From September 2023 through January 2024, multi-disciplinary artist Erika NJ Allen conducted a series of workshops with community members, with each month focusing on a particular theme: empathy, unity, equity, and diversity. Erika is the latest recipient of the Vibrancy Fellowship at the Kennedy Heights Arts Center, a program designed to empower emerging artists to take risks and explore new creative challenges while deeply engaging with the community.

Erika’s journey is one marked by creativity and resilience, and her story is a testament to the transformative power of art. The monthly workshop themes hold a mirror to the community and society at large, offering participants an opportunity to engage deeply with these concepts through artistic expression. Erika believes that art can instigate curiosity, nurture kinship, and expand knowledge, and these workshops are a testament to that belief.

This exhibition features the ceramic works from all the workshop participants, as well as a body of work created by Erika NJ Allen during her five-month Vibrancy Fellowship.

Join us for the Opening Reception on Saturday, February 10 from 6-8 pm including a brief discussion with Erika and participants at 6:30 pm.

Supported by a grant from The National Endowment for the Arts

Each year, Kennedy Heights Arts Center celebrates our talented students with an exhibition featuring original artwork in all media created by the youth and adult students enrolled in KHAC classes.
This show presents a wide range of works in fiber art, painting, collage, ceramics, and more, and is sure to inspire artists of all ages!

Join us in celebrating everyone’s creativity at the opening reception on Saturday, March 23 from 5-7pm. Free, open to the public, light refreshments served.

Exhibiting Artists are youth, teen, and adult students who have taken classes here at Kennedy Heights Arts Center.

Image: Diane Johannigman, Apartment City, Mix Media, The Art of Collage, Karen Saunders

In a world marked by struggle and injustice, Hearts of Liberation: A Celebration of Radical Black Love as Collective Care emerges as a beacon of hope—a testament to the unwavering power of love, resilience, and community. This group exhibition, curated by Cincinnati artist Asha the Artist, delves into the profound concept of Radical Black Love as a driving force behind the ongoing movement for Black liberation. Through a curated collective of artworks gleaned from a public open call and special invitations, this show explores how the richness of Black love, fueled by collective care and activism, has shaped the past, informs the present, and propels us toward a more just and equitable future.

This exhibition traces the evolution of Radical Black Love from its historical roots to the present day. It celebrates the activists, organizers, and everyday heroes who have embodied this love and demonstrates how it has sustained and empowered communities through generations. Each piece of art contributes to weaving a narrative of hope, resilience, and solidarity, and celebrates love as a communal force for transformation.

Exhibiting Artists: Zuri Ali, Nytaya Babbitt, Ron Blassingame, Michael Coppage, Asa Featherstone IV, Angela Franklin, (Naj) Janice Frierson –Edwards, Terence Hammonds, Magnus Juliano, Faith Lewis, LaRenda Nelms, Mark Rozic, Joi Sears, Kimberly Wilfong Sigman, Ryene Smith

Join us in celebrating the Opening Reception on Saturday, May 4 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. Free, open to the public, light refreshments served, live DJ.

Curator Talk: Saturday, June 1 at 1:00pm

Image: Ron Blassingame, Connected, 35mm film photography 

Curated by Saad Ghosn of SOS ART, Printed Voices from India: Social and Cultural Reflections features 210 prints by 97 contemporary printmakers from India. These artists use artwork as their voice and communication tool to reflect on the cultural and social issues they face. 

Opening Reception: Saturday, July 6 from 6-8 pm. Meet visiting artists Anant and Shilpa Nikam, featured in this exhibition. Light refreshments and live music.

Indian Cultural Festival: Saturday, August 10 from 12-6 pm. Experience Indian culture through music, dance, food, poetry, and art! Curator Saad Ghosn will also be giving guided tours of the exhibition.

Image: (LEFT) Kumar Misal, Lakshmi I, etching; 12×9.5”, 2023 | (RIGHT) Priyanka Makhijani, Untitled, lithograph; 12×8.25”

Additional prints by 50 emerging artists from India will be on view from July 5 – August 18 at Off Ludlow Gallery, 3408 Ormond Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45220. 

Off Ludlow Gallery – Opening Reception: Friday, July 5 from 5-8 pm

Off Ludlow Gallery – Guided Curator Tour: Saturday, July 13 from 3-5 pm

Off Ludlow Gallery – Hours: Fridays 5-8 pm, Saturdays & Sundays from 2-5 pm

Gee Horton: Chapter 2, A Subtle Farewell to the Inner Child, Horton’s second solo exhibition, delves into the artist’s exploration of the inner child. Weaving personal narratives and collective experiences, this exhibition invites visitors to embark on profound voyages of healing and self-discovery. This exhibition is part of the 2024 FotoFocus Biennial: backstories.

Inspired by a soul-stirring pilgrimage to Senegal, West Africa, Horton’s odyssey commences with a “spiritual cowrie shell reading,” unveiling his father’s ailing health. This revelation sparks a cathartic quest, enabling Horton to confront childhood traumas and mend fractured bonds.

Juxtaposing the artist’s individual odyssey is the collective narrative of six middle-aged African American men, each intimately connected to Horton and his formative years. Hailing from Louisville, Kentucky and various corners of Ohio, these men share parallel journeys of resilience, redemption, and renewal.

Through employing “The Baobab Project,” a multifaceted artistic endeavor integrating photography, collage, and mixed media, Horton explores the nuanced experiences of Black men transitioning from youth to adulthood. Conceptually grounded in majestic African Baobab trees, symbolizing resilience and communal strength, the exhibition draws poignant parallels to the modern-day Barbershop—an emblematic space of camaraderie and empowerment within Black communities.

Horton’s exhibition offers a multi-dimensional exploration of black masculinity and the human spirit with installations and artworks that facilitate dialogue on blackness, identity, and the enduring power of healing. Through photography, drawings, collage, and videography — a dynamic short film in collaboration with filmmaker Shay Nartker — Horton crafts an intimate, immersive experience for viewers to reflect, connect, and discover beauty in the journey of self-discovery and resilience.

Opening Reception: Saturday, September 7 from 6-8pm. Light refreshments, music by DJ DNasti

Artist Talk: Sunday, September 22 from 2-4pm. Artist Talk with Gee Horton, facilitated by Phyllis Jeffers-Coly of Diasporic Soul.

Film Screening, Artist Talk, & Closing Reception: Saturday, November 2. Join us in the KHAC Lindner Annex (located at 6620 Montgomery Road) for the screening of the 9 minute short film created by Gee Horton and Shay Nartker starting promptly at 1:00pm. Immediately following the film will be a short Artist Talk with Gee Horton & Shay Nartker.

Listen to the Cincinnati Edition interview by Lucy May with Gee Horton and Phyllis Jeffers-Coly.

Image: Gee Horton, The Watcher, SX-70 Polaroid Film, 2022, 4 1/4″ x 3 1/2″

Support for this 2024 FotoFocus Biennial exhibition was provided in part by FotoFocus.

Additional support was provided by George & Margaret McClane Foundation, Ohio Arts Council, ArtsWave, Habitat for Humanity Greater Cincinnati, Kintimit, and Diasporic Soul.

Kennedy Collective members are proud to present their annual show for 2024, exhibiting new and previously unseen works in all media by local artists – including painting, collage, sculpture, ceramics, photography, fiber art, and more! Many of the works are available for sale.

The exhibition also features Off the Wall: a collection of smaller works for $50 each with half the proceeds going to support Kennedy Heights Arts Center.

Join us for an exciting Artist Talk with exhibiting Collective members on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 1-3pm. Free, open to the public, light refreshments.

Exhibiting Artists: Susan Carlson, Lynn Conaway, Michael Conaway, Mallory Feltz, Phyllis Foster, Samantha Gaier, Cherie Garces, Diane Germaine, Sue Griebling, Heather Haley, Donna Hardy, William Jones, Janice Kagermeier,
Deb Kovacs-Sturdevant, William Linthicum, Angela Mascolino, Delores Massey Thomas, Laura Porter, Grace Severyn, Kimberly Wilfong Sigman, TJ Smith, Stacey Torres

Do your holiday shopping at our Art Shop & Holiday Art Market, with handmade goods by over 60 local artists.

Image: Image design by Thomas Kinsel

Juneteenth Cincinnati presents Déjà vu: Creativity Repeats Itself, a visual art exhibition of commissioned new works by 10 local Cincinnati artists. Co-curated by Brandon and Ewaniki Hawkins (Soul Palette), this exhibit pairs five youth/young adult artists with five seasoned/elder artists to symbolize how the past shapes the future – reflecting on and giving reverence to how we always look back to remember our history and show love to the ones who came before us, as we gather our strength again and again to sustain and forge a greater future. The veteran artists and youth artists will represent five different forms of art, with each pair “mirroring” their selected art form. The similarities and differences in the works will highlight each artist’s unique “voice of freedom,” examining what is lending or contributing to their ideals and values and how society or generation enhances or distorts their perspectives or values.

Exhibiting Artists: Jonte Bartleson, Quinn Battiste, Alpha Frierson, Ryan Nichole Leary, Cynthia Lockhart,  Addison Maxberry, Madison Scruggs, Ryene Smith, Kailah Ware, Frank D. Young

Join us for the Opening Reception on Saturday, February 3 from 6 – 8pm. Free, open to the public, live music and light refreshments.

An Artist Panel Discussion will take place on Saturday, February 17 from 3 – 4:30pm. Free, open to the public, light refreshments served.

The exhibition is the centerpiece of the 4th Annual Voices of Freedom presented by Juneteenth Cincinnati, a visual and performing arts series examining Black history from a contemporary perspective and celebrating Black art and expression. 

Voices of Freedom will also feature a series of three performances in March, featuring dance, spoken word and music. While the exhibition is free and open to the public, tickets are required for each of the performances. More details and ticket links coming soon on our website: www.kennedyarts.org

Saturday, March 2 – Cincy Poetry Night
Hosted by MoPoetry Phillips of Regal Rhythms Poetry. This will be an epic night of poetry, musical entertainment and community featuring the HeartSounds Band, Zinnia Stewart, Jacqueline Johnson-Wilkinson “Gifted”, SoL, Kiyah Dean, and more.

Saturday, March 16 – Our Connection is Africa
Cincy Brazil Samba Dance performance shares a world of African roots demonstrating the diaspora through its perspective and experience.

Saturday, March 23 – I Dream of Me
Collaboration of Revolution Dance Theatre and David Choate Productions, supported by the United Way of Creative Cincinnati. Students of Academy of World Languages had the opportunity to learn choreography from the production “I Dream of Me.” Kids will display some of the same steps that the dancers performed in the show.

In honor of our 20th anniversary, this group show features diverse works by 20 talented artists (of the many!) who have helped shape Kennedy Heights Arts Center over the years. Collaboration with local artists has been pivotal to the success of the Arts Center’s mission, growth and impact. Whether it be curating, teaching, outreach programming, jurying, creating public artworks, and/or volunteering their time and talents over the years, these artists have been crucial to shaping and supporting Kennedy Heights Arts Center.

Exhibiting Artists: Gordon Baer (d. 2019), Jymi Bolden, Mindy Burger, Susan Byrnes, Lynn Conaway, Michael Conaway, Cedric Michael Cox, Latausha Cox, Billie Cunningham, Mallory Feltz, Saad Ghosn, Melvin Grier, Robin Hartmann, William Jones, Michael Keating, Karen Linser, Paul Loehle, Adoria Maxberry, Casey Riordan, Carole Gary Staples

Limited Edition Plates Set Artists: Erika NJ Allen, April Cooper, Lynne Gibb, Beth Goldstein, Terence Hammonds, Sage Hummel, Kate Kern, Pam Kravetz, Karen Saunders, Brenda Tarbell

Image: Mindy Burger, The Art Center, Collage, 20×16″, 2024

Exhibition Sponsor: The Clyde N Day Foundation

Empowering the Presence of Kuumba: Celebrating Ohio History Through African American Fiber Art showcases a diverse range of fiber artworks, including quilts, woven pieces, and mixed-media installations. Each piece not only demonstrates the technical prowess and innovative spirit of the artists but also honors the rich history and cultural heritage of Ohio and its African American community. “We are honored to present this collection of work that highlights the contributions of the Kuumba Quilters,” said Monica Scott, Kuumba quilter. “This exhibition not only celebrates our artistry but also amplifies the stories and heritage of Ohio and its African American natives, which we are passionately preserving and sharing through our craft.” The exhibit will show artwork with themes ranging from the Underground Railroad to famous women from Ohio and the Kuumba Playlist, a celebration of Ohio musicians.

The Kuumba Quilters are a distinguished group of African American fiber artists dedicated to the art of quilting. Their mission is to preserve and promote the rich heritage of quilting within the African American community, while also fostering innovation and contemporary expressions in fiber art. Kuumba Quilters was started in 2020 as a way for local fiber artists to connect and support one another by demonstrating different techniques, providing feedback on one another’s work and celebrating us. As the COVID-19 pandemic forced us all into our homes, we began to meet via video conferencing and was able to spread our membership across the miles. Now artist from Rhode Island to Iowa and from Ohio to Mississippi have become members of this art group. This will be the group’s 3rd art exhibit and the second at the Kennedy Arts Center.

Featured Artists from Kuumba Quilters:
• Cynthia Caitlin– Known for her intricate quilting techniques that blend traditional patterns with contemporary themes
• Renee Wormack-Keels – An artist whose work explores themes of ancestry and resilience.
• Veronica Mays – Known for her depiction of the African-American experience
• Valerie Poitier– An innovative fiber artist combining textiles to create thought-provoking installations.
• Stefanie Rivers – Celebrated for his dynamic use of color in large-scale work.
• Monica Scott – An up and coming fiber artist that integrates hand quilting into her work.
• Carole G. Staples – Celebrated for her diverse artworks including images of African American women, shields and masks.
• Marvin Whistler – Creator of smaller works that integrate theme and color in his art.

This group, named for “Kuumba” the sixth principle of Kwanzaa that celebrates creativity as a way to build and preserve a strong and vibrant community, and includes members from all across America and still continues to evolve and grow. Its members are a true hybrid of new and experienced artists, men and women, and those that have exhibited all over the country and other who have yet to exhibit.

The Kuumba Quilters had their first group exhibit at KHAC in 2021.

Curated by Carole Gary Staples, member artist

Image: “How We Got Here” by Monica Scott. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Talented artists are all around us! View a variety of diverse artworks created by residents of Kennedy Heights, Pleasant Ridge, Silverton, and Amberley Village in Local Talent 2024. Celebrate the immense creativity that we have right here in our neighborhoods – our local talent!

Opening Reception: Saturday, October 26 from 6 – 8 pm

Image: “Blue Hawk” by Keegan Myers, acrylic on canvas