Art at Ziegler Park

Artwork by: Dai Williams

Photo by: Christen Collins

In Over-the-Rhine is a wonderful city park that offers a ton of things to do and see! The park is split into two different sections on the east and west sides of Sycamore Street. This unique space is just over 4 aches and is a great place to take your family for some fun on the playground or in the pool! There is a wide-open field that features movies and a variety of workout opportunities to attend, like hot yoga. They have creative events like “Pop Up Play” hosted by the Cincinnati Public Library with games, neat adventures, and craft making! Not only is it a beautiful environment to enjoy but it also has a nice collection of incredible artworks by local artists!

zieglerpark.org

instagram.com/zieglerparkotr

Artwork by: Dai Williams aka Soft Ghost

Photos by: Christen Collins

From the walking trail on the west end of the park take the route down a set of colorful stairs with the cutest little ghost worm images along the sides painted by the Printmaker and Street Artist, Dai Williams, also known as Soft Ghost. They completely transformed a regular staircase into a delightful transition of hues and quirky figures that make your heart and feet a little lighter as you walk up, down, or past them from the street.

dwilliams55.wixsite.com/s0ftgh0st

instagram.com/s0ftgh0st

Artwork by: Rebekah Del Matto

Photos by: Christen Collins

Across the street to the east end of the park are several murals on walls and on the ground, some are even interactive! First up are pleasant paintings in the restrooms by Rebekah Del Matto, also known as the Cincy Wallflower. Shortly after she beautified the bathrooms, she was commissioned to create a piece in the new bar and restaurant, Yoli’s Pool House that just opened and is perfectly placed in the park. Rebekah is your go to artist for custom murals and has awesome work popping up all over town!

thecincywallflower.com

instagram.com/cincywallflower/

instagram.com/yolispoolhouse

Artwork by: Antevin Brown Artwork by: Annie Ruth

Photo by: Christen Collins Photo by: Christen Collins

Around the corner is a pathway to a super cool mural by Artist Antevin Brown on the ground that kids can play on together and has an encouraging message that says, “Be Creative”. There is a second mural by Artist Annie Ruth that features a tic-tac-toe game. Both murals inspire everyone to use their imagination and have fun while doing it!

https://totallyexclusivevisualdesigns.com/collections/all/hoodie-sweatshirt

instagram.com/tev_ddatsme

https://www.facebook.com/whoisannieruth

Artwork by: Denise Burge

Photo by: Christen Collins

In Bland Alley nearby is another mural with an influential message that says, “The first step out of oppression is expression. This piece was made by Denise Burge in collaboration with ArtWorks in a series called, “New Lines” which was to shift perspectives on the power of art.

https://www.instagram.com/deniseburge63/?hl=en

Artwork by: Adoria Maxberry

Photos by: Christen Collins

Next up is a new piece that people can color in with chalk like a coloring book! The mural is on the street and was created by Artist Adoria Maxberry, in partnership with Black Art Speaks. The huge mural extends between buildings going from the black and white fill in section to vibrant colors leading to Main Street.

instagram.com/themrsmaxberry

https://www.mostoutgrowing.com

Artwork by: Em Sites- Karns Artwork by: Lyndon Probst

Photos by :Christen Collins. Photos by :Christen Collins

On the walls of the surrounding buildings and business are more mural to check out and all have there own unique style! In the alley on Collective Espresso is “Slow Down” by Em Sites-Karns and across the street is the polka dot painting by Lyndon Probst. In addition at two other murals near Main street. On one side is a mural of two young children by Brent Billingsley and on the other side is a mural called “Dreams, Art, and Success”, by KéMonté Figgs aka K.J. Figgs.

https://www.collectiveespresso.com

https://www.instagram.com/electric.lady.em/?hl=en

https://www.instagram.com/lyndonprobst/

https://lyndonprobst.com

https://www.brentbillingsley.com/detailed-shots-of-murals

@kjfiggstheartist

Artwork by: Brent Billingsley Artwork by: KéMonté Figgs aka K.J. Figgs.

Photos by: Christen Collins

The Know Theatre an “Artists Playground”

The Know Theatre is one of the best places to see amazing shows and get involved in the performing arts community in Cincinnati for people of all ages. They’re also recognized for the featured murals on and near their building. So next time you’re going to an event at the theater or just in the area, take a walk around to discover several incredible wall pieces that are perfect to take pictures of or with!

“Our goal is to create an artistic playground where artists and audiences can come together to produce and experience work that could not be done anywhere else.” – The Know Theatre

The theater is located in OTR at 1120 Jackson Street, down a block from the Art Academy of Cincinnati. On the AAC building and in nearby parking lots there are more murals that are just steps away!

“We want to create a community that includes artists and audience, volunteers, and staff, as well as random passersby who just stop in to say “hello.” – The Know Theatre

Photos by: Christen Collins

Right across from the Academy are two murals in the parking lot of the theater that are delightful to experience and promote positivity. The first is known as “Lookin Good” by XYLENE and is painted on the wall of the Know Theatre. This giant painting looks like a glowing neon sign and has an awesome message for everyone to enjoy and feel good about!

Photos by: Christen Collins

The second mural is brought to life for the public by ArtWorks and their team of creatives titled, “Ice Cream Daydream” which is a colorful look into the wonderful world of imagination. It’s cute, it’s quirk, and will surely make you smile!

“This fantastical mural brings youthful energy and vibrancy to the district of Over-the-Rhine.”

-ArtWorks

Photo by: Christen Collins

On the other side of the building is another parking lot between Jackson and Walnut Street with more huge murals. These works of art are two separate murals that you can’t miss! One of the murals is a huge happy cat called, “Crazy Cat, Crazy Quilt”, that was also made by ArtWorks. This piece is inspired by the great Edie Harper who attended the Art Academy of Cincinnati when it was in Eden Park at the Cincinnati Art Museum.

“Sometimes an idea is triggered by a title and its fun-potential.”

Edie Harper

Charley Harper Art Studio

On the south side wall of the theater is a stellar mural that has a surrealist vibe that sends Cincinnati into a dimension that is wacky and wild! XYLENE creates an alternative universe where aliens have taken over the city! Spend some time scanning over the painting searching for some of the local wonders and landmarks that appear throughout the piece.

The Know Theatre is currently playing the sci-fi – dark- comedy, “Sleeping Giant” and is one of the venues for the Cincy Fringe Festival every year. For more information on their latest showings and events check out their website and follow them on social media to stay up to date on all the exciting new things that are happening in the creative community!

Creative Events in Cincy Parks

The Queen City is known for hosting some of the best events that bring people together to have fun and enjoy all the wonderful things that this area has to offer. The surrounding neighborhoods put on a variety of events as well that are family friendly and for people of all ages. Whether you live here or are just visiting, without a doubt you’ll always find something new to check out and get involved in.

Through the Cincinnati Parks Department you can find endless information on awesome events that are outdoors. The beautiful parks offer events like movie nights, themed festivals, markets, concerts and more! Making it the perfect opportunity to explore new things this summer!

https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/cincyparks/

Rockin’ The Roebling
Every Thursday on the lawn near the Roebling Bridge at Smale Park is live music with refreshments and food vendors from 6pm – 10pm. The event is free to get in and is great for the entire family to visit the park with the incredible view of the Ohio River. There are activities and designated playgrounds for the kiddos to be entertained while listening to music in the background.

https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/cincyparks/visit-a-park/parks-events-calendar/rockin-the-roebling1/

Free Movies
On the lawn at Ziegler Park next to the old School of Performing Arts School that’s now apartments are free movie showings every Wednesday night that start at 9pm. This Summer Cinema series was originally at Washington Park but recently relocated. Both parks have lots of events to choose from and are within walking distance from each other. Ziegler Park extends across the street where there is a nice playground and pool to swim in. Make an entire day out of visiting these parks and finish the night with a good movie!
https://zieglerpark.org/series/cinema/

Story Walks
Spend your mornings in the alluring California Woods taking magical walks with stories of fairies in the forest! Through the the months of June and July from 7am – 8am enjoy hiking and reading while exploring the woods of wonder.

https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/cincyparks/visit-a-park/parks-events-calendar/story-walk-stella-fairy-of-the-forest/

Jazz Music
Each night on Mondays you can catch live jazz music by incredible local musicians in Washington Park right by the magnificent Music Hall! The event is free and located on the Park Porch where there is a bar with craft beers and wine.
https://washingtonpark.org/series/jazz-at-the-park-2/

Play in the Park
At the Kennedy Heights Park are amazing performances by local musicians and actors that are
interactive a great alternative art program to get involved in! This event is on Wednesdays from 6:30pm – 8pm through June and July.
https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/cincyparks/visit-a-park/parks-events-calendar/play-in-the-park/

These are just a few of the awesome events that are held in the many outstanding parks of Cincinnati, so stay tuned for more to come and don’t miss out on them all!

Written by: Christen Collins

Murals of The Cincy Wallflower

Artwork & Photos by: Rebekah Del Matto

Throughout the Queen City area there are over 30 charming murals made by Rebekah Del Matto also known as The Cincy Wallflower. She is a local Muralist for hire that will amaze you with how she can transform any space that you have into a work of art! Her murals add incredible visual elements that can be created on just about any surface and at any location. Many of her pieces are lovely accent walls in homes, businesses, and now in parks!

@cincywallflower

“I love so much about what I do. I have always
been in customer service and went to DAAP for Fine Arts. I think in a way it’s combining the two skills I’ve worked on the most. Being a custom mural artist you have to be flexible to work with so many different people and really enjoy the hands-on part of installing the mural. I love working with each client in tweaking my style to fit theirs. Sometimes you get lucky in getting a job where you have full creative freedom but a lot of it is learning about the person’s style/business and making sure it suits their wants/needs. I love when I make something I’m excited about but that the client is even more.”

Rebekah is always gracious to share insights about her experiences as The Cincy Wallflower. We had the pleasure of getting more familiar with everything that she does by asking her a few questions about her creative pursuits. She graciously provided us with fantastic details to her collaborations that brought new meaning to the positive
influence that Art can make on an environment and the community. There are endless opportunities to be enchanted by The Cincy Wallflower paintings and the list of locations that the public can view her murals is growing rapidly.

“I have been honored to work in some awesome locations in Cincy/Northern Kentucky. You can see my work at Arnold’s Bar & Grill, UGO Gelato, Lunar Beauty Bar, Goose & Elder, Washington Park, Ziegler Park, Madtree Alcove, Bomb Cat Salon, Garden Grove Organics, and a handful of new locations that are soon to be open!”

Take a journey exploring these amazing places to see the diversity among the different styles of murals that Rebekah specializes in. There isn’t any idea too far out there that this talented artist won’t entertain to create!

“I view each project as a victory and
challenge and when they are complete
you can’t help but feel a little proud.
The two murals that make me feel
most proud would be the one located
at UGO Gelato and a mural I painted
for a local Airbnb. The Airbnb mural is
a project that I feel represents how my
art career has been connected and
grown. It’s a golden mustard backdrop
with smaller floral and illustrated
elements that created a wallpaper
effect. I have always been obsessed
with wallpaper and I think that’s where
my obsession with murals came from. I
love pieces that use the color and style
of the space to elevate and unite the
room.

UGO gelato is a mural displaying Sicily’s famous prickly pear. It was such a fun way to stick to my ‘color- blocking’ style but at a slightly smaller scale to add depth and detail. This mural is the one that is most often re-posted. It’s so much fun to see others enjoying the art and really see how art can be used to excite others and also bring attention to the business.”

At Arnold’s Bar and Grill are themed wall paintings that are inspired by the fascinating history and aesthetics of the restaurant. The murals reference the past and interpret the imagery in contemporary ways that are delightful to look at and fun to take selfies with!” Their Chef, Kayla Robison was one of the first people to commission The Cincy Wallflower to create a piece specific to what she loves to do for a living in her personal kitchen that she does a lot of cooking in! Kayla often films how to shows in her kitchen and you can catch a glimpse of the custom made mural.
http://www.arnoldsbarandgrill.com

@arnolds_cincinnati
@commandernbeef

“The first mural I ever painted was for a
friend/coworker Kayla Robison and it
was in her kitchen at home. Since she is
a chef in the city she wanted a food
inspired mural to be the backdrop to her
cooking segments she films in her
kitchen. She had full confidence in me
and actually gave me freedom in how I
executed her vision. To be technical it
wasn’t actually painted with a brush but
was created with paint markers since it
was an intricate wall of illustrations
displaying various vegetables. This
illustration style has popped up in a
handful of other murals I have done and
was such a fun starting point in my
creative path as a muralist.”

Artwork by: Rebekah Del Matto
Photo by: Kayla Robinson
Model: Luna Robinson

For each mural The Cincy Wallflower goes over concepts with you to bring the perfect design ideas to life for any desired destination! She goes through the entire process with you from start to finish to ensure that the outcome is exactly how you envisioned it to be.

“I think working in nurseries and playrooms is so much fun! Especially if it’s for a first time mother. One nursery I painted was for a couple that I met from bartending. When they found out that they were pregnant they reached out and wanted an arch of flowers around their crib. It was so sweet to have a full circle of friendship and go from being regulars at the bar to getting to work with them in creating a sentimental mural for their next step in becoming parents. We worked together to create a color floral piece and got to add a couple of Iris’ to represent her grandmother’s favorite flower.”

Her website is extremely user friendly and very easy to navigate through. On her site will discover some of her fabulous pieces in her online gallery to get inspiration and maybe even start planning a mural as a gift for Mothers Day coming up!

https://www.thecincywallflower.com
Written by: Christen Collins
Art and Photos by Rebekah Del Matto

The Art of Shopping

Cincinnati has many wonderful artisan shops and boutiques throughout the area that feature unique handcrafted pieces that are decorative and functional. Support local artists and small businesses by shopping at thoughtfully crafted stores that highlight creativity in the community.

P eddler’s Mall

This impressive store is the perfect place to take a step into nostalgia with its wide variety of items that make you feel like you’re on an adventure discovering rare and beautiful pieces that are from the past.

“Whether you are looking for retro clothing, repurposed furniture, antique decor, vintage memorabilia… Peddlers Mall has it all, y’all.”

Enchanted Moments

Explore everything that magic and mystery have to offer with this metaphysical gift shop that offers educational workshops located in downtown Milford!

“We are more than just a brick-and-mortar gift shop. We are a community of like-minded individuals sharing our collective gifts and experiences with our growing family. We have a shared belief centered around the natural world and the Divine Feminine. We know that everyone has their own path to enlightenment, and we welcome and encourage individuals from all paths of lives.”

Lucky Cat Museum and Gift Shop

Make an appointment to visit this delightful Japanese influenced gallery and store in the Essex Studios.

“Why? Because cats. That’s why.”

Indigo Hippo

This creative gem is an amazing nonprofit that sells artwork and secondhand art supplies that is affordable. You can find all the materials you need for your next project at this influential store in the art district of OTR on Main St.

“We aim to make creativity accessible to everyone by offering creative materials to the community with pay-what-you-can pricing.”

Jet Black Vintage

Sustainable fashion has been elevated to a new meaning with the way Jet Black Vintage curates the looks they put together to create a clothing line that’s a vibe.

“Exploring our connection to fashion and comfort.”

https://www.everythingcincy.com/listings/jet-black-vintage-shopping-cincinnati-oh

Little Mahatma

“The Little Great One” is a mesmerizing international that sells one-of-a-kind pieces and artifacts from all around the world. Each item tells a story and gives insight to different places and customs. Located near Washington Park, the Art Academy of Cincinnati, and tons of restaurants and shops to enjoy.

Kismet

Kismet is a travel inspired retail store that celebrates the life on earth. This whimsical boutique is nestled in O’Bryonville in addition to other locations throughout Ohio.

“Our vision is to bring locally sourced and worldly inspired products to our community through a unique shopping experience.”

Align Retro Furniture

This funky furniture store is a fabulous spot to check out vintage and local inspired pieces that have a modern flair. They are partnered with Urban Timber Cincinnati and even offer design consulting for the space you’d like to style. Located right down the street from the famous Arnold’s Bar and Grill, which is known for showcasing creatives of all kinds.

Vada Gallery

This special gallery makes an incredible effort to support and uplift the creative community. They are collaborating with local artists to sell and showcase their work in a welcoming environment. The owners are a friendly and enthusiastic family that is embracing and sharing their love for art and people.

“Let us connect you to local artists to bring the magic of the arts to you.”

Hail

If you’re looking for something quirky and a little out of this world you should go to this fascinating oddities and record store located in the historical Mainstrasse Village in Covington, Ky. The shop is humorous and educational, you’ll be sure to laugh and discover something new each and every time.

“You just gotta hop over the river and you’ll be right here! Don’t worry. We heard you’re big jumper.”

Article & Photos by:
@christencc

The Art of Hospitality

In the center of Cincinnati is a creative hotel that redefines the meaning of hospitality and elevates the way you experience art and travel in the city. 21c Museum Hotel is a historic landmark that has been revitalized with delicate care and detail that translates an appreciation for the past. While contributing to contemporary perceptions and influencing more engagement with aesthetics. Along with showcasing and supporting art that inspires and enriches the future of creativity in the community. Whether you are visiting from somewhere or wanting to book yourself a stay-cay in the downtown area this hotel has everything you need to make your experience unique and memorable.