Sloane brings contemporary women's fashion to Over the Rhine
Before Duru Armagan opened Sloane Boutique, she called on the help of her neighbors.
She hired Switch to design the lighting, Joseph Williams Home to provide furniture and Such + Such to build interior woodwork. The three businesses are based within a short walk from Sloane, the high-end clothing boutique that Armagan opened at 1216 Vine street in Over the Rhine last month.
Armagan said she hopes her store can become a hub for a growing set of style conscious women in Cincinnati, and she wanted to draw from the creative character of Over the Rhine when she designed the business.
“I think there is a hunger for edgier fashions, especially with the young professionals who live downtown and in this area,” she says. “I think a lot of the people who make edgier fashion picks end up ordering online or going to New York, Chicago or other big cities to do their shopping. But I have made it my goal to get Sloane to be their shopping place instead.”
Armagan moved to Cincinnati from Columbus three years ago, and was swept into a growing community in Over the Rhine.
“I met so many people here that were really motivated and inspiring, and it became my home,” she says.
It was around this time that she began to plan her boutique. She shadowed a business owner in Columbus who had opened one of the first clothing boutiques in the Short North district there. She worked in a high-end boutique in Cincinnati, and prepared a business plan to open her own store.
By the time she was making preparations to open Sloane, Cincinnati’s fashion scene had seen major new additions like Cincinnati fashion week and the women’s style magazine A-Line. Also, Over the Rhine’s business district had grown significantly.
Sloane opened just before Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, a weekend she said was an overwhelming success at Sloane.
“A lot of people saw OTR on the news or from reading different articles and I think that sparked interest out in the suburbs as well as within the neighborhood,” she says. “There were a lot of people who came to Over the Rhine instead of going to the mall on Black Friday.”
Sloane carries a stable of designers that are new to Cincinnati, who’s work she describes as “edgy and contemporary, but comfortable.” Some of the labels carried at Sloane include Aaron Ashe, Ellie Shabatian, Funktional, Rails and LNA.
The boutique is named after a fashionable district around Sloane Square in London which gave rise to the term “Sloane Ranger,” referring to members of a hip and high class young set living in London in the 1980’s. Armagan likes to call her customers “Sloane Rangers.”
By Henry Sweets
She hired Switch to design the lighting, Joseph Williams Home to provide furniture and Such + Such to build interior woodwork. The three businesses are based within a short walk from Sloane, the high-end clothing boutique that Armagan opened at 1216 Vine street in Over the Rhine last month.
Armagan said she hopes her store can become a hub for a growing set of style conscious women in Cincinnati, and she wanted to draw from the creative character of Over the Rhine when she designed the business.
“I think there is a hunger for edgier fashions, especially with the young professionals who live downtown and in this area,” she says. “I think a lot of the people who make edgier fashion picks end up ordering online or going to New York, Chicago or other big cities to do their shopping. But I have made it my goal to get Sloane to be their shopping place instead.”
Armagan moved to Cincinnati from Columbus three years ago, and was swept into a growing community in Over the Rhine.
“I met so many people here that were really motivated and inspiring, and it became my home,” she says.
It was around this time that she began to plan her boutique. She shadowed a business owner in Columbus who had opened one of the first clothing boutiques in the Short North district there. She worked in a high-end boutique in Cincinnati, and prepared a business plan to open her own store.
By the time she was making preparations to open Sloane, Cincinnati’s fashion scene had seen major new additions like Cincinnati fashion week and the women’s style magazine A-Line. Also, Over the Rhine’s business district had grown significantly.
Sloane opened just before Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, a weekend she said was an overwhelming success at Sloane.
“A lot of people saw OTR on the news or from reading different articles and I think that sparked interest out in the suburbs as well as within the neighborhood,” she says. “There were a lot of people who came to Over the Rhine instead of going to the mall on Black Friday.”
Sloane carries a stable of designers that are new to Cincinnati, who’s work she describes as “edgy and contemporary, but comfortable.” Some of the labels carried at Sloane include Aaron Ashe, Ellie Shabatian, Funktional, Rails and LNA.
The boutique is named after a fashionable district around Sloane Square in London which gave rise to the term “Sloane Ranger,” referring to members of a hip and high class young set living in London in the 1980’s. Armagan likes to call her customers “Sloane Rangers.”
By Henry Sweets
Old CAC transformed into new event space
The space that was once recognized as the region’s largest venue dedicated to contemporary art is now open as rentable event space.
The former Contemporary Arts Center moved out of the Mercantile Building at 115 E. Fifth Street in 2003, and whole building changed ownership. New owners, MCA Center, LLC, envisioned a new event space downtown. So they hired Shannon West and Alana Merrill to serve as event coordinators.
The 14,800-square-foot event space, known simply as The Center, opened for its first event Oct. 1 this year. With a large, open floor plan, guests create custom layouts for wedding receptions or business meetings. A large ballroom space works well for receptions, while smaller side rooms easily accommodate meetings and smaller events.
A dome ceiling, skylight and large windows with a view of Fountain Square give The Center some downtown cachet, and while it is not a full-service event venue, it does feature an on-site kitchen. West and Merrill work with hosts, who can hire their own caterers and other service providers.
The space can be rented for a flat rate for of $2,000 for four hours for receptions, weddings, social and corporate events.
Events at the Center also include some interesting city architectural history. The building was designed by Henry Weese in 1970, but now has a new HVAC system and renovated bathrooms. There are plans for continued renovations in the winter months to further improve the space.
“The space has a lot of history and many people identify with it,” West says.
By Evan Wallis
The former Contemporary Arts Center moved out of the Mercantile Building at 115 E. Fifth Street in 2003, and whole building changed ownership. New owners, MCA Center, LLC, envisioned a new event space downtown. So they hired Shannon West and Alana Merrill to serve as event coordinators.
The 14,800-square-foot event space, known simply as The Center, opened for its first event Oct. 1 this year. With a large, open floor plan, guests create custom layouts for wedding receptions or business meetings. A large ballroom space works well for receptions, while smaller side rooms easily accommodate meetings and smaller events.
A dome ceiling, skylight and large windows with a view of Fountain Square give The Center some downtown cachet, and while it is not a full-service event venue, it does feature an on-site kitchen. West and Merrill work with hosts, who can hire their own caterers and other service providers.
The space can be rented for a flat rate for of $2,000 for four hours for receptions, weddings, social and corporate events.
Events at the Center also include some interesting city architectural history. The building was designed by Henry Weese in 1970, but now has a new HVAC system and renovated bathrooms. There are plans for continued renovations in the winter months to further improve the space.
“The space has a lot of history and many people identify with it,” West says.
By Evan Wallis
Architecture students taking their products from idea to reality
After graduating from the University of Cincinnati with undergrad degrees in architecture, three friends decided to try their hands at manufacturing, instead of just giving people instructions about how to build things.
Ryan Ball, Travis Hope and Joseph Kinzelman all graduated from the College of Design, Art, Architecture and Planning in June of 2010. Ball and Hope went on to pursue their masters, and in April, the three decided to start their own business, a dream they had been discussing for month. When the business founders moved in to an E. 13th Street apartment in Over-the-Rhine, where they create all their products, the business name followed naturally: E13.
“In architecture school, you’re asked to design a lot,” Ball says. “We just made instructions on how to make things. We were really interested in trying to take an idea from conception through manufacturing.”
All three had created prototypes of products while in school, so they decided to take some of those ideas and see if they could turn them into marketable products. Their main focus, what makes their work unique, is their use of unusual materials to create their products. First up, a day-bag made from reclaimed air bags they found in junkyards. They look for durable materials that aren’t normally made into bags. The airbags look different than other bags on the market, plus, they darken and weather over time.
Once they had a product, the E13 team set out to create a brand and website. Everything from programming to photo editing was a complete in-house venture. After attracting positive attention from design blogs, E13 sold out of all the repurposed day bags.
With proven marketability on their side, the three entrepreneurs are now working on perfecting their manufacturing process. As they hone their sewing skills, they have enrolled in the third round of SpringBoard to help them develop a business plan. While Ball and Hope complete their advanced degrees, spare time is sparse. Still, the group continues to rethink its approach and launch more products as they build an inventory to meet public demand.
By Evan Wallis
Ryan Ball, Travis Hope and Joseph Kinzelman all graduated from the College of Design, Art, Architecture and Planning in June of 2010. Ball and Hope went on to pursue their masters, and in April, the three decided to start their own business, a dream they had been discussing for month. When the business founders moved in to an E. 13th Street apartment in Over-the-Rhine, where they create all their products, the business name followed naturally: E13.
“In architecture school, you’re asked to design a lot,” Ball says. “We just made instructions on how to make things. We were really interested in trying to take an idea from conception through manufacturing.”
All three had created prototypes of products while in school, so they decided to take some of those ideas and see if they could turn them into marketable products. Their main focus, what makes their work unique, is their use of unusual materials to create their products. First up, a day-bag made from reclaimed air bags they found in junkyards. They look for durable materials that aren’t normally made into bags. The airbags look different than other bags on the market, plus, they darken and weather over time.
Once they had a product, the E13 team set out to create a brand and website. Everything from programming to photo editing was a complete in-house venture. After attracting positive attention from design blogs, E13 sold out of all the repurposed day bags.
With proven marketability on their side, the three entrepreneurs are now working on perfecting their manufacturing process. As they hone their sewing skills, they have enrolled in the third round of SpringBoard to help them develop a business plan. While Ball and Hope complete their advanced degrees, spare time is sparse. Still, the group continues to rethink its approach and launch more products as they build an inventory to meet public demand.
By Evan Wallis
Northside International Airport plans to take off early 2012
A long time Northside resident and business owner is opening yet another business at 4029 Hamilton Ave.
Aileen McGrath, co-owner of Fabricate and longtime bartender at Northside Tavern, plans to launch Northside International Airport in the old Bronz club storefront. N.I.A will be a mini-mall, complete with a taco bar, Tacocracy. With an opening planned for early 2012, McGrath has already handpicked six shops to help get N.I.A off the ground.
McGrath has been interested in the idea for a collaborative shop for a while. She wants to give people who want to have their own business a cheaper, less-involved opportunity to try their hand at running a storefront. For less than it costs to rent a booth four times at events like the City Flea or Second Sundays in OTR, N.I.A will allow vendors to share space, utilities, rent, equipment and work hours. Each retailer will run the shop one day a week, selling all of the retailers’ goods.
“It’s like a antique mall, without all the surplus junk,” McGrath says. “It’s set up like a co-op so we can all continue to foster our other creative endeavors or jobs.”
N.I.A.’s initial residents are Tacocracy, Wax Aesthetic, McGrath’s own store, The Dirty Loft, (False) Minotaur, ≥ and Bathroom Gallery. Concepts range from shops with vintage clothing, musical instrument and furnishings to, literally, an art gallery inside a bathroom.
With the goal to boost the business and creativity in the 4000 block of Hamilton Avenue with storefronts that are vital to the atmosphere of the neighborhood, McGrath will continue to run Fabricate while she gets ready for the opening of N.I.A.
McGrath recognizes that there are already many small shops that contribute to Northside’s eclectic feel, but believes the community always welcomes new businesses.
“OTR has been in its biggest upswing ever over the past few years and it's awesome,” McGrath says. ‘We've always had the same caliber of people and creativity here (Northside) too, and I wanted to cultivate an environment where this can happen.”
By Evan Wallis
Aileen McGrath, co-owner of Fabricate and longtime bartender at Northside Tavern, plans to launch Northside International Airport in the old Bronz club storefront. N.I.A will be a mini-mall, complete with a taco bar, Tacocracy. With an opening planned for early 2012, McGrath has already handpicked six shops to help get N.I.A off the ground.
McGrath has been interested in the idea for a collaborative shop for a while. She wants to give people who want to have their own business a cheaper, less-involved opportunity to try their hand at running a storefront. For less than it costs to rent a booth four times at events like the City Flea or Second Sundays in OTR, N.I.A will allow vendors to share space, utilities, rent, equipment and work hours. Each retailer will run the shop one day a week, selling all of the retailers’ goods.
“It’s like a antique mall, without all the surplus junk,” McGrath says. “It’s set up like a co-op so we can all continue to foster our other creative endeavors or jobs.”
N.I.A.’s initial residents are Tacocracy, Wax Aesthetic, McGrath’s own store, The Dirty Loft, (False) Minotaur, ≥ and Bathroom Gallery. Concepts range from shops with vintage clothing, musical instrument and furnishings to, literally, an art gallery inside a bathroom.
With the goal to boost the business and creativity in the 4000 block of Hamilton Avenue with storefronts that are vital to the atmosphere of the neighborhood, McGrath will continue to run Fabricate while she gets ready for the opening of N.I.A.
McGrath recognizes that there are already many small shops that contribute to Northside’s eclectic feel, but believes the community always welcomes new businesses.
“OTR has been in its biggest upswing ever over the past few years and it's awesome,” McGrath says. ‘We've always had the same caliber of people and creativity here (Northside) too, and I wanted to cultivate an environment where this can happen.”
By Evan Wallis
Yelp's scavenger hunt leads to local businesses
Inspired by Willy Wonka’s Golden Tickets and a love for unique, local shops in Cincinnati, Alex Shebar, Cincinnati community manager at Yelp, created a scavenger hunt to highlight local businesses and stimulate the local economy.
Yelp is a web-based service that allows users to check-in, write reviews and share their opinions about any business in the area and already a main source for people searching out new businesses to explore.
The hunt includes more than 80 independent shops from Bellevue to Farfield to Milford and everywhere in between. Shebar’s hunt, which focuses on six golden tickets randomly placed in the businesses, does more than include discounts and coupons. Each participating business donated an item worth at least $25 worth of prizes; donated items were split into six gift baskets worth hundreds of dollars each.
Clues will be added on social media each day, getting more and more specific as Christmas draws nearer. Running from now until Dec. 26, the hunt gives patrons plenty of time to explore old and new favorite stores.
The idea came from last year’s Totally Bazaar event that Yelp’s Shebar planned. He updated the idea from a one-day shopping bonanza to a citywide hunt. “The idea is to support local shopping,” Shebar says. “The Bazaar last year was a good introduction to the products stores have, but it didn’t get people in the stores. It can be intimidating to go in somewhere for the first time, and I think this will help.”
Shebar looked for neighborhoods, like Bellvue, OTR and Milford, with multiple local stores to help hunters drive less. Each ticket was placed randomly, so there could be several in one neighborhood, or none in a particular neighborhood. All aspects of the hunt urge people to explore new stores.
“I have nothing against chain stores, but we wanted to get people away from those stores and check out more unique, interesting shops,” Shebar says. “You can find gifts you wouldn’t find anywhere else.”
By Evan Wallis
Yelp is a web-based service that allows users to check-in, write reviews and share their opinions about any business in the area and already a main source for people searching out new businesses to explore.
The hunt includes more than 80 independent shops from Bellevue to Farfield to Milford and everywhere in between. Shebar’s hunt, which focuses on six golden tickets randomly placed in the businesses, does more than include discounts and coupons. Each participating business donated an item worth at least $25 worth of prizes; donated items were split into six gift baskets worth hundreds of dollars each.
Clues will be added on social media each day, getting more and more specific as Christmas draws nearer. Running from now until Dec. 26, the hunt gives patrons plenty of time to explore old and new favorite stores.
The idea came from last year’s Totally Bazaar event that Yelp’s Shebar planned. He updated the idea from a one-day shopping bonanza to a citywide hunt. “The idea is to support local shopping,” Shebar says. “The Bazaar last year was a good introduction to the products stores have, but it didn’t get people in the stores. It can be intimidating to go in somewhere for the first time, and I think this will help.”
Shebar looked for neighborhoods, like Bellvue, OTR and Milford, with multiple local stores to help hunters drive less. Each ticket was placed randomly, so there could be several in one neighborhood, or none in a particular neighborhood. All aspects of the hunt urge people to explore new stores.
“I have nothing against chain stores, but we wanted to get people away from those stores and check out more unique, interesting shops,” Shebar says. “You can find gifts you wouldn’t find anywhere else.”
By Evan Wallis
Wyoming B&B is first in historic 'hood
Wyoming is a great part of town to visit, but until September there wasn’t anywhere to spend the night. Anne Black has changed that with the opening of Twins’ House Bed & Breakfast at 272 Compton Road.
As a professional remodeler, Black had toyed with the idea of opening a B&B years ago, but didn’t get serious until 2009, when she heard that the historic Mt. Vernon-style house she had long admired was coming on the market.
About the same time, she found out that Wyoming had changed the zoning code to allow a B&B in the city. The house was too large for her family of three, a 120-pound dog and a cat. Turning it into a B&B was a win-win solution. “Inviting guests into our home justifies a small family having such a big house, and their rent helps us pay the mortgage,” she says.
So far, guests have been thrilled with the deal. The three-story house on 3.82 acres has been restored to its 1848 splendor, warmly decorated by Wyoming’s Peppercorn Studio, and landscaped by Wyoming’s Designer Dirt. There are three guest rooms, one of which is available as a suite for families of four. The rooms are spacious, and each has a private bath. There is an outdoor pool, and a large porch for sitting and enjoying morning coffee.
Since it is occupied 24/7, Twins’ House feels like a home. Guests and the Blacks each have separate living spaces, and 10-year-old residents Cathy and Sam (for whom the house is named) are happy to walk up the stairs quietly when guests are staying. “They knew that sharing was going to be part of the plan,” Anne says.
The hostess role suits her well. “I called the owner of Clifton’s Parker House when I was getting ready to do this, and he said, ‘You are going to have so much fun!’ He was right. Meeting people and making their experience pleasant has been a blast.”
By Cynthia Smith
As a professional remodeler, Black had toyed with the idea of opening a B&B years ago, but didn’t get serious until 2009, when she heard that the historic Mt. Vernon-style house she had long admired was coming on the market.
About the same time, she found out that Wyoming had changed the zoning code to allow a B&B in the city. The house was too large for her family of three, a 120-pound dog and a cat. Turning it into a B&B was a win-win solution. “Inviting guests into our home justifies a small family having such a big house, and their rent helps us pay the mortgage,” she says.
So far, guests have been thrilled with the deal. The three-story house on 3.82 acres has been restored to its 1848 splendor, warmly decorated by Wyoming’s Peppercorn Studio, and landscaped by Wyoming’s Designer Dirt. There are three guest rooms, one of which is available as a suite for families of four. The rooms are spacious, and each has a private bath. There is an outdoor pool, and a large porch for sitting and enjoying morning coffee.
Since it is occupied 24/7, Twins’ House feels like a home. Guests and the Blacks each have separate living spaces, and 10-year-old residents Cathy and Sam (for whom the house is named) are happy to walk up the stairs quietly when guests are staying. “They knew that sharing was going to be part of the plan,” Anne says.
The hostess role suits her well. “I called the owner of Clifton’s Parker House when I was getting ready to do this, and he said, ‘You are going to have so much fun!’ He was right. Meeting people and making their experience pleasant has been a blast.”
By Cynthia Smith
Vitrue powers social media tech platforms
Over-the-Rhine continues to draw entrepreneurs and innovators to the heart of Cincinnati. Adding to the forward thinking landscape of OTR, technology company Vitrue is one of its newest residents and a global provider of social media management. Their clients include companies like P&G,McDonalds, American Express and more.
After working in Longworth Hall for about a year, Vitrue recently relocated to Saengerhalle at 1404 Race Street in the heart of Over-the-Rhine, and right next door to 3CDC. “We are thrilled to be part of a thriving community,” says Kara Mjones, analyst of client partnerships. “It’s definitely the right time to be here.”
With six locations in the United States, one in London and another in development for Eastern Europe, Vitrue has created a growing niche market that utilizes their Social Relationship Management (SRM) platform to solidify clients’ branding and relationship building initiatives through social media. Vitrue’s presence in Cincinnati means that local companies can also access technology platforms to help drive and grow online communities.
Currently, Vitrue works with Facebook and Twitter, however a YouTube interactive platform is in the works. As a Facebook Preferred Developer Consultant, Vitrue strives to make keeping up with your company Facebook page easier and more efficient. Their platforms manage publishing, custom content, commerce and analytics to merge changing consumer needs with brand strategy and overall social media presence.
Companies can choose the level of service they need by selecting one or more platforms. For example, Vitrue’s Publisher platform allows Facebook and Twitter posts to be scheduled in advance and posted automatically according to predetermined timelines and initiatives, pushing out content and driving the online “conversation.” Combine that with the Tabs, Shop and Analytics platforms and companies can take full control of social media initiatives.
“Vitrue streamlines social media efforts, and makes that effort a time effective process,” says Mjones. “We are very excited to be part of the Over-the-Rhine community.” Learn more about Vitrue at www.vitrue.com or find them on Facebook.
By Deidra Wiley Necco
After working in Longworth Hall for about a year, Vitrue recently relocated to Saengerhalle at 1404 Race Street in the heart of Over-the-Rhine, and right next door to 3CDC. “We are thrilled to be part of a thriving community,” says Kara Mjones, analyst of client partnerships. “It’s definitely the right time to be here.”
With six locations in the United States, one in London and another in development for Eastern Europe, Vitrue has created a growing niche market that utilizes their Social Relationship Management (SRM) platform to solidify clients’ branding and relationship building initiatives through social media. Vitrue’s presence in Cincinnati means that local companies can also access technology platforms to help drive and grow online communities.
Currently, Vitrue works with Facebook and Twitter, however a YouTube interactive platform is in the works. As a Facebook Preferred Developer Consultant, Vitrue strives to make keeping up with your company Facebook page easier and more efficient. Their platforms manage publishing, custom content, commerce and analytics to merge changing consumer needs with brand strategy and overall social media presence.
Companies can choose the level of service they need by selecting one or more platforms. For example, Vitrue’s Publisher platform allows Facebook and Twitter posts to be scheduled in advance and posted automatically according to predetermined timelines and initiatives, pushing out content and driving the online “conversation.” Combine that with the Tabs, Shop and Analytics platforms and companies can take full control of social media initiatives.
“Vitrue streamlines social media efforts, and makes that effort a time effective process,” says Mjones. “We are very excited to be part of the Over-the-Rhine community.” Learn more about Vitrue at www.vitrue.com or find them on Facebook.
By Deidra Wiley Necco
Local artist creates jewlery out of found objects
From typewriter keys to bifocal lenses, antique watch parts to skeleton keys, Lizz Godfroy’s affinity for found objects led her to start Lily in Flux, her own line of handmade recycled jewelry and accessories.
Focusing on found objects, Godfroy creates necklaces, earrings, belt buckles, and other accessories. “I’m a sucker for nostalgia,” says Godfroy, which is why her work focuses on recycled and rediscovered objects. To find such objects, she spends her time digging through thrift shops and antique stores. Recently, she traveled to Bloomington, Ind., to purchase a few old typewriters. She typically finds the objects first, and then leaves them in her studio to “marinate down there,” she says.
Godfroy moved back to Cincinnati in 2003, after a 10-year stint in Bar Harbor, Maine. Upon her return to her native home, people wanted to buy her designs, and in 2008, she officially started Lily in Flux. She named the business after her first dog.
On the weekends, Godfroy participates in a multitude of local craft shows. “A lot of it is word of mouth,” she says. She is a regular at the City Flea and Factory Flea. She has no plans to open a storefront; instead, she wants to focus on the quality of her pieces.
Godfroy’s favorite works are the one-of-a-kind pieces she creates. Her 1950s eyeglass collection started it all. Using lenses of old bifocals from the ‘50s, she creates necklaces and belt buckles. “Coming up with new things is always exciting,” she says.
Godfroy believes she has found the best spot for Lily in Flux. “Northside has a really grassroots feel, and it’s really authentic,” she says.
Jewelry and paintings by Lily in Flux can be found locally at Fabricate, 4037 Hamilton Ave., in Northside. She will also be participating in the Crafty Supermarket at the Clifton Cultural Arts Center, at 3711 Clifton Ave. Her work is also featured on her website and on Etsy.
By Gina Gaetano
Focusing on found objects, Godfroy creates necklaces, earrings, belt buckles, and other accessories. “I’m a sucker for nostalgia,” says Godfroy, which is why her work focuses on recycled and rediscovered objects. To find such objects, she spends her time digging through thrift shops and antique stores. Recently, she traveled to Bloomington, Ind., to purchase a few old typewriters. She typically finds the objects first, and then leaves them in her studio to “marinate down there,” she says.
Godfroy moved back to Cincinnati in 2003, after a 10-year stint in Bar Harbor, Maine. Upon her return to her native home, people wanted to buy her designs, and in 2008, she officially started Lily in Flux. She named the business after her first dog.
On the weekends, Godfroy participates in a multitude of local craft shows. “A lot of it is word of mouth,” she says. She is a regular at the City Flea and Factory Flea. She has no plans to open a storefront; instead, she wants to focus on the quality of her pieces.
Godfroy’s favorite works are the one-of-a-kind pieces she creates. Her 1950s eyeglass collection started it all. Using lenses of old bifocals from the ‘50s, she creates necklaces and belt buckles. “Coming up with new things is always exciting,” she says.
Godfroy believes she has found the best spot for Lily in Flux. “Northside has a really grassroots feel, and it’s really authentic,” she says.
Jewelry and paintings by Lily in Flux can be found locally at Fabricate, 4037 Hamilton Ave., in Northside. She will also be participating in the Crafty Supermarket at the Clifton Cultural Arts Center, at 3711 Clifton Ave. Her work is also featured on her website and on Etsy.
By Gina Gaetano
Lacheys add star power to Emery opening, 11.11.11
NOTE: Soapbox Media is a sponsor of The Requiem Project.
This Friday marks the culmination of months of sweat equity and artistic collaborations. On 11.11.11, the Emery Theatre reopens its doors for a full slate of special events featuring bright local stars from Over the Rhine to Drew and Lea Lachey to awe-inspiring visual artists including photographers Michael Wilson and Soapbox's own Scott Beseler.
When Tara Lindsey Gordon and Tina Manchise host their preview weekend, guests can view a local treasure that's been under wraps for years. The Emery Theatre in Over-the-Rhine, built in 1911 with impeccable acoustics, is the first concert hall in the United States to have no obstructed seats.
The weekend-long celebration begins with a Friday night fundraiser, a slate of building tours and performances. Headliners Over the Rhine will be joined by musician and composer Peter Adams, choreographer Heather Britt, members of the modern chamber group concert:nova, Exhale Dance Tribe and Madcap Puppet Theatre. Drew Lachey, of 98 Degrees and Dancing with the Stars, will introduce the women behind the Requiem Project. His wife Lea, a dancer and choreographer as well as West side native, performs with Exhale.
From the 1,600-seat theater to nearly 120,000 square feet of artistic space (the first two of seven floors will be open for tours this month), the Emery captivates returning and new visitors alike. Somewhere in its long-forgotten hallways, inspiration remains as palpable as the passion of the people dedicated to its restoration.
When the building opens on 11.11.11, visitors can tour dozens of artists' work, including glass artist Margot Gotoff, Cedric Cox and photos by Michael Wilson, the event honoree. Gordon calls the Norwood native Wilson, whose photography has graced many an album cover, "the first in the water."
She and Manchise contacted Wilson to gauge his interest before they knew he was based in Cincinnati. "He spent two days shooting the Emery," Gordon says. "There couldn't be a more amazing friend to this project."
After the preview celebration starts Friday, festivities continue through the weekend. Saturday includes a free 2 p.m. concert by the Cincinnati Boychoir, free Chipotle lunch for kid guests and a visit from Cincinnati Zoo to You animals. Sunday, the Cincinnati Children's Choir stops in for a free 2 p.m. show.
Friday night guests can tour the building, where dozens of artists' work, curated by ParProjects, will be on display, then see the concert, and enjoy a couple of after-party options that run until 2 a.m., all for just $75. Dinner and corporate sponsorship options remain available.
By Elissa Yancey
Follow Elissa on Twitter.
Photo by Michael Wilson.
This Friday marks the culmination of months of sweat equity and artistic collaborations. On 11.11.11, the Emery Theatre reopens its doors for a full slate of special events featuring bright local stars from Over the Rhine to Drew and Lea Lachey to awe-inspiring visual artists including photographers Michael Wilson and Soapbox's own Scott Beseler.
When Tara Lindsey Gordon and Tina Manchise host their preview weekend, guests can view a local treasure that's been under wraps for years. The Emery Theatre in Over-the-Rhine, built in 1911 with impeccable acoustics, is the first concert hall in the United States to have no obstructed seats.
The weekend-long celebration begins with a Friday night fundraiser, a slate of building tours and performances. Headliners Over the Rhine will be joined by musician and composer Peter Adams, choreographer Heather Britt, members of the modern chamber group concert:nova, Exhale Dance Tribe and Madcap Puppet Theatre. Drew Lachey, of 98 Degrees and Dancing with the Stars, will introduce the women behind the Requiem Project. His wife Lea, a dancer and choreographer as well as West side native, performs with Exhale.
From the 1,600-seat theater to nearly 120,000 square feet of artistic space (the first two of seven floors will be open for tours this month), the Emery captivates returning and new visitors alike. Somewhere in its long-forgotten hallways, inspiration remains as palpable as the passion of the people dedicated to its restoration.
When the building opens on 11.11.11, visitors can tour dozens of artists' work, including glass artist Margot Gotoff, Cedric Cox and photos by Michael Wilson, the event honoree. Gordon calls the Norwood native Wilson, whose photography has graced many an album cover, "the first in the water."
She and Manchise contacted Wilson to gauge his interest before they knew he was based in Cincinnati. "He spent two days shooting the Emery," Gordon says. "There couldn't be a more amazing friend to this project."
After the preview celebration starts Friday, festivities continue through the weekend. Saturday includes a free 2 p.m. concert by the Cincinnati Boychoir, free Chipotle lunch for kid guests and a visit from Cincinnati Zoo to You animals. Sunday, the Cincinnati Children's Choir stops in for a free 2 p.m. show.
Friday night guests can tour the building, where dozens of artists' work, curated by ParProjects, will be on display, then see the concert, and enjoy a couple of after-party options that run until 2 a.m., all for just $75. Dinner and corporate sponsorship options remain available.
By Elissa Yancey
Follow Elissa on Twitter.
Photo by Michael Wilson.
Harrison farmers' market wins statewide marketing award
In ancient times entire cities were built around the places farmers chose to meet and sell their food. So it’s no surprise that farmers’ markets have become an increasingly popular tool for today’s communities seeking to revitalize their business districts.
But a papyrus poster or rock carving does not do the trick anymore when it comes to getting the word out about these markets. Today it takes a little more effort - and digital savvy - to draw crowds in for fresh, local food
This summer the City of Harrison, Oh launched a marketing campaign that utilized social networking and live entertainment, as well as traditional media, to promote its farmers’ market’s second season. The effort won the city a statewide marketing award from the Ohio Economic Development Association (OEDA) last month.
"A lot of times people underestimate social media and how effective it can be,” Harrison’s development director Jennifer Ekey says. “But we were thrilled with the turnout this year.”
The marketing team posted weekly Facebook updates to keep customers abreast of seasonal produce availability, and featured a different vendor each week in a digital newsletter called the “Market Minute.” The newsletter included recipes those vendors recommended for their products.
The digital media generated a buzz not just about the products, but the people that grew or raised them. Ekey says that farmers’ markets are centered around relationships, and customers in Harrison would return to see specific vendors, talk with them and buy their produce.
Harrison launched its farmers’ market last year as part of an effort to invigorate its downtown business district, and as a community-building exercise, Ekey says. Despite some requests from vendors to move to a cooler area in a grass field at a nearby community center, they chose to stay downtown and move vendors into the shade.
"If you look at other communities, when they implement farmers' markets and when they do it in their downtown business district those markets have been very successful and very longstanding," Ekey says.
Ekey says local businesses extended their operating hours during the event, which ran from 4 to 7 p.m on Thursdays, to keep up with the increased foot traffic.
Ekey says that Harrison has been able to grow their economy and population in the last three years despite the economic downturn. She says efforts like the farmers’ market have helped to make that possible.
This is the second time the city of 10,000 has won the OEDA “Excellence in Economic Development Marketing Award” since Ekey became the city’s first development director three years ago. Harrison won the award two years ago for a logo and branding re-design.
By Henry Sweets
But a papyrus poster or rock carving does not do the trick anymore when it comes to getting the word out about these markets. Today it takes a little more effort - and digital savvy - to draw crowds in for fresh, local food
This summer the City of Harrison, Oh launched a marketing campaign that utilized social networking and live entertainment, as well as traditional media, to promote its farmers’ market’s second season. The effort won the city a statewide marketing award from the Ohio Economic Development Association (OEDA) last month.
"A lot of times people underestimate social media and how effective it can be,” Harrison’s development director Jennifer Ekey says. “But we were thrilled with the turnout this year.”
The marketing team posted weekly Facebook updates to keep customers abreast of seasonal produce availability, and featured a different vendor each week in a digital newsletter called the “Market Minute.” The newsletter included recipes those vendors recommended for their products.
The digital media generated a buzz not just about the products, but the people that grew or raised them. Ekey says that farmers’ markets are centered around relationships, and customers in Harrison would return to see specific vendors, talk with them and buy their produce.
Harrison launched its farmers’ market last year as part of an effort to invigorate its downtown business district, and as a community-building exercise, Ekey says. Despite some requests from vendors to move to a cooler area in a grass field at a nearby community center, they chose to stay downtown and move vendors into the shade.
"If you look at other communities, when they implement farmers' markets and when they do it in their downtown business district those markets have been very successful and very longstanding," Ekey says.
Ekey says local businesses extended their operating hours during the event, which ran from 4 to 7 p.m on Thursdays, to keep up with the increased foot traffic.
Ekey says that Harrison has been able to grow their economy and population in the last three years despite the economic downturn. She says efforts like the farmers’ market have helped to make that possible.
This is the second time the city of 10,000 has won the OEDA “Excellence in Economic Development Marketing Award” since Ekey became the city’s first development director three years ago. Harrison won the award two years ago for a logo and branding re-design.
By Henry Sweets
Art and mystery mix at ArtWorks fundraiser
Albert Einstein said mystery is the most beautiful thing people can experience, and that it is the source of all true art. This year, the sixth annual Secret ArtWorks gives you a chance to see and experience both.
Secret Artworks is the largest fundraiser of the year for the nonprofit Artworks, likely best known for its annual mural and employment projects, known as ArtWorks. Secret ArtWorks, which attracts more than 700 people, remains true to ArtWorks mission of bringing art to the public. For the event, the nonprofit asks artists to create a 5-inch by 7-inch original pieces of art. Attendees each receive one voucher for a piece of art, which they must choose based on their personal attraction to the art, rather than the name of the artist.
This year, ArtWorks selective and created the Masters of Secret ArtWorks by inviting fewer artists to participate. Nearly 400 artists with local, national or international acclaim have been asked to create mini-masterpieces for the event.
The works can be previewed at the Westin Hotel, or online, and many attendees already know which piece the want before the event. This year, the event will be held at the Mercantile Building, the former home of the Contemporary Arts Center. After the cocktail party, the doors are opened to the art and attendees race to find their chosen piece of art. Many attendees may have a specific artist whose work they want to purchase, but that isn’t always easy. Some artists create unusual pieces to surprise attendees.
Jolie Harris, a board member at ArtWorks and artist, has participated in Secret Artworks before and chosen to stray from her typical medium. “I usually paint abstract,” Harris says. “One year, I did a photograph so no one would know it was my work.”
Every artist who contributes work is invited to meet the donor who purchased his or her work. With food from Jean-Robert’s table and Nada, drinks and some of the best artists in the region, this fundraiser gives people a chance to experience some of the best artwork Cincinnati has to offer.
By Evan Wallis
Secret Artworks is the largest fundraiser of the year for the nonprofit Artworks, likely best known for its annual mural and employment projects, known as ArtWorks. Secret ArtWorks, which attracts more than 700 people, remains true to ArtWorks mission of bringing art to the public. For the event, the nonprofit asks artists to create a 5-inch by 7-inch original pieces of art. Attendees each receive one voucher for a piece of art, which they must choose based on their personal attraction to the art, rather than the name of the artist.
This year, ArtWorks selective and created the Masters of Secret ArtWorks by inviting fewer artists to participate. Nearly 400 artists with local, national or international acclaim have been asked to create mini-masterpieces for the event.
The works can be previewed at the Westin Hotel, or online, and many attendees already know which piece the want before the event. This year, the event will be held at the Mercantile Building, the former home of the Contemporary Arts Center. After the cocktail party, the doors are opened to the art and attendees race to find their chosen piece of art. Many attendees may have a specific artist whose work they want to purchase, but that isn’t always easy. Some artists create unusual pieces to surprise attendees.
Jolie Harris, a board member at ArtWorks and artist, has participated in Secret Artworks before and chosen to stray from her typical medium. “I usually paint abstract,” Harris says. “One year, I did a photograph so no one would know it was my work.”
Every artist who contributes work is invited to meet the donor who purchased his or her work. With food from Jean-Robert’s table and Nada, drinks and some of the best artists in the region, this fundraiser gives people a chance to experience some of the best artwork Cincinnati has to offer.
By Evan Wallis
Listing Loon to bring craft beers, wines to Northside in 2012
Whether she’s on stage singing with The Hiders, playing a princess at Ensemble Theatre or mixing it up on a Gruesome Playground at the Know, Beth Harris knows how to make a scene.
Next year, the multi-talented singer/actress and partner Dave Mikkelsen plan on creating a brand new one in Northside. After years of blending their artistic lives with more beverage-friendly endeavors—the two met when bartending at The Comet—the pair is ready to launch their own business. The Listing Loon, a comfy craft beer and wine shop that will evolve into a “rock ‘n roll wine bar,” is set to open on Hamilton Avenue by Valentine’s Day.
Located in a prime corner spot soon to be vacated by Feldenkrais Within (which will be expanding and moving into the former Chas. A. Miller Sons Funeral Home), The Listing Loon will fill a void in the neighborhood where bars and beers are plentiful but finding a good wine selection remains a challenge. “Northside is growing so much,” says Harris, who cites the American Can Lofts as a prime example of the area’s expanding customer base. “We’re walking distance to our target market.”
She hopes to carry between 50 and 100 types of craft beers and about 60 wines, ranging from under $10 to upwards of $70 per bottle.
“Our vision is to have a comfortable beer and wine boutique where people can come and hang out,” says Harris. “We’ll have The New York Times for sale.”
The Little Rock, Arkansas, native landed in Cincinnati for an acting gig in 1997 and hasn’t left since. While her band, The Hiders, continues work on a new CD, she keeps busy with acting jobs and a stint behind the counter at Sidewinder Coffee and Teas.
Harris’ craft beer obsession started when she lived in Portland, Oregon. She found a kindred spirit in Mikkelsen. “We’re both extremely passionate about beer,” she says.
As the duo finalizes financing and continues honing the new boutique’s menu, they went through “months of bar napkins” before deciding on a name. Mikkelsen, an artist/sculptor/painter who currently tends bar at May Day, lobbied for the loon, his favorite bird. Adding “listing” as an adjective made alliterative sense, and added a hint of the playfulness of its owners. “We didn’t want to call it The Drunken Bird,” Harris says with a laugh.
For more information about The Listing Loon, contact Harris.
By Elissa Yancey
Follow Elissa on Twitter
Photo of Beth Harris by Elissa Yancey
Next year, the multi-talented singer/actress and partner Dave Mikkelsen plan on creating a brand new one in Northside. After years of blending their artistic lives with more beverage-friendly endeavors—the two met when bartending at The Comet—the pair is ready to launch their own business. The Listing Loon, a comfy craft beer and wine shop that will evolve into a “rock ‘n roll wine bar,” is set to open on Hamilton Avenue by Valentine’s Day.
Located in a prime corner spot soon to be vacated by Feldenkrais Within (which will be expanding and moving into the former Chas. A. Miller Sons Funeral Home), The Listing Loon will fill a void in the neighborhood where bars and beers are plentiful but finding a good wine selection remains a challenge. “Northside is growing so much,” says Harris, who cites the American Can Lofts as a prime example of the area’s expanding customer base. “We’re walking distance to our target market.”
She hopes to carry between 50 and 100 types of craft beers and about 60 wines, ranging from under $10 to upwards of $70 per bottle.
“Our vision is to have a comfortable beer and wine boutique where people can come and hang out,” says Harris. “We’ll have The New York Times for sale.”
The Little Rock, Arkansas, native landed in Cincinnati for an acting gig in 1997 and hasn’t left since. While her band, The Hiders, continues work on a new CD, she keeps busy with acting jobs and a stint behind the counter at Sidewinder Coffee and Teas.
Harris’ craft beer obsession started when she lived in Portland, Oregon. She found a kindred spirit in Mikkelsen. “We’re both extremely passionate about beer,” she says.
As the duo finalizes financing and continues honing the new boutique’s menu, they went through “months of bar napkins” before deciding on a name. Mikkelsen, an artist/sculptor/painter who currently tends bar at May Day, lobbied for the loon, his favorite bird. Adding “listing” as an adjective made alliterative sense, and added a hint of the playfulness of its owners. “We didn’t want to call it The Drunken Bird,” Harris says with a laugh.
For more information about The Listing Loon, contact Harris.
By Elissa Yancey
Follow Elissa on Twitter
Photo of Beth Harris by Elissa Yancey
Turophilia changes gears for winter
While many food trucks wind down service during winter months, Fallon Horstmeyer, owner/operator of Turophilia Quesadillas, is just getting started.
After a little over a year of service from Grammer’s and then out of the rainbow adorned Airstream Trailer in the Seventh and Vine parking lot, across from Jean-Robert’s Table, Turophilia is making its way into OTR Bars. Last week, Horstmeyer began serving her eclectic quesadillas in Japp’s, and service at Neon’s is in the works.
Through the warmer months, Horstmeyer found her way around the problem some food trucks have faced by paying rent for a parking space. Her trailer sits in the Vine Street lot every day, and is only moved when she caters events around the city.
Horstmeyer’s culinary and entrepreneurial dream began when she visited her mother in Austin, Texas. After seeing Airstream trailers everywhere, Horstmeyer decided she wanted to be the first mobile food vendor in Cincinnati. She found a trailer in Cleveland and began to renovate it. While she didn’t make her goal of being the first Cincinnati mobile food vendor, she continued to fix up the trailer and hone her quesadilla recipes, which were already famous amongst her friends.
Her quesadillas play on pop culture icons such as the Bob Marley, the Nietzsche and the Black Keys. Most of her ingredients are sourced from Findlay Market, but her ideas for the creations came from living off of tortillas and random ingredients in her fridge during her college years.
Since the beginning, Horstmeyer worked long hours to make her venture a success so. That work ethic even led her to find an investor. So, over the winter, Horstmeyer plans on looking for a storefront to further share her love of all things cheesey with Cincinnati. While cooking and serving at Neon’s and Japp’s may make her research difficult, Horstmeyer isn’t daunted. Her ambitious ideas include showcasing an extensive line of fine cheeses, an effort that she could only try in a brick and mortar restaurant.
“The food truck business is a great venture, but one of the major components is that the city has to be supportive,” Horstmeyer says. “Hopefully that starts changing in Cincinnati.”
By Evan Wallis
Follow Evan Wallis on Twitter
After a little over a year of service from Grammer’s and then out of the rainbow adorned Airstream Trailer in the Seventh and Vine parking lot, across from Jean-Robert’s Table, Turophilia is making its way into OTR Bars. Last week, Horstmeyer began serving her eclectic quesadillas in Japp’s, and service at Neon’s is in the works.
Through the warmer months, Horstmeyer found her way around the problem some food trucks have faced by paying rent for a parking space. Her trailer sits in the Vine Street lot every day, and is only moved when she caters events around the city.
Horstmeyer’s culinary and entrepreneurial dream began when she visited her mother in Austin, Texas. After seeing Airstream trailers everywhere, Horstmeyer decided she wanted to be the first mobile food vendor in Cincinnati. She found a trailer in Cleveland and began to renovate it. While she didn’t make her goal of being the first Cincinnati mobile food vendor, she continued to fix up the trailer and hone her quesadilla recipes, which were already famous amongst her friends.
Her quesadillas play on pop culture icons such as the Bob Marley, the Nietzsche and the Black Keys. Most of her ingredients are sourced from Findlay Market, but her ideas for the creations came from living off of tortillas and random ingredients in her fridge during her college years.
Since the beginning, Horstmeyer worked long hours to make her venture a success so. That work ethic even led her to find an investor. So, over the winter, Horstmeyer plans on looking for a storefront to further share her love of all things cheesey with Cincinnati. While cooking and serving at Neon’s and Japp’s may make her research difficult, Horstmeyer isn’t daunted. Her ambitious ideas include showcasing an extensive line of fine cheeses, an effort that she could only try in a brick and mortar restaurant.
“The food truck business is a great venture, but one of the major components is that the city has to be supportive,” Horstmeyer says. “Hopefully that starts changing in Cincinnati.”
By Evan Wallis
Follow Evan Wallis on Twitter
Play grounds Washington Park in city history
This week, a few visitors will get a first-hand look at the latest addition to the new Washington Park in Over-the-Rhine – an 18,000-square-foot playgound, complete with a castle and canal boat.
Fresh from a $25,000 grant for the play castle, a donation from the Humana Foundation, the Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation (3CDC) project pays homage to the city's history in decidedly playful ways. The castle, for example, resembles an Eden Park structure, but adds a dual slide to appease toddling visitors. Plans include a climbing wall for youngsters—a replica of the wall at Eden Park that challenges older climbers.
Located just steps from the Emanuel Community Center on Race Street and blocks from the Peaslee Neighborhood Center just off Sycamore, the play area within Washington Park also includes an interactive stream and a miniature canal boat, hearkening back to the city's canal days in ways designed to engage and delight young guests.
In true democratic fashion, park and 3CDC representatives solicited design advice from those who would be using the facility the most—young children in the neighborhood. The result offers plenty of play space, soft ground with rolling slopes, the turreted castle and even musical instruments integrated into the structures as a nod to Music Hall's influence over the surroundings.
Best of all, though, the play space offers sweeping views of the park's renovated gazebo, performance space and blocks full of beautiful historic buildings that lined surrounding streets.
Slated to open in spring or summer 2012, the children's area provides a bright new spot of inspiration for all ages, whether visitors opt to slide, climb or simultaneously enjoy glimpses of the past, and the future, of the neighborhood.
By Elissa Yancey
Follow Elissa on Twitter
Fresh from a $25,000 grant for the play castle, a donation from the Humana Foundation, the Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation (3CDC) project pays homage to the city's history in decidedly playful ways. The castle, for example, resembles an Eden Park structure, but adds a dual slide to appease toddling visitors. Plans include a climbing wall for youngsters—a replica of the wall at Eden Park that challenges older climbers.
Located just steps from the Emanuel Community Center on Race Street and blocks from the Peaslee Neighborhood Center just off Sycamore, the play area within Washington Park also includes an interactive stream and a miniature canal boat, hearkening back to the city's canal days in ways designed to engage and delight young guests.
In true democratic fashion, park and 3CDC representatives solicited design advice from those who would be using the facility the most—young children in the neighborhood. The result offers plenty of play space, soft ground with rolling slopes, the turreted castle and even musical instruments integrated into the structures as a nod to Music Hall's influence over the surroundings.
Best of all, though, the play space offers sweeping views of the park's renovated gazebo, performance space and blocks full of beautiful historic buildings that lined surrounding streets.
Slated to open in spring or summer 2012, the children's area provides a bright new spot of inspiration for all ages, whether visitors opt to slide, climb or simultaneously enjoy glimpses of the past, and the future, of the neighborhood.
By Elissa Yancey
Follow Elissa on Twitter
Emery Theatre preview packs artistic punch
NOTE: Soapbox Media is a sponsor of The Requiem Project.
Local musicians, singers, artists and history buffs anticipate one day this month with a single, or make that a double, dose of expectation: 11.11.11.
That's the day The Requiem Project, also known as Tara Lindsey Gordon and Tina Manchise, opens the doors to the Emery Theatre in Over-the-Rhine. The space, built in 1911 with impeccable acoustics as the first concert hall in the United States to have no obstructed seats, will host a new generation of admirers determined to rebuild and restore it.
The weekend-long celebration begins with a Friday night fundraiser, a slate of building tours and performances. Headliners Over the Rhine will be joined by musician and composer Peter Adams, choreographer Heather Britt, members of the modern chamber group concert:nova, Exhale Dance Tribe and Madcap Puppet Theatre.
"It's not just an Over the Rhine concert," says Gordon, who praises Karin Bergquist and Linford Detwiler for their help with the Emery Project. "They are the opposite of divas."
Gordon and Manchise attract talent, from Over the Rhine to a host of volunteers, led by Simone Broughton and her husband Darrin Kuzma, who scrubbed floors and cleared out spaces in preparation for the premiere event. From the 1,600-seat theater to nearly 120,000 square feet of artistic space (the first two of seven floors will be open for tours this month), the Emery captivates returning and new visitors alike. Somewhere in its long-forgotten hallways, inspiration remains as palpable as the passion of the people dedicated to its restoration.
When the building opens on 11.11.11, visitors can tour dozens of artists' work, including glass artist Margot Gotoff, Cedric Cox and photos by Michael Wilson, the event honoree. Gordon calls the Norwood native Wilson, whose photography has graced many an album cover, "the first in the water."
She and Manchise contacted Wilson to gauge his interest before they knew he was based in Cincinnati. "He spent two days shooting the Emery," Gordon says. "There couldn't be a more amazing friend to this project."
After the preview celebration starts Friday, festivities continue through the weekend. Saturday includes a free 2 p.m. concert by the Cincinnati Boychoir, free Chipotle lunch for kid guests and a visit from Cincinnati Zoo to You animals. Sunday, the Cincinnati Children's Choir stops in for a free 2 p.m. show.
Friday night guests can tour the building, where dozens of artists' work, curated by ParProjects, will be on display, then see the concert, and enjoy a couple of after-party options that run until 2 a.m., all for just $75. Dinner and corporate sponsorship options remain available.
By Elissa Yancey
Follow Elissa on Twitter.
Photo by Michael Wilson.
Local musicians, singers, artists and history buffs anticipate one day this month with a single, or make that a double, dose of expectation: 11.11.11.
That's the day The Requiem Project, also known as Tara Lindsey Gordon and Tina Manchise, opens the doors to the Emery Theatre in Over-the-Rhine. The space, built in 1911 with impeccable acoustics as the first concert hall in the United States to have no obstructed seats, will host a new generation of admirers determined to rebuild and restore it.
The weekend-long celebration begins with a Friday night fundraiser, a slate of building tours and performances. Headliners Over the Rhine will be joined by musician and composer Peter Adams, choreographer Heather Britt, members of the modern chamber group concert:nova, Exhale Dance Tribe and Madcap Puppet Theatre.
"It's not just an Over the Rhine concert," says Gordon, who praises Karin Bergquist and Linford Detwiler for their help with the Emery Project. "They are the opposite of divas."
Gordon and Manchise attract talent, from Over the Rhine to a host of volunteers, led by Simone Broughton and her husband Darrin Kuzma, who scrubbed floors and cleared out spaces in preparation for the premiere event. From the 1,600-seat theater to nearly 120,000 square feet of artistic space (the first two of seven floors will be open for tours this month), the Emery captivates returning and new visitors alike. Somewhere in its long-forgotten hallways, inspiration remains as palpable as the passion of the people dedicated to its restoration.
When the building opens on 11.11.11, visitors can tour dozens of artists' work, including glass artist Margot Gotoff, Cedric Cox and photos by Michael Wilson, the event honoree. Gordon calls the Norwood native Wilson, whose photography has graced many an album cover, "the first in the water."
She and Manchise contacted Wilson to gauge his interest before they knew he was based in Cincinnati. "He spent two days shooting the Emery," Gordon says. "There couldn't be a more amazing friend to this project."
After the preview celebration starts Friday, festivities continue through the weekend. Saturday includes a free 2 p.m. concert by the Cincinnati Boychoir, free Chipotle lunch for kid guests and a visit from Cincinnati Zoo to You animals. Sunday, the Cincinnati Children's Choir stops in for a free 2 p.m. show.
Friday night guests can tour the building, where dozens of artists' work, curated by ParProjects, will be on display, then see the concert, and enjoy a couple of after-party options that run until 2 a.m., all for just $75. Dinner and corporate sponsorship options remain available.
By Elissa Yancey
Follow Elissa on Twitter.
Photo by Michael Wilson.
Evanston faces show what neighborhood treasures
In Evanston, faces of the community have become an integral part of the landscape, literally, representing a worldwide challenge from an award-winning artist.
JR, a French street artist, started taking up-close, black-and-white portraits of people and pasting enlarged versions of them in public spaces in locations around the world. His work started as an illegal project, but become known by many. In March of this year, JR was presented with the TED Prize for innovation and creativity.
In his TED speech, JR urged people to follow his lead; to create art for the sake of making art. Art can turn the world inside out, he explains. As TED Prize winner, he is granted one wish. His was to create a movement in which people stand up for what they care about by contributing to a large-scale, participatory art project, now known as the Inside Out Project.
Locally, the Contemporary Arts Center, along with arts groups, took up the Inside Out Project initiative. In Evanston, the CAC, Xavier University’s Eigel Center for Communtiy-Engaged Learning, Flavor of Art Studios and artists’ collective Satellite Projects brought together community leaders to begin the project. The Evanston Group, as they call themselves, have since created a community-centered art project.
Portraits from groups like the Evanston Group are being uploaded to the Inside Out Projects website, adding to an expansive collection of portraits from around the world, all stored and showcased on one site.
The Evanston result features photos taken by Xavier students and local photographers, John Curley, Greg Rust, Alyssa Konerman and Sean Dunn. They captured images of community children, parents, teachers and leaders. Now images are posted at the Evanston Recreation Center, the Evanston Employment Resource Connection, two other locations on Montgomery Road and Dana Avenue, as well as several locations around Xavier University. One temporary billboard, at the corner of Dana and Montgomery, displays one of the portraits.
The Evanston Group began its work by asking neighbors to illustrate their value, their place in their part of the city. Throughout the course of five different photo shoots, the community of Evanston was captured, on camera and in black and white.
“There’s a story behind each picture that is fascinating,” says Sean Rhiney, director of the Xavier University’s Eigel Center for Communtiy-Engaged Learning and former Soapbox managing editor. “We asked people to bring an object that represents what the feel they bring to the community. For some people, it was their smile.”
The CAC is working with several neighborhoods around the city to participate in the Inside Out Project.
By Evan Wallis
JR, a French street artist, started taking up-close, black-and-white portraits of people and pasting enlarged versions of them in public spaces in locations around the world. His work started as an illegal project, but become known by many. In March of this year, JR was presented with the TED Prize for innovation and creativity.
In his TED speech, JR urged people to follow his lead; to create art for the sake of making art. Art can turn the world inside out, he explains. As TED Prize winner, he is granted one wish. His was to create a movement in which people stand up for what they care about by contributing to a large-scale, participatory art project, now known as the Inside Out Project.
Locally, the Contemporary Arts Center, along with arts groups, took up the Inside Out Project initiative. In Evanston, the CAC, Xavier University’s Eigel Center for Communtiy-Engaged Learning, Flavor of Art Studios and artists’ collective Satellite Projects brought together community leaders to begin the project. The Evanston Group, as they call themselves, have since created a community-centered art project.
Portraits from groups like the Evanston Group are being uploaded to the Inside Out Projects website, adding to an expansive collection of portraits from around the world, all stored and showcased on one site.
The Evanston result features photos taken by Xavier students and local photographers, John Curley, Greg Rust, Alyssa Konerman and Sean Dunn. They captured images of community children, parents, teachers and leaders. Now images are posted at the Evanston Recreation Center, the Evanston Employment Resource Connection, two other locations on Montgomery Road and Dana Avenue, as well as several locations around Xavier University. One temporary billboard, at the corner of Dana and Montgomery, displays one of the portraits.
The Evanston Group began its work by asking neighbors to illustrate their value, their place in their part of the city. Throughout the course of five different photo shoots, the community of Evanston was captured, on camera and in black and white.
“There’s a story behind each picture that is fascinating,” says Sean Rhiney, director of the Xavier University’s Eigel Center for Communtiy-Engaged Learning and former Soapbox managing editor. “We asked people to bring an object that represents what the feel they bring to the community. For some people, it was their smile.”
The CAC is working with several neighborhoods around the city to participate in the Inside Out Project.
By Evan Wallis
New pizza truck slated for new year
An OTR couple is branching out from their day jobs to start a new food truck in Cincinnati.
Bill Stone, an English teacher at Roger Bacon High School, and Terri Wilson, owner of her own accounting business, ThinkQuick, have been researching food trucks for months. The couple almost entered into a partnership with a food truck out of Milwaukee, but a after the owner wanted too much of the pie, Stone and Wilson decided to make their own pizza pie truck, Pizza Bomba.
“I want to make my own mistakes,” Stone says. “There is a lot of push when you work for someone else. This will give me some more control. We’re going to have fun.”
The couple will run the truck and eventually hire employees if business goes well. When it starts, Pizza Bomba will operate in the evenings and weekends. With only some experience in restaurants, Stone and Wilson are using their business and accounting backgrounds to have a sound business plan and turn a profit on the truck. They are searching OTR for a commissary, and the couple has even thought about talking to other food trucks about sharing a space.
Several food trucks have had problems with legislation that prohibits trucks from serving in certain places and at certain times. Once up and running, Wilson and Stone plan on approaching city council about changing the legislation and making the city friendlier for food trucks.
With an estimated launch of the first of the year, Stone and Wilson plan to use the cold, slower months to work out kinks and have everything running smoothly by Reds’ Opening Day. They have been trying out pizza recipes and types in their own home. Using neighbors and themselves as taste-testers, they have been working hard to create their own style of pizza. The result will likely be a little thicker than New York style, with all homemade dough and sauce. Ingredients will be locally sourced whenever possible. Menu items’ names may well reference local politicians and places.
The large slices will cost $3.75, no matter the toppings, and full 18”-19” pies will also be available. The truck, white with a graffiti motif logo, is being built in Texas and should be ready soon.
By Evan Wallis
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Bill Stone, an English teacher at Roger Bacon High School, and Terri Wilson, owner of her own accounting business, ThinkQuick, have been researching food trucks for months. The couple almost entered into a partnership with a food truck out of Milwaukee, but a after the owner wanted too much of the pie, Stone and Wilson decided to make their own pizza pie truck, Pizza Bomba.
“I want to make my own mistakes,” Stone says. “There is a lot of push when you work for someone else. This will give me some more control. We’re going to have fun.”
The couple will run the truck and eventually hire employees if business goes well. When it starts, Pizza Bomba will operate in the evenings and weekends. With only some experience in restaurants, Stone and Wilson are using their business and accounting backgrounds to have a sound business plan and turn a profit on the truck. They are searching OTR for a commissary, and the couple has even thought about talking to other food trucks about sharing a space.
Several food trucks have had problems with legislation that prohibits trucks from serving in certain places and at certain times. Once up and running, Wilson and Stone plan on approaching city council about changing the legislation and making the city friendlier for food trucks.
With an estimated launch of the first of the year, Stone and Wilson plan to use the cold, slower months to work out kinks and have everything running smoothly by Reds’ Opening Day. They have been trying out pizza recipes and types in their own home. Using neighbors and themselves as taste-testers, they have been working hard to create their own style of pizza. The result will likely be a little thicker than New York style, with all homemade dough and sauce. Ingredients will be locally sourced whenever possible. Menu items’ names may well reference local politicians and places.
The large slices will cost $3.75, no matter the toppings, and full 18”-19” pies will also be available. The truck, white with a graffiti motif logo, is being built in Texas and should be ready soon.
By Evan Wallis
Follow Evan on Twitter
Phase 5 of OTR renovation starts
The company that renovated Fountain Square and is in the process of recreating Washington Park, 3CDC, is about to start construction on the fifth phase of its building and renovation plan to get more people living in OTR.
Spanning from 13th to 15th and Elm to Walnut streets, 112 new housing units should be ready for occupancy by this time next year, with construction beginning in December or January. Most are renovations and rehabs, except for 17 new units in Mercer Commons, which sits between Walnut and Vine in the 1300 block. One sector, on 15th and Republic, will have 14 rental units. All others will be for sale.
Options range from 500-square-foot studios to a 1,900-square-foot, three bedroom flat. Prices will be set before the end of this year. All together, more than 100,000 square feet will be renovated or built in Phase Five. Around 8,500 square feet will be street-level, commercial space.
Since 2004, 3CDC has completed 186 units, which now have 81 percent occupancy.
Washington Park, which is not part of Phase 5, should be completed by June 2012. It adds eight acres of green space to OTR. While many historic aspects of the park will be reserved, there will also be new performance stages, a water playground and a 450-space underground parking garage.
Phase Five is the last step planned so far in the large-scale renovation plan for OTR. 3CDC owns property stretching from Walnut to Central Parkway and up to Liberty Street, which still needs to be scheduled for renovation. Over $162 million has been invested into OTR since 2004.
By Evan Wallis
Spanning from 13th to 15th and Elm to Walnut streets, 112 new housing units should be ready for occupancy by this time next year, with construction beginning in December or January. Most are renovations and rehabs, except for 17 new units in Mercer Commons, which sits between Walnut and Vine in the 1300 block. One sector, on 15th and Republic, will have 14 rental units. All others will be for sale.
Options range from 500-square-foot studios to a 1,900-square-foot, three bedroom flat. Prices will be set before the end of this year. All together, more than 100,000 square feet will be renovated or built in Phase Five. Around 8,500 square feet will be street-level, commercial space.
Since 2004, 3CDC has completed 186 units, which now have 81 percent occupancy.
Washington Park, which is not part of Phase 5, should be completed by June 2012. It adds eight acres of green space to OTR. While many historic aspects of the park will be reserved, there will also be new performance stages, a water playground and a 450-space underground parking garage.
Phase Five is the last step planned so far in the large-scale renovation plan for OTR. 3CDC owns property stretching from Walnut to Central Parkway and up to Liberty Street, which still needs to be scheduled for renovation. Over $162 million has been invested into OTR since 2004.
By Evan Wallis
Local firms join as one
A partnership between local PR and design firms seems to be a perfect match, just like, say peanut butter and jelly.
Micah Paldino, founder and CEO of Public Relations, Branding & Jabber, and Emmit Jones, founder and CEO of SYN/TAX, a graphic design firm, worked on a project together more than a year ago. Soon after, they were sharing a 300-square-foot office space. Now, after more than a year of sharing space, the two companies are becoming one and relocating to a larger office space, a sixth floor spot on Seventh Street, between Vine and Race.
The joined company will be called Peanut Butter & Jelly, keeping the PB&J acronym from Paldino’s company. The expanded offerings make PB&J a multi-dimensional branding and pr firm. The expanded office space will allow them to do all the production for their campaigns, which includes video for commercials, printing, social media and any medium that is needed to best convey their messages.
“We find the right media for a message,” Paldino says. “You might have a message that is really creative, but may not be best in print, so we could come up with ideas, like short videos for smartphones.”
Paldino and his firm were the brains behind the 10,000 Busken’s Bakery donuts giveaway during Midpoint Music Festival, as well as campaigns for Yagoot, which utilized the fabrication skills of local collective Such & Such. PB&J is continuing to form partnerships with new clients under its new name.
Paldino expects the merge will go well, not only because the professionals have already been working together, but also because of the effort he makes to get to know clients and partners.
“You really should know the person you’re working with before you sign a contract,” Paldino says. “Which is why I really don’t force my business on people. If I think I can help a business, I’ll tell them why. I have to know the client and product before I’m passionate about it.”
Micah Paldino, founder and CEO of Public Relations, Branding & Jabber, and Emmit Jones, founder and CEO of SYN/TAX, a graphic design firm, worked on a project together more than a year ago. Soon after, they were sharing a 300-square-foot office space. Now, after more than a year of sharing space, the two companies are becoming one and relocating to a larger office space, a sixth floor spot on Seventh Street, between Vine and Race.
The joined company will be called Peanut Butter & Jelly, keeping the PB&J acronym from Paldino’s company. The expanded offerings make PB&J a multi-dimensional branding and pr firm. The expanded office space will allow them to do all the production for their campaigns, which includes video for commercials, printing, social media and any medium that is needed to best convey their messages.
“We find the right media for a message,” Paldino says. “You might have a message that is really creative, but may not be best in print, so we could come up with ideas, like short videos for smartphones.”
Paldino and his firm were the brains behind the 10,000 Busken’s Bakery donuts giveaway during Midpoint Music Festival, as well as campaigns for Yagoot, which utilized the fabrication skills of local collective Such & Such. PB&J is continuing to form partnerships with new clients under its new name.
Paldino expects the merge will go well, not only because the professionals have already been working together, but also because of the effort he makes to get to know clients and partners.
“You really should know the person you’re working with before you sign a contract,” Paldino says. “Which is why I really don’t force my business on people. If I think I can help a business, I’ll tell them why. I have to know the client and product before I’m passionate about it.”
lululemon athletica gets hip on Hyde Park Square
Yoga practitioners, runners, dancers and sweaty types of all varieties understand the value of a beautiful tank, tee or capri to make any workout more fun. Starting this Friday, Hyde Park Square shoppers can get an even bigger dose of the newest, hippest exercise wear at the expanded new lululemon athletica store on Michigan Avenue.
Offerings include tops made with silverescent fabric, fabric that inhibits the kind of stinky that stays with garments after they have been worn during, um, strenuous workouts. That's right. Stink-proof workout wear! With more than 150 stores throughout the U.S. and Australia, the brand continues to post strong earnings, in part because of its focus on the life part of lifestyle.
Lululemon, known for technical fabrics and functional designs, consults with yogis and athletes in local communities for research and feedback. They call their very fit focus group members "ambassadors," and the ranks in Cincinnati include a wealth of multi-tasking fitness gurus. Examples: a law student/ironman competitor, a two-time breast cancer survivor/triathlete/biological anthropologist, and a certified Pilates instructor/Rhythm & Motion dance teacher.
With a mission "to elevate the world from mediocrity to greatness," the staff of lululemon athletica approaches their work with energy, passion and wit. And free yoga. That's right, every Saturday the Hyde Park store will offer free yoga from 9 until 10 am. Customers can sample different styles of yoga during the weekly sessions, then cool down with a good dose of retail therapy.
Sunday morning Run Club starts at the showroom at 8:30 am, and allows runners of all levels to learn and work together toward common fitness goals. You can reach the store at 513-321-1656.
By Elissa Yancey
Photo of Susan Autran, lululemon ambassador, courtesy lululemon
Offerings include tops made with silverescent fabric, fabric that inhibits the kind of stinky that stays with garments after they have been worn during, um, strenuous workouts. That's right. Stink-proof workout wear! With more than 150 stores throughout the U.S. and Australia, the brand continues to post strong earnings, in part because of its focus on the life part of lifestyle.
Lululemon, known for technical fabrics and functional designs, consults with yogis and athletes in local communities for research and feedback. They call their very fit focus group members "ambassadors," and the ranks in Cincinnati include a wealth of multi-tasking fitness gurus. Examples: a law student/ironman competitor, a two-time breast cancer survivor/triathlete/biological anthropologist, and a certified Pilates instructor/Rhythm & Motion dance teacher.
With a mission "to elevate the world from mediocrity to greatness," the staff of lululemon athletica approaches their work with energy, passion and wit. And free yoga. That's right, every Saturday the Hyde Park store will offer free yoga from 9 until 10 am. Customers can sample different styles of yoga during the weekly sessions, then cool down with a good dose of retail therapy.
Sunday morning Run Club starts at the showroom at 8:30 am, and allows runners of all levels to learn and work together toward common fitness goals. You can reach the store at 513-321-1656.
By Elissa Yancey
Photo of Susan Autran, lululemon ambassador, courtesy lululemon