‘edge’ Exhibition Hints at Danger

Through painting, photography, sculpture and dimensional silk, works by four artists reveal the advantage of adaptation and realms on the brink of danger in an exhibition titled edge at the Fitton Center for Creative Arts. This exhibition opens June 13 and is on view through July 31, 2015.

Paula Baumann’s intricate hand-dyed dimensional silk forms (see featured image) translate an appreciation for the subtlety and fragility of nature.  (Hamilton, Ohio)

Sculptures by Nathaniel A. Foley hint at both majestic and destructive qualities of the machinery of flight.  (Hamilton, Ohio)

Robin Dru Germany’s large mesmerizing photographic prints reveal life on either side of the line between water and land.  (Slaton, Texas)

Michelle Podgorski’s large botanical watercolor paintings focus on the constant cycles and adaptations that occur in nature despite human interference and sometimes because of it.  (Lowell, North Carolina)

The opening reception for edge is Saturday, June 13, 2015 from 5 -7 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Our exhibition receptions include an hors d’oeuvres buffet, with wine and beer. Emerging musicians provide Gallery Gigs during these celebrations where exhibiting artists are often present to discuss their art and ideas with you.

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Explore “Fresh Paint… By Jenn!”

By day, Jenn Acus-Smith is the education coordinator for the Fitton Center for Creative Arts, but she is also an accomplished artist herself with a masters degree from Miami University. Until the end of June, she will be exhibiting new work through the end of  June at Miami Hamilton Downtown in the Robinson-Schwenn Building, High Street at Journal Square.

In this video podcast, Richard O Jones talks with Jenn about her work and what inspires her.

Download this episode (right click and save)

CLICK HERE to see more about Jenn Acus-Smith….

CLICK HERE to find out more about Miami Hamilton Downtown…

 

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This video podcast sponsored by http://www.truecrimehistorian.com

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A Call to Artists for Fitton Center Exhibitions

The Fitton Center for Creative Arts is accepting proposals in all media for solo and group exhibitions for the 2016-2017 schedule.   The goals of the Fitton Center are to present high quality exhibitions in the widest possible variety of media and content and to give gallery visitors different ways to participate and experience the art.

Proposals are selected on the basis of quality of the work and how it contributes to the diversity of style, media and content for the year. Our galleries have hardwood floors, gray painted walls, beautiful wood grid drop ceilings, ceiling suspension load up to 200 lbs. and LED museum quality track lighting.

The deadline to submit a proposal is July 1, 2015. A community art center on the Great Miami River in arts-driven downtown Hamilton, Ohio, the Fitton Center provides experiences in the arts through exhibitions, classes, performances and other events.  Four galleries provide 2,600 square feet of space.  Solo artists generally are asked to exhibit 10 – 30 works, depending on scale, media and available space.  For full requirements, please contact Cathy Mayhugh, cathy@fittoncenter.org /(513) 863-8873 ext. 122 or visit www.fittoncenter.org , click on Exhibitions and download the Exhibition Proposal Form.

Selections are made by a committee of experienced artists and others with knowledge and enthusiasm for the visual arts and the community. When appropriate, the work of two or more artists may be combined.

Fitton Center opens 47th greater Hamilton art exhibition

“OTR,” aquatint by Pam Folsom

 Local talent, experienced judges and stiff competition promise an exciting display of 77 multimedia artworks by 58 artists living within 50 miles of Hamilton in the 47^th  Greater Hamilton Art Exhibition at the Fitton Center for Creative Arts.

“Xavier,” photo by Bill Franz.

This exhibition opens March 28 and is on view through May 15, 2015.

“The Greater Hamilton Art Exhibition gets so many people involved in a creative project.  The Fitton Center is so grateful to the courageous artists, dedicated volunteers, the jurors and the generous sponsors who have come together around the unique energy of these artworks.  Our greatest hope is that the exhibition will inspire more art-making,” said Cathy Mayhugh, Director of Exhibitions.

The opening reception for the 47^th  Greater Hamilton Art Exhibition is Saturday, March 28, 2015 from 5 -7 p.m. and is free and open to the public. An award ceremony at 6:30 pm in the Fitton Family Theater will announce the artists who were given prizes by jurors Paul Loehle and Patrick Mauk.

“Fence Row,” oil on canvas by Donald A. Schuster

Our exhibition receptions include an hors d’oeuvres buffet, with wine and beer. Marcus Buckley on guitar will provide a Gallery Gig during this celebration where many of the exhibiting artists will be present to discuss their art and ideas with you. The Gallery Gigs sponsor is Butler Tech and the reception is sponsored by MillerCoors.  This reception also celebrates the opening of an exhibition of artworks by Miami University Hamilton students.

The supporting sponsors of the 47^th  Greater Hamilton Art Exhibition are Fort Hamilton Hospital, part of the Kettering Health Network and Somerville National Bank. Contributing sponsors are Butler Tech, Miami University Hamilton, Noonan’s Party Supplies, and WAL-MART Stores.

Thank you to our season beverage sponsor, G&J Pepsi-Cola Bottlers, Inc. as well as Jeff and Ellen Pohlman who sponsor our CReaTioN STaTioN. The student gallery is sponsored by the JournalNews and the Fitton Center’s Official Hotel sponsor is Courtyard by Marriott of Hamilton.

The Fitton Center for Creative Arts would like to extend its gratitude to ArtsWave, the Hamilton Community Foundation, and the Ohio Arts Council for their support.

The galleries are open Monday – Thursday from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. – noon, closed Sunday except for special events. For more information about this exhibition, please call 513-863-8873. The Fitton Center for Creative Arts is located at 101 S. Monument Avenue  on the Riverfront in downtown Hamilton, Ohio.

Pyramid Hill Art Fair continues today

An alpaca rests near a booth of alpaca wool items for sale at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park’s Art Fair Sat., Sept. 27, 2014. Photo by Mandy Gambrell

The weather is expected to be sunny and warm today as the annual art fair at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park continues.

The entry fee is $5 per carload. It opens at 10 a.m. and runs through 5 p.m. It includes several crafts and art vendors, food, live music and more. We were there yesterday  — there’s even an alpaca on the grounds next to a booth of items made from alpaca wool.

Families were walking around checking out the sculptures. There was also an ice cream truck selling cones.

The park is located at 1763 Hamilton Cleves Road, Hamilton.

Events this weekend include festivals, Pink Floyd tribute, and more

This is the time of year when there are plenty of outdoor activities celebrating Fall and the upcoming Halloween holiday.

The list below doesn’t include everything, but highlights some of the bigger activities throughout Hamilton and Butler County. Good news as far as weather goes … sunny skies throughout the weekend with highs in the low-80s each day.

Today

Seven Bridges Road Concert: The Eagles tribute band performs at RiversEDGE Amphitheater, 116 Dayton St., Hamilton. Begins at 6:30 p.m. www.facebook.com/7bridgesband

Friday, Sept. 26

Miami University Hockey Fan Appreciation Pep Rally: The second annual fan pep rally for families and students is from 6-8 p.m. at Goggin Ice Center, 620 S. Oak St., Oxford. Free.

An Evening of One Acts: Fairfield Footlighters performances at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Fairfield Community Arts Center, 411 Wessel Drive, Fairfield. Tickets are $14. (513) 867-5348; www.fairfieldfootlighters.org

Side by Side by Sondheim: Middletown Lyric Theatre musical at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. MLT is located at 1530 Central Ave., Middletown. Tickets are $15. (513) 425-7140

Niederman Family Farm Fall Festival: Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 4972 LeSourdesville-West Chester Road in Liberty Twp. Open 6-10 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and 1-6 p.m. Sunday for $9 per person (kids 2 and younger are free).  www.niedermanfamilyfarm.com

Saturday, Sept. 27

Barn-N-Bunk Fall Festivals: The farm market opens its grounds for fall celebrations each weekend at noon-6 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Family event includes cider making, a kiddie tractor pull and more. Free.

St. Ann Oktoberfest: Second annual German-themed event at St. Ann Catholic School, 3064 Pleasant Ave., Hamilton. Events from 6-11 p.m. include music, food, games and more. Site:  https://www.facebook.com/events/154234804768429/

Jack O’Lantern Junction: EnterTRAINment Junction kicks off its family Halloween activities on this day, and they run through Nov. 2. Includes a trick-or-treat maze, kid-friendly ghosts, skeletons and more. Prices vary. www.entertrainmentjunction.com

12th Annual Art Fair: Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum hosts its annual art fair at 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $5 per vehicle. www.pyramidhill.org

Pioneer Days: DeWitt Log Homestead, 4824 Oxford Road, Oxford. Free event from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday includes pioneer crafts, demonstrations, games from the 1800s and food. Free. Online at http://oxfordmuseumassociation.com/properties/dewitt-homestead.

The Dolphin Tale: Free showing of the movie “The Dolphin Tale,” 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Hamilton Lane Library, 300 North Third St., Hamilton. www.lanepl.org

Signs of Life: The Essence of Pink Floyd Concert: Band performance at RiversEDGE Amphitheater, 116 Dayton St., Hamilton. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday. www.facebook.com/events/461959097264031/

Band-O-Rama: 38th annual event at Hamilton High School, 1165 Eaton Ave., Hamilton. Multiple area bands compete and perform beginning at 5:15 p.m. Ticket prices vary. More details at www.hamiltonhighband.org/band-o-rama.html.

Oct. 3

Operation Pumpkin: Festival in downtown Hamilton through Oct. 5. Little Miss Pumpkin contest, local artisans, food vendors, pet parade, rides, live music and more. www.operation-pumpkin.org

Oct. 9

Blood Brothers musical: The Greater Hamilton Civic Theatre performs its first show of the season, a musical called “Blood Brothers,” through Oct. 12. Tickets are $17 and are on sale ay (513) 737-PLAY or www.ghctplay.com.

Oct. 18

Behind the Gates of Greenwood: A historical walking tour through Greenwood Cemetery, 1602 Greenwood Ave., Hamilton. Tours are 1.5-hours long from 3-6 p.m. A guide takes groups on a leisurely stroll through the cemetery and re-enactors tell stories in period costumes. Registration required, tickets are $5. (513) 603-9105.

Oct. 19

5K Haunted Trail Run: A benefit for the Animal Friends Humane Society shelter on Princeton Road. 10 a.m., Honey Tree Stables, 3150 Lanes Mill Road, Oxford. Free parking. $30 preregistration, $40 on race day. Register at www.raceentry.com/races/honey-tree-stables-haunted-trail-run/2014/register.

Local artists lead the way in Fitton Center 2014-15 exhibitions

The Fitton Center for Creative Arts’ 2014-15 Seasonal Brochure features its upcoming exhibition series.

• Fiber: Four innovative artists weave, print, dye and stitch their way to strong colors and essential textures.

October 18 to December 5.  RECEPTION: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. November 8, prior to a performance by The Floorwalkers

“Citrus” by Dorothy McGuinness

The evolution of Everett, Washington’s Dorothy McGuinness’ painted paper woven forms is built on taking risks, avoiding the “known” in the world of basketry.

Colorful and lavishly textured, Christine Sauer’s stitched and beaded dimensional works are an imaginative response to a love of the complexity found in nature and to the celebratory energy of her city, New Orleans, Louisiana.

Taking the leap into experiments with vibrant pattern, Anchorage Alaska’s Maria Shell’s newest Color Grid art quilts dance boldly on the wall.

In wall works ranging from intimate to large in scale, Jonpaul Smith of Cincinnati disassembles hand-printed and found papers, then weaves them into brilliant intricate constructions.

• Home: In painting, installation art, woven sculpture and drawing, four artists explore dwellings, the bones of regional culture and what we value as a society.

January 10 to February 20. RECEPTION: 5 to 7 p.m. January 10.

Matthew Littekin

In a painted and sculptural installation, Hamilton’s own Matthew L. Litteken provides an ironic sense of the sublime as related to the dry motif of U.S. currency, while raising issues of artistry, value and pictorial worth.

Expanding Appalachian ribbed basket techniques, Oxford’s Elizabeth Runyon’s woven forms include a suspended community of dwellings that seem to wait for residents to return.

Working from imagination and a close connection between mark and thought, Christopher Troutman of Beaumont, Texas, creates large-scale charcoal drawings based on memories of homes in the U. S. and Japan. In her large elegant ink and wash drawings, Detroit’s Margi Weir depicts the remains of buildings that were once signifiers of culture.

• 47th Greater Hamilton Art Exhibition: Local talent, experienced judges and stiff competition promise an exciting display of multi-media art and fine craft by artists living within 50 miles of Hamilton.

  March 28 to May 15. Opening reception, 5 to 7 p.m. March 28.

• Edge: Through painting, photography, sculpture and dimensional silk, works by four artists reveal the advantage of adaptation and realms on the brink of danger.

June 13 to July 31. RECEPTION: 5 to 7 p.m. June 13.

Paula Baumann

Hamilton’s Paula Baumann’s intricate hand-dyed dimensional silk forms translate an appreciation for the subtlety and fragility of nature.

Sculptures by Nathaniel A. Foley, also of Hamilton,  hint at both majestic and destructive qualities of the machinery of flight.

Slaton, Texas, artist Robin Dru Germany’s large mesmerizing photographic prints reveal life on either side of the line between water and land.

The large botanical watercolor paintings Michelle Podgorski of Charlotte, North Carolina, focus on the constant cycles and adaptations that occur in nature despite human interference and sometimes because of it.

The Fitton Center galleries are a great place to socialize, since there is always something new on view in an informal, familyfriendly atmosphere. In addition to the Fitton Center’s Anne Ruder Bever Gallery shows listed here, be sure to visit the first floor student gallery, where budding artists of all ages display their works.

To learn how to propose an exhibition or be placed on the juried competition mailing list, contact the Director of Exhibitions at 513-863-8873 ext. 122.

Get those kids out of the house!

The Fitton Center for Creative Arts still has a few camps to give your children a creative way to while away what’s left of summer.

• Candyland Camp: Come create enough candy-inspired art to satisfy even the biggest sweet tooth in this delightful camp! Explore an array of materials such as paint, pastels and even candy to create two and three-dimensional works of art. 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., July 14-18.  Ages 7-12. $80/members, $100/non-members.
• Musical Theater Teen Camp: It’s part “Glee,” part “High School Musical,” all fun! Come find your inner superstar at Musical Theater Camp. Students will learn songs, dances and theater techniques that will help prepare them for the world of Broadway. Musical director Beth McClain will take students through the process of learning music, movement and stage presence. Become a better performer or just have fun singing and dancing this summer. Camp will culminate in a cabaret-style show for family and friends! 1 to 3 p.m., July 21 – August 1. Ages 12-18. $100/members, $120/non-members. Beth McClain.
• Wearable Art Camp: This camp is all about making art….that you can wear! Become a designer and create tie dyed T-shirts, bandanas and duct tape wallets/purses! Make colorful woven bracelets, beaded charms and more! 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Ages 7-12. $80/members, $100/non-members

To register, visit the registration page, AND if you enter the code CAMP 2014 SALE  you can get a $10 discount. OR you can call 513-863-8873 and tell them you saw the code at HEY! Hamilton.