Author: Ellen Muse-Lindeman

Using art to engage and connect community

Next week, our executive director Ellen Muse-Lindeman will be recognized as one of the Cincinnati Enquirer’s 2021 Women of the Year. The following is a reprint from an October 13, 2021 story.

Ellen Muse-Lindeman uses art to engage, connect community
Jeanne Houck
Cincinnati Enquirer
Published Oct 13, 2021

Ellen Muse-Lindeman says the Kennedy Heights Arts Center was more active than ever in 2020, despite the COVID-19 pandemic

“When public health orders forced the cancellation of all our programming, in some ways it was liberating,” said Muse-Lindeman, executive director of the arts center and one of the 2021 Enquirer Women of the Year.

“It required us to think creatively and focus even more keenly on our community’s needs. Our team innovated new ways to keep residents creative and connected despite distance, to combat social isolation and to take meaningful action against racism.”

Under Muse-Lindeman’s 13-year leadership, the arts center has been more than a place to learn how to arrange flowers.

“I believe the arts are unique in their power to engage and connect people. The arts give people a creative voice, a way to express shared values, to bridge and bond and make connections with people who aren’t like you,” she said.

“Residents share common experiences, hear new perspectives and understand each other better. Kennedy Heights Arts Center creates social change through community-engaged practices that use art as a platform for human interaction and makes the arts accessible to everyone.”

So, what did the arts center do during the pandemic?

A lot.

It distributed more than 3,000 free creativity kits to youth quarantining at home; partnered with artists and residents to make a series of outdoor art installations throughout the neighborhood that shared messages of hope; and created an outdoor art gallery displaying commissioned works by local Black artists exploring issues of racial justice that people could view as a drive-thru experience or explore on foot.

It also hosted an online zine of art and writing created by teens and for teens; delivered handmade gifts created by local residents to older adults in nursing homes; and presented pop-up arts experiences on neighborhood streets with live music, performances, free food and art activities that neighbors could safely enjoy from their porches.

“As businesses and schools began to shut down, Ellen vowed to keep Kennedy Heights Arts Center open, keep artists and teachers working and keep community members connected,” said Mary Ray, a vice president of the Kennedy Heights Community Council and a founder of the arts center.
“She secured (Paycheck Protection Program) funding, and her staff never missed a paycheck. She challenged her team to be creative and come up with ways to keep normal activity going.”

Normal activity at the Kennedy Heights Arts Center is offering a wide range of art and cultural programs for youths and adults, including exhibits, musical performances, classes, community events, summer camps and a gift shop featuring handmade items by local artists.

The arts center, which is based in the historic Kennedy mansion at 6546 Montgomery Road, also has an events venue and artist studios in an annex nearby at Montgomery Road and Kennedy Avenue.

Muse-Lindeman was named executive director of the arts center in 2008, after a 15-year career in community development at The Center for Great Neighborhoods of Covington.

Kate Elliott, co-president of the Kennedy Heights Community Council, calls Muse-Lindeman “a local treasure.”

“She acts quickly but thoughtfully and serves as a conduit for the inspiration and creativity of our community,” Elliott said.

Muse-Lindeman has a background in theater and dance.

“In my spare time, I love to go to the theater, take dance class, listen to live music, and go to museums and galleries,” she said. “The arts community in Cincinnati is so vibrant – I just wish I had more time.”

Mimi Gingold, a founder of the Kennedy Heights Arts Center, is pleased that Muse-Lindeman has devoted so much of her time to the community.

“She leads in ways that allow others to shine,” Gingold said.

“She knows that the good we can do in this world takes all of us together.”

Tellus Zine seeks creative teens to join the editorial board!

Are you passionate about sharing your voice, and the voice of other teens? Want to become part of an exciting group of teen leaders in Cincinnati? Tellus Zine seeks creative students, in grades 9-12, to join their all-youth editorial board. Applications due 9/12.

Tellus Zine is a youth-led digital publication, showcasing art and creative writing by young adults from across Greater Cincinnati. Its mission is to provide a platform for young people to express themselves bravely and creatively as a part of our diverse community.

The Tellus Zine Editorial Board plans, creates and shares creative works by teens about issues that matter to teens in an online zine, podcast and open mic events. Members also work on their own creative projects, and gain artistic and editorial skills through guest artists, professional mentors, and hands-on experience. Editorial board membership is a 10-month commitment, with meetings 3-4 times monthly.

Members of the Tellus Editorial Board will reflect the diversity of teens in the Greater Cincinnati region and should be outside-of-the-box thinkers who feel passionate about making a difference and expressing their opinions through art and/or writing.

To apply, submit a complete application by September 12, 2021.

Student interviews will be held Saturday, September 18 and 25, 2021

Accepted applicants will meet regularly on Wednesdays, October 2021 – May 2022. These gatherings will happen virtually on Zoom or in-person at Kennedy Heights Arts Center (6546 Montgomery Rd.) with masks and social distancing, following recommended COVID-19 health and safety precautions.Questions? Email bethany@kennedyarts.org or call 513-800-4567.

For more information, visit telluszine.org and follow us on Instagram @tellus_zine.

Tellus Zine is made possible by a grant from the Charles H. Dater Foundation.

For more information, visit telluszine.org and follow us on Instagram @tellus_zine.

Founders Day Honors Leaders & Volunteers

Each year, Kennedy Heights Arts Centers recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to KHAC’s mission through their leadership and volunteer service through awards presented at our annual Founders Day event. The 17th Annual Founders Day will be held outside at the Arts Center on Sunday, June 13.

We are pleased to announce this year’s honorees.

Kennedy Award: Ernie Barbeau

Ernie Barbeau was born and raised in New Hampshire but made his way to Ohio in 1962, eventually settling in Kennedy Heights where he has lived with his wife Judy for 31 years. With a background in social work, Ernie had a strong commitment to civic engagement and diversity, so Kennedy Heights is the perfect place for him. Ernie has held just about every leadership position in the neighborhood as president of the Kennedy Heights Community Council, board member of the Kennedy Heights Development Corporation, and now as community historian. For the past six years, Ernie has been preserving and telling The Kennedy Heights Story in a series of articles in the neighborhood newsletter.

Ernie first became involved with Kennedy Heights Arts Center in 2003 when residents were organizing to purchase the Kennedy Mansion, and he and Judy became one of the founders of the center. Ernie continues to stay involved and support the Arts Center because its mission is important to him, as well as the commitment to diversity. When asked about receiving the Kennedy Award Ernie stated, “I was surprised at the recognition. Receiving this award at 85 is incredible to me.”

Volunteer of the Year: Allison Goodman

Allison “Allie” Goodman has lived with her family in Kennedy Heights for 16 years, after previously living on the Pleasant Ridge/Norwood border. Allie has a degree in art education and has been working as a preschool teacher for the past 14 years. She is also PTO President at Pleasant Ridge Montessori — which is why she was approached by Josh Harden, the athletic director for Woodford Academy, about helping students during the pandemic. Allie felt it was her duty to get involved, not just as PTO president, but a personal duty.

During 2020, Allie spent five months volunteering 3 days a week at Woodford Academy in Kennedy Heights, assisting with the distribution of food and supplies to area families. And when Kennedy Heights Arts Center offered to provide free Creativity Kits for youth, it was Allie who made sure students received them. She worked with KHAC staff to pick up and distribute nearly 3,000 kits to local youth last summer. When asked about receiving this award, Allie stated, “I love the honor, but I am very surprised because I don’t do this work for recognition. I respect the Art Center’s place in the community, and it gives me hope and optimism working with them.”

________

Please join us for our 17th Annual Founders’ Day  on Sunday, June 13 from 2 to 4 pm.

We are excited to share a retrospective look at the past year’s accomplishments and plans for the coming year. As we continue to champion the arts, we gain perspective through diversity, strength through unity, and hope through community.

The event will be held outdoors under a tent, with light refreshments. Masks are required for everyone inside our buildings; masks are optional outdoors for those who are vaccinated. Social distancing is encouraged.

At 2:00 pm, join us for an artist-led tour of our new outdoor exhibit Undermining Silence: The Language of Change and community-created HIVE sculpture. The program will begin at 2:30 pm.

RSVP appreciated to ellen@kennedyarts.org or 513-631-4278.

Arts for All

At this time last year, our ability to provide artistic experiences for youth was uncertain. With the public health crisis brought on by COVID-19, we were forced to cancel summer camps and other programming.

Yet, creativity didn’t stop. We knew that creative expression was needed more than ever, and we asked you for help.

You responded – big time. Thanks to your generous support, last year Kennedy Heights Arts Center distributed 2,780 FREE artist-designed Creativity Kits to local youth containing weekly, at-home activities promoting creativity, imaginative play, and emotional wellness.

Now, we look forward to welcoming students to our campus in-person for the first time in more than a year. We, and our community, could not be more excited! After a year spent isolated and in front of screens, young people are yearning for interaction and social engagement.

This summer, 240 diverse young people will attend 10 weeks of arts camps, expressing their creativity through visual arts, music, creative writing, animation and more, mentored by professional teaching artists. High school students will gain valuable leadership skills serving as camp assistants.

The health and safety of our students, staff and community are of utmost importance. In order to ensure a safe and fun experience for everyone, our COVID safety plan includes outdoor settings, small group sizes, socially distant spacing, mandatory masks, and frequent sanitizing.

As always, we continue to commit unwaveringly to full inclusion. With your support, these enriching experiences are affordable and accessible to everyone regardless of economic circumstance.

At summer camp and throughout the year, young people develop their creative potential, build skills, and connect with each other and the community through extraordinary programs such as Woodford Arts + Culture Academy, Teen Artists for Change, Tellus Zine, and the CPS Jazz Academy—all at no cost.

To ensure that EVERY child has the benefit of high quality arts education, we ask for your support through our Arts for All Campaign. Our goal is to raise $20,000 by May 31.

Join us in making a positive impact on the lives of youth in our community with your donation today!

DONATE NOW

Introducing our 2021 Artists-in-Residence

We are excited to announce our 2021 Creative Community Artists-in-Residence: Helen Atkins and Will Geusz of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Helen Atkins and Will Geusz are ceramic artists who partner on installations and public works. They met in a mosaic apprenticeship program in 2012, and began collaborating together in 2019. Independently, they have built respective careers: Will as an installation artist and sculptor, and Helen as an artist, curator and arts administrator. They live in an artist compound in the South Valley of Albuquerque, where they are currently working on a public mosaic for the Fort Logan Mental Health Institute in Colorado.

During their four-week residency at KHAC from April 28 – May 22, Helen and Will will lead HIVE, a collaborative sculptural mosaic project that explores notions of community and identity in response to colony collapse disorder. Participants will create handmade ceramic tiles and mosaics that will be incorporated in a larger hexagonal sculpture installed on the grounds of Kennedy Heights Art Center.

Join us for an online conversation with the artists on Thursday, April 15th at 7pm to learn about their practices, the project they will lead at KHAC, and how you can be involved.  

Residents of all ages are invited to contribute to HIVE by participating in free ceramic workshops and/or open studio sessions. You will create mini-mosaics representing your unique identities within the micro-system. No experience required. We will be working outside under a tent, and masks are required.

Register now! Participation is free, but space is limited. 

Support for this residency is provided by Ohio Arts Council and Eleanora C. U. Alms Trust, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee.

Artigo at Home

Are you searching for fun – and safe – activities for your family that don’t involve looking at a screen? Does date night seem like a distant memory? Let us deliver custom curated experiences to your door!

Artigo at Home provides all you need for a fun and creative night in. Five themed experiences were designed by local professional artists, drawn from their unique arts practice.

• Dream Weaving by Latausha Cox takes the concept of vision boards to new heights as you build a web of your dreams with fibers, paper and more.
• Mail Art by Lindsey (Sparklezilla) Whittle, inspired by artist Ray Johnson, will have you creating artful collages to mail to friends, neighbors or strangers.
• Create abstract watercolor paintings guided by acclaimed artist, Cedric Michael Cox, with Watercolor Painting Party.
• Metamorph: A Game of Change by The Idea Factory incorporates elements of the absurd and the subconscious into a silly, surrealist parlor game for indoors or out.
• Step out of your comfort zone and try some performance art with prompts and props with Fluxus: Performance and Play, presented by Lindsey (Sparklezilla) Whittle.

Each box contains instructions and materials for a 1-2 hour interactive activity for families, couples or friends to create lasting memories from the comfort of your living room. No prior experience is necessary – just a sense of adventure!

Artigo at Home boxes are $39 – $59 for up to 4 participants. Custom kits for groups up to 10 are available as well. Order online for curbside pick-up at Kennedy Heights Arts Center or select delivery via US mail (for an additional fee).

ORDER NOW

The Legacy Continues

Next month, we honor those who were the original pioneers of a black lives matter movement that reshaped the way society would see and respect people of color.

The Harlem Renaissance was an intellectual, cultural, social, and artistic movement that took place in the 1920s and 1930s following the Great Migration during which thousands of African Americans left the south and moved north. It was marked by a flourishing of art, music and literature that reflected the history and experience of African Americans.

In celebration of Black History Month, Juneteenth Cincinnati is collaborating with Kennedy Heights Arts Center to present a multi-faceted celebration of the Harlem Renaissance from February 27 to March 27, 2021.

A Celebration of the Harlem Renaissance will highlight the artistic and cultural achievements and enduring legacy of this era through an art exhibition, poetry reading, dance and jazz performances. 

Specially designed curriculum for intermediate and high school classrooms will allow local students to interact with the project. Students will learn about the social, cultural and political circumstances which gave rise to the Harlem Renaissance and the influences that inspired the work of the artists, writers, and musicians of the period, and create their own Harlem Renaissance inspired work.

“I want students to understand the positive impact of African Americans in our country, how big the movement was, to know their history and build their self-esteem,” said Juneteenth Cincinnati President Lydia Morgan. “I want this experience to help them recognize their importance and use it to aspire to greater things.”

The centerpiece of the project is an exhibition of commissioned new works by contemporary artists inspired by artists of the Harlem Renaissance.

Reflections of the Harlem Renaissance: the legacy continues, curated by Lex Nycole and Gee Horton, pays homage to the Harlem Renaissance era and how its artistic endeavors have shifted the American cultural, economic and political landscape. 12 contemporary artists have created new works, in their own mediums, in a way that authentically pays tribute to the artists of that era. The exhibition will be on view from February 27 – March 27 in Kennedy Heights Arts Center’s Lindner Gallery at 6620 Montgomery Road, as well as online.

Artists include: Paris Abstract, Asmara, Cedric Michael Cox, FEALART, Cherie Garces, Lance Johnson, Hannah Jones, Prosper Jones, Natasha Quitano, Skye Schaffner, Ike Slimster, and TC Flowers.

“The artistic, literary and musical contributions of Harlem Renaissance artists continue to serve as an inspiration for today’s artists,” remarked co-curator Lex Nycole. “It was a time where holding your tongue was scoffed upon and dwelling in your authenticity became the only elixir for success. An era that has paved an impenetrable path to greatness for anyone who so chooses to follow.”

A Celebration of the Harlem Renaissance will also include a series of free, virtual performances on the four Saturdays in March.

An Evening of Jazz
Premieres March 6 at 7:30 p.m. • Available to stream through March 27
Cincinnati Public Schools jazz faculty and prominent local jazz artists perform music of the Harlem Renaissance. Legendary jazz selections such as Duke Ellington’s Mood Indigo and Caravan and Fats Waller’s Ain’t Misbehavin’ will be performed.

At Home in Harlem hosted by Jennie Wright
March 13 at 7:30 pm
Poet and performer Jennie Wright will host At Home in Harlem, an immersive poetry experience and open mic via Zoom. Local poets will read their work; and adult and teen poets are invited to sign up for a time slot to read during the open mic.

Revolution Dance Theatre | Resilience: Rising to Renaissance
Premieres March 20 at 7:30 p.m. • Available to stream through March 27
Revolution Dance Theatre celebrates the spirit of African American excellence and the legacy of African American resilience in this dance tribute to the Harlem Renaissance. In this spirited work, RDT showcases the incredible artistic contributions made by African Americans against the backdrop of Jim Crow, racial disparity, and inequality in America.

CPS Students Perform Music of the Harlem Renaissance
March 27 at 7:30 pm
The Cincinnati Public Schools Elementary Jazz Orchestra and the Middle School Jazz Orchestra directed by Dr. Isidore Rudnick present a musical tribute to the great Harlem Renaissance musicians Duke Ellington, Fats Waller, and Billie Holiday. The orchestras will be joined by special guest artist, brilliant Louisville saxophonist, Ron Jones.

All performances are free and accessible through the project’s website at www.renaissanceincincy.org. After the release dates, videos of each performance will be available for viewing on demand. Art activities for students and curriculum for teachers are available for free download on the project website, as well.

Join us in the celebration of the Harlem Renaissance, as we pay homage to an era that has undoubtedly changed African American history and culture forever.

Delivering Joy to Seniors

Our first delivery of JOY went out this week.

We could all use some joy right now, huh?

This is especially true for older adults. Due to the increased risk factors COVID-19 poses for older adults, many seniors are staying safe by self-quarantining at home or in senior living communities. Unfortunately, social isolation—while beneficial from a physical health standpoint during the pandemic— has the potential of causing loneliness which can lead to depression, anxiety or other health problems.

So, Kennedy Heights Arts Center and Episcopal Retirement Services (ERS) have teamed up to combat social isolation and deliver joy to our region’s seniors this holiday season—and you can help.

Everyone is invited to create a handmade gift for an older adult in need. For a donation of $45, you can order a Joy Delivery kit including materials and instructions to create a personalized card and a hand-painted mug, soap and dish, or embroidered scarf. Make your items at home, then drop it off at Kennedy Heights Arts Center to be packaged and delivered to a senior living in one of the ERS communities, or give the gift to an elderly neighbor or family member.

This holiday season will look quite different from previous years. With more seniors forced to celebrate the holidays alone, we must find creative ways to stay connected. Art can be a great way to connect with our elders in a personal and uplifting way.

Let’s spread some joy.

Lifting Voices for Racial Justice

Protests this summer have lifted the voices of people seeking justice. Thousands of people have taken to the streets to protest systemic racism and police brutality. Inspired by this, Kennedy Heights Arts Center partnered with Art Beyond Boundaries to provide a platform for Black artists’ voices to be seen and heard through the exhibition UPRISING.

Spaced throughout the grounds of the Arts Center are works by 10 Black Cincinnati artists: Cherie Garces, Melvin Grier, Terence Hammonds, Gee Horton, Hannah Jones, Jimi Jones, Cynthia Lockhart, Ricci Michaels, Thom Shaw and Gilbert Young. Each use the power of art to illuminate and tackle issues of racial justice and boldly advocate for change.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and to increase the accessibility of this exhibit, the artwork was printed large-scale and installed outdoors to be viewed as a drive-through experience, or to be explored on foot.

UPRISING is on view now until November 28th and is generously sponsored by The George and Margaret McLane Foundation, ArtsWave, and FotoFocus.

Thank you to filmmaker Biz Young and FotoFocus for produced this video!

Image above by Will Jones Photo

Our Commitment to our Community

We’ve been asking ourselves what our organization can do to take meaningful action in response to this moment of uprising against racist violence. You may be asking that too.

Like many of you, we are outraged at the senseless killing of George Floyd – and Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and the countless black people before them who have lost their lives in racist acts. The pain and trauma that black people are experiencing every day in our city and across our nation is real.

We see you. We hear you. We stand with you.

Since its founding 16 years ago by local residents, Kennedy Heights Arts Center has striven to be a place where all are welcome, seen and valued. We are proud to be part of an intentionally integrated neighborhood and to engage with a wonderfully diverse community.

Yet, we are all too aware of the multi-hundred year legacy of white supremacy and systemic racism in our country, and how institutions like ours have been complicit in that system of oppression. We have to be willing to do the hard work to put an end to racism, to brutality, to inequities.

We stand firmly opposed to all forms of racism and injustice, and move forward with purpose to create a more equitable future.

These are some of the immediate and longer-term actions we are taking to advance racial justice, both externally with our community and internally with our team.

• We are pausing other projects to make space for discerning our vision and to amplify the voices and messages our community needs to hear, at this critical time.
• We hold space for dialogue, particularly elevating the voices of young people in our community. We are partnering with Elementz and Tellus Zine to host conversations and creative expression with teens about what justice looks like to them–providing a safe space to share their feelings and experiences, expand understanding, and envision actionable steps they and we can take to create change.
• We believe in the powerful role that art can play in affecting social change. We hold space for diverse voices, perspectives and stories through the creation and presentation of art. In the near future, we are collaborating with Art Beyond Boundaries to host an exhibition of work by African American artists speaking out against injustice. Going forward, we commit to collaborate with more artists of color.
• We pledge our commitment to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion and access at all levels of our organization. Kennedy Heights Arts Center is joining with 54 arts and culture organizations across the globe in the OF/BY/FOR ALL Change Network. In the coming year and beyond, our board and staff will be listening deeply and engaging with diverse community members to carry out the important work of transforming the way we work to be truly of, by and for our community.

We know these actions are a small piece of what is needed. We are equally committed to engaging in this conversation with all of you and finding ways to create more value. We welcome your input, ideas and involvement. If you would like to contribute to any of these initiatives or suggest others, please contact us.

We have hope that, together, we can bring forth much needed tides of change.

Sincerely,