Your custom home is the perfect place to showcase great, original artwork (after all, it’s a work of art itself). And if you’re ready to purchase fine art, you’re in the right place. Cincinnati is home to several wonderful galleries and internationally known visual artists. In fact, every so often a painting by Covington-born Frank Duveneck will find its way to a local antique store.
Buying fine art is an excellent investment. It’s also an extension of your unique style and taste. A great painting can serve as a dramatic centerpiece in an important area of your home – like the living room or dining room. It can also be a wonderful way to support local artists, who contribute so much to the culture of Cincinnati.
Before you purchase your first piece of art, there are a couple of things to know. First, the art world is generally divided into two categories: emerging art and established art. If you’re looking for art to compliment your home and aren’t ready to spend a considerable amount of money, you may want to look at work by Cincinnati emerging artists.
On the other hand, if you’re looking at art as an investment, don’t cross your fingers hoping to find a Duveneck in an antique store. Instead, you’ll want to work with a gallery team who understands the market and can help you find a piece that you’ll feel confident buying.
Below are five Cincinnati-area art galleries and groups where you can find fabulous art by emerging and established artists.
Cincinnati Art Galleries
Opened in 1984, Cincinnati Art Galleries, located in downtown Cincinnati, specializes in American and European paintings from the 19th and 20th centuries. It also features a considerable selection of artwork by Cincinnati painters including John Hauser, John Twachtman and Dixie Selden. You can also find contemporary art by local artists including the late Tom Bacher.
This is a particularly large gallery that houses work of many styles including Impressionist, Modernist and abstract work. They also specialize in restoration and regularly host shows. Check their website for the dates of gallery openings that always draw a big crowd.
Cincinnati Art Galleries 225 E. 6th Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 • 513-381-2128
Caza Sikes
Newer on the block, Caza Sikes brings together art consultation, appraisals, and auction expertise. You’ll find the gallery in a reinvented storefront located on Oakley Square. Visit the Caza Sikes gallery to find unique art from nationally acclaimed artists. And since Caza Sikes is a family business with more than 30 years of experience working with museums, corporations and individuals, it’s a great option for those looking to invest in art for the first time.
Casa Sikes Gallery • 3078 Madison Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45209 • 513-818-9527
Miller Gallery
Do you love contemporary art? If so, pay a visit to Miller Gallery in Hyde Park. For the past 60 years, Miller Gallery has been a mecca for contemporary art by local and internationally renown artists. You’ll also find a great collection of photographic work as well. Like the galleries mentioned above, the Miller Gallery team has extensive knowledge and experience helping Cincinnati homeowners choose the best art for their homes.
Miller Gallery • 2715 Erie Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45208 • 513-871-4420
Manifest Gallery
Located on Woodburn Avenue in East Walnut Hills, Manifest is not just a gallery, but also an organization that offers an artist residency, a press and a drawing studio. Founded by art professors and students in 2004, Manifest’s mission is to deliver world-class exhibits while moving the needle for art that is thought-provoking and insightful. Visit the gallery to see excellent work that delivers powerful messages. We recommend going during one of the Friday night Walk on Woodburn events, when you can meet the Manifest team, view the exhibit, and then peruse the shops on Woodburn.
Manifest Gallery • 2727 Woodburn Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45206 • 513-861-3638
Visionaries + Voices
If you’re looking for art created by artists with powerful personal stories, check out Visionaries + Voices, a nonprofit that exhibits the work of visual artist with disabilities. This group helped launch the careers of many professional artists including Antonio Adams, who today sits on the group’s board. The organization hosts exhibits at their gallery located on Spring Grove Avenue in Northside. And since they are connected with artists of all mediums throughout the city, you’re sure to find a piece of art to showcase in your home.
Visionaries + Voices • 3841 Spring Grove Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45223 • 513-861-4333
Of course, these are just five of our favorite galleries in Cincinnati, but there are many, many more. Make a night of it and visit Pendleton Art Center for a Final Friday event, visit Indian Hill Gallery for wonderful exhibits or contact them or an in-home art consultation. Artworks also hosts exhibits and you can visit by appointment to find great art by area students.
Ready to talk about custom home design? Contact the team at Custom Living Homes. We consider custom homes works of art, too, and are here to help you build yours.
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