Best of the City
The Chamber honored the more recent class of Great Living Cincinnatians at their annual dinner.
Demonstrating the adage to tell people how you feel about them while they are around to hear you, the Cincinnati Chamber annually pays tribute to a new class of Great Living Cincinnatians. The honorees are chosen based on a number of factors, including their service to the community, leadership, awareness of the needs of others, and distinctive accomplishments that have brought favorable attention to their community.
The 2022 inductees – Donna Jones Baker, Jean-Robert de Cavel, Charles O. Dillard MD, and Roger L. Howe – join 163 awardees named over the past 55 years.
Learn more about this year’s Great Living Cincinnatians below.
Reading Between the Lines
New poet laureate Yalie Saweda Kamara celebrates Cincinnati’s “promise of tomorrow.”
Photo by Phil Armstrong
When she learned she had been named the 2022-2023 Cincinnati and Mercantile Library Poet Laureate, Yalie Saweda Kamara says she was “initially speechless, which is ironic for a writer,” she says.
Poet Laureate Inauguration:
Yalie Saweda Kamara
Mercantile Library, 414 Walnut St. #1100
Thursday, April 7, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
5:30 p.m. reception/6:30 p.m. program
FREE & open to the public. Registration required.
“What followed was a smile, a deep breath and profound appreciation for this honor, which, at its core, involves serving Cincinnati’s diverse communities through the literary arts.”
Previously held by poets Pauletta Hansel and Manuel Iris, the Poet Laureate promotes poetry throughout the city, reads poems at events, and leads programming. Kamara’s tenure will begin with an induction ceremony at the Mercantile Library on Thursday, April 7. The two-year position includes a stipend underwritten by The George & Margaret McLane Foundation, an anonymous individual, the Mercantile Library, and the City of Cincinnati.
The Sierra Leonean-American writer, teacher, and University of Cincinnati PhD candidate is the author of two collections of poetry: A Brief Biography of My Name and When the Living Sing. Her accolades include Pushcart Prize and Best of Net anthology nominations, finalist for the National Poetry Series competition, finalist for the Brunel International African Poetry Prize, and semifinalist for the Cave Canem Poetry Prize. She has held fellowships at the Vermont Studio Center, the National Book Critics Circle Emerging Critics, and Callaloo, and was a featured poet at the 2020 Geraldine R. Dodge Poetry Festival. Kamara's poetry, fiction, interviews, and translations have appeared or are forthcoming in The Adroit Journal, Callaloo, A Journal of African Diaspora Arts and Letters, Furious Flower: Seeding the Future of African American Poetry, Black Camera: An International Journal, Puerto del Sol and more.
Her initiatives will promote equity, social justice, and explore the wonder of Cincinnati, “with work that foregrounds the necessity for creativity, collaboration, and representation, all of which nourish, enable and sustain a just world.
Kamara will celebrate both Cincinnati’s long artistic and cultural history, and “its promise of tomorrow,” she says, “holding space for the voices of this city, which constitute its many realities and circumstances yet to be discerned.”
Fountain of Youth
Looking for next gen talent? See Summerfair's Emerging Artists exhibition now at the Clifton Cultural Art Center.
2022 Emerging Artist Exhibition
Participating University Art Programs and their 2022 Emerging Artists
Art Academy of Cincinnati: Henry Burdsall, Erica Fitzgerald, Emily Underwood
Mt. St. Joseph University: Eden Craig, Alfonso Huckleberry II, Carissa Palazzolo
UC DAAP: Sabrina Argotte, Sam Edwards
Miami University: Katie Ensor, Hannah Martin, Megan Sekulich, Emma Wiersma
Northern Kentucky University: Veronica Lash, Jazmina Robinhawk, Chloe Wenger
Thomas More University: Kennedy Yurt
Xavier University: Nihal Ahmed, Molly Mariani, Isabella Munafo
Clifton Cultural Arts Center
2728 Short Vine St.
“One part of Summerfair’s missions is to help support young artists,” says Jayne Utter, managing director of Summerfair Cincinnati.
One way the organization supports that mission is through an annual exhibition featuring the work of art students from Greater Cincinnati colleges.
“Our Emerging Artist Exhibition allows junior and senior art majors to experience what it takes to be in an exhibition – how to interact with those outside of the classroom, how to prepare their creations for hanging, and just how to follow directions that may not be what they would do but how they are expected to do things,” says Utter. “These things are not taught in class and we think it’s very important to allow them this experience.”
Representing the next generation of artists, the students are nominated by their professors, juried by Summerfair, and are afforded the opportunity to exhibit their work among their peers. Summefair’s Emerging Artists Exhibition is on view through Feb. 25 at the Clifton Cultural Arts Center.
“I think being in a city that is rich in art of all types, helps fuel their imaginations.”
“CCAC is incredibly proud to partner once again with Summerfair Cincinnati on their annual Emerging Artists exhibition,” says Leslie Mooney, executive director of CCAC. “As a community arts center, we know how important it is to foster creativity in our youngest artists and provide opportunities for them to showcase their work in a professional yet accessible setting. We are astounded at the strong talent by this year’s cohort of student artists.”
”It is so powerful to watch these young adults, their families and even professors come to the event and be so proud to see what they have produced,” says Utter. “We feel the time, energy and expense is well worth it. Each year we are blown away at the creativity these young artists have. This year was exceptional. Our judges had a hard time coming up with those that won our financial awards. I think being in a city that is rich in art of all types, helps fuel their imaginations.”
Exhibition awards were presented at the opening reception on Feb. 11. The first place prize of place $800 was presented to Hannah Martin from Miami University. Second place, a prize of $550, was awarded to Jazmina Robinhawk from NKU. The third place award, $300, was given to Chloe Wenger, also of NKU. The Jerry Bollen Scholarship Award of $250 was given to Sam Edwards from the University of Cincinnati.
“Summerfair is proud to give in so many categories, supporting small groups that may generally fall through the cracks of giving,” says Utter. “Next we will judge our Small Arts Organizations, giving $20,000 in awards to several worthy groups.
Future's So Bright
BLINK is back! Meet the festival's new executive director, Justin Brookhart, and start planning for a the return of the most eye-popping event in Cincinnati.
BLINK, as you may have heard from excited fans, is back. The incredible light, art, and culture festival returns Oct. 13–16.
Justin Brookhart has been named the executive director of BLINK Cincinnati.
“It’s an honor to lead BLINK Cincinnati in collaboration with our producing partners to shine a light on Cincinnati’s innovative and forward-thinking arts and culture community,” he says.“I have long heard of Cincinnati’s collaborative creative spirit and I look forward to creating long-lasting partnerships in continuing the enormous success of BLINK.”
Though he recently moved to Cincinnati from Austin, he is no stranger to the city. We caught up with him to see how he’s settling in to his new hometown, as he gets ready for the biggest show in town.
What are you looking forward to once you get settled in?
Eating! My wife, Erin, and I love to go out to eat and we also enjoy cooking at home. Cincinnati has a fantastic dining scene and Erin will be working at Findlay Market which has wonderful vendors and producers that we are excited to explore.
What are you excited to bring to Cincinnati from your experience?
Texas pride?! I often joke that Texans take an odd pride in our state. We grow up pledging our allegiance to it every morning in school. We talk crap about it while also aggressively defending it to any naysayers. We've built a brand around what makes us unique even when those uniquenesses aren't all positive. I'd like to bring the same mentality to my new home. Don't mess with Texas OR Cincinnati!
What's your dream project?
(Money and time are no object!)
I went to school for film production and always wanted to do an adaptation of my favorite childhood novel, The Hatchet. I'd want to produce with someone like Hiro Murai directing. Not a bad way to spend unlimited time and money.
Have you had Skyline yet?
Yes, many times when visiting the region with Erin. I married into Skyline, but she was born into it, molded by it. 🙂
Do you have a favorite Graeter’s flavor yet?
Mint chocolate chip! Had some last week!
For more information about BLINK Cincinnati, visit blinkcincinnati.com.
Have a Good Trip
You may not have a chance to go Around the World in 80 Days right now, but you can circle the globe in 8 minutes with a visit to the Cincinnati Art Museum. We'll show you how!
Inspired by the new Around the World in 80 Days on PBS’s Masterpiece, we sought to recreate the trip, or at least the destinations, in a slightly different way.
Could we traverse the globe in 8 minutes?
We made a journey to the Cincinnati Art Museum, with Jill Dunne, the director of marketing and communications, as our guide.
Did we make it? Watch and see what we discovered.
–Tricia Suit
Video by Shae Combs
This is the journey from the original book, Around the World in 80 Days. We may have taken a more circuitous route!
What we saw
Middle East (Aden) – Near East gallery:
Khirbet et-Tannur shrine/
Gallery 147-149
Bidri Box for Holding Pan (pandan) with Floral Patterns, late 17th–18th century, India (Deccan region, probably Bidar, present-day Karnataka; Andhra Pradesh or Hyderabad), zinc alloy inlaid with brass and silver
Gallery 143
Egypt:
Mummy and Mummy Case
Galleries 101 & 102
Dublin:
Harp of Erin, Gallery 107
China
Pillow Bowl, Changsha ware
Gallery 139
Japan
Plate, Kutani ware
Gallery 137, 138
Nō Mask
Italy
Agnolo di Cosimo di Mariano Bronzino, Portrait of Eleonora of Toledo and Her Son, Francesco de'Medici
Gallery 202
London:
John Constable, Waterloo Bridge
Gallery 209
California
George Bellows, Golf Course, California, Gallery
Albert Bierstadt, Bridal Veil Falls, Yosemite Valley, California
Richard Diebenkorn, Interior with View of Buildings
Gallery 212 , 217, 231
New York
Skyscraper Bookcases
Gallery 211
France
Claude Monet, Rocks at Belle-Île, Port-Domois
Camille Pissarro, Cabbage Patch Near the Village
Gallery 227
Italy
Blum, Grand Canal
Gallery 220
Rising Above
Summerfair Select, a celebration of 12 Cincinnati-area artists who received Summerfair Aid to Individual Artists Awards from 2016-18, opens Friday at the Weston Art Gallery, offering a gllmpe of depth and range of talent in our region
If You Go
Summerfair Select
Weston Gallery, 650 Walnut St.
Jan. 28 – April 3, 2022
Opening Reception: Feb. 24, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
With Summerfair Select artists Christina Brandewie, Amanda Curreri, Stacey Dolen, Tyler Griese, Michelle Heimann, Anne Huddleston, Marsha Karagheusian, Lisa Merida-Paytes, Sarah Miller, Kevin Muente, Mark Wiesner, and Alice Pixley Young.
To celebrate one of the most coveted and enduring arts grants in the region, the Weston Art Gallery presents Summerfair Select, an exhibition of work by 12 Cincinnati-area artists who received Summerfair Aid to Individual Artists Awards from 2016-18.
For more than 50 years, Summerfair Cincinnati has been supporting and promoting artists and the arts in Greater Cincinnati. Through the organization’s annual three-day fine arts fair enough funds are raised to support awards, scholarships and exhibitions.
Blues in the Night
It's the '20s, and a Black woman works to realize her artistic vision in man's world. Cincinnati Shakespeare Company explores music, artistry, and the Black experience with Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, directed by Candice Handy.
If You Go
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
Jan. 21 – Feb. 12, 2022
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company
The Otto M. Budig Theater, 1195 Elm St.
Tickets available now.
At this time, all ticketholders must be masked and show proof of a full COVID vaccination status OR provide a negative COVID test to enter The Otto M. Budig Theater. More details on the exact procedure are shared before each performance. Learn more at CSC’s Health and Safety page at cincyshakes.com/health-and-safety/.
A Black woman walks into a recording studio, certain in her artistic vision, committed to creating music on her own terms. She is met with resistance from the men around her, causing both personal and artistic clashes.
Exploring the eternal struggle of artists fighting for control of their music and determining their own destiny, whether it’s 1927 or 2022, is central to Ma Rainey’s Black Botton. That theme resonated with the play’s director, Candice Handy.
“We see it today – artists who come from nothing and the (music) industry says ‘We’re going to make you a star!’,” Handy says. “They take the advance and become pop culture phenomena, but it doesn’t match the money the industry makes.”
Handy, who is also CSC’s director of education, is working with a cast of 10 ensemble members.
Handy is no stranger to August Wilson, having played Berniece in The Piano Lesson for her MFA program.
“Wilsonians are a sacred club,” she says. “The world becomes so small.”
The production features Torie Wiggins as the Ma Rainey, artfully, who also was part of the cast for Wilson’s Fences at CSC in 2019. The cast also includes several other actors from that cast, along with members of CSC’s resident ensemble.
Handy admits to being a bit nervous initially, since many in the cast had worked together on Fences with director Christopher V. Edwards. But she has felt strongly supported by the cast.
“They lean into each other and are willing to work with each other,” she says. “It’s been pure fun. The band scenes are incredible. I sometimes forget I’m directing and feel like I’m watching the show!”
Fitting for play about a woman who helped to define jazz – America’s original art form – music and musicians, set the tone. Handy found inspiration from jazz from all eras, not just the 1920s – but also rap and hip hop.
She wants the audience to feel immersed in that world.
“They were looking for a new sound, the new trend,” says Handy. “Which also exposes some of the generation gaps in the story.”
But she also wanted to capture that sense of “I’m in the band.”
“The style of Black performers has always been over the top!” she says.
“Our costume designer, Daryl Harris, really captures the Black aesthetic in the story",” which Hardy characterizes as a kind of spiritual realism, rather than strict historical accuracy.
The play’s language also pays homage to Black music, where a big part of the culture is sampling. That has come full circle, as rappers use brass and blues riffs in their music. It becomes a way, Handy says, for musicians to retell their stories so they don’t lose their identity or their culture.
“Their journey in this country has been tragic, but Black people find pockets of joy,” says Handy. Despite the conflicts, Handy thinks the musicality of Wilson’s language and the actors chemistry make the the play a fun ride for the audience.
For a company that is one of the few to have performed Shakespeare’s entire canon, Handy hopes CSC will produce Wilson’s full “Pittsburgh cycle.” Like Shakespeare, Wilson reveals the power and poetry of language. He also, like Shakespeare, explores the recurring theme of how realism becomes magical.
“Wilson is a classic,” says Handy. “What’s most specific to one culture, the more universal it becomes.”
4 MORE: Mercantile Library
With a monumental expansion in the works and historic growth in membership, the Mercantile Library is charging into the future. John Faherty tells us more.
As part of our year-end issue, we are revisiting Cincinnati People interviews from 2021.
We checked in with John Faherty, executive director of the Mercantile Library.
The original interview from April is below.
What’s been the biggest surprise to you in 2021?
How horrifically long 365 days can be. Or, how we all pulled together as a nation of humans to work collaboratively and respectfully during a difficult time.
What’s changed since we last spoke?
People have started to figure out how to live in a world that has changed. We are back to live events which makes me want to cry tears of joy. But we also offer a "Zoom" option. We wear masks and require vaccinations....and I thought people would push back on these requirements. In fact, they embraced the change. I am thrilled about it.
What have your learned about cincinnati?
Honestly, it has been so rewarding. People really turned to books during the pandemic. Some read fiction for escape, some read non-fiction for perspective. This lousy year(s) has given me a new perspective on this place and my job. The pandemic really put into focus how important the community of this library is to its members and to me.
What are you looking forward to most in 2022?
Growth. Expansion. Being the best and most welcoming library we can be for our entire community. Plus, we are bringing in some absolutely amazing authors next year. These men and women are going to blow our socks off. We will all be sockless by December of 2022
While being surrounded by books during a pandemic seems like a great idea, being a library where people come in to borrow those books is less than ideal.
In 2020, the Mercantile Library transformed how it brought together its vibrant community of readers, taking lively book discussions and dynamic author online. This once staid institution has a found a way to maintain its strong circle of book lovers while expanding the idea of what that community could be.
John Faherty has been the director of the Mercantile Library for the past six years. During that time membership grew to its largest since the Civil War. With free events ranging from member-led book discussions to musical performances, the Mercantile was a congenial stop for people who love music, history, Cincinnati, and, of course, literature.
Faherty clearly relishes the job. In front of the old numbered volumes of books that line the shelves in his office is a huge frame with several photos possibly taken at the Mill Creek in the 1920s that has mysteriously just appeared. Giant wooden windows open, with binoculars on the sill to watch peregrines, it is the opposite of the sleek modern work space.
In conversation Faherty ricochets between talking about what 2020 was like, his latest favorite Mercantile event, and what the future of the library holds. He is quick to credit the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the Mercantile staff to adapt established programs, experiment with new ones, and reinvent what it means to bring readers together.
Mercantile Librarians: Chris Messick, Al Lloyd, Hillary Copsey, John Faherty, Jasmine Griffin, Cedric Rose, and Amy Hunter. © 2019 AES Photography
“People watched TV, they cooked, and they read books,” Faherty says. “Even though we were closed, we had to find a way to be there for them.”
Initially, Hillary Copsey, the Mercantile’s book advisor, missed the simple camaraderie of talking to her co-workers about what they were reading. That grew into discovering new ways to have those conversations.
In those early days of isolation, the librarians found people were gravitating toward comfort reads, revisiting old favorites. The Mercantile experimented with Facebook discussions as way to engage members and fans. While that ultimately wasn’t the best method – they found people didn’t “listen” so much as think about what to type next – they developed other ways to deepen those conversations.
“We found that people were grateful for community,” says Hillary Copsey, the Mercantile’s book advisor. “People were alone in their houses and they wanted to talk about books.”
The Mercantile’s calendar, always crowded, somehow was even more packed in the past year. A few years ago, the Mercantile made all but a few of its programs and events free.
“That was a game changer for us,” Faherty says. This approach diversified their audience, increased accessibility to programs, and made it easier to deal with pandemic-related changes.
Having the unlimited space of the internet allowed the librarians to try new things. Some of those worked and some will be re-worked. Though not all of the new genre discussions – romance, fantasy, YA, etc. – were full, they did reinforce one belief. Each talk was led by a genre enthusiast, and even when sparsely attended, people were excited to be around people who cared about the same things.
Since 2016, the Mercantile has held a discussion group that tackles Big Books–think War and Peace, The Count of Monte Cristo, and now Anna Karenina. These 800- to 900-page tomes are classics that even the most devoted reader would find intimidating. But during the pandemic the Big Books discussion got too big.
The group grew to 60 people.
To facilitate better interaction, the group was split in half. Moving forward, it’s not hard to imagine keeping the discussion to two distinct group, having one one in-person and one online.
“We found this web of community developed,” Copsey says. One attendee reconnected with a high school friend and a former teacher via an online group. The virtual discussion also allowed members who had taken refuge out of town to still be a part of Mercantile events or invite far-flung family or friends to join discussions.
While going online allowed more people to discover the Mercantile and participate in programs, staying online may be a way to keep that momentum going. Whether people are on vacation, don’t want to bother with driving and parking, or are more comfortable staying home, everyone still has an opportunity for connection and community.
One event that isn’t free is the Niehoff Lecture, the Mercantile’s annual fundraiser. This signature event, begun in 1986, celebrates the most respected contemporary writers, and includes Margaret Atwood, Julia Child, Seamus Heaney, Zadie Smith, and Bob Woodward among its alumni. Erik Larson was tapped to be the 2020 speaker.
But all of that changed and the event was reinvented as Half-Baked: A Virtual Gala. While the evening was still a benefit for the Mercantile it also helped local restaurants. Guests received “half-baked” meals from Abigail Street, Jean-Robert’s Table, Salazar, Sotto/Domo, or Via Vite, finished them at home, then followed an online link to a conversation between Faherty and Curtis Sittenfeld as the guest. Dress was black tie or pajamas, or some combination.
“As a fundraiser, while we got half the pie, the pie was bigger,” Faherty says. “And it made us feel like part of the community.”
“Despite people at being home, it still managed to feel like a party,” he says.
Having a 10,000 year lease at its Walnut Street location and a generous endowment, allowed the Mercantile flexibility during pandemic. Though membership numbers have dropped in the past year, Faherty isn’t worried.
“People renew when they visit,” Faherty says. “And we know they want to come back.”
–Tricia Suit
Find out more about the Mercantile Library at mercantilelibrary.com.
4 MORE: Cincinnati Hispanic Chamber
During Hispanic Heritage Month in September Alfonso Cornejo talked about the Hispanic Chamber's new programs and developing economic power in the region.
As part of our year-end issue, we are revisiting Cincinnati People stories from throughout 2021.
We checked in with Alfonso Cornejo, president of the Hispanic Chamber Cincinnati, about the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.
The original interview from September is below.
What’s been the biggest surprise to you in 2021?
I was extremely optimistic that the COVID pandemic was going to be over by mid-year and our summer would be like things were before the pandemic. But the strength of this pandemic forced us to continue to do all kinds of virtual events.
Now I hope that my dreams are realized in Summer 2022.
What’s changed since we last spoke?
This pandemic negatively impacted all Chamber of Commerce operating in our area.
We love to have massive networking meetings where you can say hello to 50 or 60 people, and exchange business cards with 30 of them, in one meeting. In Zoom meetings we can share information, but you cannot have 25 different conversations at the same time. Virtual meetings are better than no meetings at all, but is just not the same
Due to the pandemic, we had a small event to celebrate our 25th anniversary as a chamber of commerce. We framed our presentations as “our first 25 years and our plans for our next 25 years.”
What did TOPIC teach you about Cincinnati?
The recent 2020 Census showed how much our community is growing. In a clear way, Hispanics are the human energy that sustains the economic growth of the nation.
While in Ohio Hispanics are only 4.4% of the population, roughly half of the entire growth in the state of Ohio was due to Hispanic growth.
We clearly need to seek, attract, and motivate more Hispanic entrepreneurs to relocate and operate in our area. To help the 147 Latino restaurants operating in our region, we created a new program this year, Cincy-Sabroso. The website had all the different restaurants by type of cuisine we have – Colombian, Venezuelan, Mexican, and more – and promoted eating at them during Hispanic Heritage Month.
What are you looking forward to most in 2022?
I’m looking forward to the bringing people together again with our programs and event. I am happy and optimistic about the future, because we believe that our best years are still ahead especially as the Hispanic population and entrepreneurs continue to grow and help our local community.
“This Hispanic Heritage Month is especially important because the new 2020 Census data shows that Hispanics are providing the ‘human energy’ that this nation need to continue its growth,” says Alfonso Cornejo, president of Cincinnati Hispanic Chamber.
Since 2007, local Hispanic leaders and organizations have celebrated Greater Cincinnati’s Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15. Honoring Spanish-speaking people and their contributions enriches our experience and understanding of heritage.
“As we enter Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations, we are extremely proud of all the many and different activities that are organized to really show our Hispanic roots and the tremendous contributions we are doing for the overall economy, our culture and new creating new traditions in the nation,” says Cornejo.
The Hispanic Heritage Festival in Sharon Woods (in Cardinal Crest Meadow) is Sunday, Sept.19 from 12–5 p.m., sponsored by La Mega Media. Along with food from MashRoots and Taqueria Los Cuñados, attendees will enjoy an afternoon of entertainment from Dayton Salsa Project, Zumba with Aida, El Alacrán de Durango, Cincinnati Baila! Dance Academy, and DJ Alexis. Salsannati will offer salsa dancing lessons at 1 p.m. and 3:40 p.m., so you can join in the fun.
Great Parks is following protocols from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Ohio Department of Health. Physical distancing and sanitation recommendations will be followed.
The Reds once again celebrate their Fiesta Rojos at Great American Ballpark on Sept. 24, featuring activities in the community and ceremonies at Great American Ball Park.
In celebration of Fiesta Rojos, Reds players and coaches will wear special “Los Rojos” jerseys for that evening’s game against the Washington Nationals. Many of the pregame and in-game ceremonies will feature members of Cincinnati’s Hispanic community including a live band and DJ, Honor Guard with flags from Latin countries, National Anthem, Hometown Hero, First Responder of the Game, and the Hispanic Community Advocate Award presented by TriHealth. Students from local schools have been invited to visit the P&G MLB Cincinnati Reds Youth Academy for a PLAY BALL clinic, Q&A session with Academy coaches plus salsa dancing.
Salsa on the Square, every Thursday now through Sept. 3, from 7-10 p.m. on Fountain Square features local and regional Latin bands specializing in Salsa, Merengue, Cumbia, and Latin Jazz.
On Oct. 2, the Hispanic Heritage Celebration: Festival and Expo sponsored by Green Umbrella highlights Latinx culture and its many contributions to the local community. Held at the Fairfield Lane Library (1485 Corydale Drive), the event will include many agencies and organizations sharing bilingual-friendly community resources and opportunities, along with crafts, performances, and activities for the whole family.
“The truly unique program we are initiating this year is the Cincy Sabroso initiative.” says Cornejos. “This is a weeklong celebration with the many Latin American cousins we have in our Cincy-metro area, with more than 350 establishments.”
“From Oct. 3 to Oct 10, we are encouraging the public to visit their favorite Latino restaurant or to try a new one,” says Cornejos.
Cincy Sabroso pays tribute to the colorful and delicious flavors of Latin American dishes, including Argentinian, Cuban, Mexican, Peruvian, Spanish, and Venezuelan cuisines, that all add diverse flavors to the city. See the full list at of participating restaurants.
“We can tell you there are opportunities for everybody to participate depending on what they would like to do,” says Cornejo.
Ancient and New
Cincinnati Art Museum’s reimagined Ancient Middle East gallery is now open, incorporating contemporary reflections on ancient pasts—including a new commission in glass from artist Shahzia Sikander—encouraging visitors to rethink the way a 21st-century museum interprets ancient works.
How do you interpret ancient Middle Eastern art in a 21st century context? The Cincinnati Art Museum has renovated and updated its Middle East galleries with works arranged thematically, designed to incorporate contemporary reflections on ancient pasts.
“The new galleries do not provide a chronological, geographical, or materially complete presentation of history, nor does it hold those modes of presentation as a goal,” says Dr. Ainsley M. Cameron, Cincinnati Art Museum’s curator of South Asian art, Islamic art & antiquities, and one of the leaders on the project. “Rather, it is a view into the ancient world that is representative of how we see, embody, feel, and experience these ancient civilizations today, located in the American Midwest and situated in a globally connected world.”
After significant physical changes to the Cincinnati Art Museum’s existing 2,800-square-foot ancient Middle East gallery, the galleries are now open to public. The new space showcases works from across the ancient Middle East, including the most significant collection of Nabataean art in the United States.
The majority of the collection has been in storage since 2004 awaiting new gallery space. The reinstallation includes objects displayed for the first time alongside much lauded strengths of the permanent collection to celebrate the art, innovation, and human endeavor from this vast region. This approach presents political, religious, economic, and cultural connections between the network of empires and city-states of the ancient Middle East. The objects and architectural material in the collection represent centuries of trade and cultural exchange that are formative in our understanding of how the region developed.
The museum has long-standing ties with the government of Jordan and has collaborated often with Jordanian scholars and officials to represent the Nabataean civilization to local audiences. Cincinnati has official “Sister City” status with Amman, Jordan.
Architectural changes in the galleries include new visitor pathways through the space, the addition of LED lighting, and new custom-built casework. In addition, new windows allow for more natural light and provide a spectacular view of both the front-facing grounds and interior Alice Bimel Courtyard. Adjacent galleries of South Asian art and the art of the Islamic World are also being renovated with updated lighting, casework, and interpretative approach. They will reopen in the spring.
The ancient Middle East is a vast geographic area that stretches from Turkey to the Indus Valley of present-day Pakistan, and from the Caucasus region to the Arabian Peninsula. The term “ancient Middle East” is often applied to objects made between the Neolithic period (eight millennium BCE) and the end of the Sasanian empire (mid-seventh century AD).
Commissioned by the museum and inspired by the objects on view, the galleries will also feature a new artwork by the artist Shahzia Sikander, titled Caesura. The monumental painted glass commission will occupy the clerestory windows across both sides of the gallery and create dynamic connections between past and present. Sikander is known for innovative works that engage playfully with scale, religion, culture, histories, and iconographies of power. While her own identity connects with Pakistan rather than the countries of the modern Middle East, her practice mines cultural influences and forms that play across this vast region.
“By incorporating a contemporary commission into these ancient galleries, we encourage multiple ways of seeing, reading, and understanding cultures—just as Sikander’s layered work suggests movement, color, density, gesture, and ever-shifting light,” said Dr. Cameron.
The museum’s ancient Middle East collections number more than 1,000 objects, with the monumental architectural fragments from Khirbet et-Tannur, a large Nabataean temple complex located 70 miles north of Petra in present-day Jordan, at its center. The museum is honored to steward the largest collection of Nabataean sculpture outside of Jordan. Khirbet et-Tannur was excavated in 1937 by the Department of Antiquities of Transjordan in collaboration with archaeologist and Cincinnati native Dr. Nelson Glueck.
Relief sculptures depicting deities, carved floral ornamentation, an arch from the central shrine, and terracotta works entered the museum’s collection in 1939, while complementary collections are in The Jordan Museum and the Jordan Archaeological Museum in Amman. Other highlights of the museum’s ancient Middle East collection include lavish royal goods, intricate votive objects, and architectural fragments from the Assyrian, Achaemenid, and Sasanian civilizations, among others.
Little Shop Adorer
Looking for local, distinctive, and creative gifts? Explore museum shops to find great ideas for even the most impossible to please person on your list.
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
Greater Good
The Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber announced the 2022 class of Great Living Cincinnatians. This year’s honorees are Donna Jones Baker, Jean-Robert de Cavel, Dr. Charles O. Dillard, and Roger Howe.
Legacy & Promise: A Celebration of Leadership
Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber
Annual Dinner
Duke Energy Center Grand Ballroom
Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022
5 p.m. Cocktail Reception
6:30 p.m. Dinner & Program
More information at cincinnatichamber.com/annualdinner.
The Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber is pleased to announce the 2022 class of Great Living Cincinnatians: Donna Jones Baker, Jean-Robert de Cavel, Dr. Charles O. Dillard, and Roger Howe. Inductees join a prestigious group of 163 previous awardees, all of whom have made lasting and significant contributions to the Cincinnati region in their respective fields.
“The 2022 Class of Great Living Cincinnatians are an esteemed group of four individuals who have served their community selflessly and sincerely,” said Leigh R. Fox, President and CEO of Cincinnati Bell, Inc. and the Board Chair of the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber. “Their invaluable contributions to their respective fields of social work, culinary arts, medicine and civic service exemplify what it means to be a Great Living Cincinnatian. The Chamber is honored to recognize Donna Jones Baker, Jean-Robert de Cavel, Dr. Charles O. Dillard and Roger Howe as Great Living Cincinnatians.”
Great Living Cincinnatians are recognized for service to the community; business and civic attainment on a local, state, national or international level; leadership; awareness of the needs of others; and distinctive accomplishments that have brought favorable attention to their community, institution or organization.
The 2021 honorees will be installed as Great Living Cincinnatians at the 2021 Cincinnati Chamber Annual Dinner at the Duke Energy Center Grand Ballroom on Thursday, Feb. 24.
'Tis the Season
No need to scour the TV listings to find your favorite holiday shows! Cincinnati celebrates on stage, with Yuletide productions that have become cherished traditions for Tristate families and fans.
If You Go
Every Christmas Story Ever Told
Through Dec. 26
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company
The Otto M. Budig Theater, 1195 Elm St.
cincyshakes.com/event/every-christmas-2021
A Christmas Carol
Through Dec. 30
Playhouse in the Park, 962 Mt. Adams Circle
www.cincyplay.com/achristmascarol/tickets
Elf The Musical JR.
Dec. 4 – 13
Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati
Taft Theatre, 317 E. Fifth St.
thechildrenstheatre.com/shows/elf
Cinderella
Dec. 1–30
Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati
1127 Vine St.
ensemblecincinnati.org/calendar/cinderella
By now, you’ve started to see the lists of favorite holiday movies – everyone from your best friend from high school to respected critics eventually weighing in with their choices.
As the calendar inches closer to December, you’ll also begin to see questions pop up on social media about when to see each holiday special, so you can schedule your re-watch of Charlie Brown, Rudolph, and whichever one has the Heat Miser in it.
Whether it’s a true classic or just your sentimental favorite, these stories, and those repeating viewings, are part of our holiday traditions.
But in Cincinnati, we have our own – and better – version of this. We have timeless stories we return to on stage. These festive, holiday productions have become traditions for many in the Tristate. Though the stories may be familiar, we discover something new when we see them with the next generation or new friends or our own changed perspective on the world.
The bridge between Rankin-Bass TV specials and live theatre can be found in Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s decidedly un-Bard like Every Christmas Story Ever Told.
The show itself is framed as a story about actors working on A Christmas Carol, who embark on a naughty look at “beloved holiday classics” during the course of their show, with no one from Dickens to Dr. Seuss, safe.
“This cast has so much fun together that the show has become a very personal holiday tradition for all of us,” says Jeremy Dubin, the show’s director. “It’s occasionally a little irreverent but always warm-spirited, and it’s the perfect panacea to all your winter woes.”
For a faithful retelling of Dicken’s story of redemption and transformation, don’t miss A Christmas Carol at Playhouse in the Park. Since 1991, families have made this annual show part of their own holiday celebrations.
But, of course, that wasn’t the case last year.
After a year without a Scrooge, Bruce Cromer, who plays the Dickensian curmudgeon, is thrilled to be back.
“After recording the one-man radio version of A Christmas Carol in my basement studio last year, returning to the stage is a delight,” says Cromer. “Acting with my son Charlie, working with Andrea Shell, Cindy Saalfeld, Stephen Skiles, all of the cast and crew, on this 30th anniversary production is an honor.”
Cromer, along with many others in the cast and crew, have been in numerous productions of A Christmas Carol. Gregory Procaccino, who portrays Jacob Marley and Old Joe in the current show, has been in every production since 1991. Marx Wardrobe Mistress Cindy Clifford Saalfeld has been head dresser for every season since 1991.
Given their devotion to the production, the cast and crew don’t take the responsibility of being part of a Cincinnati holiday tradition lightly.
“This is the final time this Marx Theatre production of Howard Dallin's script, as originally directed by Michael Haney, will be presented,” says Cromer. “The Playhouse and all of us are so excited to perform it once again, to remind all to cast hatred and division aside, love our fellow humans, and try to keep the spirit of the holidays throughout the year."
Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati offers the best of both worlds, combining a treasured movie with a live stage experience in its revival of Elf Jr. Based on the film, the musical version is ideal for everyone, from the potentially-on-the-naughty-list dad to the true (Santa) believers.
“Buddy the Elf is back on our stage after a sell-out run in 2016,” says Roderick Justice, artistic director of Children’s Theatre. “Based on one of the funniest holiday films of all time, TCT’s junior version of the musical Elf will have your whole family laughing your stocking off.”
CTC’s acclaimed productions are a great initial live theatre experience for children. At about an hour, the length is perfect for those with short attention spans. CTC also offers ASL and sensory-friendly performances, making the experience accessible to more families.
“After nearly two stressful years, we need our spirits lifted through theatre,” offers Justice. “When the lights dim, the curtain rises, and the music begins—I hope you and your family are there to share in the excitement.”
Using more classic source material, Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati brightens the holidays with Cinderella. For more than 20 years, playwright Joseph McDonough has collaborated with composer/lyricist David Kisor on ETC’s holiday musicals.
“Cinderella sends a message that inner beauty, strength, and intelligence are the keys to success,” says ETC’s Producing Artistic Director D. Lynn Meyers. “It’s about finding the better part of yourself and using the rest of your life to celebrate it. It’s a delightful story that will bring laughter, hope, and smiles to both adults and children.”
These shows often revisit fairy tales but give them a decidedly, but still family-friendly, modern twist.
“It was an easy choice to do this show right now,” says Meyers. “We can all use a little joy and hope.”
–Tricia Suit
Give a Little Bit
Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati is already having an impact on local non-profits, with recent donations to The American Cancer Society and DAV, embracing their motto to “Love All – Serve All.”
Hard Rock International prides itself on its motto “Love All–Serve All.” Through local, national and global philanthropy, Hard Rock invests in efforts that advance health, wellness, social conditions, economic well-being, disaster relief, and environmental sustainability.
Though Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati has only officially been open since Oct. 29, it is already having an impact on local non-profits, embracing the ethos of that motto.
At the Guitar Smash, the signature opening event of Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati, George Goldhoff, president of Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati, presented a $25,000 check to ArtsWave for its Lifting As We Ciimb program to support Black and Brown artists. This week, Goldhoff continued the efforts with additional more donations to other local non-profits.
With its Pinktober initiative, Hard Rock has raised more than $9 million for breast cancer research and education, through a global network of partners. This week, George Goldhoff, president of Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati, presented a $15,000 contribution to representatives of the American Cancer Society to support their fight against breast cancer. During October, Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati raised the funds for the American Cancer Society primarily from donations from employees, and through proceeds from sales of its exclusive Pinktober shirts and pins along with its signature cocktail and milk shake.
George Goldhoff, president of Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati, presented a $15,000 contribution to Alice Sowers, Director, Regional Corporate Relations, and Hannah Wallace, Associate Director of Development today.
To honor Veterans Day, Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati held a ceremony with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office. Veterans enjoyed complimentary breakfast at the casino and a lunchtime concert by The Pete Wagner Band featuring Nancy James at the Hard Rock Cafe. During the ceremony, Goldhoff presented a $10,000 check to Disable American Veterans, a nonprofit charity that provides a lifetime of support for disabled veterans of all generations and their families.
Silver Lining
The African American Chamber of Commerce celebrates their 25th anniversary with their “Leaving a Legacy Gala” on Nov. 20 at Music Hall. The evening includes a silent auction, live music, and their Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Get a sneak peek at this year's honorees!
Leaving a Legacy Gala
Saturday, Nov. 20, 6 p.m.
Music Hall, 1241 Elm St.,
Tickets for the 25th Anniversary AACC Black Business Hall of Fame celebration are $100 and include food, drinks, and live music. Register www.aaccleavingalegacygala.com.
For 25 years, the Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky African American Chamber of Commerce (AACC) has worked to improve the economic status of African Americans and the African American community in 17 regional counties. The AACC has advocated on behalf of emerging and established businesses, helped to create new market opportunities, and provided access to capital, and revitalized African American communities, especially during the most challenging times fo the pandemic.
The AACC Black Business Hall of Fame members are chosen for their extraordinary and longstanding commitment to business, their Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky communities and the employment and promotion of African Americans in the region.
2021 black business
fall of fame inductees
“These Black Business Hall of Fame inductees are trailblazers in their respective industries, said Eric Kearney, president and CEO of the AACC. “As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, your African American Chamber is proud and excited to recognize this impressive group of inductees for its vision, passion and dedication to Black businesses and the communities they serve.”
Long Time No See
The Skirball Museum has opened its first public event since February 2020 with the exhibition A Portrait of Jewish Cincinnati as part of the celebration of the 200th anniversary of Jewish community life in Cincinnati,. This exhibition features portraits of Cincinnati’s movers and shakers from the early 19th century to the present day, gleaned from the Skirball's collections as well as public and private collections.
Discover More
In conjunction with the exhibition, Skirball director Abby Schwartz will offer a slide talk on Tuesday, Dec. 14, 1–2:30 p.m. in the Mayerson Hall Auditorium.
The talk will be followed by an opportunity to visit the exhibition. The program will be offered live and over Zoom.
To register or for additional information, visit csm.huc.edu.
The Skirball Museum on the Cincinnati campus of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR) has just opened an exhibition that is perfect for the celebreatin of the Cincinnati Jewish Bicentennial.
A Portrait of Jewish Cincinnati brings together the likenesses of many of Cincinnati’s prominent Jewish citizens from the early 19th century to the present day. The works are drawn from the museum’s own collections as well as those of local and national museums and private collections. Portraits include oil paintings, sculptures, drawings, and mixed media representations of figures who have made a significant impact on Jewish Cincinnati and the larger secular community.
“Bringing together almost 40 works of art in celebration of 200 years of Jewish life in Cincinnati has been an incredible journey of discovery and learning for the Skirball Museum staff,” comments Skirball director Abby S. Schwartz. “From Fanny and Abraham Aub, the couple who gave the land to build the second home of Cincinnati’s Jewish Hospital—the first in the country—to Sally Priesand, the first woman ordained a rabbi in America, here at HUC in Cincinnati—to so many scions of philanthropy, civic service, industry, education, and culture who made their mark on our community, the stories told by these portraits are colorful and diverse, and will engage viewers of all backgrounds and will be a source of pride for all Cincinnatians.”
Along with the portraits are several decorative arts objects, including a tall clock made by Joseph Jonas, Cincinnati's first permanent Jewish settler, who was a jeweler and watch and clock manufacturer; a silk fan made by Jewish American artist Henry Mosler dedicated to Rosa Fechheimer Sachs; and a cameo and eyeglasses that belonged to Marcus Fechheimer, co-founder of the Fechheimer Brothers Company, whose portrait appears in the exhibition.
Among the portraits are works by some of Cincinnati’s most important 19th century painters, including John Aubery, Raphael Strauss, and Henry Mosler. Portrait busts by Sir Jacob Epstein and Moses Jacob Ezekiel are also featured in the exhibition.
The permanent gallery of the Skirball has also reopened, featuring new displays and lighting. Additional improvements will continue throughout the building, however.
The Cincinnati Skirball Museum is one of the oldest repositories of Jewish cultural artifacts in America. The first stage in the museum’s development lasted for nearly a century, beginning when Hebrew Union College opened in 1875 and over time began accepting donations of Judaic objects and books. Special collections housed in the museum include the B’nai B’rith Klutznick National Jewish Museum Collection, the Berman and Bloch Collection of Modern Israeli Art, and the Jewish-American Hall of Fame Medals Collection.
Abraham Aub and Fannie Aub , artist unknown, oil on canvas, ca 1860, collection of Professors A.E. Ted Abu and Phillia C. Yi.
Marcus Fechheimer, John Aubery, oil on canvas, 1881, Cincinnati Skirball Museum
Our Favorite Haunts
The Lady in Green? Eerie sounds at Music Hall? Weird sights at the Taft Museum of Art? A city that's more than 230 years old is bound to have a few ghost stories. Join us a we take a look at a few of them for a little Halloween fun.
Halloween is the one day a year even the most cowardly among us longs to hear a scary story. (Just not too scary!)
From ghostly tales about local landmarks to embarking on a guided trek of spooky spots around town, it’s easy to get your fright on. For Halloween, we explore a few stories perfect for Halloween night. All you need to do is a flashlight to put under your chin!
Not a photo from The Shining.
Need a drink to steady your nerves? If you find yourself having a martini at the Hilton Netherland Plaza, don’t be surprised if you run into a Lady in Green.
According to the Walking Tour and Pocket History of the hotel, the Lady in Green was the wife of one of the hotel’s laborers back who was killed during construction. His body was never found! Her restless spirit continues to search for him his wife continues to search for his body even in the afterlife. Construction workers who helped in the hotel’s renovation in the 1980s reported seeing her on the Mezzanine level and the Hall of Mirrors.
Cincinnati’s history, and ghostly mysteries, is older than the 20th century. The Taft Museum of Art, home to notable Cincinnatians including Nicholas Longworth and Anna and Charles Taft, is also home to its share of ghost stories. On the internet, that repository of accurate information, you’ll find plenty of tales of wandering apparitions and even poltergeist-like activity in the gift shop.
Reader, I worked at the Taft. While I didn’t experience terror in the gift shop or Scooby Doo-esque following eyes, I have a tale to tell.
The attic at the Taft, which was once the servants’ quarters, is now used for storage. Holiday decorations and other seldom needed items are kept there. On the rare occasions when you need something, you pop up, grab what you came for, and head back down the steps.
One night after leaving an event, I saw a light on in the attic. I called a colleague and asked her to remind Security to turn it off – They had obviously left it on during a routine walk-through.
She said the attic isn’t part of their usual Security check. No one had been up there.
They hadn’t turned on the light.
. . .
Insert gif of Carrie Bradshaw blinking.
For a Halloween program at the Taft, we hosted local paranormal investigators who offered tours of the house, complete with electromagnetic field (EMF) meters. One of the investigators told me a lot of what the EMF meters pick up are readings from electrical outlets. They said that’s often the simple explanations for ghostly activity in old buildings like the Taft. As we walked through the museum at the end of the night they demonstrated with the EMF.
Except in one spot.
On the stairs in the old house, by a portrait of Nicholas Longworth, the EMF reader was going crazy. But there was no outlet under the painting. The wall had didn’t have an outlet on the other side of the wall. The reasonable explanation didn’t work in this situation.
One of the most allegedly haunted buildings in Cincinnati is Music Hall. Longtime employees have shared numerous ghost stories over the years, and the building was once featured on an episode of Ghost Hunters.
The Friends of Music Hall offer the story of John Engst, a former night watchman who heard music one night during his usual rounds. But there was no concert or rehearsal happening.
“I re-entered the elevator and closed the doors. The music was still there. I opened the rear of the elevator, entered the adjoining hall, no sound. Returning to the elevator to proceed to Corbett Tower and closed it up, the music was as beautiful as ever,” he reported.
If you’d like to explore just how haunted Music Hall really is, you can join the Friends of Music Hall for a Ghost Tour with the Cincinnati Research and Paranormal Studies on Nov. 18.
For a tour that will bring the stories of the long dead to life, look no further than American Legacy Tours. Their Queen City is Haunted Tour promises to uncover “stories of grisly murders, ghastly deaths and other disturbing tales” from Cincinnati's past. Centered in Over-the-Rhine, the tour includes ghost stories about Music Hall and finding the truth about the “Witch of Washington Park.”
The Halloween tours are booked. However, tours are available on Nov. 5, which is Guy Fawkes Day. That’s a scary date, too, especially if you’re a member of British parliament in 1605.
–Tricia Suit
Disguise the Limit
If Halloween snuck up on you and you need a costume to pass out candy or a last-minute bonfire, Cappel's has the ideas – and the supplies – you need to get into the spirit.
If you suddenly need a Halloween costume, don’t panic. Using your own closet, and a carefully chosen accessory, you can be a pirate, a cowboy, or a butterfly, but still be able to easily hand out candy or comfortably walk around the neighborhood.
“Tunics, ponchos, capes, and robes are great last-minute ideas!” says Stef Cappel.
If you want something more involved, Cappel’s also has makeup, inflatables, and full costumes for both adults and kids.
Luckily all Cappel's stores are open on Sunday from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m., so you have plenty of time to get ready for trick-or-treating.
Independents Day
Summerfair, which has been supporting and promoting artists and the arts in Greater Cincinnati for more than 50 years, announced the recipients of this year's Aid to Individual Artists awards.
As part of its mission to support and promote artists and the arts in Greater Cincinnati, Summerfair presented their Aid to Individual Artists awards (AIA) this past week. This annual juried award is designed to assist with funding classes to learn new ideas or techniques, purchasing materials for a new medium, or expanding a work area as well as other needs the applicant feels is necessary to further their artistic work.
This year’s AIA awards were presented to Ana England, Cynthia Lockhart, Lisa Merida-Paytes, and Mark Wiesner. Each selected received an award of $5,000. The awards were presented by Donna Binzer, Summerfair VP of awards.
England, who creates large-scale sculptures and installations, has had her work exhibited nationally, including a solo show at the Cincinnati Art Museum in 2017-18. Through the AIA funding she intends to “leave the wall” and begin to fabricate freestanding sculptures.
“This artistic investigation is large and complex, with the intended culmination to be a body of work appropriate for a solo exhibition,” says England.
Quiltmaker and fabric artist Cynthia Lockhart is familiar to local audiences. With this new funding, she anticipates upgrading the equipment and materials in her studio practice. This includes an industrial long arm sewing machine, which will allow her to create larger-scale artwork and installations.
“Whether my artwork is telling a story or depicting an abstract emotion, it conveys the qualities of joy, optimism, and transformation,” says Lockhart. “These are the factors that collectively create the inspirational and aspiration aesthetic within my fiber art quilts.”
As an artist living with disabilities, Merida-Paytes uses sculpture to explore material, challenge the pedestal, and give evidence to connection with the world around us.
Through the grant, she will be able to hire a part-time studio assistant to help throughout the construction /installation phases as she continues a series of bird portraits – to move, lift, climb a ladder that she is unable to do as a result of her physical limitations.
“I never tire of observing birds and expressing their individual spirts in my work,” says Merida-Paytes. “Crafting the elaborate backgrounds inspired by their unique characteristics is challenging and draws upon my extensive design background and continuing research.”
Wiesner creates in what he calls a universal medium – cardboard. With additional funding, he will be able me to purchase of tools and equipment used in plasma cutting and ARC welding.
“In an interest in expanding the direction of my work I have been led to take blacksmithing and steel fabrication classes at Blue Hell Studio,” says Wiesner. “In many ways changing the medium to a new range of metallic materials changes the grammar of manipulation, arrangement and assembley, yet the artistic process remains the same.”
Tried and True
After a successful first year, ArtsWave is once again commissioning “Truth and Reconciliation” grants, designed to uplift the artistry and experiences of people of color through projects addressing those themes.
Earlier this year, ArtsWave created the Truth and Reconciliation commissioning grant program, designed to uplift the artistry and experiences of people of color through projects addressing the dual themes of “truth” and “reconciliation.”
The initial project grant funded a collection of 27 projects by local artists, reflecting a variety of artistic disciplines and approaches to the theme. The projects culminated in a a three-part Artist Showcase, with live performances at Memorial Hall and a visual art exhibition and film short screenings at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. The exhibition, with works by Gee Horton, Rebecca Nava Soto, Brent Billingsley, and others, continues through Oct. 31.
Truth and Reconciliation Visual Art Exhibition at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.
This was not a sudden decision by ArtsWave, though. For many years, ArtsWave has been committed to making inclusion a hallmark of the region’s arts. To reach that goal, ArtsWave worked with local organizations to promote the voices of all artists in the community and build audiences that reflect the entire region. During the past two years, ArtsWave took concrete steps toward backing up that commitment, including a concert series featuring top Black performers from around the world and the grant program for Black and Brown artists.
If You Go
Norm Lewis: Naughty and Nice
Dec. 3 and 4
Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650 Walnut St.
Buy tickets
One of Broadway’s most sought-after leading men – the incomparable Norm Lewis – is coming to Cincinnati to ring in the Holiday Season with his Musical Director/Arranger, Broadway’s Joseph Joubert, and their swinging’ band.
The Tony-nominated star has become synonymous with Christmas, and his annual shows in New York City have become the barometer for celebrating the yuletide season with some of the greatest Christmas songs and Broadway showstoppers from his career, as well as selections from his best-selling “The Norm Lewis Christmas Album.”
ArtsWave launched Flow, an African American Arts Experience in February of last year. This series of events, featuring top Black artists from around the world, celebrated African American culture and artistic expression. Though the pandemic disrupted Flow’s inaugural season, it is returning this December with “Norm Lewis: Naughty and Nice,” starring one of Broadway’s most sought-after leading men in a special holiday performance.
This week, ArtsWave opened its second round of Truth and Reconciliation Project Grants for Black and Brown Artists. Black and Brown artists living in the Cincinnati region are encouraged to apply for up to $15,000 to create a work, in any artistic discipline. All artists selected for commissioning grants will be asked to involve community members and to complete their projects by Summer 2022. ArtsWave will again collaborate with local partners to execute the program. Approximately 10 to 12 commissions are likely to be awarded in this round.
Projects will be selected based on eligibility guidelines and how they advance ArtsWave’s Blueprint for Collective Action, including the powerful goals of bridging cultural divides, promoting understanding and empathy, deepening the roots of residents, and improving neighborhoods. The application deadline is October 29, 2021.
Artists can find eligibility guidelines, program requirements and application instructions for Truth and Reconciliation Grants at artswave.org/apply.