Local Legends

If You Go

The Golden Ticket Opening Reception
Friday, Nov. 4, 6–8 p.m.
CCAC @ Short Vine Gallery
2728 Short Vine St.

Additional information at cliftonculturalarts.org/golden-ticket.

Some of the best regional artists are participating in the 13th annual Golden Ticket juried exhibition at the Clifton Cultural Arts Center (CCAC), presented by Summerfair. This prestigious exhibition features the artwork of exceptional local artists, all vying for “Best in Show" and the coveted “People's Choice” award, voted on by attendees.

The exhibition opens on Friday, Nov. 4 with an opening reception celebrating the artists, judges, and the community.

“The Golden Ticket is proof how many exceptional artists work right here in our area,” says Jayne Utter, managing director of Summerfair. “The 43 artists in this year's exhibition are the cream of our crop. Some sell at Summerfair, others are award-winners in our outreach programs.”

The annual Golden Ticket exhibition showcases diverse, talented artists living or working within a 25-mile radius of the CCAC. Over $1,500 in prizes will be awarded for Best in Show, second and third place, and honorable mention. The artist with “Best in Show” will also have a solo exhibition hosted by the CCAC.

Janiene Baker | Katie Baker | Christina Baitz-Brandewie | Carol Blum | Beth Belknap Brann | Alan Brown | Greg Buening | Christopher A Cain | Stephen Childress | Don Cluxton | Lisa Hueil Conner | Brooke Crowley | Daniel Dickerscheid | Samantha England | Judith Effa Ford | Leslie Getz | Tina Gutierrez | Devan Horton | Francis Huffman | Jonathan Kamholtz | Michael Kitei | Debra Bushman Kopena | Paul Kroner | Veronica Lash | Becky Linhardt | Tom Lohre | Scott Meyer | ChengLun Na | Carole Price | Kat Rakel-Ferguson | Jazmina Robinhawk | Jacqui Rohner | Kate Rowekamp | Anisha Sangshani | Thelma Shotten | Linda Susman | Teresa Tolentino | Rory Torstensson | Mark Ullrich | Joanie Wiedner | John Wiehe | Jan Wiesner | Mark Wiesner | Clinton Wood III

“The Golden Ticket has featured some of the most well-known and celebrated artists in the region, but also created a launching pad for many emerging artists,” said CCAC Executive Director, Leslie Mooney. “We are so proud and honored to be able to showcase the work of the incredibly talented artists who live and work in the Greater Cincinnati region.”

The jury for this year’s Golden Ticket was Mary Campbell Zopf, retired executive director from Muse Machine; Brandon Hawkins, co-Owner and lead teaching artist with Soul Palette; Jee Eun Lee, assistant professor of ceramics at Northern Kentucky University; and David C. Smith, the owner of Eisele Gallery.

“It was very exciting hearing the results from the jury this year because we have a nice balance of familiar names and new artists,” says Emily Versoza. CCAC’s gallery coordinator. “That’s really what the Golden Ticket is all about – celebrating impressive local talent at all stages of their career.”

Since 2018, CCAC has used the space on Short Vine Street for exhibitions and programs. Earlier this year, however, CCAC broke ground for its new facility, located at 3412 Clifton Ave.

“For years CCAC has hosted Summerfair’s Emerging Artist Exhibition,” says Utter. “So it was easy to choose them when we were looking for an organization for our next ‘Big Give,” especially when they were looking for donors to support their new building.”

“With our four-year commitment came the honor of being the presenter of The Golden Ticket,” Utter says.