By Fran Watson

There's probably nothing surprising about the Cincinnati area's lack of interest in the avant garde art movements. None-theless, the recent closing of the ROBERT SCHIFFLER JR. contemporary collection, previously housed in a six-story building near Dayton, Ohio, where it was be available for public tours, has been packed up and placed in storage. A sad goodbye ceremony was observed by the staff headed by Peter Huttinger. Now one of the most remarkable collections in mid-America is out of circulation. It may not have appealed to every art lover, but it sure kept audiences interested.

August 5th has apparently been dubbed "ice cream Sunday" by at least two of the city's most popular museums. THE TAFT MUSEUM OF ART repeats its lawn party with free ice cream distributed from a United Dairy Farmers 1940s ice cream truck and music by the Northern Kentucky Symphony brass quartet. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and enjoy free from 2-4 p.m. Info: 513-241-0343 ... That same day, the CINCINNATI ART MUSEUM woos the public with (1) free ice cream sundaes from 1-3 p.m., (2) jazz by Marc Fields, 2-5 p.m., (3) two docent-led tours of the Treasures for a Queen exhibition, and a partridge in a pear tree. Not really. Number (4) is actually better than that: The Cartoon Guy will make caricatures in the Great Hall from 1-3 p.m. It's a special event for members, too, who will receive a free gift. Reservations: 513-721-2787.

Big congratulations to FRANK HERMANN: The eminent artist and mentor to a prestigious roster of UC graduate artists has been selected as artist-in-residence in a cultural exchange program between the Czech Republic and the U.S. Hermann is one of three Ohio artists chosen for the residency in Cimelice, a small historical village southwest of Prague. Joining him are Grechen Cochran of Columbus and Chris Pekoe of Cleveland. As an extra added perk included in this press release came an invitation to all to visit the Ohio Online Visual Arts Registry at www.ohioonlinearts.org -- 10,000 images by 500 artists in an outreach data bank.

Every once in a while, the mail brings a big fat surprise. Like the card announcing a show by SUSAN SCHULER, illustrated with a hot splash of color full of promises for her CUBAN MUSIC exhibit at the Banker's Club in downtown Cincinnati. While her show is available at that location only through Aug. 31, a special show -- including works too large to be shown at the Banker's Club -- is planned for Sept. 7, 6-9 p.m. at the her Newport studio (601 Washington Street, Suite 245). Banker's Club: 513-651-3660

The much-needed and long-awaited elevator installation for Covington's CARNEGIE ARTS CENTER is finally becoming a reality. Ground was broken on July 26 by Kentucky Governor Paul Patton for additional facilities which will enable the very busy center to become compliant with handicap regulations. Children are a big part of Carnegie's activities through classes and special events. Both they and opening reception crowds, often numbering in the thousands, will benefit from convenient new restroom facilities and easier access to the various building levels.

E-mail Fran Watson

The Queen's Generosity (June 28, 2001)
A Show on Fire (June 14, 2001)
As If (June 7, 2001)
more...

personals | cover | listings | humor | news | movies | music | arts & entertainment | dining | classifieds | mediakit | home

Two Hours' Traffic
CSF school touring shows appeal to all ages

Arts Beat
Offstage and Onstage Excitement at Cincinnati Opera

Bacon in the Sun
Big Pig Gig pigs spend the summer in South Carolina

Curtain Call

Groove Tube
On your TV

	Join the CityBeat Mailing List
	» JOIN NOW