One of Cincinnati’s finest art sources, ArtWorks, hosted its annual fundraiser called Secret ArtWorks on Friday, November 19 at the Westin Hotel. ArtWorks is also the organization that brought pianos to the streets of Cincinnati this past summer and has helped create murals all over the city. However like nearly everything else ArtWorks does, there were some fun twists and turns that kept the event interesting and different from your standard fundraising evening.
What’s the secret about Secret Artworks? It’s the artists themselves. Each ticket to the event included hors d’oeuvres, wine, beer, and a voucher for one 5×7 piece of art which the artist’s name is kept secret until after it is chosen. The idea is to remove any preconceived notion over who is a good artist and who is not away from the purchasing process. Instead, it truly is about the piece of art itself, and how it speaks to each person.
There were over 1,000 pieces available for the sold-out crowd to bid on – all of which were donated by local, national, and international artists. In years past, the process has gotten to be very competitive as people have lined up early to be able to choose their favorite piece and organizers expect much of the same this year.
Those who were unable to attend can still contribute to ArtWorks by making a donation online. UrbanCincy photographer Thadd Fiala also paid the exhibit (Secret ArtWorks Photo Gallery) a visit so that everyone who might not have been able to take part in the wonderful evening can enjoy.
UrbanCincy’s transportation writer, photographer and videographer Jake Mecklenborg has recently had his book documenting the complete history of Cincinnati’s notorious incomplete subway published. The book dives into the details of the politics, economics, and structural elements of the never completed rapid transit system, and it discusses what might be in store for Cincinnati’s transit future.
Those interested Cincinnati’s Incomplete Subway: The Complete History can join Mecklenborg at Neon’s Unplugged (map) this Saturday, November 27 at 6pm. He will reportedly give a brief presentation on the book and his findings, then open up the discussion for questions and answeres from the audience.
The book retails for $20 and will be available for purchase at this event. Mecklenborg will also be available to personally sign copies of the book for those in attendance buying it for themselves, or someone else as a gift this holiday season. The event at Neon’s is free and open to the public.
Seoul is a contradiction. It is a massive, cosmopolitan city with more than 24 million inhabitants. The city is culturally rich, historically significant, but also young, trendy, and a modern day economic powerhouse. But how then does the city also give off a timid, often conservative, feeling as well? The answer is, predictably, explained through the people that populate the buildings, streets, and urban environment.
I have been in Seoul for just over a month, and the contradictions are striking. The rich culture is what I believe keeps the people here so grounded and driven. Koreans want to be the best, they want to please, and they sacrifice in order to make your experience better. This is not something you would expect from a city with a young population that has also seen a relatively massive surge of foreigners enter its borders over the past 20 years.
So far I have not done nearly as much of the “must do” touristy things as I should have, but I have made some terrific Korean friends. Instead of checking out the palaces (which I plan to do) or posing for pictures on Namsan Mountain or atop Seoul Tower, I have instead spent my time living as much like a local as possible. I have been working long days and weeks, but I have been playing hard too – something for which Koreans are somewhat notorious.
One of my favorite things to do, besides karaoke, is to grab food from one of the omnipresent street vendors. While some cities in the United States might try to stand toe-to-toe with Seoul in this weight class, they might not realize what they are up against. To fully understand Seoul’s street food culture you must think beyond the meat on a stick, Ddeokbokki (spicy rice cakes), or the utterly delicious Hoddeok (honey, cinnamon-filled pancakes). Pojangmacha (tent restaurants) can be found in most districts throughout the city and they are where you can find some of the wildest food offerings, and one of the most humbling and interesting experiences you could ask for when dining on the curb.
Pojangmacha can range in size from a small tent that seats about four people inside in addition to the small grill working away, to a huge tent that seats dozens and dozens. Primarily known for being cheap places for drinking Soju or beer, the idea is that these are locations where everyone can sit down, eat, and drink regardless of social or economic standing. As a result you often find an interesting mix of people inside the cozy tent restaurants, and it is something that you must try while visiting Seoul or other major cities throughout Korea.
While much of Korea’s growth has occurred in the past three decades, you can still find very significant historic neighborhoods and landmarks almost all throughout the city…even if they might stand in the shadow of a massive, homogeneous and block-style apartment complex. One such district is Bukchon which is located just around the corner from my hotel, and the encroaching skyscrapers, and is famous for its collection of traditional Hanok homes. Bukchon manages to maintain its unique street configuration and almost entirely pedestrian focus even as modernization might be standing in its future.
Contradictions can be frustrating, but they can also be invigorating as is the case with Seoul. I have immediately fallen for the city and its people. There is a sense of calm here amidst the “Bali Bali!” rush that is comforting. It is a comfort might be best explained by saying you can make yourself heard, without raising your voice.
The collection of photographs from November 2010 features images from Bukchon, Insa-dong, Jongro, and Kangnam.
In a unique twist to this year’s holiday retail offerings, 3CDC and the Over-the-Rhine Chamber of Commerce are opening a pop-up retail shop in Over-the-Rhine focusing on local businesses. Starting November 26 and open 9 days (over 4 weekends) through December 19, 1213 Vine Street is the OTR Pop Up Shop.
The idea of a pop-up shop, or temporary retail space, is not a new concept, but is one that is completely unique to Cincinnati. This trend has originated in larger cities like New York City and London since 2004, concentrating on limited-quantity or unique products and shopping experiences. The OTR shop is no different. The space will house six local businesses and give them a temporary brick-and-mortar setup to sell their locally produced goods.
“Locally owned businesses are the heart of Over-the-Rhine,” said Brian Tiffany, president of the Over-the-Rhine Chamber of Commerce. “All of these vendors are local businesses and have fantastic products but don’t have their own retail locations. Now they will for the next four weeks.”
Six local businesses –Powerhouse Factories, Nati Evolvement Clothing Co, Chocolats Latour, Studio Vertu, Artfully Disheveled, and Green Bird, will be selling a variety of products at the pop-up shop including posters, clothing, handcrafted truffles, fresco tiles, home decor, men’s accessories, and eco-bird friendly wares. They will be selling at the space for just nine days over the course of four weekends ending December 19.
Hours of operation for the OTR Holiday Pop Up Shop vary, but can be found online. Neighborhood leaders and business owners are also planning a full slate of holiday events in the historic neighborhood.
“We’re honored to be a part of this collaboration,” said Colin Groth, co-owner of Nati Evolvement. “It’s a great chance to offer shoppers more unique choices for their holiday gifts this year. We love being a part of the activity going on in the Gateway Quarter and contributing to the amazing retail scene in Over-the-Rhine.”
Cincinnati’s Christian Moerlein Brewing Co. will tap the first Christkindl Winter Warmer Ale keg of the season on Saturday November 6th from 1pm to 4pm at Christy’s Biergarten in the Uptown neighborhood of CUF.
Brother Tim Sucher of St. Francis Seraph Ministries will ceremoniously tap the first keg at 1pm, “We are honored to celebrate the new release of Moerlein Christkindl in the spirit of the holiday season,” said Brother Tim Sucher of St. Francis Seraph Ministry. $1 from every pint sold that day will go towards St. Francis Seraph Ministry’s Christmas Fund.
According to a the brewing company, the building in which Christy’s is located was built as a wedding present for Christian Moerlein’s daughter in 1890. Owner and manager Christy Windholtz Lammers commented, “My family is very proud to have a direct affiliation with Cincinnati’s grand brewing tradition, and is honored to host the Moerlein Christkindl keg tapping event at Christian Moerlein’s daughters home. Wilkommen!”
Christy’s Biergarten will have a special happy hour with $3 pints of the new Moerlein Christkindl and a specially priced happy hour food menu, serving Bratts, Metts, Potato Pancake, German Potato Salad – Rueben and Sauerkraut Balls. Christies is located in the heart of the Clifton Heights business district at 151 West McMillian. Christie’s provides ample parking, but if you choose to imbibe, please do not drive. The biergarten is well accessible by Metro bus service.
Later in the evening, there will be another party taking place at the American Sign Museum (map) in Walnut Hills. Cincinnati Habitat for Humanity Young Professionals (CHYP) will be throwing their ‘Under Construction’ Bash from 7pm to 11pm at the nationally renowned museum. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $35 per person and $45 per person at the door. Tickets include food, open bar, dancing, and a silent auction.
“We’re very excited about this event and grateful to be able to have it at a hidden gem like the American Sign Museum,” said Marissa Woodly, Development Director, Cincinnati Habitat.
The museum boasts a collection of over 3,000 pieces of glowing Americana, which provide a nostalgic look into our commercial past in America. The proceeds from the event will go towards building an affordable home for a Cincinnati family in need. Tickets for this event can be purchased online. Also be sure to follow CHYP on Twitter at @CincyHabitatYP.
One of Cincinnati’s finest art sources, ArtWorks, hosted its annual fundraiser called Secret ArtWorks on Friday, November 19 at the Westin Hotel. ArtWorks is also the organization that brought pianos to the streets of Cincinnati this past summer and has helped create murals all over the city. However like nearly everything else ArtWorks does, there were some fun twists and turns that kept the event interesting and different from your standard fundraising evening.
