The Pendleton Art Center is one of Cincinnati's most underrated gems, and their monthly Final Friday 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. read more

We spent a few hours here on Friday meeting the artists and purchasing a few things. Everyone was super 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! read more

Pendleton Art Center - Exterior - Art Galleries Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

We spent a day in Cincy looking at Art and we were interested in attending Final Fridays at this Art center. This is a large collection of artists studios (over 100 artists) with a wide array of styles and topics. It has 8 floors of studios and some of the views out the artists windows are exceptional. We walked through all 8 floors and went back to floor 5 where we saw a pastel work we both enjoyed, and bought it. We also found an artist made coffee mug that we really liked and and we purchased it. This place gets a BIG recommend from me. It's got something for everybody, if nothing else but just to walk through and enjoy the variety. read more

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What is more trendy right now than upcycled art with recycled materials in a rehabilitated warehouse building in a gentrified neighborhood? I came for Final Fridays and found the coolest studio to be the glassworks on the 5th floor. The artist is super passionate about his work and he offers lessons (where you get to make a small sculpture). Could be a cool undiscovered thing to do with a small work group or a significant other. Even if you aren't big into the art, I spent half of my time marveling at the 8-story old warehouse building. Creepy wooden stairs, old boiler rooms, a chunky stone foundation and swinging metal doors for the old elevator shaft. That being said, you'll love the art too - and it is so fantastic that Cincinnati's Pendleton Art Center boasts the, "largest collection of artists under one roof" in the world. read more

Pendleton Art Center - View from Final Fridays - Art Galleries Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

If you've never been been to Pendleton's Final Friday, you need to check it out! You'll want to get there early so you can find free parking. Even the paid parking across the street disappears pretty fast. Most artist open their rooms for the night. There are all different styles of art, so you can find something for any kind of home. And most of the artist put out finger food and wine. So go with an empty stomach! read more

We usually come here on Final Friday and it's always a good time. The building is so big with so many different artist being represented, it's easy to see something that will grab your attention. I've been able to find some really cool gifts here. The building is old and the stairs look a little scary, but they can be navigated easily as long as you're paying attention to where you're stepping. There is an elevator, but sometimes its out of service. Parking is a challenge and the neighborhood isn't the best. Ladies, walk together in groups and you'll be fine. Overall, a great place to check out some really cool local art. read more

After wanting to go experience a "Final Friday" in this town for some time, I finally got the chance and really enjoyed the experience. First, lemme get the negative points out of the way; but DO NOT let these scare you away from this great place/event. The neighborhood around this place is not the best, it's on the fringe of what most consider the nicer part of Over the Rhine. Travel in groups and try to park close and you should be fine. There is apparently a shuttle that can transport you at the corner of Sycamore at 12th and 13th to take you to the Pendleton Art Center, but it did not seem to be running on any kind of consistent schedule. Okay, enough negativity, on to the positives. The place is full of art, mostly paintings, some decent photographers, a little bit of sculpture, and then some misc. artwork for good measure. If you are in a large group, I recommend not trying to stay together, the place is huge (8 floors!!!) and there is a lot to see, disperse and reconvene at a certain floor staircase at a set time or something. Granted, there is certainly a lot of "lesser quality" art to sift through, but that is half the fun of Final Friday. Most of the artists have snacks, wine, or other munchies to lure you in and keep ya there, so maybe reciprocate and buy a small item here or there if your finances allow. It was nice to see some of the studios using the Square device on their iPhone to take credit card payments. There are some unique views of the city from this building, and some studios have balconies where you can stand and (get some fresh air) and take a photo. There is also a 2nd Look Saturday that might be of interest to those with Friday plans. Here is a link with a schedule and more info: http://www.pendletonartcenter.com/ebrochure.html read more

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Please Vote for your favorite Gallery, artist, hangout, classes, Etc. At CityBeat: http://citybeat-survey.wehaaserver.com/survey-6-best_of_cincinnati_2013.html read more

Quite unhappy! Checked by phone and website to verify "Final Friday" and "Action Saturday" then planned an art vacation for my best friend, daughter, and I. Final Friday was the event we looked forward to most. So, nearly 400 miles, several hours in a car, $300 in hotel reservations later and we arrive at Penndelton Art Center to find an "Oops!" We're closed sign with some snarky remark about us knowing better since it is not the final Friday in July. True but it IS the last full weekend in July (next weekend has Friday in July and Saturday in August) and how can you presume we know anything? When we have never been to your event or even your state. Do you NOT want out-of-towners attending your events and buying your pieces? We trusted you to advertise correct information. So, yeah, I'd love to see the art they exhibit but I am completely unimpressed. You'd think 1 of 200 artists could be responsible for updating your website in a correct and timely manner. Cincinnati art still wins, I spent every penny I brought on art from local artisans that were where and when they were supposed to be! read more

Came here on Friday for final Friday and it was so much fun and such a neat older building. It was the first time I have ever been to a final Friday mainly because I work on Friday nights, all the artists were super nice and struck up a conservation with my guests and I. From some of the rooms there were killer views of the downtown skyline and it looked beautiful. We kept our parking spot by A Tavola and walked and had no problem with anybody bothering us. read more

Pendleton Art Center is your one stop shop for all things art! Every art medium is represented in this 8-story mecca located in the historic Over-The-Rhine neighborhood in downtown Cincinnati. Valet parking ensures you won't have to walk far to get a glimpse of the hundreds (yes, there are hundreds) of artists and their offerings. There is something in everyone's price range and taste at the Pendleton. Enjoy Final Friday or Second Look Saturday at Cincinnati's Pendleton Art Center. Don't forget to stop over to Main Street to catch their version of Final Friday too. read more

This place is a hidden gem. Tons of amazing artists all in one giant building. Final Friday is a definite must! Do say "thank you" if an artist talks to you about their work or offers you a snack. Do tip the valets, even if you have to wait a while to get your car. read more

ashamed. pendleton gets 5 stars. mike gest ZERO stars. this is, embarassingly, the first time i've been here. i went to pick up a painting from a friend, marc wavra. and boy, will i be back. this is the largest collection of artists under one rook in the WORLD. that's right. WORLD. with 8 stories of awesomness, cool art, some for sale and beuatiful architecture i cannot think of a hipper spot i've been too in a LOOOOONG time. i'll be back again and again. read more

Great - final friday! YAY - so cool and always changing. Wish there were more things like this to do in Cincinnati.

Visited for Final Friday at Thanksgiving and really enjoyed such a vast area of local talent. This place is huge but is a really cool old building, and it's great they've left so much of it in its original state. Word to the wise - leave your coat in the car, it's ROASTING in there. Loved discovering some new artists. read more

I must admit I might be a little biased because I have a studio there (509A), but I was attending Final Fridays at the Pendleton Art Center long before I opened a studio there. This is a one of a kind experience: Eight floors of art in a charming 100 year old brick building, with a charming manual elevator, FREE. Every last Friday of the month. And, if you are seriously looking to buy art, you will bypass the middleman --or middlewoman whichever the case may be :) --at the Pendleton on Final Friday. read more

What a gem. I've come to this place many Fridays over the years. It's always a treat to see the amazing art that's produced in my hometown. The vibe is great - lots of free snacks and drinks and friendly conversations. It's a wonderful way to kick off the weekend. The area is not the best, but I've never encountered any problems here. It's definitely an adventure worth taking. If you've never been, you're missing out on something really special. Put a note in your calendar and just go check it out. It will make you feel cool - and it just may leave you feeling inspired as well. read more