Cincinnati 2

Today was art museum day. I started the morning hiking up to the Cincinnati Museum of Art in the rain. And yes, it really was a hike. Cincinnati is built on a hill rising up from the Ohio river and the museum is up on top of Mt. Adams. Several sets of stairs form pedestrian paths up the mountain. Fortunately the real downpour didn’t start until I was safely inside.

The special exhibit featured Picasso landscapes , which I was very interested to view. It did not disappoint. The art was arranged over two rooms, including the now obligatory video displays. Of course Picasso is know for his cubist renditions many of them highlighting the human (female) figure. Yet he also painted landscapes throughout his career; in fact his last work was a landscape. A number of styles were represented, many of which would not be categorized as classic Picasso. I also spent time talking with William, one of the people on the floor, and Laura who was taking tickets. I then walked through the rest of the permanent collection, as always drawn to the impressionists. Like many of the smaller museums, they had acquired a piece or two from my several of favorite artists.

I then walked over to the Taft Museum of Art. This was a private home that now holds National Historic Landmark Status. The art collection of Anna Sinton Taft and Charles Phelps Taft, including a number of Duncanson Murals , is now a museum. They also sponsor temporary exhibitions. I was drawn there today by the Modern Women/Modern Vision exhibit featuring women photographers . Many of the names and images were familiar - Dorothea Lange, Diane Arbus, Margaret Bourke-White and Imogen Cunningham; others were previously unknown to me. The exhibit highlighted the contribution of female photographers over the years and discussed their special circumstances, perceptions and contributions.

I also walked through the house, stopping at The Boat Trip: Etchings by Charles François Daubigny. Several of Daubigny’s standard paintings are found in the Taft collection. The etchings were made from a ferryboat he purchased as a floating studio. Magnifying glasses were provided to better inspect the small size etchings.

Finally, I headed over to the Contemporary Arts Center. I have walked by this building every day that I have been in Cincinnati as it is only a couple of blocks away from my hotel. I finally had a chance to go in. The CAC is a socially conscious organization that supports the community and embraces the core values of inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility. It is free to all thanks to generous donors. A featured current exhibit is the art of Robert O’Neal, Open to All . O’Neal lived and worked in Cincinnati, and was so instrumental in advocating for the Over-the-Rine community discussed in yesterday’s post, that he became its unofficial “Mayor.” His practice merged art and activism, advocating for civil rights through socially engaged art and grassroots organizing that supported Black artists, fought for disability rights, and advocated for the unhoused. The exhibition was visually stunning and clearly conveyed his vision. I was glad I made the effort to stop by, even though three art museums in one day almost broke my brain.

Today was my last day in Cincinnati and in Ohio. Ohio has been one of my pleasant surprises. I had previously visited Dayton for a couple of days for a work conference, so really did not know the rest of the state at all. I found a very rich and diverse set of communities - from Cleveland to the Amish/Mennonite region to the ancient indigenous remains around Columbus to Cincinnati. I experienced industry, history, culture and art. I understand much better now why Ohio has traditionally been a swing state in elections. I will be following future voting patterns with a much increased understanding.

I also have to give a shout out to the TownePlace Suites in downtown Cincinnati. It is centrally located and I could walk to all of my destinations. This is a relatively new hotel - only a couple of years old - and someone actually thought about various features that would make guests comfortable. The rooms have overhead lights - a rarity in hotels and the rooms are thoughtfully arranged and appointed. TownePlace Suites always have kitchens and this one was nicely put together. They also have a bar, unusual for this brand, but a good choice for a downtown location that also hosts events. The laundry facilities work on an app - no more quarters! That alone got my attention. And the staff could not have been nicer or more helpful. I would definitely stay here again should I have the opportunity to return to Cincinnati.

Tomorrow I continued my tour of the Great Lakes States and cross over to Michigan.