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!

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!

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.

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.

Afternoon tea at this small gallery was a fun way to spend a Saturday afternoon. The tea was simple…read morebut well thought out. The gallery is small and the artist are varied in skill. There are definitely a few pieces worth looking at but many felt like they were done by high school students. Art is definitely subjective and there is a wide range of skill/mediums.

A beautiful art show , a beautifully hung art show, and the reception was the best I have ever…read moreexperienced!! Wall done !!!

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!

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

I'm new to the online auction, but had a great first experience with Casa Sykes. The online process…read morewas easy to navigate and understand. After winning, I was pleased to stop into the Gaza Sikes store, which was teeming with fabulous art. I'd stop in here anytime to browse, auction win or not, and I'd probably find something I couldn't live without. I'm currently checking out their December auction. It's very exciting. Say goodbye to my retirement account! LOL

Great auction items, excellent service - 4 stars!…read more I bid on a Caza Sikes auction on-line. Since I live in Minnesota, not Ohio, I used the "Live Auctioneers" internet bidding service. I lucked out and won the auction for a 7 foot tall antique circus poster. I'd been looking for this poster for nearly 10 years, ever since I lost out on the exact same poster on Ebay. I was outbid and it sold for over $1000. But I ended up getting the one at Caza for less than 300 bucks! Plus, this one was in a full frame - a very expensive project if you pay a frame shop to make one for you. The shipping process was very organized too...fast and a reasonable cost. They actually got the entire giant thing to me safely - no damage. Thumbs up! -Daddy Maxx Retro