We took an adventure around Cincinnati to explore some of the many sculptures that are featured outside throughout the area and had a magical time engaging with these works of art! All of them are free to take a look at and are very pleasant places to visit! Most of them are interactive experiences and others stand so tall you have to take a step back to view them. From along the riverside to surrounding neighborhoods, Cincinnati has a lot of sculptures to discover and enjoy! Here are a few of our favorites!
The Crystal Garden
On the University of Cincinnati’s eastern side of campus, you can find yourself casually coming across a garden of large geometric crystal formations that are shooting out from the ground! These fragmented structures have tunnels that you can walk through and give a sense of what it’s like being inside of a crystal gemstone. Look up and around to admire lines, angles, shapes, and colors that collide together in perfect harmony. These giant crystal sculptures are made out of a variety of materials which are fascinating and fitting for the connection of fine art and architecture. The enchanting quality they have is mesmerizing to say the least! Crystal Garden was created by artist Dennis Oppenheim and the university has many other impressive sculptures in different spaces indoor and outdoor on campus. https://magazine.uc.edu/issues/0714/ArtSculpture.html
Cincinnati Art Museum Art Climb
The Cincinnati Art Museum is always our go-to place to experience art in all its glory and now that they have stairs called the Art Climb you can get a little exercise in while seeing some amazing outdoor sculptures! Starting from the bottom of the stairs is the piece LBD Duty Free by Chakaia Booker, as you make your way up the staircase you see another sculpture called, Cube ’97 by Tony Rosenthal, then when you make it to the top you’re greeted by the stunning piece, Skybound by Barton Rubenstein! All of this is nestled up the hill of the main entrance to Eden Park and leads you to the Museum. https://www.cincinnatiartmuseum.org/visit/art-climb/
International Friendship Park
This lovely park has so much to offer for recreation but also features a number of awesome sculptures in a beautiful setting along the Ohio River. While walking the educational pathway you will see the incredible mirror structure called, Castle of Air by Artist, Architect: Peter Haimerl. Stand outside of it and take in the reflection of the sky and trees. Notice the way the sculpture mimics nature then walk inside the structure to look at your own reflection in different positions! As you walk further down you will find the Seven Vessels Ascending/Descending by David Nash overlooking the river. Then once you reach the end of the park you will discover the massive Crystalline Tower sculpture by Susan Ewing that is truly out of this world and a sight to see! https://www.cincinnatiparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Ted-Berry-Brochure_ADA.pdf
CampSITE Sculpture Park
This social sculpture park features a range of different art and artist throughout its indoor and outdoor space. When visiting this collective and inclusive environment you will be in a state of wonderment by the murals on the walls, sculptures in the grass, and the installations coming off the buildings! One of the most incredible parts about this place is that it is continuing to cultivate opportunities for creative expression in new ways each and every day! CampSITE has many events for everyone to participate in, making it the perfect place to experience creativity coming to life in the community! They even have live music in the park, on Wednesday nights in June, where you can listen to jazz music and hang out by their cozy campfire! A recurring event they have is their Second Saturday Markets that are every second Saturday from 12-4pm from May – October. The Art Academy of Cincinnati currently has their playful duct tape sculptures on display there that you can interact with and transcend to a whimsical state of mind. Another event that they have coming up is a micro creative arts festival called, CampSITE Social Art: An Abstract Junction, that will take place on Sunday, June 6, 5-9pm. This Social Art Event is a grassroots opportunity for creatives to showcase what they do and connect with the community in meaningful and expressive ways! There will be live music, interactive art, a variety of vendors, activities for all ages, a kid’s craft area, live painting, local food, and so much more!
See you there Cincinnati!
http://campsitesculpturepark.com/
Written By: Christen Collins
