The art scene in southwest Ohio is buzzing with new exhibitions and installations, offering a diverse range of experiences for art enthusiasts. From immersive installations to thought-provoking explorations of cultural roots and environmentalism, there's something for everyone. Here's a curated guide to some of the most notable shows and artist receptions this week, offering a blend of local talent and international acclaim.
The Green Canvas
Village Artisans Gallery in Yellow Springs is hosting an exhibition titled 'Think Green', challenging artists to explore the color green's associations with nature, growth, renewal, and environmentalism. This cooperative art gallery, featuring locally-made art and crafts, showcases the talent of the community. The exhibition runs from July 11 to September 9, with a reception and weaving demonstration on Friday, July 17, during the Yellow Springs Art Stroll. Open hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Cultural Roots and Religious Exploration
Sydney Joslin-Knapp's solo show, 'Hell is Real', is currently on display at the Practice Gallery in Dresden. This multidisciplinary exploration delves into the artist's cultural roots, family, religion, and religious and social ideologies, inspired by Mexican vitrinas and Peruvian retablos. The exhibition includes sculpture and painting, and the reception is scheduled for Sunday, July 19, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Appointments are required and can be confirmed by text message at (415) 570-1982.
Kusama's Infinite Pumpkins
Cincinnati Art Museum is presenting Yayoi Kusama's acclaimed Infinity Mirror Rooms, featuring her signature yellow gourds adorned with black polka dots and surrounded by mirrors. The result is an immersive installation that blurs the line between art and reality. The exhibition runs from July 17 to October 18, with extended hours on Thursdays until 8 p.m. Tickets are $17, with discounted rates for students, children, and seniors, and free for members and nonmembers on specific days. Advanced online reservations are required for free entry times.
Nature's Genetic Modification
Cydnie King's exhibition, 'Puhpowee', is on display at the Dutoit Gallery in Dayton until July 27. King's ink and watercolor paintings depict circuits flowing through plants, commenting on the genetic modification of nature. The artist questions the impact of technological changes on plants and invites viewers to consider the broader implications. The opening reception is on Friday, July 10, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and the artist talk is on Sunday, July 19, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Realistic Visions of Dayton
The Northwest Library in Dayton is showcasing Gregory DeGroat's 'Visions of Realism' series, which captures the quiet dignity of the city's neighbors through realistic watercolor and oil paintings. DeGroat's work is also on view at the Springfield Museum of Art and in Dayton-area schools as part of Bing Davis' 'Skyscrapers' exhibitions. An artist talk and community conversation will take place on Thursday, July 30, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Civic Participation and Community Engagement
Niki Johnson's exhibition, 'Pillars of Democracy', is currently on display at The Contemporary Dayton until August 15. This monumental series of four collaged portraits reimagines Liberty, Justice, Freedom, and Forward progress as first-time voters from Milwaukee. The exhibition explores civic participation, collective action, and the enduring power of the vote, highlighting the role of art in fostering dialogue and community engagement. Public programs include a hands-on collage-making workshop with the artist and a closing reception on August 15.
Ancient Trade Networks
The Harmon Museum in Lebanon is showcasing the 'Powell Cache' collection, which features ceremonial artifacts crafted from materials traded over vast distances, providing a glimpse into the sophisticated trade networks of ancient inhabitants. The exhibition runs until August 15, with a free closing reception on the same day. Sculpture by John Koepnick and Huge Nahrang is also on view.
Kenyan Reflections
The Kennedy Heights Art Center in Cincinnati is hosting an exhibition titled 'Printed Voice from Kenya: Social and Cultural Reflections', curated by Saad Ghost of SOS ART. This exhibition features 154 prints by 42 established contemporary printmakers from Kenya, reflecting on cultural and social issues. The exhibition runs until August 22, with open hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Friday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.
Springfield's Artistic Legacy
The Springfield Museum of Art is celebrating its 80th anniversary with the '80th Annual Juried Members' Exhibition', featuring over 110 works from members of the museum. The exhibition, juried by Cat Sheridan, director of the Ohio Arts Council’s Riffe Gallery, showcases the creativity of the community. It runs until August 27, with open hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday and 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sundays.
Dayton Art Institute's Rotating Exhibitions
The Dayton Art Institute is currently hosting two new exhibits. 'Fighters for Freedom: William H. Johnson Picturing Justice' showcases William H. Johnson's tribute to African American activists and international leaders working for peace. The exhibition runs until September 13. 'Exploring Feminism' invites visitors to explore the many meanings, histories, and expressions of feminism, highlighting artists whose work reflects the movement's evolving nature. This rotating exhibition is on display until September 20.
These exhibitions offer a rich tapestry of artistic expression, cultural exploration, and historical reflection, showcasing the diverse talents of artists in southwest Ohio and beyond.
