Celebrating Cincinnati through Art: A Collaborative Journey for the Ohio Site Map Project and AAC Exhibition

Posted on November 22, 2024 by OHHS Art and Design

Ohio is home, but what is home? What is our relationship to place? How does place and home impact our lives? How do our lives impact place and home?

In partnership with the Ohio Art Council, the Art Academy of Cincinnati is hosting a new visual art exhibition this winter called, The Ohio Site Map Project. The purpose of the exhibition is to feature custom artwork made from K-12 students and teachers across Hamilton County to express their ideas, notions, and representations of home and place in Ohio. This collaborative exhibition will prioritize perspectives and compositions of youth in our community to elevate their values of home and place. Maps for this project will vary from realistic, surreal or anything in-between, all focused on what students see, think, and interpret about their experiences of home and place in Ohio.

Art has the power to bridge history, culture, and imagination. OHHS National Art Honor Society students Molly Audretch and Annie Riley, alongside Ms. Schorsch, embarked on a creative journey to produce an artwork that pays homage to the vibrant and multifaceted identity of Cincinnati.

The Foundation: Researching Cincinnati’s Roots
The project began with a deep dive into Cincinnati’s historical maps. These maps provided more than geographical information—they served as a visual narrative of the city’s evolution over time. By studying these maps, Molly and Annie gained insights into the foundations of Cincinnati’s neighborhoods, the development of its infrastructure, and the changing patterns of its cultural and economic hubs. This research informed the overall composition of the artwork, grounding it in a sense of place and time.

Collaging “A Changing City”
Building on this historical framework, the students incorporated collaged images from “A Changing City,” a cartoon book created for peace and justice as part of SOS ART. This piece served as a reflection of the city’s adaptability and resilience, themes that resonate deeply with Cincinnati’s history. The integration of these images added layers of meaning to the artwork, linking the past and present while honoring the creative initiatives that seek to make art a force for positive change.

Inspired by Murals: Cincinnati’s Outdoor Gallery
Cincinnati’s downtown murals, iconic for their vibrancy and storytelling, became another element of inspiration. The students drew on the colors, styles, and narratives of these murals to weave the city’s artistic energy into their piece. These elements not only celebrated the city’s thriving public art scene but also connected the collaborative artwork to a larger conversation about the role of art in urban spaces.

The Flying Pigs: A Symbol of Whimsy and Resilience
No celebration of Cincinnati would be complete without a nod to its most whimsical and beloved icon—the flying pig. Representing the city’s humor, resilience, and nod to its industrial past, the flying pigs were seamlessly integrated into the artwork. These elements brought a playful yet meaningful layer to the composition, reminding viewers of Cincinnati’s unique character and enduring spirit.

The final piece stands as a testament to the collaborative spirit of Molly, Annie, and Ms. Schorsch. By blending historical research, artistic inspiration, and community-centered themes, the artwork reflects Cincinnati’s rich heritage and dynamic future. It is not just a visual representation of iconic landmarks and symbols but also a narrative of a city that continues to grow, adapt, and inspire. This Ohio Site Map Project highlights the power of art education and community engagement, showcasing how young artists can honor the past while creating something that resonates with the present and inspires the future..

Join the Art Academy of Cincinnati and our partners in celebrating the completion of The Ohio Site Map Project for the exhibition opening reception:
Thursday, December 5, 2024 from 5p-8p
SITE1212, Art Academy of Cincinnati, 1212 Jackson Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Light refreshments provided
Exhibition will be on view through Thursday, December 12, 2024
Gallery Hours: 9am-9pm

3 OHHS Art and Design Students Selected for the 2024 Ohio Governor’s Youth Art Exhibition with 1 earning Top 25 Distinction!

Posted on March 11, 2024 by OHHS Art and Design

This past weekend, the state level of judging for The Ohio Governor’s Youth Art Exhibition, took place. The Exhibition, now in its 54th year, is dedicated to the educational and artistic advancement of our talented young people in the state of Ohio. The exhibition is open to all of Ohio’s 1,112 high schools, both public and private, chartered by the State of Ohio Department of Education. The exhibition is a valuable incentive for our young people; it encourages an appreciation for the arts throughout Ohio and reflects the fine quality of art instruction and talent which exist in our state.

The process of selecting artworks for the state exhibition begins on a regional level. The state is divided into 15 regional locations, with high school students in each region invited to enter work in that regional judging. Each region has a designated Regional Director, who is responsible for choosing the judges for his or her region and arranging specifics of the event.

The state judging takes place in Columbus; however, the judges for this level of competition are chosen from all over the country and are generally professional artists, college level instructors, or both.

State jurors selected 320 pieces for the exhibition with 25 of the 320 chosen to receive the Governor’s Award of Excellence. Scholarships are offered to seniors by over 30 universities and colleges of art.

Congratulations to the following students whose work was accepted into the state level exhibition:

Molly Audretch, “An Upward Glance”
Cedar Krodel, “Harbinger”

Congratulations to the following student whose work was accepted into the state level exhibition and received Top 25 designation:

Grace Gray, “Hug Me”

The exhibition will be on display at the James A. Rhodes State Office Tower, 30 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215 from April 21st – May16th. An awards ceremony will take place in The Riffe Center Capitol Theatre, 77 South High Street, Columbus, OH 43215 on April 21st at 2:00 pm.

Art Possible Ohio 28th Annual Accessible Expression Exhibition

Posted on February 7, 2024 by OHHS Art and Design

Congratulations to Devon Brandenburg, Jaden Schneider, Kevin Kurre, and Caden Ginn whose artwork was selected to be part of the Accessible Expressions Ohio 2024 exhibition!

Accessible Expressions Ohio (AEO) is one of the most diverse art exhibits on display. It is an adjudicated, statewide exhibition and tour of sixty 2D and 3D art by Ohio artists with disabilities in the Youth, Emerging, or Professional categories.

This year, Accessible Expressions Ohio will open on March 30th, 2024 at the Cincinnati Art Museum in Cincinnati, Ohio. The exhibit will be on display through May 12, 2024.

What is it all about….
Art Possible Ohio is a community that connects inspired artists with their passion, service providers with resources, and all citizens with creative opportunities.

Arts Possible Ohio was founded in 1986 and works together with artists of all ages who have disabilities to advocate for accessibility and inclusivity, advance careers in the creative sector, build community, and improve the academic achievement of Ohio’s students through arts integration. By bridging arts and disability, our programs and services promote inclusive spaces and accessible opportunities for Ohioans.

Accessible Expressions Ohio is one of the most diverse art exhibits on display. It is an adjudicated, statewide exhibition and tour of sixty 2D and 3D art by Ohio artists with disabilities. Artists of any age, living in Ohio, with a disability may enter in the Youth, Emerging, or Professional categories. AEO raises awareness by presenting the show in inclusive settings designed to change perceptions about disability.

Accepted artists join a talented group of artists representing all corners of Ohio. Their art will travel to a variety of community spaces across Ohio during 2024. The work will also be exhibited at www.artpossibleohio.org and on their social media platforms, Instagram and Facebook (@ArtPossibleOhio).

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