Admissions News Archives

Feb

Poetry 4 the People: Cody Dawn Bechtol

On February 19th, Art Academy of Cincinnati hosted a night of poetry reading full of dedicated, strong-willed, and politically activated poets. Below is the poem read by AAC student, Cody Dawn Bechtol.

“PSA THIS IS NOT OKAY 2018”

I am tired of my bleeding going unappreciated
I am tired of my wounds never healing

Open and seeping they wait for you to prod them again
Anticipating the pain as if it’s intrinsic to womanhood at this point

He never hit me but boy did my body suffer

Sleepless nights
Black under eyes from rubbing rubbing rubbing

Staring at the wide and plush moon
Gently dissociating

Tasers & Tampons
Tasers & Tampons
Tasers & Tampons
Tasers & Tampons
Tasers & Tampons
Tasers & Tampons
Tasers & Tampons
Tasers & Tampons
Tasers & Tampons
Tasers & Tampons
Tasers & Tampons
Tasers & Tampons
Tasers & Tampons
Tasers & Tampons
Tasers & Tampons
Tasers & Tampons
Tasers & Tampons
Tasers & Tampons

Clinging tightly to my taser and my tampons

You pass me with that bald eagle on your license plate
Men in pickup trucks scare me more than almost anything else in this world

859-667-2958
213-922-7046
513-299-7254
859-927-3001
513-438-2183
575-418-6124
513-449-1492
651-529-3240
513-401-6852
513-880-5358
513-428-6124
513-665-3892
213-237-1091
470-305-0873
513-665-4341

You think your time has come but you’re wrong
I fantasize about stooping to your level
What if we all literally began to fight back
Hurting the men who slink behind us down alleys
And follow us through department stores

You get off on the look of discomfort painted across my face
Whispering creepy nothings to me in the line at Home Depot

I imagine the look of surprise on yours when I pounce

Women are not a threat to you
Why do you treat us as such

You hit us with no provocation
Your rape us while we are fully clothed

We refuse to be powerless anymore

Feb

Help-Portrait Movement

The Art Academy of Cincinnati hosted a full day of service to community members through the mission of Help-Portrait, a collective that brings photographers, makeup artists, hair stylists, and volunteers together to serve people in need. On December 2, the AAC served over 100 Cincinnati residents via donation of luxuriating, life-affirming personal services, resulting in professional portraiture and photographs given to people who cannot afford such amenities.

The AAC Help-Portrait Site Coordinator, Andrea Bacca contacted leaders of the Help-Portrait movement to enlist the expertise, time, and resources of AAC students, faculty, and staff to mobilize the movement’s core mission: “to empower photographers, hairstylists and makeup artists to use their skills, tools and expertise to give back to their local community.” In 2008, Help-Portrait began as an idea that transformed into a movement in just three months. The idea behind Help-Portrait is simple: 1. Find someone in need; 2. Take their portrait; 3. Print their portrait; and 4. Deliver their portrait. The AAC is pleased to join community sites around the world in this mission.

Local Partnering Non-Profit Organizations:
Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition; Our Daily Bread; Over-the-Rhine Kitchen; Over-the-Rhine Chamber of Commerce; Over-the-Rhine Community Housing; Over-the-Rhine Recreation Center; Peaslee Neighborhood Center; Seven Hills Community Center; St. Francis Seraph Ministries; Talbert House; Tender Mercies; Walnut Hills Kitchen & Pantry; and YWCA.

About Help-Portrait:Celebrity photographer Jeremy Cowart formed Help-Portrait, a non-profit organization, in 2008 as he contemplated using his skills and expertise to give back to those who may not have the opportunity for a professional photo. The idea is that a photographer has the unique ability to help someone smile, laugh, and return their dignity. It is a movement, a shift in photography. From Bangalore, India to Ghana, Africa to Ubuntu, South Africa to Chukotka, Russia, the language of Help-Portrait crosses cultural and socio-economic barriers. Visit www.help-portrait.com.

Feb

Bruce Bennett

Bruce Bennett is an African American photographer, born and raised on the south side of Chicago. His work speaks and focuses on African-American culture and experiences. On the South Side, these experiences involve socio-economic disadvantages, a lack of good paying jobs, little access to education, racism, and a cycle of poverty that’s hard to break. His work also discusses his own life as a transplant in Cincinnati. Bruce wants to present his audience with the kind of experiences that have molded the person he’s become. Utilizing identity, politics, the gaze, and his perceptions of the world, he primarily used self- portraits to open up the audience’s perspective while discovering the true Bruce Bennett.

-D.J. Gathers

Jul

Looking Through

“Whether we are looking out at the world or looking inward at ourselves, we are always looking through the void within us, through the world, and through both light and darkness. This is a moment of uncertainty and possibility where we find ourselves alone, even if in reality everyone is still very close.”

For her solo exhibition Looking Through, Katelyn Wolary offered these words as a companion to her collection of portraits – both striking and bewitching. Capturing classmates with oil and wood panels, she offers us a glimpse of that moment. Her subjects are staring off at nothing, everything, present but only partially, alone yet connected to everyone else searching through the void.

Katelyn’s self-portrait for the exhibition? She’s looking through you. Not in a judgmental or apathetic way. It’s as if she knows something and is waiting for the right time to share. Perhaps she’s expecting you to have the answer. Either way, there is an air of gentle confidence, a sense that she’s comfortable in the moment if not content.

Already a painter and poet, Katelyn recently earned another telling title – Class of 2017 Valedictorian. Listening to her recount her time at the Art Academy, it is clear this honor celebrates more than her G.P.A.

Growing up in the comparatively small town of Wilmington, Ohio, Katelyn developed a disciplined focus and work ethic via her participation in athletics. But when one of her art teachers in high school saw her potential and encouraged her to connect with another artistically inclined student, Katelyn began directing that same attitude toward her artistic endeavors. Though her parents initially expressed the common concern about how she’d earn a living, they helped her dive into her new passion with vigor.

When her work in high school was recognized with an Ohio Youth Governor’s Art selection, she remembers Joe Fisher – then with AAC admissions – attending the ceremony. This kind of personal touch made a good first impression and continued to impress her once she’d decided to accept the AAC’s very generous scholarship.

“Paige Williams and Mark Thomas were my “Studio Art 1: CORE” instructors, which was the first studio experience I had as a freshman at AAC. Their instruction, support, and criticisms supported my desire to learn and work hard, and was one of my favorite classes throughout the last four years. I have so many good things to say about so many of my professors, it’s hard to know where to begin.”

Another one of those professors was Matt Hart. Katelyn credits his Aesthetics class for helping her consider and develop her own views and values. She also enjoyed letting both the athlete and artist run free in Matt and Paige’s Creative Running course.

Throughout her time at the Academy, Katelyn’s dedication and desire to stretch herself with opportunities within and beyond the AAC has translated into both a richer personal experience and public recognition such as the Helms Trust Scholarship.

“The personal connections and support within the AAC community, which extend far beyond the walls of the Art Academy building, have been one of the most rewarding experiences of attending AAC. For example, last spring, 21C Museum Manager and AAC alum, Michael Hurst, came around to the student studios to check out the work. Fortunately, he saved my business card and contacted me later in the fall for the opportunity to loan my work to 21C for their Elevated Art exhibit, which has been hanging for the last six months and features other local artists.”

Standing on the cusp of graduation, sharing yet another moment of uncertainty and possibility with her fellow graduates, Katelyn is very grateful for both her biological and AAC families. The support of both has played a big part in empowering a profoundly gifted, hardworking and humble artist.

An artist who is certain to make the most of her possibilities.

Oct

National Portfolio Day: 2015

Let us see what you’ve got! There’s power in your portfolio. If you could distill its contents it would radiate pure possibility. It contains your purpose, your promise. Celebrate National Portfolio Day by showing yours off. We double-dog dare you. Get feedback from experienced college representatives, practice sharing your artist’s statement and get a taste of what attending a professional art program can be like.

Jun

MAAE Alumni Exhibition

I am pleased to present this exhibition of works by regional artist/educators who earned their Master of Arts in Art Education degree at the Art Academy of Cincinnati.

Artists: David Buetsche MAAE 2012, Beth Goldstein MAAE 2003, Adrian Hawk MAAE 2011, Kelly Burichin MAAE 2005, Kim Maurer MAAE 2002, Jonathan Juravich MAAE 2011, Melanie Hart MAAE 2000, Doug Davis MAAE 2007
Works in a variety of media including: painting, sculpture printmaking, collage, and assemblage are represented in the exhibition.

June 16 Exhibition opens to public (gallery hours are 9-5
Mon-Friday)
June 27 Final Friday Artists Reception 5-8:00 pm

July 11th Exhibition closes 5:00pm

Apr

BFA Open House This Saturday, May 3, 2014- Plan To Attend!

Learn why the AAC is the unique art school experience for you! This is YOUR CHANCE to meet Art Academy faculty and current students!
We will also be conducting portfolio reviews for high school seniors, juniors & college transfers in order to fulfill the admissions portfolio requirement. Please call in advance to schedule a review. To learn more about what to include in your portfolio, please follow this link.

9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Faculty Conduct Portfolio Reviews (Please call in advance to schedule a review)
9:30 a.m. Campus Tours Available
11:30 to 11:55 a.m. Light Lunch and refreshments in the Commons
12:00 p.m. Student/Faculty Discussion & BFA Overview
12:30 to 1:15 p.m. Admissions Next Steps
1:30 p.m. Financial Aid Overview/AAC Student Chat
2:00 p.m. Campus Tours Depart

Come see what the Art Academy has to offer you!

Students and Faculty will speak about our BFA program, curriculum and majors and new minor in
Creative Writing as well as new classes in Animation and Film/Video
Hear directly from Art Academy students about their experiences
Admissions Next Steps
Tuition/costs and scholarship/financial aid
Campus/Housing Tours

RSVP by email to [email protected] or call the Admissions Office at 513-562-8740.

Be sure to provide your name, phone number, mailing address,
and the number of people attending the event. If you would like
a portfolio review please advise us when you RSVP.

We look forward to meeting you!

Feb

AAC Open House- Presidents’ Day 2.17.14

Learn why the AAC is the unique art school experience for you! 100% handcrafted art school experience! This is YOUR CHANCE to meet Art Academy faculty and current students!
We will also be conducting portfolio reviews for high school seniors & college transfers in order to fulfill the admissions portfolio requirement. Please call in advance to schedule a review. To learn more about what to include in your portfolio, please follow this link.

9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Faculty Conduct Portfolio Reviews (Please call in advance to schedule a review)
9:30 a.m. Campus Tours Available
11:30 to 11:55 a.m. Light Lunch and refreshments in the Commons
12:00 p.m. Faculty Panel Discussion & BFA Overview
12:30 to 1:15 p.m. Admissions Next Steps
1:30 p.m. Financial Aid Overview/AAC Student Chat
2:00 p.m. Campus Tours Depart

Come see what the Art Academy has to offer you!

Faculty will speak about our BFA program, curriculum and majors and new minor in
Creative Writing as well as new classes in Animation and Film/Video
Hear directly from Art Academy students about their experiences
Admissions Next Steps
Tuition/costs and scholarship/financial aid
Campus/Housing Tours

RSVP by email to [email protected] or call the Admissions Office at 513-562-8740.

Be sure to provide your name, phone number, mailing address,
and the number of people attending the event. If you would like
a portfolio review please advise us when you RSVP.

We look forward to meeting you!

Feb

Design Matters- an Open House for Future Design Students

Design Matters speaks to the importance of Design at the Art Academy of Cincinnati!
Tomorrow, Saturday, February 8, 9am

This Open House event is dedicated to all students seeking Design as their college major. Hear directly from Art Academy Design students, faculty and alumni about their experiences in our BFA Design program and life after.

Learn why our Design major is unique as it is situated in Cincinnati, an international design/print mecca

Learn how we integrate other important studio disciplines into the mainstream study of design for unique opportunities

Understand how collaboration and individual focus at the Art Academy are key for future success

Appreciate studying at a college that only specializes in preparing designers and artists

RSVP your attendance to [email protected] or call 513-562-8740.

Nov

AAC Open house & portfolio review this Saturday!

Open House

11/09/13 @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm

Open House Calendar Event Link

Art Academy Open House and Portfolio Review Day: This is YOUR CHANCE to meet Art Academy faculty and current students!

Saturday, November 9, 2013- Tentative Schedule

9:00 a.m.	Check-in for Portfolio Reviews
9:30 to 11:30 a.m.	Faculty Conduct Portfolio Reviews (Please call in advance to schedule a review)
9:30 and 10:00 a.m.	AAC Tours Available
11:30 a.m.	Check-in and Light Lunch in the Student Commons
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.	Information Sessions and Studio Hop
2:00 p.m.	AAC Tours Depart