There’s a reason why PAR-Projects is calling its September 23 art fair OUR-Block Party and not PAR-Block Party. “Anybody who’s participating is invited to have some ownership of the event,” says Jonathan Sears, executive director at the Northside-based arts organization.
He likes to think the event will pull together an unexpected mix of people and art from all over the community. Hoffner Street will be closed to traffic from Apple to Cherry streets at 3-10 p.m., when it will be filled with 30-plus artists, pop-up shops, and art installation projects as well as live music, food, and more. Admission is free.
A big part of PAR-Project’s mission is to make literal space for art, says Gabrielle Roach, the organization’s programming coordinator, so that’s what they’ve done. “The strip on Hamilton Avenue gets a lot of attention, but we want to highlight the community and businesses south of Blue Rock Avenue,” Roach says.
OUR-Block Party is a collaboration with neighbors such as Gulow Street, a nearby bar and kitchen; Amarillo Abode, a shop full of ever-changing found, fixed, and hand-made pieces by local artists; The Hive, a nonprofit that cultivates mindfulness through creativity and intentional social engagement; Visionaries + Voices, an inclusive arts organization for adults with disabilities; and Cincinnati Animal CARE.
Local artist Amy Gable is excited to run an interactive art booth at the free event. She’s inviting anyone to join her for some tie dying in the afternoon and spin art—with neon paint and black lights—in the evening. “I want to engage with my community through art,” she says. “I think people should play more. Kids, for sure, because it’s important for their growth, but also adults should play more.”
Gable encourages everyone to come by, take a minute to slow down, and maybe learn something new but always explore the process.
Also for kids—and kids at heart—will be yard games and mini golf. Northside-based Honey Child Artisan Pops will be selling sugar-, dairy-, and gluten-free popsicles, while Pata Roja will be slinging tacos.
Organizers encourage block party attendees to also check out Faith Moves Mountains, a solo exhibition by Detroit-based ceramicist and sculptor Austen Brantley, located inside Par’s new art gallery next to the musical stage.
Speaking of music, here’s that lineup:
3-4 p.m. Deke and Alonso of the Cliftones
4:30-6:30 p.m. DJ Pillo
7-7:45 p.m. Kryst Kruer & the Secondhand Smoke
8-8:45 p.m. Brian Sauer, and The Amazing Waste
9-9:45 p.m. Sons of Silverton
“This event is ours,” says Sears. “We’re all doing this thing.”
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