Photograph courtesy Esoteric Brewing Company
Last month, Walnut Hills’s Esoteric Brewing Company launched its newest artist-in-residence series, The Things That Connect Us. Running through July, the series brings together eight local artists to highlight their interpretation of connection across multiple mediums, creating a shared experience rooted in creativity and community.
Upcoming opening events will take place on April 10 and May 8.
Participating artists include Michael Thompson, John Titus Ford, Nytaya Babbit, Laura McMullen, Joshua Stout, Meili Clark, Ramsey Ford, and Rome Ntukogu, each contributing their own perspective and artistic voice to the theme through mediums such as oil on canvas, paint, charcoal, sculpture, mixed media, and more.
The Things That Connect Us was curated by Ntukogu, a designer and event producer. Each artist shares their take on connection through their chosen medium, creating a mix of visual and interactive experiences that encourage visitors to engage with the work in different ways.
Ntukogu’s designs are also featured on a limited-edition commemorative beer can, blending art with Esoteric’s craft brewing identity. A portion of proceeds from each can sold will support local nonprofits, the Know Theatre of Cincinnati, and music network Band In A Bus.
Photograph courtesy Esoteric Brewing Company
The exhibition includes rotating installations, each with its opening night. The series opened on February 13, featuring work by Thompson, Ford, and Ntukogu. The next remaining two opening nights will take place April 5 and May 3 at 6 p.m.
The Things That Connect Us is part of Esoteric’s artist-in-residence program, which started in 2020, turning the brewery’s Walnut Hills taproom into a gallery space where art and community meet. Since then, the brewery has continued to showcase local artists, combining craft beer with cultural events to create a social and creative space for the community. The taproom has become a place where people can gather not just to enjoy beer, but to experience art in a more accessible, everyday setting.
Esoteric Brewing is the city’s first minority-owned and operated brewery, focused on fostering connections by brewing beer with locally sourced, organically grown ingredients while also serving as a community hub and event space. Its craft beer offers draws inspiration from Belgian, English, German, and American styles. The brewery aims to provide both a quality tasting experience and a place where creativity and connection can thrive.
Photograph courtesy Esoteric Brewing Company
“Our artist-in-residence program has always been about connection—between artists, ideas, and community,” says Brian Jackson, CEO of Esoteric Brewing, in a press release. “Rome’s vision for The Things That Connect Us embodies exactly what we aim to create at Esoteric, and we’re proud to collaborate with him to bring this series to life.”
During The Things That Connect Us series event, visitors can explore the diverse artworks, interact with the pieces, and meet the artists behind the work. Each monthly opening builds on the theme of connection, offering new experiences while continuing what started in February.
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