Duck and Cover

Knock it Out of the Park
Washington Park, 1230 Elm St.
Friday, May 27 through Monday, May 30

See an exhibit of Duck Tape® sculptures by Art Academy of Cincinnati interns, Duck Tape alumni artists, Summit Country Day Middle School students, and local artists.

Did you know the same thing you use to patch your jeans or reattach your rearview mirror can also be used to create works of art?

Joe Girondola, president of Art Academy of Cincinnati (AAC), has been inspired for duct tape for years.

More than 15 years ago, he discovered its artistic properties while using the tape to protect his hands while he was sculpting. He soon began to create using the new material.

As an educator, he developed duct tape classes, teaching at AAC and University of Cincinnati before that. The founder of the Duck Tape company saw the work of Girondola and his students, and they created a collaboration that would fund students so they could make more ambitious works out of duct tape.

This weekend, 14 sculptures made of Duck Tape will be on display in Washington Park. The exhibit, called “Knock It Out of the Park,” is organized by AAC.

Jake Brinkman, facilities administrator for student services at the AAC, is a former student Girondola’s .

“The idea of being able to build and design a sculpture from start to finish while being sponsored by Shurtape LLC sounded like an epic experience,” says Brinkman. “To build sculptures out of Duck Tape, with all the materials provided for and free tape, who would pass up an opportunity like that?”

As often happens, the student becomes the master. Brinkman now teaches the Duck Tape class.

“Duck Tape has created this amazing studio environment where students get to problem-solve challenges they face together when creating,” says Brinkman. “It’s also created an alumni community, so former students continue to participate in building duck tape sculptures together.

The exhibit in Washington Park promises fantastic photo ops, along with some interactive sculptures.