Little Shop Adorer
Shop Around
Museum Shop
Cincinnati Art Museum, 953 Eden Park Drive
Open Tuesday–Sunday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Thursday until 8 p.m.
www.cincinnatiartmuseum.org/shop
Shop CAC
Contemporary Arts Center, 44 E. Sixth St.
Open Wednesday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
www.contemporaryartscenter.org/shop-cac
21c Museum Hotel
609 Walnut St.
www.21cmuseumhotels.com/cincinnati
Taft Museum Shop
Taft Museum of Art, 316 Pike St.
Open Friday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
taft-museum.square.site
The shopping struggle is real during the holiday season.
Do you give presents, of the wrapped-up-with-a-bow variety, or do you give experiences that offer the chance to spend more time together? Combine that tension with the desire to shop local or support a cause and things get even more complicated.
Luckily the shops at Cincinnati’s art museums offer a great compromise – You can support local artists/artisans and the city’s non-profit organizations and find delightful gifts and meaningful experiences for your friends and family.
With its sweeping collection of art it’s only fitting that The Shop at Cincinnati Art Museum has a sweeping selection of gifts.
“Art-inspired gifts give us a chance to show our creative side,” says shop manager Fiona Vieh. “Beautiful scarves, art supplies, and photography books also remind us that we need art to make the world a nicer place for all of us.”
Budding designers will want to get their little hands on the Blochitecture building block sets ($40-$100) to create a world of their own. When it’s time to relax, they can cuddle up with Jellycat stuffed animals ($12-$50), which are “the best stuffed animals ever!” according to Vieh.
Need a thoughtful gift for a holiday host? Art books are a lovely option. The Shop has a set of “Art book of” featuring four titles –love, happiness, friendship, and sleep ($16.95). Art is the highest form of hope is a book of quotes with accompanying art work to make getting through the long winter a bit easier ($28). Destination Art, a book of 500 must-see art destinations offers the chance to dream about travel ( $35).
For your stylish friends and family members, The Shop has a large selection of fine wool/silk blend scarves for every budget ($50- $120). Their T-shirts ($26), including the new Art Climb shirt, highlight works in the collection in fun ways. Go meta with the stocking stuffers this year with art socks ($7–$15) because who doesn’t need more socks.
For something special, check out Modern Art Jewelry from local father/ daughter team Aaron and Haguit Rubinstein. The unique handcrafted jewelry is created from sterling silver and interesting stones ($45-$3,000).
Keep the pursuit of art going throughout the year with a gift membership, which includes free admission to special exhibitions, discounts to the Museum Shop and Terrace Café, discounted and free admission to programs and classes, and much more.
For the young artists, design aficionados, and aesthetes on your list, plan a visit to the Contemporary Arts Center.
“The Shop at the CAC features a carefully curated selection of artworks, jewelry, books and more with a focus on local and regional artists,” says Kelsey Robinson, store manager. “You’re guaranteed to find that perfectly unique gift while also supporting the arts.”
Don’t show up empty-handed at your next holiday get-together. Share the art of food with the Cuisine Art Cocktails: Celebrating Contemporary Cincinnati ($50). The book serves up four cocktails and 26 original recipes, complete with wine pairings, inspired by provocative works of contemporary art created by the best of Cincinnati’s culinary scene.
Handcrafted by Louisville artist Lonnie Combs, the Wood Bowl with Stitching ($225) is a one-of-a-kind bowl made from Kentucky Oak that will become a treasured, yet usable, work of art.
The youngest contemporary artists will enjoy Doodle Crayons ($8), which asks them to consider how they make art, rather than what they make. Designed by Nikolas Bentel for Areaware, Doodle Crayons allow anyone (even grown-ups!) to scribble mindfully or mindlessly to create their own messy musings. The Art Workshops for Children by Hervé Tullet ($19.95) are 12 workshops designed to spark children’s imaginations, champion group bonding, and give visually pleasing results – no artistic ability required!
Give the gift of art with a Family membership ($10/month or $120/year). Admission to the CAC is free, but memberships help support their work and offer an all-access pass. Member events include receptions and artist talks, Gala after-party, family programs, concerts and more.
Next door, 21c Museum Hotel has a carefully curated selection of items in its Gift Shop that reflect the brand’s sense of design and whimsy, with Cincinnati-specific influences.
The penguin cocktail shaker ($40) reflects 21c’s adorable mascot in a fun, party-centric way. For a double dose of local artistry, the Rookwood body part tiles ($58) are the same kind used in the hotel rooms.
Heading out on a holiday road trip or having little ones over winter break? Pick up On The Go Drawing Kit ($12). The 32-page book with partially complete drawings to help them get started, comes with 12 mini colored pencils, a pencil sharpener, and a handy fabric carrying case.
Looking to spoil someone? With three treatment rooms and a range of treatments, The Spa at 21c is the perfect place to relax and kick back. Highlights of the extensive menu include signature facials, massages, and body wraps. Pick up the Spa Lux box or a $200 spa gift card (and a complimentary gift with purchase), both are available in the Gift Shop.
Currently celebrating the 200th anniversary of its historic house, the Shop at the Taft Museum of Art has Take-Home Holiday Art Kits ($35) that are an ideal way to bring a bit of Cincinnati, and art, to a host.
The Shop also has a lovey selection of jewelry (prices vary), including delicate necklaces inspired by the artwork in the collection that any art-lover on your list.
For the holidays, the Shop is offering ”Buy One, Gift One” memberships. This includes reciprocal benefits to the Cincinnati Museum Center through early next year along with as free admission to “Jane Austen: Fashion & Sensibility,” which opens in June.
When you pick up presents at a museum shop, you are not only finding unique gifts, you’re also supporting the work they do throughout the year. In that way, you’re giving to the whole community during the holidays.
– Tricia Suit
Photos by Shae Combs