Photograph by Andrew Doench
Fashion Design Showcase: Reclaimed Runways
Self-described as “an eclectic fusion of style, sound, and innovative fashion,” this runway series at Flora & Flair is where the city’s up-and-coming and avant-garde designers, stylists, and models showcase their work. Between collections, performers of all kinds take the stage, from indie musicians to drag clowns to local icon DJ Boywife. Any interested artist can apply to take part. ♦ 1101 St. Gregory St., Mt. Adams, @reclaimedrunways
Hidden Art Gallery: The Barn
Also known as the Woman’s Art Club Cultural Center, the studio/events space in Mariemont provides an opportunity for local amateur artists to have their pieces shown in curated exhibits. The Barn’s gallery space comprises the ground floor and a repurposed hay loft, with rustic charm to compliment the works on display. Aspiring artists can also drop by for masterclasses and workshops. ♦ 6980 Cambridge Ave., Mariemont, thebarninmariemont.org
Public Art: “Fountain of Love”
This new Mercer Street mural by ArtWorks commemorates the 10th anniversary of the historic Supreme Court case Obergefell v. Hodges. Aley Wild’s design, portraying five queer couples embracing at Fountain Square, is inspired by the real-life couples who got married there immediately following the 2015 ruling. Plus, the mural directly faces the former home of Jim Obergefell himself, the local man responsible for the landmark decision legalizing marriage equality across the country. ♦ Five Mercer St., Over-the-Rhine
Monthly Ceramics Class: Midwestern Lesbian Queer Pottery Workshop
Once a month, Queen City Clay hosts an evening ceramics workshop with queer-centered event planner Midwestern Lesbian. Participants learn pottery techniques from QCC’s expert instructors, then get to build a piece that will be glazed and fired to take home. The workshop rotates every other month between wheel-throwing and hand-building. Plus, it’s BYOB. ♦ 2760 Highland Ave., Norwood, midwesternlesbian.com
Most Anticipated Opera: Black Opera Project
The art form of opera has the reputation of being old and behind the times, but the Black Opera Project is working to change that. In the first-ever program of its kind, the BOP commissions new works from innovative Black voices in the classical music scene. Lalovavi, the Afrofuturistic epic written by Kevin Day and Tifara Brown and sung in English and Black American indigenous language Tut, is the first piece from the Project to debut and will be performed in July 2026. ♦ cincinnatiopera.org/black-opera-project
Repurposed Art Supplies: Indigo Hippo
Bargain-hunting artists know this nonprofit craft supply thrift shop in Over-the-Rhine has every art supply you could need, and even some you didn’t know you needed. Whether it’s yarn, frames, markers, sewing patterns, sketchbooks, or stickers, the Hippo will have you covered at unbeatably low prices. Don’t forget to give back and donate your own extra and repurposed art supplies to the shop, but check the donation guide online to make sure your materials will be accepted. ♦ 1334 Main St., Over-the-Rhine, indigohippo.org
Joann’s Replacement: Silk Road Textiles
Textile artists are still mourning the loss of Joann’s Fabrics, but luckily Silk Road Textiles is here to fill the void. This local shop has been a College Hill mainstay for more than 13 years and features a great selection of ethically-sourced fabrics from around the world that are perfect for both garment crafting and upholstery. The experts here can even get you started on your artistic journey with regular in-store technique classes in sewing, quilting, crocheting, and more for all skill levels. ♦ 6106 Hamilton Ave., College Hill, silkroadcincinnati.com
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