UPDATE

I sincerely apologize for not updating my blog recently. I am currently committed to a number of volunteer opportunities that take up the majority of my time. I promise I will come back in full force as soon as I find the time to create valuable posts. I want to sincerely thank everyone for their ongoing support!

Miller Gallery is BEAUTIFUL

(above: Pink Still Life by Pang Jen)

B E A U T Y

Miller Gallery
Opening Reception Friday April 10, 6-8 pm
Show continues through April 24

Forget deep, symbolic and melancholy art and celebrate all things superficially beautiful this Friday at Miller Gallery. Times are tough and perhaps we could all spend a Friday night with some colorful, uplifting and unabashedly beautiful art. Artists include "Don Hatfield, renowned for his timeless, classic impressionist paintings of mothers and children, frolicking on beaches, sharing loving moments in the loveliness of blooming gardens; Colin Berry, whose contemplative, measured and meticulous paintings often combine landscape and still life, are serenely classical and quietly poetic; Ellen Diamond, whose eye for pattern and color are reflected in her vibrant and vivid depictions of the French and Italian countryside, seascapes and village scenes; Pang Jen, for many years a gallery favorite, whose loose impressionist figurative and landscape paintings are exercises in soft, harmonious color; and popular local artist Ron Johnson, well-known for his paintings of Cincinnati scenes and landmarks as well as captured memories of European travel. "

Red Tree Turns Over a New Leaf

RedTree Art Opening

Friday, April 10, 6-10 pm

Red Tree Gallery (3210 Madison Rd.)

As if Red Tree could be even more fabulous... this weekend marks the debut of their first show at their new Madison Road location. As per usual, there will be wine and live music. Featured local artists include Teressa Barnhill, Scott Dannenfelser, Diane Debevec, Maureen Holub and Dick Macke. I have yet to check out their new spot, but the street front location should definitely put them in the spotlight.

Lobsters Are Surreal

("Lobster Dress" by Elsa Schiaparelli with images by Salvador Dali)

Surrealism and Fashion

Wednesday, March 31, 7 pm

Cincinnati Art Museum

$10 non-members, $5 members

"Because fashion design can be outrageous and Surrealism is a flamboyant art style, it is not surprising that Surrealist artists and trend-setting fashion designers often share a similar love of extravagance" (New York Times, 1988). It is, indeed, only natural that two artistic cliques renown for their intentional outrageousness would collaborate. The most infamous of all surrealist fashionistas was Elsa Shiaparelli, whose work is still studied by art historians and design design majors alike. The Chief Curator of the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology Valerie Steele will be on hand to provide more insight into all things surreal and fashionable.

Cincinnati's Fabulous Future

(above: "The Money Spender and His Wife" by Tim Parsley)

Narrative Figuration

Opening Reception Friday, March 27th, 5:30-9 pm

Showing March 27- May 1

Henry James called Frank Duveneck "the unsuspected genius." Perhaps a man hailing from nineteenth century Covington, Ky was was not suspected to be either an artist or a genius. Duveneck was both. He attracted a huge following, known as the "Duveneck Boys," which included Twatchman and Herman Wessel (among others). One of his most famous works, The Whistling Boy (1872) is permanently on display at the CAM.

In Covington, Sandra Small's gallery is exhibiting artists who they believe comprise a new Cincinnati School of Painting. Some of them champion Classical Realism, a style that celebrates the beauty of the past and exhibits a realism inspired by photography while others are more "painterly and expressive." This "golden age" is inspired by Vermeer, VanDyck, Rembrandt, Giacometti, Freud, Bacon, Kitaj and, appropriately, Duveneck. Many of these artists are also recent graduates of UC's MFA program, which almost ensures that works will be both fresh and accomplished.

It is also certainly worth noting that exhibiting artist Emil Robinson will have a personal show at the Keystone Gallery at the Taft Museum on August 30.

Matrimony As a Rite of Disaster

(above: Mother-In-Law by Brad Smith)

Not In My Wedding Album

March 20-May 9, 2009

Opening Reception March 20, 5-9 pm

Prairie Gallery

The beauty of art is that it is sometimes unsightly. Photographs especially sometimes have a way of capturing the moments in life we'd rather forget. At one time or another we've all been victims of the "please don't post that on your Webshots/Facebook profile/ frame it on your mantle" photograph.

A wedding is a perfect opportunity for any photographer to capture such images. Although the bride and groom typically assemble an album of flawless wedding day pictures, most weddings do not go off "without a hitch." That is what makes this show at Prairie so entertaining.

I think the premise of this show is both light-hearted and brilliant. It shows that even the most sacred and beautiful of human institutions can be chaotic and and imperfect. The overall message of the show is, perhaps, that we should stop taking ourselves so darn seriously.

Speaking Primarily About Installation

(above: Robert Iriwn's Primaries and Secondaries at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego)

Contemporary Conversations
Thursday, March 19, 6-8 pm
Contemporary Arts Center
Free for members, $7.50 adults, $5.50 students




It seems antithetical to the 1960s contemporary ideal that an artist exploring light and space could be avant-guarde. L.A.-based artist Robert Irwin proved, however, that not everything had to be so dour. Through his now-iconic installations, Irwin expertly explored light and space as the basis of human perception.

In his book "Seeing Is Forgetting the Name of the Thing One Sees," Lawrence Weschler recorded the conversations he had with Irwin and described the transient and awe-inspiring nature of his works. Because Irwin's works were transitory installations, this book is one of the few ways that contemporaries can view them.

This Thursday, local art personality Matt Morris will lead a discussion of Irwin's work as seen in Weschler's book. Although it my be too late to read the entire manuscript, I would suggest picking it up and scanning over key elements if you intend on attending the lecture. It is certainly well-written and full of insight and vivid description.

March's Hip Picks

(above: image from Prairie's Happy Valley or Helltown show)

All of my favs....

Best New Discovery: Prairie Gallery

Best International Exploration: MANIFEST's Selections From India

For the Art Collector: Carl Solway's Joan Miro: Master Lithographies From 1948

For the Art Collector on a Budget: Miller Gallery's Artist Stimulus 2009

Alternative Exhibition: Semantics's my tiger, my heart: paintings and improvisations by Eric Ruschman

It's Simply SUREAL

(Album 13, Plate IV, 1948 by Joan Miro)

Joan Miro: Master Lithographs From 1948
January 9-April 18
Carl Solway Gallery

Its a great time to be a Surrealist art-lover in Cincinnati. In addition to the fabulous exhibit at the CAM, Carl Soloway has a show of Joan Miro lithographs at his Findlay Street gallery. The exact same year that he painted the famous mural for the Terrace Plaza Hotel, which is currently outside the Cincinnati Art Museum's Terrace Cafe, he created 13 celestial prints. With imaginative forms and a very spirited nature, they are the epitome of all things Miro.

A Twist of Taft

(Helena Bonham Carter's dress from A Room with a View is currently on display at the Taft's Fashion in Film exhibit)

Taft with a Twist: Movie Magic

Thursday March 12, 6-9 pm

Taft Museum

$10 non-members, free for members

In conjunction with their Fashion in Film exhibit, Taft will host a film trivia contest aimed to entertain local young professionals. As always, there will be a cash bar, hors d'oeuvres and a chance to mingle with other young art aficionados. Think of this as a much better alternative to dollar pitcher night at the local watering hole.

THINK GREEN

(2007 winner of the Earth Day Art Contest sponsored by U.S. Department of State by Hanna Kutuzava of Belarus)

GREEN Spaces: Every Day is Earth Day

Visionaries and Voices at ArtWorks Gallery

March 12-April 10

Opening Reception Thursday, March 12, 5-8 pm

Although you may not have it marked on your calendar and don't necessarily plan on celebrating it, tomorrow is Earth Day. The art and design world has long-embraced the idea that creativity and conservationism can exist simultaneously. "Green design" and "sustainability" have been a focus of many artists for several generations.

The artists of Visionaries & Voices will voice their opinion on our over-consumption and the positive and negative effects that human beings have upon the environment with an opening exhibit tomorrow at Artworks Gallery. By contrasting images of idealist landscapes and over-crowded, polluted cities, V&V conveys "a dichotomy of imagery which illustrates the two extremes of modern life." I am most excited to see works made of recyclable materials and conceptual pieces concerning energy conservation.

(Claire de Lune, Amy Giust)

Artist Stimulus

Preview Party Friday, March 13, 6-8 pm

Show continues through March 28

Miller Gallery

Everyone is well aware that "times are tough." We are learning to embrace that less is sometimes more and that, as the New York times so aptly put it, "small is the new big... In the design word this stuff is old news-- but in the art world its evidence of a new survivalism."

What is not necessarily as painfully obvious, however, is that this is the perfect time to scoop up reputable artists at record breaking prices. Its easy to be depressed about the state of the economy but its better to cheer yourself up with a wonderful, inexpensive piece of art. Several galleries such as Phyllis Weston-Annie Bolling and Cincinnati Art Galleries have already hosted such shows. I'm excited that Miller Gallery has also decided to jump on the bandwagon.

Improvisations of Tigers

my tiger, my heart; paintings and improvisations by Eric Ruschman

Opening: Saturday, March 7, 7-10 pm

Show continues March 7-28

Semantics

The first Saturday of every month, Semantics hosts and opening for a an exciting, unconventional and innovative new artist. It is one of the longest surviving co-ops in the city and shows are anything but predictable. I implore you to support this fabulous little non-profit space. Please visit their MySpace site http://www.myspace.com/semanticsgallery for more information.

Manifestation of Mythography in India

(above: a submission for the INDA by Douglas Miller)

Mythography: An Exploration of Nature

Selections of India

Reception: Friday, March 6, 6-9 pm

Show: March 6- April 3

MANIFEST

Drawing upon the long standing tradition throughout the history of art of using the visual to explain the narrative, the works in Mythography: An Exploration of Nature will tell stories and depict legends, myths and fables. This includes comic art, sequential art, documentary, animation, video/film, illustration, performance, painting, sculpture, photography, and drawing. Approximately 700 works were submitted and, through a rigorous process, 16 were selected to be displayed.

Selections From India will display works selected to be a part of Manifest's Selections from the International Drawing Annual. Manifest's drawing center is devoted to exploring and celebrating the medium of drawing in its own rite. Annually, they publish an extensive compilation of fantastic drawings titled The International Drawing Annual. Over 1100 works were submitted to be in the 2009 INDA and a ten-person jury is still deciding which pieces will be included in the final publication. Selections From India will be an early look and possible winners.

Camp Out at CAC

(above: Discarded Spider (Installation View), Carlo Amorales, Courtesy of the artist and Contemporary Arts Center. Photo: Tony Walsh)

The World Below: an All-Night Horror Movie Marathon

Friday, February 27, 6:27 pm - 7:12 am (dusk to dawn)

Contemporary Arts Center

$10 members, $20 members

The CAC is inviting you to bring your sleeping bags (and your courage) for an all-night horror movie marathon. They have not released a list of the specific films, but they promise there will be "both classic and obscure horror films plus many surprises!"

CAC Contemporary Fridays

Friday, February 27, gallery levels until 9 pm, Kaplan Hall until 1 am

Contemporary Arts Center

General Admission, Cash Bar

CAC is re-joining the Friday Friday circuit with open galleries and a late night party. All galleries will be open until 9 pm and a party featuring drinks and the spins of DJ Pillo will continue until 1 am.

Its that time again...

(above: "eggs on glass table" by Mayumi Terada at BASE GALLERY)

Final Friday

Friday, February 27, 6-10 pm

Over-the-Rhine, Pendleton and North Main St.

I can't ever say enough fabulous things about Final Friday. Much like New Year's Eve, it is the celebration of what has been and exudes the hope of what is to come. So whether February was the most productive and successful month of the year or whether you can't wait until March, Final Friday is a perfect event. Visit http://www.irhine.com/index.jsp?page=finalfriday for a walking map and list of participating businesses.

Another New One: Prairie Gallery

(above: Voss Finn, "Figment 7")

Current Exhibition: Happy Valley or Helltown

Featuring Voss Finn and Samantha Johnson

January 23- March 13

Prairie Gallery (4035 Hamilton Ave., Northside)

Its name is meant to reflect the broad expanse of contemporary work that it will display. Whatever the media or sensibility, Prairie Gallery is meant to be an open forum. It exists in what was once an old appliance store, which is entirely appropriate for the current exhibition.

Voss Finn is an established artist who uses found objects and drawings to create sculptures and site-specific installations. Samantha Johnson, who is quite new to the scene, had the unique idea of transferring photographs onto printmaking paper and then sewing them all together to assemble collages. All together, this show emphasizes the variety of media that often inspire and transform contemporary art.

2 New @ V&V

(above: from the Negative to Positive show, Antonio Adams)

Kevin White, Life on Canvas

Over-the-Rhine Chamber of Commerce

Opening February 27, 5-8 pm

February 27-March 20

Opening Reception: Friday, February 27, 5-8 pm

This weekend Visionaries & Voices, an "outsider art" gallery featuring the works of artists with disabilities, will have two major opening exhibitions. The first displays the work of Kevin White, who creates two-dimensional landscapes inspired and influenced by the existence of wild animals. The combination of intense color and complex forms form the unique harmony that is characteristic of his work.

Visit http://otrchamber.com/ for more information.

Antonio Adams and Cheryl Dunn

Country Club Gallery

February 28 - May 16, 2009

New works by Antonio Adams and Cheryl Dunn
Opening Reception, Saturday 28th 4-8pm

Antonio Adams is known both locally and nationally as an accomplished artist. His works are a complex amalgamation of well-known superheros, celebrities, personal friends, the artists himself and his alter-ego. Underneath it all, his work suggests that moral dilemmas and questionable ethics are at play. Also displayed is a triptych by Antonio Adams and Brian Joiner loosely based on Picasso's Guernica but with different characters and conflicts.

For more information visit http://countryclubgallery.com/

Talk Fashion at the Taft

(above: Two-Piece Evening Dress worn by Kate Beckinsale as Maggie Verver in the film The Golden Bowl, 2000. Set early 1900s. Costumes designed by John Bright; directed by James Ivory. Silk satin with lace.)

Lecture Series: Petticoats, Pantaloons, and Painters: Three Centuries of Costume in Art

Thursday, February 26, 7 pm

The Taft Museum

As part of its Fashion in Film exhibit, the Taft will host a lecture about how fashion is always a reflection of a particular society's culture, politics, history and art. Curator of Education Nancy Huth will speak on the basic fashions for men and women of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. It is recommended that all who wish to attend make reservations and buy tickets in advance.

SawFistTree

SawFistTree and friends Quartex

Opening: Feb 21, 9 PM–12 AM
Dates: Feb 21–Feb 22
Various Artists

FeralMade

Since FeralMade has not released any information about this exhibit, one can assume that it is simply a compilation of it's artists works. FeralMade seems to pride itself on being both enigmatic and playful, so this show and opening reception should be very entertaining.

Ally with Clay

(above: clay piece by Steve Howell)

The Clay Alliance 10th Anniversary Show

Opening: Saturday, February 21

Show: February 21 - March 14

Kennedy Heights Art Center

Regrettably, I have not written anything about the Kennedy Heights Arts Center in a while. This weekend, however, is the opening of the Clay Alliance's 10th Anniversary Exhibition. The Clay Alliance is a group of liked-minded artists who use clay to make functional, decorative, and sculptural objects. It will feature brand new works as well as those of past talents.

Enjoy A Magic Show

(above: artist Tara Donovan)

This weekend is Fine Arts Fund Sampler Weekend. The Contemporary Arts Center plays an integral part in this city's art scene and, thus, there are many notable events. Admission to all events, moreover, will be free. I regret that I am not going to include all of them on my blog, as that would take up more time and space available to me. Please check out their website, however, to get more information.

The Buzz: A Night of Magic

Friday, February 20, 7 pm

Contemporary Arts Center

$15 in advance, $20 at the door

The aforementioned event is Fine Arts Fund's way of kicking off their 2009 season. Aimed at the under 40 set, read "Y.P.'s" or "young professionals," there will be food, music, drinks, and prizes all consistent with the magic theme.

Also at the CAC this weekend

Gallery Talk: Tara Donovan

Led by CAC Director Raphaela Platow

Saturday, February 21, 3-4 pm

This gallery talk will shed some light onto the esoteric works of Tara Donovan.

44: Ethan Philbrick and Isaac Hand

Saturday, February 21, 4-7 pm

Through the dialogue of sound, Ethan Philbrick and Isaac Hand will interpret the minimalistic and transcendent works of Tara Donovan.

for more about 44 weekend at CAC, visit http://www.contemporaryartscenter.org/.

More of 44

(above: the Flux Capicators)

44: the Flux Capicators

Sunday, February 22, 12:30-3:20 pm

The Contemporary Arts Center

As part of the 44 series, which features a different performing artist on the first Saturday/ Sunday of every month, the Cincinnati surf rock innovators Flux Capacitors will perform. They are a self-proclaimed, Cincinnati-based "surf rock" group, whose tunes are melodious and quite gleeful. What is surf music you ask? Well, as defined by the ever cursory Wikipedia, its "a genre of popular music associated with surf culture, particularly Orange County and other areas of Southern California." Basically, its the Beach Boys meets contemporary pop and rock music. Why are they performing at the CAC? Well, contemporary art has a long history of bridging the gap between traditional, formal and representational works and the performing arts.

Update From Sandra Small

(above: watercolor by Donald Holden)

The Contemporary Sublime: Asian-Inspired Landscapes

February 13- March 20

Sandra Small Gallery

Connected by a deep appreciation of nature and a "reductionist" technique, three Asian-American landscape artists will be on display at Sandra Small's Covington gallery. Somewhat abstract in nature, these works reflect both traditional Chinese and Japanese art and contemporary sensibilities. Watercolors, paintings, and drawings by two Cincinnati artists (Frank Satogata and Valerie Shesko) and one New York-based painter (Donald Holden) are featured.

Any Random Saturday Morning

Coffee and continental breakfast

Sandra Small Gallery

It is also certainly worth noting that every Saturday morning the gallery will feature coffee, continental breakfast and inspired art conversation with fellow art aficionados.

February's Hip Picks

(above: image from 2012 Cincinnati Olympic Bid)

And the award goes to...

Best New Discovery: FeralMade Gallery

Favorite Show(s): Rosemary's Babies @ Miller Gallery, Surrealism & Beyond @ CAM

Best Event: Celebration of Winter @ CAC

For the Art Scholar: Pecha Kucha Night @ CAC

For the Aspiring & Seasoned Collector: Inspiring Collectors: Works on Paper, Mixed Media Pieces, and WPA Serigraphs under $4,000 @ Phyllis Weston- Annie Bolling Gallery

Beyond the Beyond: Surrealism

(above :René Magritte, Belgian, 1898-1967, Le Chateau de Pyrenees (The Castle of the Pyrenees), 1959, Oil on canvas, 200 X 145 cm, The Israel Museum, Jerusalem, Gift of Harry Torczyner, New York, B85.0081, Photo © The Israel Museum, Jerusalem )

Surrealism and Beyond in the Israel Museum, Jerusalem

February 15- May 17

The Cincinnati Art Museum

Surrealism (n.): Psychic automatism in its pure state, by which one proposes to express -- verbally, by means of the written word, or in any other manner -- the actual functioning of thought. Dictated by the thought, in the absence of any control exercised by reason, exempt from any aesthetic or moral concern. (Andre Breton, Surrealist Manifesto, 1929)

I don't do drugs. I am drugs. (Salvador Dali)

For the next couple of months CAM will be the only U.S. establishment to host an extensive collection of fabulous and intriguing Dada and Surrealist works. On loan from the Dada and Surrealist Vera and Arturo Schwartz Collection of the Israeli Museum, Jerusalem, it will feature 200 + highlights in a variety of media. Featured and infamous artists include Salvador Dalí, Marcel Duchamp, Pablo Picasso, Max Ernst, René Magritte, Joan Miró, Jean (Hans) Arp, Man Ray, Kurt Schwitters, Hannah Höch and Paul Delvaux.

Cruise to Sprint to the CAM

(Giulia Sprint Speciale, 1964. Alfa Romeo, engine and chassis manufacturer (1910­–), Bertone, design studio and body manufacturer (1912­–), Italy. Steel body with aluminum hood and trunk lid. On loan from Richard Grant, L1.200 )

Space and flight study of the 1950's/60's inspired the production of this beautiful, futuristic, limited time offer. The Spring Speciale was considered especially controversial when it first debuted in 1964. Designed by the renowned Italian Bertone studio, it was formed and finished entirely by hand.

Pecha Kucha Night?

Pecha Kucha Night

Friday, February 13, 6:30-11:30 pm

Contemporary Arts Center

$15, $10 members

6:30-8- Gallery tour, cocktails

8-10- Pecha Kucha Presentations

10- Party! with drinks and DJ

I was confused by the name at first as well. Pecha Kucha (pronounced peh-chak-cha) is Japanese for the sound of conversation. Apparently, the idea was conceived by Astrid Klein and Mark Dytham (Klein Dytham architecture) as a forum for young artists to exhibit, discuss and share their accomplishments. This global phenomenon includes creative people of any discipline or experience level and Cincinnati's version will feature architects, designers, artists, writers, students, professors, scientists, and many others. The stage is open to anyone with a creative idea and everyone is invited to watch to learn.

Rosemary's Baby(ies)

(Barnett, Helmut, Time on Earth, 2008)

Rosemary's Babies 2

Opening: Friday, February 13, 8 pm

Show: February 13-27

Miller Gallery

This biennial event is a compilation by gallery director Rosemary Seidner of all the best Miller Gallery has to offer. The works of well-established artists from across the country sit side by side with those of up-and-coming talents. This extensive project of entirely new works is not to be missed.

Artists exhibited include: "Terrence Payne's wit and wisdom is put into words on his outstanding, large pastel drawings; Otto Lange's bold and quirky still life's produce raised eyebrows and smiles; Jelaine Faunce’s hyper-realistic small paintings are gems to treasure; Graceann Warn's warmly-toned painted paper compositions add sculptural dimension; Shelley Laffal's fabulous large-scale figurative fantasy Teddy Bears’ Picnic must not be missed; Helmut Barnett’s abstracts take color to a new level; Susan Danko’s large-scale “landscapes” intersect reality and abstraction; Matthew Pinney paints stills from well-loved movies; and art professor Rosalyn Schwartz’s distorted interiors tease the eye--plus new works by gallery favorites."

EVOKE II

Evoke II

Saturday, Friday 7, 6-9 pm

Red Tree Gallery

evoke [i-voke] (verb): to create anew, especially by means of interpretation

This Friday will be the second annual local juried exhibition of works inspired by the word "evoke." Local artists were free to interpret and create works that reflected, recognized or celebrated this word. Join the jury in exploring these works at the fabulous Red Tree Cafe.

Celebrate Winter @ CAC

Opening Celebration of the Winter Season

Friday, February 6

• 6 pm: cocktails with artists Tara Donovan and Donald Sultan, CAC members only
  
• 6:30 pm: gallery talk and book signing with Donald Sultan and exhibition preview, members only
  
• 8-11 pm, opening party with DJ and cash bar, open to public
  
• exhibition open February 4- May 3
  

Contemporary Arts Center

Join the CAC in the celebration of its winter season, featuring artists Donald Sultan and Tara Donovan, along with music by DJ Iceberg and a cash bar. On the lower 2 level, conceptual and figurative artist Donald Sultan's works creates icons out of everyday silhouettes and reinvent the traditional landscape through the exploration of media and surface texture. This is the first exhibition in the US of Sultan's early linoleum paintings.

On levels 4 & 5 artist Tara Donovan uses mass produced, commercial items to create sculptural masterpieces. Think styrofoam cups, straws, buttons, and tape transformed into overpowering works of volume and depth. As the CAC website says, "Her body of work fuses object, architecture and lighting into elegant compositions that defy the expectation of light and spaces."

Winter's Meat with Pete

44: Pete Fosco with A Winter's Meat Petal

Saturday, February 7, 4-5:30 pm

Contemporary Arts Center

FREE

The CAC's 44 program is an innovative and exciting downtown Cincinnati phenomenon that is not to be missed. On the first Saturday of every month they will host a performing artist who will open up dialogue to bring Cincinnati art enthusiasts together and to integrate local art into both a national and international context. This Saturday Pete Fosco "combines his haunting guitar tapestries with the freak-folk deconstruction of A Winter's Meat Petal" and poet and performer Mike Freeman "interjects his art of word into the mix also."

Artist Group @ Essex Studios

Essex Art Opening

Friday, February 6 & Saturday February 7, 6-11 pm

Essex Studios Artist Group

Essex Studio Artist Group (ESAG) is comprised of the 100+ tenants of the 100+ individual art studios at Essex Studios. Its a non-profit group who rent out what was once a warehouse host openings/ gallery walks every few months. This is a diverse and interesting non-profit group of talented visual and preforming artists existing in a cool urban setting. They don't get a lot of press but are certainly worth examining more closely.

Cheap Chic

Inspiring Collectors: Works on Paper, Mixed Media Pieces, and WPA Serigraphs under $4,000

Opening Reception: Friday, February 6, 5-8 pm

Phyllis Weston-Annie Bolling Gallery

This show is a must for both aspiring and seasoned art collectors. Enjoy a glass of wine while taking in works of various media from both up and coming and established artists. Names you may recognize include Frank McElwain, Harry Shokler, David Miretsky, Melissa Harshman, Michael Scheurer and Kris Cummings. This is one of my all-time favorite Cincinnati galleries and shows never disappoint.

ONE and BLUE

(above: Abstraction by Fred Lewy, 1948.)

ONE: Azure

Wednesday, February 4, 5:30-9 pm

Cincinnati Art Museum

The CAM has somewhat revamped their traditional One World Wednesdays. Although they are now called "One," they still promise music, food, gallery tours, wine tastings, and art activities. This particular installment is focused on all things pertaining to the color blue. This is a great opportunity to spice up a boring February week.

Textiles as Art

(above: Dance of Hope By Cythia Lockhart)

Textural Expressions: Fabric Art

January 16-April 3, 2009

YWCA

Appropriately, the YWCA is exploring the traditionally and stereotypically feminine media of quilt making, doll making and other stitched works in the 21st century. Examining art history from a feminist perspective, it is easy to see that historically such types of expression were not classified as "fine art." The boundary between art and craft is dissolving in contemporary pluralistic art culture, however, and this show proves that such media should be considered important and relevant. The two particular artists examined, Patricia Coleman-Cobb and Cynthia Lockhart are talented, innovative and certainly worth examining.

Workout @ FERALMADE

Weird Workout

Friday, January 30, 7:30-12 pm

FERALMADE (4573 Hamilton Avenue)

I just recently learned about FERALMADE and I have to say I'm definitely intrigued. It is simultaneously an art gallery, literary magazine and printshop. It was started by Cincinnati natives with varying credentials (film makers, artists, photographers, etc.) This Friday they are celebrating the release of the 4th volume of their magazine Milk Money with a party at their gallery featuring various artists.

Their website: http://www.feralmade.com/

Milk Money site: http://www.milkmoneymag.com/index.html

Last Chance for Semantics

(above: Letter 200 by Heather Calcagno)

"100%: A Year in Happiness"

Work by Heather Calcagno

January 3-31

Semantics (1107 Harrison Ave.)

This weekend is also your last chance to check out the aforementioned exhibit at Semantics, one of the longest "co-operative" and "alternative exhibition spaces" in the city. The gallery is open Saturdays from 12-4 and by appointment.

Check out http://www.myspace.com/semanticsgallery

and Calcagno's personal site http://www.hcalcagno.com/

Take a Walk at Final Friday

Final Friday

Friday, January 30, 6-10 pm

North Main and Pendelton

Free

As per usual, the last Friday of every month there is a Final Friday gallery walk downtown in historic Pendelton and north Main Street. Soak in art, vintage and modern furniture, and design displays while enjoying cocktails and hors d'oeuvres at all of these fabulous urban establishments. Check out http://www.irhine.com/index.jsp?page=finalfriday for a printable map and more information.

A Fashion Frenzy

(above: Two-Piece Dress worn by Swoosie Kurtz as Madame de Volanges in the film Dangerous Liaisons, 1988.Set about 1760. Costumes designed by James Acheson; directed by Stephen Frears. Printed silk, trimmed with metallic lace braid, silk flowers, and lace. Petticoat and stomacher of shot silk. )

Fashion in Film: Period Costumes for the Screen

January 31-April 26

The Taft Museum

Free for members, $12 for adults, $10 for students & seniors, $4 children

It seems that the fashion as art concept has taken off in Cincinnati lately. This is perhaps indicative of contemporary art culture over all, in which the boundaries between film, performance, and traditional art media are continually being blurred. Lately, there has been The Future of Fashion Photography Exhibit at Sandra Small, the Disrobing the Victorian Lady lecture at the CAM, and now there will be a Fashion in Film exhibit at the Taft. Although the fashion as fine art is certainly not a new idea, it is fun to compare the different ways in which all of theses shows explore this concept.

This Saturday the Taft will open the national exhibit "Fashion in Film" to the public. Inspired in part by Oscar season, the show displays four decades of film costume. The show is also meant to emphasize the way in which famous period films, such as Titanic, worked to created historically accurate costumes.

CAM's Seperate Sphere

(above: a dress designed by Charles Frederick Worth for Elizabeth of Austria, Franz Xavier Winterhalter, 1865)

Disrobing the Victorian Lady

12:00-1:00 pm, lecture in the Great Hall

1:00-2:00 pm, lunch at the Terrace Cafe

$20 for lecture and lunch ($18 for Women's Committee members)

$10 for lecture

Cincinnati Art Museum

If you were dismayed that you missed the CAM's "A Separate Sphere" exhibit in 2005/2006, you will be excited to learn that they are hosting a lecture about Victorian fashion this afternoon. Fashion Arts and Textiles Curator Cynthia Amneus will speak about the elaborate and fussy fashions of this era. As this was time of great sexual repression, dresses at this time also had to follow strict cultural conventions. If you have the day off it would be an excellent opportunity to learn about the unique fashions of this era (haute couture was started by Charles Frederick Worth at this time) and enjoy a fabulous lunch at the Terrace Cafe.

Visionary Exploration of Matisse & Picasso

Matisse/ Picasso: A Visionary Exploration

The Cincinnati Art Museum

January 29-April 16

Visionaries & Voices is an organization devoted to representing artists with disabilities. This upcoming show is to feature works inspired by the famous artists Matisse and Picasso. As general admission to the CAM is free, this show would certainly be worth checking out.

Through the Looking Glass at Manifest

"Tama Hochbaum: Looking Through the Glass"

Opening: Friday, January 23, 6-9 pm.

Show: January 23-February 20

MANIFEST (2727 Woodburn Ave)

As Manifest never disappoints, I am sure that this show will be both insightful and innovative. Hochbaum has assembled a series of digital prints of architecture and landscape viewed through a window. As the show description suggests, the premise is perhaps a metaphor for the way the artist views the visual world around him. Be sure to visit the show yourself to draw your own personal conclusions. Visit http://www.manifestgallery.org/index.html for more information about this incredible gallery.

Positively Aging Well

"Positively Ninety"
Opening: Saturday January 24, 6-9 pm.
Show: January 24-March 14
Kennedy Heights Art Center

Perhaps we are all scared, at least subconsciously, about what will happen as we age. After witnessing her mother's dementia, Connie Springer sought to answer this question. So she spoke to several "nonagenarians" of the "Positively 90" generation and learned that people do, in fact, live well and prosper well into their nineties. Her show consists of the collected photographs and narratives from her research.

Simply Speaking About Live Music

Red Tree Art Gallery & Coffee Shop

Live Music- Singer/ Songwriter Scott Metcalf

Friday, January 23, 7:30-9:30 pm

Simply Speaking

January 5- February 7

Unfortunately the opening reception for the Simply Speaking show, featuring works by Joel Blazer, Camille Cier, Jessica Wolf, Jessica Roller, and Arynn Blazer, has already come and gone. The show is still on display though and I would highly recommend checking it out. Since they have live music this evening, it would be the perfect time to do so. As always, there is no cover charge and so it would be easy to pop in and enjoy some music while enjoying some coffee/tea and basking in the wonderfully chill ambiance.

If you can't make it tonight, I highly recommend venturing to Red Tree on a boring Saturday/ Sunday afternoon. It's free, there is always incredible work displayed and it is important to support cool local coffee shops. Visit http://www.redtreegallery.net/.

January's Hip Picks

(Genetta McLean, Bartlet II at Eisele Gallery of Fine Art)

For Art Investors: Cincinnati Art Galleries' "Panorama of Cincinnati Art XXIII"

Best Theme Event: Cincinnati Art Museum's "Art Through Five Glasses: The Jazz Age"

Best Gallery Show: "The Future of Fashion Photography" at Sandra Small Gallery

Best Weekday Event: Historical/Horror Film Series at CAC

Gallery You Should Visit ASAP: Eisele Gallery of Fine Art

Own a Piece of the Panorama of Cincinnati Art

(Paul Chidlaw, Landscape Listeners, 1900-1989)
Cincinnati Art Galleries
Panorama of Cincinnati Art XXIII
Currently Open

Although the benefit event is already over, many of the pieces are still up for sale. The show exhibits both a great deal of mastery and a "panorama" of work that is stylistically dissimilar. Artists represented include Paul Chidlaw, Frank Duveneck, Charles Salis Kaelin, and Edward Henry Potthast. I encourage you to scoop up one of these reasonably priced masterpieces.

Jazzin' It up @ the CAM

(photo still from The Great Gatsby, 1974)

Art Through Five Glasses: The Jazz Age
Saturday, January 24. 3 pm.
$10 general, $5 members. (reservations required)


As part of its Art in Five Glasses series, the CAM is hosting a Jazz-themed late afternoon event. Included are "Jazz Age" cocktails and "art from the Great Gatsby era." Although they do not announce which pieces will be on display, one anticipates that perhaps one of its famed Rookwood vases with art nouveau decoration may be included.

Fashion Photographs From the Future

The Future of Fashion Photography

Sandra Small Gallery (124 W. Pike Street Covington, KY 41011)

Opening Reception: January 16, 5:30-9:30 pm. (exhibit will most likely be up through February 27)

I have realized this morning that I have neglected to post information about galleries and events of the GREATER Cincinnati area. Covington, Ky, for example, has a vibrant art scene and is just a hop, skip and a jump away from Cincinnati proper. Check out http://www.covingtonarts.com/ ...

Photographers Jacob Fakheri (Dallas, Texas), Jacob Jymi Bolden (Cincinnati), and Brad Austin Smith (Cincinnati), will illustrate what the future of fashion could be. As described by their website, the Sandra Small Gallery exhibits "an eclectic mix of contemporary art by emerging and post-emerging artists ." At the very least, this event could be a wonderful preface to a Friday night spend in Covington's fabulous MainStrasse Village. (http://www.mainstrasse.org/entertainment)

Come & See the CAC

6:30 pm Come and See, Elem Klimov, 1985, 142 minutes

9 pm Masque of the Red Death, Roger Corman, 1964, 89 minutes

The Contemporary Arts Center

Members: free. Nonmembers: $7.50. Seniors $6.50. Students $5.50.

Perhaps taking its cue from the CAM, the CAC has launched a film series in conjunction with its current Discarded Spider exhibit. On the second Monday of each month, it will pair a horror film with a documentary (ostensibly the horror film is to get you to come and hopefully stay for the documentary?) This was all inspired by the exhibit's conceptual artist Carlos Amorales, whose work highlights the conventions of the horror genre in order to shed light on the everyday elements of horror and beauty around us.

This Monday:
Come and See features a character named "Teenager Florya" who joins a partisan group to fight the Nazis in Byelorussia. He ends up losing his colleagues and wondering through a land of pre-historic forests and man-made terror. Literary enthusiasts are sure to appreciate Masque of the Red Death, which is loosely based on to stories by Edgar Allen Poe. Film buffs can just sit back and critique the cinematography.

Double the Fun @ Weston Art Gallery

"Art" DOUBLE FEATURE: Weston Art Gallery/Contemporary Dance Theater

Friday, January 23, 7 pm

The Weston Art Gallery/ Contemporary Dance Theater

$17 for reception and performance

This double-header features large-scale glow in the dark paintings and dancers, actors and singers whose work addresses current social and political issues. Although the description of the event that they posted on facebook is brief, the show looks quite intriguing. At the very least, it could be a great beginning to a fabulous Friday night downtown.

Porsche’s 2005 Carrera GT Races to the CAM

The Cincinnati Art Museum

Porsche's 2005 Carrera GT

September 16-February 1, 2009

FREE

The Cincinnati Art Museum has wowed car enthusiasts with the ongoing series of cars they have displayed at the museum. Its aerodynamic nature allows it to reach high speeds and its utilization of the latest in car construction technology allow it to be both light-weight and sculptural. As admission to the regular museum is free, this is a must see!