Bill and Morgan Witlow are two of my favorite people in the Service Industry. I met Bill years ago when I was opening “Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar” and Bill was helping to open Wiseguy’s on Mainstrasse. Since then Bill has gone on to build some of my favorite establishments in Covington.
Henry Wenzel was a prominent and well-respected business man in Covington, Ky during the mid 1800’s. He manufactured and bottled mineral water. His Business was called “The Covington Bottling Works” and was located in his building called “Wenzel Hall” located down Tobacco Alley right off Madison Ave. Besides his mineral water, he also contracted bottled soft drinks, lager beer, and wine. Henry was German born. He was married to Bertha (Wagner) Wenzel. Together they had five children, Wilhelmina (Minnie) Hugo, Bertha, Julia and Carl. Wilhelmina was a music teacher and Bertha was a sales girl at Coppins (now Hotel Covington) They lived on 4th Street between Russel and Washington.
Henry Wenzel died on April 10,1876. He was standing on the corner of 4th and Scott streets in front of Hermance’s Drug store at about 8pm when he suffered a stroke and collapsed. Bystanders carried him in to the drug store and summoned the doctor. However, he died before the Doctor arrived.
After Henry Wenzel died, the building was sold and used as a pickle factory. On the 3rd floor of Wenzel Hall were the meeting rooms for “the Colored international order and Odd Fellows”. In the early 1900’s, the first floor of the building was a steam dye company.
Today, Wenzel Hall has been transformed in to a hotel called “The Pickle Factory” and also to “Wenzel Whiskey”. Wenzel Whiskey is one of my favorite places in Cincinnati. It is a Whisky Blending experience and a must if you love whiskey. Bill and Griffin are the masterminds in guiding you through the process of blending your own personal bottle of whiskey. We visit another of Bill and Morgan Witlow’s restaurants and their newest one called “Opal” that opened the beginning of October. Opal is on the rooftop of the six story Republic Bank Building at Sixth and Madison . There is an indoor dinning room with windows all around and an outdoor lounge with panoramic views. It is so beautiful and the food and cocktails are spectacular! The Republic Bank Building that Opal tops was built in 1904. It was designed by Henry Hake. It was one of Covington’s tallest buildings at the time. The building was built for the Farmers and Traders Bank, and then was the First National Bank once they merged with Farmers and Traders Bank.
After Opal we make our way down Madison to 7th street to visit Rich’s Proper Food and Drink, another amazing establishment of Bill and Morgan Witlow. Rich’s has one of the best whiskey and bourbon selections in the area- and the food is a fusion of American pub meets Southern Cajun, it’s so good! You can’t miss Rich’s because of the huge neon sign that can be seen blocks away, Rich’s was once a jewelry store owned by master jeweler H. Rich Shullman. He opened his store on November 17, 1944. Rich’s was one of our 100 jewelry stores in the metro area that carried Cincinnati-based Gruen Watches. Greun sponsored the making of Rich’s Ionic Neon Sign. Rich’s slogan Was “Honest dealing with keeping the faith of the public.”
Make a point to visit all of these exciting places that makes Covington so vibrant !
In the heart of Over-the-Rhine is a charming walkway filled with a variety of colorful art that has an incredible amount of detail to discover at every angle! Imagination Alley is a delightful place to join together with friends and family to experience the beauty that thrives within the city of Cincinnati. This reimagined space has been transformed into a creative hideaway for the community to engage in. The whimsical art that is permanently on display was made by a collaboration of local artists and residents to encourage everyone to enjoy the environment around them.
The Art of Imagination Alley
At the entrance is an amazing archway to walk under and around with mosaic tiles and inspirational messages. The words, “Imagine Peace and Unity”, are at the top of the arch to welcome people into the space. Along the walls and on the ground are more mosaic pieces depicting images in nature with inspiring phrases to uplift and bring a sense of joy. Lead artist and project manager Suzanne Fisher worked with local community centers and art clubs such as The Art Academy of Cincinnati and Peaslee Neighborhood Center to bring the design to life. The installation of the mosaic works of art throughout the alley were developed by hundreds of people and remain a cherished part of OTR.
The unique art of Imagination Alley
Another awesome element to this space is the huge mural stretching across one of the buildings that brightens up the bricks and brings joy to all who encounter it. Its captivating movement leads you down the alley with a vibrant design that displays endearing qualities of shared sentimental moments.
Events and More
The “pocket park” has a series of Pop – Up Play sessions that are fun and educational for neighbors and visitors alike. Artisans, educators and nearby businesses host DIY events for people of all ages to learn something new. Not only is this unique environment a way to admire the city, but it cultivates an opportunity to connect with others, with nature, and the art itself. Imagination Alley is Located at 1317 Vine Street Cincinnati, OH 45202.
Mosaics of Imagination Alley
Imagination Alley’s Moto:
“Everyone is welcome here
Black lives matter here
People homeless matter here
For some, this is our yard in the city
It’s a gathering place for quiet, for conversation, for family fun
We want everyone to be respected, safe, and culturally embraced
The peoples’ art and creativity can flourish here
We are family, all part of the beloved community.”
Fall is here and we’ve got so many wonderful ways to celebrate the month-long occasion full of flannel and cool weather.
For all of your fall 2022 needs—scares, tricks, treats, crafts, corn mazes, festivals, and more—check out the list below of the many fun goings on over the next few months. All events are linked to a site with more information regarding admission costs, dates and times, and location.
Blooms and Berries
Halloween Events
For admission information, dates, and more details about the events, click on the corresponding link below.
October 21: Howl at the Hall (Westwood), 6p October 23: Findlay Market Fall Food Fest, 10a–4p October 27: Ghost Walk (Aurora, IN), 6:30p Tickets are pre-sale only to ensure they do not exceed maximum capacity. Click the link above for more information.
September 17–October 31 Online ticket purchase is required to attend Fall on the Farm. Admission includes hayrides, Pumpkin Bounce Pad, corn maze, mini corn maze, bee train, play area, Barnyard 500 Trike Track, farm animals, Spookley, and more! The Beer Garden is open on the weekends. Tickets start at $5.95 and must be purchased online. Leashed pets are allowed.
Saturdays and Sundays, September 24–October 30, 10a–6p (weather permitting) Pumpkins, corn stalks, mums, gourds, apple cider, animated pumpkin land characters, games, food, music, farm animals, crafters and more. Admission is $14 per person (children 2 and under are free; ages 65 and older are $10)
Weekends in October Corn maze, skid maze, Halloween scavenger hunt, locally grown apples, crawl-thru straw tunnel, corn pool, and weekend hayrides to a pumpkin patch and sunflower field (when in bloom).
September 10–October 30 General admission is free and includes kiddie corn maze, sand tunnels play area, hay pyramid, and farm animals. For an additional cost, you can experience U-pick pumpkins, hayride, and much more.
Last weekend in September and all October weekends, 11a–5p Pumpkins and hayrides, corn maze, bakery (with apple fritters, pies, cinnamon-cider donuts, cookies, and more!), market and store, apples, and special events. Click here for a coupon for $1 off purchase of $10 or more
September 24–October 31 Indoor, kid friendly maze as well as friendly ghosts, skeletons, and more. Each child will receive a bag of trick-or-treat candy, plus new Halloween mini scenes and a Halloween themed train display.
Saturdays (11a–6p) and Sundays (12–5p), September 25–October 23 Activities include pumpkin jump pad, pedal tractors, pedal implements, farm animals, make your own animal feed, corn maze, corn barn, hay tower and slides, pumpkin launcher, and more! $14 per person general farm admission (includes all activities, kids 2 and under free)
Select days, September 25–October 30 Admission includes one-of-a-kind fall festival with amazing food, activities, live entertainment, more than a dozen trick-or-treat stops, costume contests, crafts, games, seasonal merchandise, and access to the park’s rides and attractions. Tickets starting at $29.99; military discounts available
September 16–October 30; Fridays and Saturdays 10a–10p, Sundays 11a–7p Admission includes: hayride around the Farm, picnic shelters, bonfires, games, The Great Pumpkin Express Rides, 5-acre Corn Maze, Kinman’s Carnival Tent, live bands, tricycle ride for the little ones, and laser tag. New this year: tunnels slides, dirt mound climbing, and straw pyramid. Everyone gets a pumpkin to take home, too! Open daily, but activities take place on the weekends.
Every weekend in October, 12–6p McMonigle Farms offers the most affordable and unique pumpkin patch in Middletown, Ohio. Admission includes: U-pick pumpkins, hayrides, one-acre clueless corn maze, cow train rides, arm animals, FREE straw maze, large play area, and seasonal treats.
September 23–October 31 (more info) There’s something for every member of your family: horse-drawn wagon rides, crafters and artisans, live music, home cooked food by Four Mile Pig, wine tastings by local wineries, homemade ice cream, pumpkin patch, 3+ acre corn maze, kids corn play pit, toddler corn maze, farm stand, petting zoo, barrel train, model train display. Weekend activities admission (10a–6p): $5 (ages 3 and up); weekdays (9a–6p): free Leashed pets are allowed
September 23–October 30 Thursday 6–9p (group reservations only during the day), Friday 4–9p (concessions available after 6), Saturday 11a–9p, Sunday 1–6p Tickets include: 4-acre corn maze, hayrides, kids tractor play area, wagon ride, human foosball, duck races, pipe swings, climbing hill, jumping pillow, and so much more! $15 general admission wristband must be purchased for children 2 and above (children under 2 are free) and includes access to all activities. Tickets are available here.
Weekends in September (starting the third weekend) through October 31, 9a–6p (Monday–Saturday), 9a–5p (Sunday) Huge corn maze with a kid-friendly treasure hunt, two interactive playgrounds, and horse- and tractor-drawn hayrides through the scenic countryside. General admission is free. Click here for activity pricing information and to purchase tickets.
Kings Island Haunt
Haunted Houses, Trails, and Attractions
Cincinnati goes all out for haunted houses; many of which include extraordinary makeup, spooky settings, and animatronics. Here’s a list of haunted houses and trails to visit this Halloween season:
All Hallows’ Eve (Williamsburg) Fridays and Saturdays, September 2–November 5, 7p–12a Admission starts at $30 to Terror Town (Ultimate Horror and Weekend Passes are also available)
Brimstone Haunt (Wilmington) Friday and Saturday nights September 24 through October 31 Admission for a combo admission pass to the Haunted Hayride ($XX), Forgotten Forest ($XX), Psychosis ($XX), and Zombie Assault ($XX) to be determined. Fast Pass also available. Click here to purchase your tickets online. (Save by buying online. A $2 fee will be added to each ticket purchased in person.) Parking costs $3 cash at the door
The Dent Schoolhouse (Dent) Weekends, September 16–November 5, and all Thursdays in October General admission starting at $20, with options for fast pass and front of the line options also available (view ticketing options here) Family friendly Lights On Tour will be Sunday, October 23, 4–6p
Select nights, September 23–October 29 Bone-chilling scare mazes and scare zones, sinister live entertainment, and hundreds of horrifying creatures lurking in the fog and hiding in every corner of the park. Haunting Halloween activities plus some of the most exhilarating night rides in the country. Not recommended for children under 13. No re-entry after 6p. Tickets starting at $44.99; military discounts available
Friday and Saturday nights, 7p–1a, September 9–October 30 Five premium haunted houses, including Dysphoria, Dr. Psycho’s Haunted Estate, Phobia, Temple of Terror, and The Killer Klown House, plus other attractions and entertainment. Food and drinks available for purchase. Click here for ticketing information.
Mt. Healthy Haunted Hall (Mt. Healthy) Friday, Saturday (8–11p), and Sunday (7–9p) from September 30–October 29 (closed October 30) Entry is $12 (click here for information about available discounts), Fastpasses available for $18, no discounts Lights Up Night will be Sunday, October 23, 6–6:45p (cost is $5 per child, free for adults)
Sandyland Acres (Petersburg, KY) Friday and Saturday nights (8p–midnight) from September 16–October 29 (closed October 30) Hayride ($15), Haunted Barn ($12), or a combo for $25. Cash only, free parking. Click here for more information.
USS Nightmare (Newport, KY) September 17–18, September 24–November 6 (closed Mondays and Tuesdays) Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday, 7–11p Friday and Saturday, 7p–1a General admission prices from $18–30, with Fast Pass admission being $28–50. Front-of-the-line and season passes also available.
Click here to view all ticketing options. Lights On Matinee, October 24, 4–6p
Cornfield
Ghost Tours
Do you favor the paranormal over costumes and actors? Don’t worry, there are several options for paranormal and haunted ghost tours in greater Cincinnati.
Bobby Mackey’s Music World Paranormal Tour (Wilder, KY)
$35 per person for a two-hour tour
Two-hour guided tours, private group investigations, and public event hosting at one of the most haunted nightclubs in the country.
Looking for gifts this holiday season? What about decor to spruce up your home? Shop local at one of many art festivals and craft fairs this fall. For information regarding the event and admission, click on the corresponding link.
December 17 and 18: The City Flea Holiday Market at Washington Park
Have any questions about what’s going on this fall? Just ask!
Written by: Linsey Kraeling – Woman, wife, and mother about town, proud millennial, and lifelong Cincinnatian with an invested interest in community involvement and having a full plate—literally and figuratively. Follow along with and read more about eating like a sophisticated six-year-old, supporting local, and acting like a tourist in her own city at instagram.com/linsinnati and tourdecincinnati.com.
Cincinnati Magazine is inviting guests to ENTER their First Ever ‘Great Bake-Off’ Competition!
WHAT:
Cincinnati’s artistic and imaginative baking community will be taking center stage this October in Cincinnati Magazine’s inaugural ‘Great Bake-off’ confectionary competition. Both professional and at-home bakers are invited to apply NOW to participate in the following categories:
Celebrate Cincinnati Cake Decorating
Pies to Die For
Gimme Gimme Cookies + Brownies
Knead More Bread
Professional and amateur bakers will compete throughout the Great Bake-off week followed by a sweet and savory celebration of all the baked goodness as the winners are announced!
WHEN:
Baker applications accepted NOW through September 26.
Participants will be announced September 28.
Entries will be judged October 16-19.
The public is invited to purchase tickets to the Great Bake-off ceremony and celebration on Thursday, October 20 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
WHERE:
Great Bake-off judging and the public celebration will be held at the Midwest Culinary Institute.
WHY:
Why let the Brits have all the fun?! It’s time for the Queen City’s best bakers to show up and show off their confectionary creations in this ultimate baking battle, followed by an epic party!
WHO:
Both professional and amateur bakers are invited to apply to participate. The entire community is invited to purchase tickets and attend the party on October 20.
The Bengals are BACK baby! As much as we love Summer and are sad to say goodbye, Fall comes with too many goodies to not be excited about. Pumpkin patches, Halloween, great weather, and most importantly, football! If you like being out and about on game days, this blog is for you. We have a list of great spots to catch the game where you can cheer on the Bengals with a crowd of fans.
Bircus Brewing Covington
Bircus is showing the games in Covington all season! Eat some pizza and drink great beers while cheering on the Joey B Show!
Braxton Barrel House
Every Sunday, football will be going on every TV and the audio will be on!
Braxton Brewery
Every Sunday, football will be going on every TV and the audio will be on!
Covington Yard
Every Game Day, football will be on, live DJ before all games, and beer buckets for purchase!
Dave and Busters
Huge TV’s, fresh wings, and fun games for halftime.
Fowling Warehouse
Play football while watching the game! Game will be on multiple TV’s, a huge screen, and audio will be ON. You can bring your own food, full bar available + beer bucket specials, and you can win prizes throughout the game!
Galla Park Gastro
Every Sunday, football will be going on every TV and the audio will be on!
Holy Grail Tavern
Stop by for the pre-game show or stay for the whole game! Cold beers and the game on.
In Between Tavern
Steps away from the Bengals stadium, this is the place to be before, during, and after any game!
Keystone Bar and Grill
Kick off game DEY in the Cov – All-you-can-eat buffet including hot dogs, sliders, wings, buffalo chicken dip, and more!
Specialty cocktails like the $6 Shooter McPherson, $7 The Griddy, $8 Joe-to-‘Marr-g, and $18 domestic buckets.
Lola’s Coffee
Garage will be open and there will be drink specials, a shot table, swag giveaways, and MORE!
Watch the game on the TVs, or swing through before heading to the game!
Madtree Taproom
Enjoy the Game on all TV’s with sound.
Food specials, signature cocktails, sweet merch, and fan-favorite giveaways.
Moerlein Lager House
Amazing pre-fest party before every game – enjoy a bounce house, live DJ, fowling, a photo booth, and more!
Stay for the game and enjoy our full menu of food and drinks.
Newport on the Levee
Game will be on the big screen. Enjoy live music, food and drink vendors, and activities for the whole family.
O’Bryans Bar and Grill
Enjoy cold beers, fresh food, and the game on every TV.
O’Malley’s in the Alley
Steps away from the Bengals stadium, this is the place to be before, during, and after any game!
OTR StillHouse
Avoid the crowds and head to OTR StillHouse before, during, or after any Bengals game. Free parking, craft beer, and house made cocktails.
Streetside Brewery
Join Streetside for every Bengals game this season – cold beer, cocktails, and food from Black Dog Grille
The Establishment
Touchdown Shots, ‘Jungle Juice’ Cocktails, and the game on every TV!
If you haven’t been to Covington’s Latonia neighborhood in a while, you’re in for a treat! The Catalytic Fund’s popular Beyond the Curb Urban Living Tour is focusing their October 2nd tour in this charming area.
This will be the twelfth of these tours, which showcase the range of housing options in Northern Kentucky’s urban river cities, while encouraging you to explore the architecture, art and businesses that make the region so vibrant.
On the Tour
The October 2nd tour offers an exclusive peek inside more than a dozen interesting properties, including historic buildings, artsy renovations, cute bungalows and updated apartments. There will also be a few businesses on the tour that are using old buildings in new ways, such as an event venue in a “mansion” and a music performance space inside a decommissioned church.
As you walk along the pretty streets, you’ll come upon beautiful gardens, fun public art, quirky shops and inviting restaurants. Latonia is experiencing a rebirth, as new businesses open and young families move in.
Birdie’s Sweet Tea House and InnLatonia, KY Welcome SignThe Roost Sign
Latonia was an independent town from 1896-1909, when it was annexed by Covington. It is probably best known for the Latonia Racetrack, which was located at the current site of the Latonia Shopping Center on Winston Ave. The first race held there was in 1883 and the Latonia Derby debuted in 1888.The track closed in 1939.
This Beyond the Curb tour starts at the Roost Latonia, a quirky shop that serves coffee and cocktails. They also have an ever-changing stock of vintage or vintage-inspired art, home décor items, apparel and toys. On tour day, you’ll pick up your tour booklet, wristband and event bag there.
Beyond the Curb tours are a fun way to get to know the river cities a little better and experience urban living, NKY-style. Learn more about the Latonia tour here.
Beyond the Curb Flyer
Jill Morenz is the Director of Community Initiatives and Communications for the Catalytic Fund and also runs the NKY Public Arts Network. She is an enthusiastic evangelist for all things NKY.
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Take a journey to explore the wonderment of art through the paintings of one of the most influential artists of all time, Vincent van Gogh. Cincinnati is currently one of the lucky chosen cities to feature the traveling exhibition that’s getting attention all over the world! The immersive show is full of fascinating information about the life and work of the artist along with the most incredible visuals that will have you in sheer awe at the sight. The entire experience wakes up your senses and opens your mind to gain a deeper appreciation for creativity and culture.
van Gogh’s Immersive Experience Banner
As you step inside of the exhibit you are greeted by a large sculpture of van Gogh’s portrait. There is an overlay of his paintings projected onto the sculpture that dash and dance over the surface mimicking the mind of the artist and how he interpreted things. The show starts off with a timeline of his life to give you an idea of his background that is educational and filled with fascinating facts. Van Gogh was a complex and compelling artist and is probably the most well-known and recognizable painters in history.
The Exhibit
Throughout the exhibit, you will find many quotes by van Gogh that are thought provoking and motivational. The paintings themselves offer a glimpse into the artist’s compassion and connection to nature and the quotes support them. “If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere.” By pairing his words with his paintings, you become enthralled by the magnificent emotion that radiates through the work. Along with quotes are sketches of the artist in progress work that shows you his process and how everything started.
When you go further into the exhibition you come across engaging story projections that reveal the techniques and skills of the artist that have audio descriptions that help guide you through the work. There is another statue of a vase that changes into different paintings of his flower series that shows gestural bursts of energy with each brush stroke.
Exhibits in the van Gogh Immersive Experience Gallery
Additions to the Exhibit
There’s a small bar for refreshments, with a specialty cocktail in honor of the popular painting, Starry Night. It’s a delicious drink to sip on while you walk around and watch the visual displays. If you’re feeling compelled to make art in the likeness of van Gogh’s, head to the section of the show for a reference to a studio where you can draw and color in pages of some of his famous pieces.
This show brings Vincent van Gogh’s paintings to life! It’s as if you’re inside of the painting as it’s being created. The most spectacular part is the massive room with moving images all around you that has enchanting music playing in the distance. You open a set of curtains to enter a large open space that is inviting and instantly impacts you with overwhelming beauty. The projections are 2 stories high and are absolutely stunning. There are multiple lounge areas and plenty of chairs to relax in and gaze at the artwork as it transforms, shifts, and transcends you into a different dimension of dazzling delight! There are rhythmic patterns of animated brushstrokes that go across the wall in a 360-degree angle with movement of captivating colors and textures all around you. It’s like stepping into a dream world that brings to light all the endless opportunities that art has. Take it all in, this expressive atmosphere is something to sit with for as long as you can.
There is a one-of-a-kind Virtual Reality experience that you can participate in that takes you to a day in the life of Vincent van Gogh. Walk through a charming town in Europe that the artist spent time in and where he found some of his sources of inspiration for his work. As you take the same footsteps as he once did, you approach specific locations that are 8 of his paintings and learn about why he painted them. Giving you a better understanding of who he was and the things he did.
Where to Catch van Gogh’s Work
Another super cool aspect of this exhibition being in Cincinnati is that even though it won’t be here forever you can still see Vincent van Gogh’s work in Eden Park. The Cincinnati Art Museum has an original painting, Undergrowth with Two Figures in their permanent collection, that was completed in June 1890. Visit the museum anytime for free to view this painting and be moved by it in person!
The immersive experience will be here until November and takes about an hour to two hours to view and enjoy. It’s located on 18 West Fourth Street 45202, Downtown Cincinnati and is for all ages to attend!
Got your wand and robes? Good—you’re ready for the Hogwarts-inspired art workshops, trivia and dinner feast hosted on August 27 at Covington’s Baker Hunt Art & Cultural Center.
It all started when the leadership team at Baker Hunt decided to do a day of themed workshops. Someone suggested Harry Potter and the whole evening came together, almost like magic!
All the guests are encouraged to dress up in their favorite HP-inspired garb, so now’s the time to dig out your Gryffindor scarf or witch’s hat. If you happen to have a lightning-shaped scar on your forehead, you’ll fit right in.
All the classes are for the 21 and older crowd. Whether you arrive via the Hogwarts Express, the Floo Network or by apparating, here’s what you can expect from the day of Wizarding Workshops:
Make a custom ceramic butterbeer flagon. It can have images of the Three Broomsticks, Weasley’s Wheeze’s, the Dark Mar, the Deathly Hallows or your favorite Hogwarts House.
Learn to make a “cobweb” broom, using basic weaving techniques and natural broomcorn. Everyone will complete at least one broom during the class and most people have time to make two (one for you, one for your familiar).
Paint the Hogwarts castle, bathed in moonlight. Your own talents will add the magic to this acrylic painting.
If your favorite wizards are Fred and George Weasley, you’ll love this improv comedy class—don’t worry, it’s muggle-friendly. You’ll play games like Letter to Hogwarts, Wizarding Dating Game and Muggle Translator. Giggles are guaranteed!
Whip up some culinary magic in this wizardly cooking class. Headmaster/Chef Kubicki will help you create (and eat) Mandrake Salad, Hungarian Horntail Paprikash, Edible Wands and Polyjuice Potion. Mrs. Weasley would approve!
Show your house pride with handmade ceramic coasters, one for each Hogwarts house. You’ll glaze them during the workshop and then pick them up later after they’ve been fired.
Signing Up
When you register for one of the workshops, you can reserve a free seat at Trivia Night in the ballroom, where you’ll compete for a handmade themed drink set. You can also purchase an adult beverage from the Three Broomsticks bar.
For fans of Harry Potter and his friends, this day of wizarding workshops will be a blast. As they say at Baker Hunt, you’ll have more fun than a Niffler running amok in a Gringotts vault!
Abut the author: Jill Morenz is the Director of Community Initiatives and Communications for the Catalytic Fund and also runs the NKY Public Arts Network. She is an enthusiastic evangelist for all things NKY.
One of the most captivating art installations that has ever come to Cincinnati is currently being showcased at the Krohn Conservatory in Eden Park. The traveling exhibition, The Science of ColorFeaturing Prismatica completely transforms the environment into an interactive kaleidoscope of fascination and fun. This immersive show has incredible spinning prisms of iridescents that are mesmerizing and exciting to engage with. These transparent geodesic forms give off a magical effect that reflects beautiful colors that change with every single angle. Light transmits different hues throughout the space offering an entirely new perspective and experience of the Conservatory that is absolutely enchanting!
The Krohn Conservatory Prismatica Installation
The concept and development of this series involves many talented collaborators that come from a variety of different backgrounds such as RAW Design– a Toronto-based architectural firm, ATOMIC3– a multimedia group of light design installations, and the Creos production team. The director of Krohn said, “We’re excited to bring a show like this to Cincinnati. We wanted people to experience and understand the colors that they see in the natural world. There’s a lot of pigments and interactions with pollinators that take place that are very important to the sustainability of our planet.”
The Krohn Conservatory Prismatica Installation
As you walk into the main entrance, you’re greeted with a few of the mystifying sculptures that lead you into the Seasonal Floral Showroom where the majority of the art pieces are located. Each dichroic prism is about 6 feet tall and is made up of panels that reflects natural light that is shining in from the glass ceiling of the Conservatory giving off a spectrum of rainbow colors. The show extends into the Bonsai Gallery, Orchid House, and ends in the Desert House. Take your time wandering among the prisms, you’re encouraged to manipulate every single one. Enjoy the infinite interplay of light and colorful reflections that they create as you spin the structures and move around them. Throughout the greenhouse there are interesting facts about the science of color that are entertaining and educational to discover. Learn how flowers get their color and what butterflies and bees see through the perspective of a pollinator. The connections that are made through this installation between Art, Science, and Nature are compelling with luminous layers of color and meaning.
Experience the Krohn Conservatory in a way you’ve never seen before with the spectacular art show Primatica any day of the week from 10am – 8pm until October 16th, 2022 and don’t forget to interact with the art all around you!
