Photo By Jymi Bolden

Base Gallery

A little funky and a lot of fun, Base Gallery is definitely a unique place and a great stop on your Final Friday gallery hop. A friendly atmosphere that generates an eclectic crowd, Base is interesting, to say the least. With several rooms displaying various local artists, an unusual accordion player, people with pets and a variety of beverages and appetizers, there's plenty present for all kinds of amusements.

As the first cooperative art gallery in Cincinnati, Base has been around for almost 14 years -- two-and-a-half years at 1225 Main St. The co-op currently includes 16 artists, and they are always accepting applications for additional artists to participate at a reasonable cost.

The gallery itself is oddly shaped, divided in different sections and rooms to display a variety of artists. While most of this comfortable, inviting space is reserved for artists involved in the co-op, they do occasionally feature outside artists.

I can't say the art currently on exhibit is as enjoyable as the atmosphere at Base. The most prominent part of the exhibit includes black-and-white outdoor photographs by Chris Specht, which I found less than impressive. Most notable were two pieces by Rick Elliot with flowing, graceful figures of women carved into wood. The current exhibit continues through Feb. 22. For more information check out www.baseart.org.

Base Gallery
Address: 1227 Main St., Over-the-Rhine

First opened: 1990

Hours: Noon-5 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday; 6-10 p.m. Final Fridays

Contact: 513-721-BASE