ARTVENTURES
We want to offer every convention attendee the opportunity to explore what makes the Cincinnati area art scene so special. On the afternoons of Thursday, June 12 and Friday, June 13, we will be offering FREE field trips for AFTACON attendees to amazing art and culture venues all over town that we are calling ARTventures. Each attendee will be able to select one ARTventure per day. All the ARTventures will be offered on both Thursday and Friday, so pick two of the following options!
NOTE: Capacity is limited for each ARTventure. During registration, be sure to select one ARTventure for Thursday and one for Friday. If you would prefer to spend your afternooon exploring Cincinnati on your own, select “Explore on my own” during registration.
Scroll to view all ARTventure activities and hover to pause!
On Thursday’s tour, discover why Cincinnati Music Hall was the envy of the Great Midwest in the 19th century and the cornerstone of the 21st century renaissance of Cincinnati's historic heart. Home of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Opera, Cincinnati May Festival and Cincinnati Ballet, see for yourself how this remarkable building reflects the spirit of both past and present.
Capacity: 50 (per day)
Get a special behind-the-scenes tour of the Emery Theater, brand new home of the Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati. This historic, acoustically ‘pure’ concert hall is undergoing a $50M renovation into a state-of-the-art theater with 360-degree video projection capabilities for a magical 3D immersive theater experience. The theater is set to open in Fall of 2025, so this is an exclusive sneak peek for AFTACON attendees!
Capacity: 250
On the June 12 ARTventure, explore Cincinnati’s historic African American and contemporary Black experience through this tour of arts and culture on the banks of the Ohio River, including stops at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and the Black Music Walk of Fame. Plus, experience keynote speaker Charles Gaines’ monumental work The American Manifest at John G. and Phyllis W. Smale Riverfront Park!
Capacity: 50 (per day)
Explore the Taft Museum of Art with its renowned collection including the murals of Robert S. Duncanson, the first nationally recognized African American artist who was commissioned to paint the house’s foyer in 1850. The gorgeous landscapes have been preserved and celebrated to this day. Other highlights of the collection include paintings by Rembrandt, Goya, and Whistler. Enjoy art-making and a cool drink under the Taft’s Garden Tent.
Capacity: 200 (per day)
This bus tour of the Gilbert Avenue Arts Corridor will showcase the new Cincinnati Ballet Center, Cincinnati Art Museum’s Art Climb and public art on museum grounds, Mt. Adams and the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, and Krohn Conservatory, culminating in a tour of the Walnut Hills Art Park plus an art-making activity with youth apprentices.
Capacity: 150
On Thursday’s tour, explore the eclectic arts scene in Covington, KY with an exclusive tour of The Carnegie, a performance from Northern Kentucky’s CAST Student Theatre, and a visit to a city-supported and funded concrete canvas, Scribble Park. From historical architecture to out of this world public street art. Explore The Carnegie, unique for its 1904 founding as being a truly ‘public’ library, open and inclusive for all citizens. Find out what makes Covington extraterrestrial, or uh, extra special, today! You will hear from civic leaders and artists on community-led creative placemaking efforts. We know you will #LovetheCov!
Capacity: 150
This guided walking tour of murals highlights the rich collection of public art in Cincinnati, focusing on Findlay Market and Over-the-Rhine.
Capacity: 80 (per day)
Visit The Mercantile Library and explore a piece of Cincinnati history at this tour and writing workshop. Built in 1835 and renovated in 2024, find out why it is known as the “most beautiful library in Cincinnati”!
Capacity: 90
Join us for a movement workshop with dancers from the Cincinnati Ballet at the beautiful Cincinnati Ballet Margaret and Michael Valentine Center for Dance. The workshop is open to movers of all abilities!
Capacity: 50 (per day)
Share your story of resilience through a patchwork quilt square depicting how you have sought your refuge, your reconciliation, and your truth within the American experience. Dive into this immersive, tactile and virtual opportunity to become a part of our mosaic quilt of global influence which will live on at the AFTA headquarters in Washington, DC. You’ll be guided through this workshop by:
- Kathy Wade, Co-Founder and CEO, Learning Through Art, Inc. and Jazz artist
- Kelly Asbury, national award-winning artist, educator and Artistic Director, Learning Through Art, Inc.
- Kate Carlier Currie, PhD, Founder and Executive Director, Maketank, Inc. and Leader of the Illustrated Memoir Project
Capacity: 100 (per day)
Find inspiration at the stunning Contemporary Art Center. Enjoy a building and exhibition tour of a world-class contemporary art museum that celebrates creativity from the moment you walk in. Things kick off at 3:30 with a welcome by Executive Director Christina Vassallo and an exhibition-themed cocktail. A tour of the group show Only in Ohio and a sneak peek of Marcus Leslie Singleton's solo exhibition follows at 4:15, with references to Zaha Hadid's iconic architecture interspersed as we traverse the building.
Capacity: 20 (per day)
Explore a world of neon on a self-guided tour of The American Sign Museum – a unique spot dedicated to how we navigate our daily lives. Jamie Bennet calls it “one of my top three favorite places in America!”.
Capacity: 55 (per day)
You can also choose to explore Cincinnati on your own during the time allotted for ARTventures. If you prefer to take this time to go on your own adventures or to rest, please select “Explore on Your Own” during registration.
Capacity: Unlimited
On Friday’s tour, gather for a special presentation of “Under One Roof - The African American Experience in Music Hall”. Explore the history of African Americans whose determination and artistry helped forge the culture and character of Cincinnati Music Hall and a community where north meets south and east meets west.
Capacity: 50 (per day)
On June 13, explore Black arts and culture on a bus tour of Cincy’s urban neighborhoods, including the Robert O’Neal Multicultural Center, Black Design Collective-Midwest Chapter, and Taft Museum of Art’s Duncanson Murals.
Capacity: 50 (per day)
Explore the Taft Museum of Art with its renowned collection including the murals of Robert S. Duncanson, the first nationally recognized African American artist who was commissioned to paint the house’s foyer in 1850. The gorgeous landscapes have been preserved and celebrated to this day. Other highlights of the collection include paintings by Rembrandt, Goya, and Whistler. Enjoy art-making and a cool drink under the Taft’s Garden Tent.
Capacity: 200 (per day)
This bus tour of the Gilbert Avenue Arts Corridor will showcase the new Cincinnati Ballet Center, Cincinnati Art Museum’s Art Climb and public art on museum grounds, Mt. Adams and the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, and Krohn Conservatory, culminating in a tour of the Walnut Hills Art Park plus an art-making activity with youth apprentices.
Capacity: 150
On Friday’s tour, journey to the past at the Behringer-Crawford Museum located in Devou Park. Dedicated to celebrating the heritage and culture of Northern Kentucky, the museum features engaging and interactive exhibits that span from prehistoric to modern times. Situated on over 700 acres of rolling hills and nature trails, you will find a panoramic view of Cincinnati, the Ohio River, and Covington. Followed by a performance from CAST Student Theatre and a stop at The Carnegie in historic Covington. A museum lover's dream day!
Capacity: 150
This guided walking tour of murals highlights the rich collection of public art in Cincinnati, focusing on Findlay Market and Over-the-Rhine.
Capacity: 80 (per day)
Join us for a movement workshop with dancers from the Cincinnati Ballet at the beautiful Cincinnati Ballet Margaret and Michael Valentine Center for Dance. The workshop is open to movers of all abilities!
Capacity: 50 (per day)
Share your story of resilience through a patchwork quilt square depicting how you have sought your refuge, your reconciliation, and your truth within the American experience. Dive into this immersive, tactile and virtual opportunity to become a part of our mosaic quilt of global influence which will live on at the AFTA headquarters in Washington, DC. You’ll be guided through this workshop by:
- Kathy Wade, Co-Founder and CEO, Learning Through Art, Inc. and Jazz artist
- Kelly Asbury, national award-winning artist, educator and Artistic Director, Learning Through Art, Inc.
- Kate Carlier Currie, PhD, Founder and Executive Director, Maketank, Inc. and Leader of the Illustrated Memoir Project
Capacity: 100 (per day)
Find inspiration at the stunning Contemporary Art Center. Enjoy a building and exhibition tour of a world-class contemporary art museum that celebrates creativity from the moment you walk in. Things kick off at 3:30 with a welcome by Executive Director Christina Vassallo and an exhibition-themed cocktail. A tour of the group show Only in Ohio and a sneak peek of Marcus Leslie Singleton's solo exhibition follows at 4:15, with references to Zaha Hadid's iconic architecture interspersed as we traverse the building.
Capacity: 20 (per day)
Explore a world of neon on a self-guided tour of The American Sign Museum – a unique spot dedicated to how we navigate our daily lives. Jamie Bennet calls it “one of my top three favorite places in America!”.
Capacity: 55 (per day)
You can also choose to explore Cincinnati on your own during the time allotted for ARTventures. If you prefer to take this time to go on your own adventures or to rest, please select “Explore on Your Own” during registration.
Capacity: Unlimited