As part of the signature programming of the Clifton Cultural Arts Center’s Nourse Gallery, CCAC is holding the third edition of “New Woman,” a juried group exhibition and accompanying fellowship for one selected artist. CCAC’s signature first-floor gallery, named for Elizabeth Nourse (one of the earliest women artists to achieve widespread recognition and make a living as a professional painter), aims to follow Nourse’s tradition by showcasing the artwork of women artists of Cincinnati and beyond, including the “New Woman” exhibition and fellowship. One winning artist will be selected from the group show for the biennial “New Woman” Fellowship at CCAC, receiving a solo exhibition and honorarium in the following year. The exhibition and fellowship together serve as a platform for recognizing and supporting the creative voices of women working across media, disciplines, and stages of their careers.

OHHS Art and Design teacher, Jamie Schorsch, was one of 55 artists selected from over 371 entries for this year’s exhibition. Schorsch’s piece, “The Heliocentric Sovereign” was selected for the exhibition alongside so many outstanding women from our region…including OHHS Art and Design alumnus Brittany Mathis and former teacher Jan Thomas!

Come out for the opening reception Friday, March 6th, from 6 – 8 pm. The exhibition will be on view through April 3rd.

The Heliocentric Sovereign: Artist Statement
“Metaphors for strength, reclamation of power, and identity populate my images focused on symbolizing resilience and the unwavering ability of the human spirit to overcome adversity, heal, and rediscover its authentic essence. The visual journeys illustrate the unraveling of the intricate tapestry of my identity, interwoven and imbued with mythological references, elements of mysticism, and spirituality, bestowing profound meaning upon events that have challenged my sense of self. In birthing the creations, they become a transformative medium, liberating me from the constraints of past experiences, societal expectations, and transcending pain that has confined me and impacted my personal journey.

The Heliocentric Sovereign merges the radiant, life-giving energy of the Sun with the confident creativity of the Queen of Wands. Cloaked in a garment patterned after solar flares, the fauna it cultivates, and crowned with a golden corona of enlightenment, the Sovereign radiates warmth and illumination. Surrounding forms turn toward this light, symbolizing the gravitational pull of hope, vitality, and renewal.

Drawing from Buddhist iconography, the figure’s raised hand forms the abhaya, the “no fear” mudra, representing courage, compassion, and spiritual awakening. This gesture conveys serenity amidst adversity and the calm assurance of inner strength. Feline imagery reinforces themes of independence and intuitive grace. Associated with solar energy, cats embody protection, self-possession, and balance between fierce vitality and quiet contemplation, mirroring the Queen of Wands’ creative fire and feminine confidence.

Marigolds, bright as miniature suns, symbolize remembrance, warmth, and transformation. Their cyclical nature honors both life and loss, reminding us that renewal is born through resilience. The inclusion of a raven deepens this meditation; its dark wings are a counterpoint to the light, representing mystery, wisdom, and the transformative power of introspection. Together, these symbols weave a dialogue between illumination and shadow, life and transcendence. The title’s scientific reference, “Heliocentric,” evokes the need for a stable inner center where one’s light endures despite life’s orbiting challenges”.

This year, the AP Art and Design Drawing, 2D Design, 2D Design Photography, and 3D Design students had the amazing opportunity to participate in the Contemporary Arts Center’s School Outreach Program. The CAC School Outreach Program provides an intensive multi-layered experience with contemporary art for students in second through twelfth grade. Beginning in September and ending in May, the year-long program comprises an in-school orientation, two guided visits to CAC exhibitions, visits with a local artist, and a visit to a studio.

The program kicked off for the students in the fall, with their first visit to the CAC…for many, this was their first visit ever! Students were introduced to the iconic building, designed by Zaha Hadid. After learning about the history of the CAC, students toured exhibitions Barbara Probst: Subjective Evidence, Chip Thomas and the Painted Desert Project, Vivian Browne: My Kind of Protest, and the Anti-Robot Inundation Army. Students were also presented with the opportunity to hear OHHS Art and Design teacher Jamie Schorsch speak about her work on display as a part of the Journey of Healing: The Trauma-Informed Power of Art exhibition.

In addition to their CAC experiences, students visited the Queen City Clay, were they interacted with the largest professional, community, clay-based art space in the United States and learned to create wheel thrown vessels. Artist Rachel Linnemann brought her expertise and passion for art to Oak Hills High School as part of the CAC’s School Outreach Program as well. Engaging with Studio Art AP students, Linnemann shared invaluable insights into her creative process, inspirations, and the traditions for documenting and weaving together memories through found object sculptural collages. Through interactive discussions and demonstrations, students gained a deeper understanding of artistic expression and were inspired to explore their own creativity. Linnemann’s visit not only enriched the students’ artistic knowledge but also fostered a sense of connection to the broader art community, leaving a lasting impact on their artistic journeys.

The School Outreach program culminates in a Student Art Exhibition showcasing the artwork of the students created in response to their experiences throughout the program. This exhibition showcasing their works opened with an event taking place on May 1st at the Contemporary Arts Center and will be on display through June 1st. The family-friendly exhibition – held in the museum’s interactive UnMuseum and Creativity Center – is a wonderful showcase of creativity and a testament to the hard work of our young artists.

“Collective Lens”

“Collective Lens” captures the same space from multiple viewpoints, as seen through the lenses of students. Each photograph offers a unique angle, revealing how personal perspective shapes our understanding of the familiar. By presenting these varied interpretations side by side, the series invites viewers to consider how diverse viewpoints come together to form a fuller, more layered understanding of a shared environment.

“Domesticated Paths”

“Domesticated Paths” explores the unique behaviors of domesticated animals. Through the lens of trail cameras, pets were observed in their unfiltered moments, revealing the contrast between domestic comfort and the instinctual nature of each species. Each pet’s behavior reflects a delicate balance between their domesticated role and the wild instincts they can’t entirely escape. “Domesticated Paths” captures the charming, often humorous, and sometimes surprising actions of pets, offering a candid glimpse into the personalities that emerge when they think no one’s watching.

“Oh, how blindly the folly praise”

“Oh, How Blindly The Folly Praise”: This dry point etch print collaged with magazine clippings came about as a result of actions taken by our governments, and more specifically, the cult-like praising seen from their devotees. Throughout its planning stage, I constantly went back to Francisco de Goya, taking inspiration from his series of etchings, but also the issues he discussed in paintings such as Witches’ Flight. In his works, you can see the satirical allegories, but also the mourning of what could have been–something I wished to emulate. This piece surrounds how hysteria, fear, and ignorance dominate a society in times of crisis. The donkey-headed figure is an allegory for stupidity AKA the ass…the pose references the iconic orator/adlocutio gesture where the figure lifts their right hand, symbolically lifting righteousness, divinity, and the blessed…to pay homage to the greats. This, however, is on the left to represent the opposite – to give power and status to the damned or in this case, to raise stupidity and ignorance in this time of confusion and threat.
The collage is composed of headlines, from dated magazines, of the issues that plague society today (climate crises, deadly diseases, literacy issues, etc). They function together by showing how the hysteric reactions, ignorance, and lack of knowledge seen in history could be placed in the context of contemporary society and still make sense. A testament to the regressive and hysterical ignorance seen in our world, our home, today.

“A Memorable Moment”

“A Memorable Moment” is inspired by the multiple images of the single scene photography works of Barbara Probst; each student in AP 3d Art & Design was challenged to choose a moment of significance from the school year to capture in their art. Using a square Instagram formatting for composition reflects a contemporary approach to capturing and sharing imagery. Each artist chose their materials, inspired by the collage and assemblage style of Rachel Linneman, as well as working with clay components honoring our experience at Queen City Clay. Each panel showcases the individual artistic style and media, yet collectively, represents the momentary blip this year is within their life.