Cincinnati Art Museum

Discovering Ansel Adams
September 27, 2024–January 19, 2025
The Thomas R. Schiff Gallery (Gallery 234 & 235)
Ticketed. Free for Members. Save $2 when purchasing tickets online.
Adult tickets: $12 in-person, $10 online
Seniors, college students and children 6–17 years: $8 in person, $6 online
Children 5 years & under: free

See the exhibition for free on Thursday nights from 5–8 p.m. and during Art After Dark on September 27 and October 25 from 5–9 p.m. FotoFocus passport holders have free entry from September 27–October 31.

Premiering at the Cincinnati Art Museum, Discovering Ansel Adams provides an unprecedented exploration of the early career of Ansel Adams (1902–1984), demonstrating how, between 1916 and the 1940s, Adams developed from a 14-year-old tourist with a camera into America’s most celebrated photographer. Drawn from the definitive Adams collection at the Center for Creative Photography, Tucson, the exhibition brings together approximately 80 virtuosic photographs with unique ephemera including the artist’s handwritten correspondence, snapshots, personal possessions, and photographic working materials. Featured works range from small, one-of-a-kind photographs from Adams’s teenage years to jaw-dropping mural-sized prints of his most iconic mature views. Join the artist on his journey from teenage musician to young mountaineer, as he makes his first pictures at Yosemite, experiences the American Southwest, learns how to communicate with a broad national audience, and undertakes an epic quest to photograph America’s national parks. Along the way, discover how Ansel Adams became Ansel Adams.

Founded in 1975 by the President of University of Arizona and Ansel Adams, the Center for Creative Photography is one of the world’s finest institutions for the study of the history of photography, and a singularly important archive for Ansel Adams studies. Discovering Ansel Adams presents a rare opportunity to encounter the CCP’s Ansel Adams collection outside of Arizona.

October 25, 2024–February 9, 2025
Vance Waddell and Mayerson Galleries (Galleries 124 and 125)
Free Admission
Friends of Prints
Press Release

George Bellows (1882–1925) was a painter, illustrator, and printmaker. The exhibition will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the artist’s passing and feature 55 lithographs and drawings gifted and lent by Dr. James and Mrs. Lois Sanitato.

Bellows chose to leave his native Columbus, Ohio, and moved to New York in 1904 to become a professional artist. He enrolled in the New York School of Art where he became a student of Robert Henri (1865–1929). Henri encouraged his students to move beyond European traditions, to open their eyes to contemporary life and the transformation of the New York urban environment.

By the age of 26 Bellows had garnered critical acclaim, becoming the youngest elected member to the National Academy. During his 20-year career, his paintings captured the spirit and character of life in the first quarter of the twentieth century. Financially successful, in 1916, he set up set up a lithograph press in his studio at a time when the medium was associated with ephemeral commercial art and collectors’ favored etchings.

Over the next nine years Bellows executed more than 190 prints, almost single-handedly elevating lithography to a fine art in the United States. The inherent flexibility of the process, its potential for drawing in vigorous strokes, and its richness of tone were well suited to his expressive yet journalistic style. The subjects that fascinated him range from intimate studies of his family and friends to snap shots of American life, the atrocities of World War I, and what first caught the public’s attention: boxing. All were new and undeniably American subjects. Today, Bellows is known for his paintings, yet his accomplishments in lithography stand on equal footing.

events
This exhibition has been made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy demands wisdom. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this exhibition do not necessarily represent those of Ohio Humanities or the National Endowment for the Humanities. Support provided by the IFPDA Foundation.

Registration required.
Members: $10
General public: $20
College students: $5
Series Registration: $150 (grants access to all Evening for Educator programs Sept. 2024–May 2025).

Enjoy an evening learning about Discovering Ansel Adams. Hear from Nathaniel Stein, Curator of Photography, and then experience a docent guided tour of the exhibition. Discovering Ansel Adams provides an unprecedented exploration of the early career of Ansel Adams (1902–1984), demonstrating how, between 1916 and the 1940s, Adams developed from a 14-year-old tourist with a camera into America’s most celebrated photographer. For each program attended you can earn CEU’s and 1-2 graduate credits for an additional fee.

About Evenings for Educators
Evenings for Educators is the museum’s monthly teacher professional development program. Through the lens of the museum’s collection and exhibitions, Evenings for Educators supports all subjects taught in the classroom. It also encourages a STREAM approach as well as Twenty-First Century Learning strategies. The program is offered for teachers of all grade levels and disciplines, art appreciation volunteers, pre-service education majors, teaching artists, as well as community and museum educators. 

If you need accessibility accommodations, please contact us in advance at access@cincyart.org

Free, drop-in. Registration not required.

Bring your toddler or preschooler to the Rosenthal Education Center for a morning of art-themed story books, songs, and sensory activities. This 1-hour long program will get your little one excited about art in a fun and interactive way. Join us every first and third Wednesday of the month for a fun filled story time and artmaking activity!

If you need accessibility accommodations, please contact us in advance at access@cincyart.org

Each month, this gallery experience explores the intersections of mental health, wellness, and art. Join a Self-Advocate from Project CARE, a program within the YWCA Greater Cincinnati, and a mindfulness expert from The Well for a discussion about art and mental health followed by a healing meditation or mind body practice.

Please visit cincinnatiartmuseum.org for more information

Free. Reservations not required.

Welcome to the Silent Book Club, a cozy place where all you need is a book to read. Any book, any format, any chapter. No discussions, no suffering that book, no worries about not having enough copies for everyone, no pressure to speak, just the enthralling act of reading. One hour of silent reading time, then a half an hour to get to know your fellow bookworms if you feel like staying.

In Partnership with Silent Book Club - Cincinnati and the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library. For more information, visit: https://chpl.org/blogs/post/the-only-rule-for-silent-book-club-just-read/

If you need accessibility accommodations, please contact us in advance at access@cincyart.org

Free. Drop-in and pre-registered programs available.

Join us for an exciting interactive family day at the art museum, where we will explore the beautiful world of landscape photography! Bring the whole family for a day filled with creativity and inspiration and delve into the art of capturing stunning outdoor scenes. We have drop-in experiences as well as registered activities to make your day fun! Plus, see the exhibition Discovering Ansel Adams for free!

This month's theme is Museum Magic.

Check the website for more detailed schedules, theme information, and to register for individual programs.

If you need accessibility accommodations, please contact us in advance at access@cincyart.org

Free. Registration not required.

The Rosenthal Education Center (REC) will host a new series of free programs—titled RECreate—on the second Sunday of each month during the run of RECade: 10 Years of the Rosenthal Education Center. Drop by the REC and meet one of the former REC Artists in Residence and create a special work of art to take home!

Pam Kravetz, our 2019 REC Artist in Residence, will host RECreate on December 8.  Stay tuned for the full schedule and featured artists!

RECreate is made possible by the support of the Duveneck Association of the Cincinnati Art Museum. 

If you need accessibility accommodations, please contact us in advance at access@cincyart.org

Registration required. Registration opens one month before the event.
Free for members, general public $5.

Learn about the inner workings of the museum! Meet a staff member on the yellow couches in the Schmidlapp gallery and then take a tour to learn what happens before, after, and during the installation of art. Depending on accessibility of workspaces, this program may take place behind the scenes or in the galleries.

If you need accessibility accommodations, please contact us in advance at access@cincyart.org

Registration required. Registration opens one month in advance.
Details to be announced.

CAM members: $20
General public: $30

Try your hand at a new art technique in this studio-based program designed for adult audiences. Each themed class will begin with discussion in a current museum exhibition led by an artist or educator to gain inspiration and understanding for the art form. Then, learn from skilled artists to take your artmaking practice to the next level.

If you need accessibility accommodations, please contact us in advance at access@cincyart.org

Get ready for **Art in Bloom 2025** at the Cincinnati Art Museum, returning April 24–27 for an unforgettable celebration of fine art and floral design! 🌸 Floral artists from all backgrounds are invited to apply by January 10, 2025, for a chance to showcase their work in this prestigious juried event.

This year’s incredible jurors include floral design experts and creatives from diverse fields like **Joshua Bickett** of Tiffany & Co. and **Julian Collins** of Julian Creates. Plus, the event will feature the talented **Alexis Nikole Nelson** (@blackforager), stunning creations from floral photographer and sugar artist **Natasja Sadi** (@cakeatelieramsterdam), and a high-energy **Drag Brunch** with **Laganja Estranja**!

Don't miss this vibrant fusion of art, nature, and creativity—mark your calendars now! 🌺🎨