Exhibition Types: Current Season Lindner Gallery

Déjà Vu: Creativity Repeats Itself

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.

Empowering the Presence of Kuumba: Celebrating Ohio History Through African American Fiber Art

Empowering the Presence of Kuumba 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.

Local Talent 2024

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!

Exhibiting Artists TBD.

Image: (Local Talent 2023) Pat Eastin poses with her photograph titled Landon Finds Some Buckeyes for the First Time