2000

Nate Larson, "Fortune Cookie

Mark Harris, "Meihaoyaodian"

Not to be confused with the Annie Bolling- Phyllis Westin Gallery, this Gallery is the one downtown adjascent to the Aronoff Center downtown. They often have cutting-edge, experimental and fabulously interesting shows. I would recommend heading down sometime in the near future to check out the three great shows currently displayed.

Harrier the Hovering Drone by Jimmy Baker and Nathan Tersteeg (Dungeon Thud)

Now- March 30

Gallery Talk Tuesday, March 5 at 7 pm (i'll repost it then to remind you)

These two artists have worked together before to create fabulous installations. For this particular one, they have assumed the single name of Dungeon Thud. Like many contemporary installations, this one combines the media of sound, video and performance and immerses the viewer in a completely sensory experience. It is set up in the street-level gallery, so those passing by might notice a key aspect of the display: artificial hair spewing from a Harrier Jet. It seeks to "synthesize the relationship of psychedelic rock to its symbolic association with war and aggression."

Miracle Pennies and Other Stories: Photography and Video by Nate Larson

Now- March 30

Gallery Talk Saturday, January 26 at 2 pm.

This photography exhibit forms a narrative exploring the way in which we construct meaning in contemporary culture. The artist explores skepticism, religion, consumer behavior, ordinary days that have become suddenly not so ordinary and the way that insignificant objects sometimes take on significant meanings. His work is self-conscious in the way that it examines the way that photography conveys both subjective and objective truth.

Utopian Bands and Related Works by Mark Harris

Now-March 30

Gallery Talk Tuesday, February 5 at 2 pm

Mary Harris, the director of the School of Art at DAAP, has created a highly-theoretical show consisting of painting, video, photography and artists books, which "examines the imagery of intoxication as a form of Utopian representation." Harris traveled to Beijing in the summer of 2006 and taped six Chinese rock bands in a concert he helped organize. It celebrates the return of the Utopian ideals which were once repressed by Communism.

http://www.westonartgallery.com

Discover Visionaries & Voices

Open House & Reception

Visionaries & Voices North Studio

225 Northland Blvd.

Friday, March 18. 5-8 pm.

"Food, new works by V &V artists, artist talks, and some gold old fashioned fun."

By supporting Visionaries & Voices you are not only supporting the local art community, but you are also supporting individuals with with disabilities. It's a win-win situation. This is a space devoted to the growth of local art and diverse artisitic endeavors. I strongly suggest that you learn more about them at their open house/ reception this Friday, celebrating the one year anniversary of their Northland studio (they have an older one on Essex Place). It would be a good opportunity to learn more about them and to see how you can get involved with this wonderful organization.

http://www.visionariesandvoices.com

The Next Jim Dine

Hearts, Jim Dine, 1970.

Who Will Be the Next Duveneck or Dine?

The Phyllis Weston- Annie Bolling Gallery

Friday, March 14. 5-8 pm.

(exhibition continues through April 19)

Most people don't respect Cincy as a place where new and innovative art is made. The truth is that it really can be. Among others, Cincinnati can brag about Robert Frederick Blum, Jim Borgman, Jim Dine, Robert Scott Duncanson, Frank Duveneck, Samuel Hannaford, Charlie Harper, Robert Henri, Tim Folzenlogen, Winsor McCay, Frank Harmon Myers, John Ruthven, Maria Longworth Nicols Storer, John Henry Twachtman, Leon Van Loo, and Tom Wesselmann. (Even you don't know those artists google them, they're each amazing in their own right.)

This Friday, the Phyllis Weston- Annie Bolling Gallery is opening a show devoted to Cincinnati's future greats. Obviously we haven't heard the names yet, but this would be a great opportunity to purchase some fabulous works at a great price. The gallery has won much respect in the city since it's opening and I think their picks are likely worth buying.

http://www.westonbollinggallery.com

Local Art at Red Tree

Evoke- Group Exhibition
Evoke: To create anew, especially by means of the imagination

Friday, March 14. 6-9 pm

4409 Brazee St. (Oakley)

Artists Scott Stibich, Natalie PenGan, Joe Blazer and Jim Crosser

Refreshments and live music


Here is another awesome gallery that you may never have heard of. Red Tree Gallery is so cool because it is devoted to developing the local arts community in every respect. It is a coffee shop/ lounge setting with local works by new artists. It is exciting, interesting, and affordable. At the same time that they aid local artists, they want to cultivate an arts appreciation within the city as well. This makes it an non intimidating environment.

If the aforementioned more traditional show at the Miller Gallery is not to your liking, you should stop by Red Tree on Friday night. This show promises abstract, modern, and unique paintings, drawing, sculpture and furniture.

http://www.redtreegallery.net