The Pendleton Art Center is one of Cincinnati's most underrated gems, and their monthly Final…read moreFriday is something I look forward to every time. It's the perfect date spot--casual, creative, and full of opportunities to wander, talk, and discover something new together. With eight full floors of artist studios, there's always something different to see. You can meet the artists, hear the stories behind their work, and truly connect with the pieces in a way you just can't in a traditional gallery. The talent in residence is incredible--I'm genuinely running out of wall space at home because I keep finding pieces I can't leave behind. What makes it even better is the neighborhood itself. Pendleton neighborhood is full of wonderful restaurants and cocktail bars, making it easy to turn an art walk into a full night out. And if you're not quite ready for the evening to end, there's even a late-night ice cream parlor nearby--perfect for keeping the conversation going. If you're looking for a unique, inspiring night out that feels both cultured and relaxed, this is it. Cincinnati is lucky to have a place like this.

We spent a few hours here on Friday meeting the artists and purchasing a few things. Everyone was…read moresuper nice and was happy to talk about their work. There's plenty of styles to pick from if you're looking to purchase something, too. It ranged from cheaper / on sale to pricey. The main issue is how hot it can be during the summer months so just prepare yourself for that!

When you're downtown and looking for a a great gift handcrafted by a local artist look no further…read morethan the Fifth Street Gallery. A variety of artists with mixture of jewelry, pottery, glass, paintings and photography you will love to pick up for family, friends birthday, Christmas or a special treat for yourself knowing the work was made right here in Cincinnati.

This is a good place to find 'local' artists (who own and run this gallery in a cooperative of 15)…read more Pricing ranges from a few dollars for a custom card to $1000 for oil painting. Jewelry, pottery, glass works and other items. Good place for presents to take back from your trip to the Queen City on the Ohio.

Art is a language with infinite dialects. If you have the time you can become familiar with a tiny…read morefraction. Art has been with us for at least 50,000 years. There is a good argument art-making is a unique human evolution. And maybe you make it yourself! You don't have to make art to like it; you don't have to like all art. There is no universal good or bad art. If YOU like it, it's good! Solway has had a gallery since 1962. That means many of his personal artist friends have entered museums over time, beginning with the Fluxus movement. But the gallery is always on the lookout for new artists too! The gallery seems to have an interest in colorful neo-baroque figurative work. They post mail show cards and their artists and shows are on their website. If I were in town, I'd stop in for an opening. If you have the time and a particular interest, you can make an appointment to view their vast stored collection. They have a large parking lot for the building they share with studios in the West End. Solway would be in the top 20 NY galleries with deep contemporary collections, and they are right here in Cincinnati!

Carl Solway Gallery is the contemporary art gallery in Cincinnati - founded back in 1962 Carl has…read moreled the way for showcasing contemporary art in the West End just blocks west from Findlay Market in cool warehouse space. Carl has worked with who's who in contemporary art and his openings are a must for any art fan & collector in Cincinnati!

It's like a museum. Ask Jack about any kind of poster, and he'll point you the right stack. It's so…read morecool to flip around~

We randomly found this place while in town for a wedding. The collection is insane. There is…read moresomething magical about watching the owner flip through the stacks ever so carefully to reveal the posters. I was surprised by how knowledgeable he was about the artists themselves. The owner has the entire collection memorized so you can tell him practically any genre (music, sports, art exhibitions, travel posters, fashion, military etc..) and he will find you something you would love or wasn't even expecting. We ended up getting two because we couldn't decide. They are definitely pricey but he can help you find something in your price range. Since we were coming from out of town he had the posters mailed and they arrived in perfect condition. We got the framed immediately and have been enjoying them every day.

Who knew that there was an art gallery across the street from Shanghai Mama's? Located inside the…read morebuilding marked "Cincinnati Bar Center," the Art Gallery is presenting Panorama of Cincinnati Art, currently in its 25th year. Unlike the art museum, this gallery is a business that sells paintings. I was buzzed in through the from door, welcomed by the receptionist. As I browsed the exhibit, salespeople kept approaching me, asking about my collection. This was a little awkward as, while I do collect art, I could never afford any of the pieces here which averaged around $3,500, some reaching $25,000 - $150,000. I kindly dismissed the salespeople, explaining I just wanted to view the exhibit. There were 100 paintings lining the walls, but only a few were impressive to my eye. Many were scenes of Native Americans, sailboats, or generic landscapes. The most notable Cincinnati artist, Frank Duveneck, is what drew me to the exhibit. Duveneck is known for his breathtaking murals inside Cathedral Basilica and Mother of God Church. Unfortunately, only one painting in the exhibit was a Duveneck. There was also only one Harlan Hubbard landscape. Hubbard was a folk artist who painted Ohio River scenery, known for living off the land well into the 1980s. Understandably, these prominent artists may only have a few paintings for public purchase (most are in museums.) I was expecting for the rest of the art to be of Cincinnati landscapes or period pieces of the city by lesser known artists. Not quite. A handful of portraits I recognized as Cincinnati, whether modern or past, or mentioned Cincinnati in their description. Of those few artists, I found these pieces to be beautiful: - Tom Bacher, who paints with phosphorescent acrylic for a textured, glowing look. http://www.cincinnatiartgalleries.com/painting/artist-browse.aspx?p=3&id=ART86 - Lewis Henry Meakin (1850-1917), who painted a landscape of rural Clifton. Yes, Clifton was farmland at the turn of the century. http://www.cincinnatiartgalleries.com/painting/artist-browse.aspx?id=ART1127 - Shafer, who created a sole black and white sketch resembling an old newspaper cartoon with clippings of musical notes. It was my favorite piece in the gallery with a style unique from all the rest. I enjoyed seeing these Cincinnati artists and their local pieces. I'll be on the look out for their works around town, especially Bacher, since he is still living and creating art. Overall, Panorama of Cincinnati Art could have used some more details explaining the artists ties to Cincinnati. The Gallery itself was exquisite and a perfect place for the art connoisseur. While you definitely need deep pockets to purchase the portraits, Cincinnati Art Gallery has a selection of local art books, including many on Rookwood Pottery. They also have books on the past Panorama exhibits with vivid pictures of each of the paintings. Books are more affordable, averaging around $25.00.

One of Cincinnati's icons, Raymond Thunder-Sky was easily recognizable as he walked the streets…read moredressed in a clown collar, construction hat, and a toolbox. Thunder-Sky, an autistic Native American, sketched demolition and construction sites throughout the Queen City. When he passed away in 2004, he left behind 2,000 drawings and a variety of costumes. Thunder-Sky Inc. was founded to preserve the legacy through art exhibits, educational programs, and an exhibition space for unconventional art. Many of Raymond's works of art and outfits can be viewed at the gallery which is opened Friday evenings and weekend afternoons. Prints of Thunder-Sky's work are available for purchase for $50.00 with proceeds contributing to the operation of the gallery. Since his passing, Raymond's art has been collected by enthusiasts across the nation.

It was a warm pleasant early spring evening and it wasn't actually raining for a change. I read on…read moreFacebook about an art exhibit opening that night. The theme was crime scenes so I just had to attend. I could not recall ever being at Thunder-Sky before which made it more of a special treat. I walked up because it was nice out but discovered there was plenty of street parking upon my arrival. The gallery is located in an older but attractive building with a sign hanging over the sidewalk. The exhibit hall is smaller then some but it looks spacious and bright. I found the crime scene paintings and mixed media works very fun and engaging. Down a staircase was more exhibition space. I loved seeing what appeared to be an ongoing Golden Girls' tribute display with framed and mixed media pieces. This is where the food and drink was found. In addition to the typical fruit, meat, pretzels, crackers & cheese was a delicious chocolate cake of a heavier texture with chocolate icing. On top of the cake were these awesome little plastic hatchets like the kind you might murder someone with. How cool is that! By the staircase was a nice variety of cold cans of beer and water. Out the back door there is a small patio space offering a view of the hillside. I really like this art gallery. I plan to return here again. Until next time be kind to each other. #yelpcincy #thunder-sky #crimesceneart

We love any place that presents mostly local artists in a cool spot. Gallery OTR has a revolving…read morecollection of different forms of art: photography (some great Cincinnati images in particular), painting, and even sculpture depending on the rotation. There is something for all tastes, be it contemporary, to traditional. We have visited usually on the weekends and enjoy interacting with the owner who comes from a mostly photography background, and really love his dog that usually sits on a pillow but is always happy to say hi and let you pet him. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly and not stuffy like some galleries. So, whether you are looking to spruce up your walls or buy a nice gift for someone special, consider checking out Gallery OTR. If you are worried about parking, the garage on 12th and Vine around the corner is not only covered but one of the lowest cost in the city. We often find street parking nearby too.

Wonderful gallery in the Over-The-Rhine district in downtown Cincinnati. We just happened to wander…read morein after eating around the corner and were pleased with the eclectic mix of sculpture, prints, and paintings by local artists. Mark the owner was super-helpful and even recommended other galleries in the area to us. We returned later, bought a large print and he was even willing to ship it to us.

Yust Gallery is a must see! They have something for everyone. I have a Cincinnati river scene on…read moremetal, hand worked by Nick. It catches the light during the day and at night is exquisite under lights. I can't wait to get more pieces!

Nicholas Yust is an extremely talented artist, with the ability to create the most beautiful and…read morehigh-quality metal wall-art and sculpture. I became acquainted with his work several years ago and have been fortunate enough to acquire a piece for my home (Fusion). It is easily a focal point in my living room, and I was very impressed with the quality and detail of the work. This studio is excellent! Not only does it feature the wall art and sculpture, but it is a visual feast for the eyes. It is very inspiring to see the level of detail and the time that was put into the creation of each of the pieces. It makes me look forward to adding to my collection. His work is diverse, interesting and modern. What an asset for Cincinnati!