CINCINNATI—Multimedia Artist Sarah Rodriguez, director of Arts Education at Kennedy Heights Arts Center, and seven young adult artists (ages 16–24) will showcase the results of a month of artistic mentorship in Future Heirlooms at ArtWorks’ V² Gallery on Friday, Dec. 1 from 5 to 7 p.m. This public event is free and open to all.
In addition to viewing the artwork, visitors will have the opportunity to meet and hear from Rodriguez and the gallery fellows at the opening. The artwork will also be available for purchase, with proceeds directly supporting the artists. After the opening, visitors can schedule appointments to see the exhibition through January 11, 2024.
ArtWorks’ Gallery Fellowship Program supports diverse groups of emerging artists, allowing them to refine their professional art skills for their first gallery exhibition. Guided by professional artists-in-residence, each cohort collaborates on a cohesive group exhibition, with the artist-in-residence determining the theme, materials, and art-making methods.
In this program artists discussed the role of artist as storyteller and the concept of creating “future heirlooms.” They investigated the meaning behind their most precious objects and how those objects reflect identity and relationships. Employing various techniques, the fellows crafted pieces that articulate their unique experiences and perspectives. Additionally, the group actively participated in the Walnut Hill Community Day as part of their collaborative artistic journey.
As ArtWorks’ fifth and final artist in residency for 2023, Rodriguez mentored the fellows to explore new techniques, create and discuss artwork based on the theme, write artist statements, and engage with arts professionals.
“What I have found is that there is no greater gift than being a part of a supportive community. It’s my goal to help communities flourish through arts education,” said Rodriguez. “In this series, Future Heirlooms, I consider the gesture of an object gifted as a talisman of encouragement, and love.”
Young adult artists who worked with Rodriguez during the program include:
- Gabriel Brooks
- Tori Bostogaite
- Kara Flaspohler
- MK Hensley
- Joelle Sammy
- Aminata Thiam
- Gavin Warner
About the Artist in Residence
Sarah Rodriguez (b.1992) is a multimedia artist and art educator from Marion, OH. She received her M.F.A in painting from Miami University (2017) and B.F.A in studio art from Wright State University (2014). Rodriguez is currently the Director of Education at Kennedy Heights Arts Center in Cincinnati, OH. Rodriguez was a William and Dorthy Yeck Fellow at the Dayton Art Institute (2014) and Three Arts Scholar (2015). She has completed residencies at Chautauqua Institute’s School of Art in Chautauqua, NY (2014), the Contemporary Arts Center in Cincinnati, OH (2019-2020), and was the featured artist for Bezoar. co (2021). Her work investigates human connectedness with space, nature, and interpersonal relationships.
About ArtWorks V² Gallery
The ArtWorks V² Gallery is unlike any other gallery in Cincinnati, focusing on emerging artists. Inspired by ArtWorks’ apprentice program, learning artists have the chance to take part in a master class program to study the tools and techniques of lead artists and create their own individual works of art to exhibit. This gallery is made possible through the generosity of V², also known as Vandell Verdona, a collaboration between longtime ArtWorks supporters Sara and Michelle Vance Waddell and Ron Houck and David Nebel. Special thanks to Model Group for supporting this gallery. The ArtWorks V² Gallery is located at 929 E. McMillan St. in partnership with HER Cincinnati. View the gallery by appointment only. Call 513.333.0388 to schedule. The gallery is closed on holidays.
Who We Are
Since 1996, ArtWorks has collaborated with community organizations and residents, businesses, governments, foundations, and nonprofits to build creative works of art that support the Greater Cincinnati region’s global reputation as an arts destination. ArtWorks has employed and trained over 3,500 professional artists and 4,000 youth, ages 14–24. We invest in our creative economy by creating jobs that support local talent, pairing professional artists to inspire and mentor diverse teams of youth, and helping them build 21st-century career-readiness skills. Over the past 27 years, this collaborative approach has created a citywide gallery with more than 14,000 public and private art projects, including more than 300 permanent outdoor murals.
2460 Gilbert Avenue | Cincinnati, OH 45206
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