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.