Seeing Things
Summerfair Cincinnati
Coney Island
Friday, May 31 – Sunday, June 2.
One-day ($10) and multi-day tickets ($15) tickets available. Children 12 and under admitted free. For information and tickets, visit summerfair.org.
The Summerfair poster has been a prized collectible for more than four decades.
“As Summerfair grew, after its start in 1968, members determined the need for more structure,” says Jayne Utter, Summerfair’s managing director. “In 1977 the first formal poster competition was held. Since then you can see the visual trends of the times. Our posters and T-shirts have become collector’s items!”
The commemorative poster for this year’s Summerfair Cincinnati will be officially revealed during a special celebration on Thursday, April 25, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the HighGrain Brewery and Kitchen, 6860 Plainfield Road. The festivities also include music from the Faux Frenchmen, who are performing at Summerfair this year.
This year’s poster was created by Anne Shannon, a Cincinnati-based graphic designer with more than 25 years of experience. She enjoys new challenges and collaborating with other professionals, bringing order, light, and creativity to her work.
She will be at HighGrain Thursday, signing copies of the commemorative poster.
“At the poster reveal (Shannon) will be there to explain how she came up with the design,” says Utter. “You’ll be able to purchase the poster, large or small, and have Anne personalize and sign a copy for only $10, a $20 value.”
Shannon has created work for Summerfair in the past, designing the 2020 poster.
“It’s a lot more fun being able to participate in the events in person,” Shannon says. “We did what we could in 2020, but I’m really excited for the upcoming poster reveal party and Summerfair weekend itself. I’ll be there signing posters, too!”
The new beer from HighGrain, Lime Lager, has notes of citrus in a light and refreshing brew. The can features elements of the poster designed by Shannon. The beer will be available on tap and in cans at HighGrain, as well as served at Summerfair.
“It’s one thing to see the poster in our usual areas – billboards, merchandise, social media – but now we get to see it on a fabulous can of liquid libation!” Utter says. “Our bright and beautiful design is on a 16-ounce can. It will be available at our event, as well as HighGrain and all the usual outlets that sell their beers.”
Summerfair is a combination of more than 300 fine artists and craftspeople from across the country exhibiting and selling works ranging from ceramics and sculptures to painting and photography. Along with the annual fair, Summerfair is dedicated to supporting young artists, individual artists, and community-based arts organizations through awards, scholarships, and exhibitions.
“Our region has an amazing and well-supported arts community,” says Shannon. “I think it’s something special about Cincinnati, and Summerfair is a big part of that. SummerFair weekend is pure joy! For me, it’s about opportunity, connection, and encouragement to pursue your creative passions.”