Contemporary Arts Center
Lois & Richard Rosenthal Center
for Contemporary Art
44 E. 6th Street,
Cincinnati, OH 45202
513 345 8400
Every week you'll find numerous programs to get your creativity and mind going
May 2025 Events
Sun. | Mon. | Tue. | Wed. | Thu. | Fri. | Sat. |
1 10:30 AM Thursday Art Play: Powerful Paintings
01
May Thursday Art Play: Powerful Paintings ![]() 4:00 PM Young Adult Lab: Painting Wonderland
01
May Young Adult Lab: Painting Wonderland ![]() 4:30 PM Opening Reception: 2025 CAC School Program Student Art Show
01
May Opening Reception: 2025 CAC School Program Student Art Show ![]() 5:30 PM CANCELLED - Painting for All Skill Levels
01
May CANCELLED - Painting for All Skill Levels ![]() |
2 1:30 PM Co-LAB: Printmaking with Natural Materials - Paper Making
02
May Co-LAB: Printmaking with Natural Materials - Paper Making ![]() 7:00 PM Opening Reception for "Ohio Now: State of Nature"
02
May Opening Reception for "Ohio Now: State of Nature" ![]() |
3 1:00 PM Artist in Residence at the CAC: Elan Schwartz
03
May Artist in Residence at the CAC: Elan Schwartz ![]() |
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4 |
5 |
6 |
7 4:00 PM Artist In Residence at the Public Library: Elan Schwartz
07
May Artist In Residence at the Public Library: Elan Schwartz ![]() |
8 10:30 AM Thursday Art Play: Mother's Day Gifts
08
May Thursday Art Play: Mother's Day Gifts ![]() 4:00 PM Young Adult Lab: Paper Flowers
08
May Young Adult Lab: Paper Flowers ![]() |
9 1:30 PM Co-LAB: Printmaking with Natural Materials - Monotype Workshop
09
May Co-LAB: Printmaking with Natural Materials - Monotype Workshop ![]() 8:00 PM Art Prom: Through the Looking Glass
09
May Art Prom: Through the Looking Glass ![]() |
10 1:00 PM Artist in Residence at the CAC: Elan Schwartz
10
May Artist in Residence at the CAC: Elan Schwartz ![]() |
11 |
12 |
13 |
14 4:00 PM Artist In Residence at the Public Library: Elan Schwartz
14
May Artist In Residence at the Public Library: Elan Schwartz ![]() |
15 10:30 AM Thursday Art Play: Paul Wright
15
May Thursday Art Play: Paul Wright ![]() 4:00 PM Young Adult Lab: Basics of Weaving with Julia Gomien
15
May Young Adult Lab: Basics of Weaving with Julia Gomien ![]() 5:30 PM
15
May Painting for All Skill Levels ![]() |
16 |
17 1:00 PM Artist in Residence at the CAC: Elan Schwartz
17
May Artist in Residence at the CAC: Elan Schwartz ![]() 10:30 AM Co-LAB: Printmaking with Natural Materials - Suminagashi Marbling
17
May Co-LAB: Printmaking with Natural Materials - Suminagashi Marbling ![]() 10:30 AM Anti- Robot Sticker Graffiti Workshop
17
May Anti- Robot Sticker Graffiti Workshop |
18 |
19 |
20 |
21 4:00 PM Artist In Residence at the Public Library: Elan Schwartz
21
May Artist In Residence at the Public Library: Elan Schwartz ![]() 12:00 PM
21
May The Art of Yoga - Mid Day ![]() 5:30 PM
21
May The Art of Yoga - After Hours ![]() |
22 10:30 AM Thursday Art Play: A Community of Artists
22
May Thursday Art Play: A Community of Artists ![]() 4:00 PM Young Adult Lab: Painting Flower Pots
22
May Young Adult Lab: Painting Flower Pots ![]() |
23 |
24 1:00 PM Artist in Residence at the CAC: Elan Schwartz
24
May Artist in Residence at the CAC: Elan Schwartz ![]() |
25 |
26 |
27 |
28 4:00 PM Artist In Residence at the Public Library: Elan Schwartz
28
May Artist In Residence at the Public Library: Elan Schwartz ![]() |
29 10:30 AM Thursday Art Play: Gravity's Rainbow!
29
May Thursday Art Play: Gravity's Rainbow! ![]() 4:00 PM Young Adult Lab: Needle Felting
29
May Young Adult Lab: Needle Felting ![]() 5:30 PM
29
May Painting for All Skill Levels ![]() |
30 |
31 1:00 PM Artist in Residence at the CAC: Elan Schwartz
31
May Artist in Residence at the CAC: Elan Schwartz ![]() |
May 2025 Events
30
April
2025
Wednesday
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Artist In Residence at the Public Library: Elan Schwartz
Join our Spring Artist-in-Residence, Elan Schwartz, every Wednesday 4-6PM at the downtown Public Library and every Saturday 1-3pm right here at the CAC! Elan's residency will be focusing on themes of love, vulnerability, communication, and empathy. Love is an actionable choice we make every day and it is expressed in just...
01
May
2025
Thursday
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Thursday Art Play: Powerful Paintings
Join us Thursday mornings for creative playtime at the CAC. This family program uses hands-on art making activities and yoga to excite and educate our youngest visitors. Learn about the artist Vivian Brown and create artwork inspired by their work. Stick around for some kid-friendly yoga following each Art Play...
01
May
2025
Thursday
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Young Adult Lab: Painting Wonderland
Join us every Thursday in the Creative Learning Center on the 6th floor of the CAC for Young Adult Lab, a free drop-in art making program! This week, we'll be creating paintings on cardboard inspired by Alice in Wonderland in correspondence with Art Prom, which is happening on May 9th from...
01
May
2025
Thursday
4:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Opening Reception: 2025 CAC School Program Student Art Show
Students from over a dozen schools across Greater Cincinnati will share their work in the Annual Student Art Show as part of the CAC's School Outreach Program. Inspired by CAC exhibitions, students engage with contemporary art throughout the year to develop their personal art practice. Celebrating its 42nd year of continuous...
01
May
2025
Thursday
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
CANCELLED - Painting for All Skill Levels
-THIS MAY 1 EVENT IS CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER- For the months of April-June participants will be learning or brushing up on their painting skill. We invite all skill levels. These classes are free and are open to participants 16+. These classes run from 5:30pm-7pm every other Thursday. During each...
02
May
2025
Friday
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Co-LAB: Printmaking with Natural Materials - Paper Making
Join us with artist Christian Casas, our Spring Co-LAB collaborator, for a hands-on Papermaking Workshop, where you'll learn the art of transforming recycled paper and natural fibers into beautiful handmade sheets. Discover traditional techniques, experiment with textures, and add creative touches like flower petals and colors. Perfect for beginners and...
02
May
2025
Friday
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Opening Reception for "Ohio Now: State of Nature"
Join us in celebrating the world premiere of Ohio Now: State of Nature at Contemporary Arts Center! Co-organized by CAC and moCa Cleveland, Ohio Now will travel to moCa Cleveland in 2026. 7PM Opening Reception – Exclusive gallery access, small bites by Herban Vegans while supplies last, a cash bar, desserts...
03
May
2025
Saturday
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Artist in Residence at the CAC: Elan Schwartz
Join our Spring Artist-in-Residence, Elan Schwartz, every Wednesday 4-6PM at the downtown Public Library and every Saturday 1-3pm right here at the CAC! Free with admission. There is no charge for visitors 18 and under. Elan's residency will be focusing on themes of love, vulnerability, communication, and empathy. Love is an actionable...
07
May
2025
Wednesday
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Artist In Residence at the Public Library: Elan Schwartz
Join our Spring Artist-in-Residence, Elan Schwartz, every Wednesday 4-6PM at the downtown Public Library and every Saturday 1-3pm right here at the CAC! Elan's residency will be focusing on themes of love, vulnerability, communication, and empathy. Love is an actionable choice we make every day and it is expressed in just...
07
May
2025
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
With Art in Mind
With Art in Mind programs are a comfortable gathering that allow people living with dementia and their care partners to socialize and engage in activities in a safe, welcoming environment. Free for all. Reserve your spot by emailing Shannon Braun, or call 513-979-2302. This program made possible by The Sutphin Family Foundation.
08
May
2025
Thursday
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Thursday Art Play: Mother's Day Gifts
Join us Thursday mornings for creative playtime at the CAC. This family program uses hands-on art making activities and yoga to excite and educate our youngest visitors. Let's great something special for the mother or grandmother in your life. Stop by the Creativity Center to make some homemade gifts your loved...
08
May
2025
Thursday
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Young Adult Lab: Paper Flowers
Join us every Thursday in the Creative Learning Center on the 6th floor of the CAC for Young Adult Lab, a free drop-in art making program! This week, we'll be making paper flowers! Create one or fashion a whole bouquet and give it to your mom! You know, she'd appreciate it! Artists...
09
May
2025
Friday
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Co-LAB: Printmaking with Natural Materials - Monotype Workshop
Just us with our Spring Co-LAB artist, Christian Casas, to explore the expressive and spontaneous art of monotype printmaking in this hands-on workshop! Learn how to create unique, one-of-a-kind prints using ink, rollers, and various mark-making techniques on a printing plate. Experiment with textures, layering, and color to produce dynamic...
09
May
2025
Friday
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Art Prom: Through the Looking Glass
Drop in. Hang out. Make art. Dance your face off. Get lost in Wonderland. Art Prom: Through the Looking Glass will have us following Alice down the rabbit hole and partying it up with the Mad Hatter! Register Here! Calling all teens! Come show off your awesome/awkward/crazy dance moves at the CAC’s...
10
May
2025
Saturday
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Artist in Residence at the CAC: Elan Schwartz
Join our Spring Artist-in-Residence, Elan Schwartz, every Wednesday 4-6PM at the downtown Public Library and every Saturday 1-3pm right here at the CAC! Free with admission. There is no charge for visitors 18 and under. Elan's residency will be focusing on themes of love, vulnerability, communication, and empathy. Love is an actionable...
14
May
2025
Wednesday
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Artist In Residence at the Public Library: Elan Schwartz
Join our Spring Artist-in-Residence, Elan Schwartz, every Wednesday 4-6PM at the downtown Public Library and every Saturday 1-3pm right here at the CAC! Elan's residency will be focusing on themes of love, vulnerability, communication, and empathy. Love is an actionable choice we make every day and it is expressed in just...
15
May
2025
Thursday
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Thursday Art Play: Paul Wright
Join us Thursday mornings for creative playtime at the CAC. This family program uses hands-on art making activities and yoga to excite and educate our youngest visitors. Learn about the artist Paul Wright and create artwork inspired by their exhibition. Stick around for some kid-friendly yoga following each Art Play...
15
May
2025
Thursday
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Young Adult Lab: Basics of Weaving with Julia Gomien
Join us every Thursday in the Creative Learning Center on the 6th floor of the CAC for Young Adult Lab, a free drop-in art making program! This week, we’ll learn the basics of weaving. Warp vs weft, how to create some basic structures/patterns, and how to make a loom out of...
15
May
2025
Thursday
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Painting for All Skill Levels
For the months of April-June participants will be learning or brushing up on their painting skill. We invite all skill levels. These classes are free and are open to participants 16+. These classes run from 5:30pm-7pm every other Thursday. During each session attendees will have 10-15 minutes to have a...
17
May
2025
Saturday
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Artist in Residence at the CAC: Elan Schwartz
Join our Spring Artist-in-Residence, Elan Schwartz, every Wednesday 4-6PM at the downtown Public Library and every Saturday 1-3pm right here at the CAC! Free with admission. There is no charge for visitors 18 and under. Elan's residency will be focusing on themes of love, vulnerability, communication, and empathy. Love is an actionable...
17
May
2025
Saturday
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Co-LAB: Printmaking with Natural Materials - Suminagashi Marbling
Join us with Christian Casas our Spring Co-LAB and discover the mesmerizing art of Suminagashi, the ancient Japanese technique of water marbling. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to float inks on water, create intricate swirling patterns, and transfer your designs onto paper. Experiment with color, movement, and composition...
17
May
2025
Saturday
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Anti- Robot Sticker Graffiti Workshop
Join the Anti-Robot for a street sticker creation session. We will create hand drawn vinyl stickers as well as the graffiti slap gold standard, the USPS “228 Priority Mail Label”. With a pocketful of stickers anyone can achieve maximum crack n’ peel, street-level coverage while adding another glossy, top-notch layer to...
21
May
2025
Wednesday
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Artist In Residence at the Public Library: Elan Schwartz
Join our Spring Artist-in-Residence, Elan Schwartz, every Wednesday 4-6PM at the downtown Public Library and every Saturday 1-3pm right here at the CAC! Elan's residency will be focusing on themes of love, vulnerability, communication, and empathy. Love is an actionable choice we make every day and it is expressed in just...
21
May
2025
Wednesday
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
The Art of Yoga - Mid Day
Breathe between meetings. Move through midday. Wind down before the next deadline. The Art of Yoga brings calm to your calendar — and beauty to your breath. Join us Wednesday, May 21 from 12–1 p.m. for our Midday Session or 5:30–6:30 p.m. for our After Hours Wind Down Session. $15 for Non Members $10...
21
May
2025
Wednesday
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
The Art of Yoga - After Hours
Breathe between meetings. Move through midday. Wind down before the next deadline. The Art of Yoga brings calm to your calendar — and beauty to your breath. Join us Wednesday, May 21 from 12–1 p.m. for our Midday Session or 5:30–6:30 p.m. for our After Hours Wind Down Session. $15 for Non Members $10...
22
May
2025
Thursday
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Thursday Art Play: A Community of Artists
Join us Thursday mornings for creative playtime at the CAC. This family program uses hands-on art making activities and yoga to excite and educate our youngest visitors. Learn about artists in our very own community and create artwork inspired by the Ohio Now exhibition. Stick around for some kid-friendly yoga...
22
May
2025
Thursday
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Young Adult Lab: Painting Flower Pots
Join us every Thursday from 4:00-6:00pm. We'll be designing our own flower pots as we welcome in warm weather! All art supplies will be provided by the CAC. Artists and educators on hand to assist. Supplies and snacks will be provided by the CAC. The CAC's Teen Programs are made possible in...
23
May
2025
Friday
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Art Play Hike: Smale Park
Art Play Hike is an outdoor series in partnership with the Contemporary Arts Center and Cincinnati Parks. Join us this month as we explore Smale Park and take part in hands-on art making related to nature. This program is designed for children ages 2-10 and their parent or caregiver. Art...
24
May
2025
Saturday
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Artist in Residence at the CAC: Elan Schwartz
Join our Spring Artist-in-Residence, Elan Schwartz, every Wednesday 4-6PM at the downtown Public Library and every Saturday 1-3pm right here at the CAC! Free with admission. There is no charge for visitors 18 and under. Elan's residency will be focusing on themes of love, vulnerability, communication, and empathy. Love is an actionable...
28
May
2025
Wednesday
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Artist In Residence at the Public Library: Elan Schwartz
Join our Spring Artist-in-Residence, Elan Schwartz, every Wednesday 4-6PM at the downtown Public Library and every Saturday 1-3pm right here at the CAC! Elan's residency will be focusing on themes of love, vulnerability, communication, and empathy. Love is an actionable choice we make every day and it is expressed in just...
29
May
2025
Thursday
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Thursday Art Play: Gravity's Rainbow!
Join us Thursday mornings for creative playtime at the CAC. This family program uses hands-on art making activities and yoga to excite and educate our youngest visitors. This week we'll learn about Gravity's Rainbow, the newest installation in the CAC lobby, and create our own art inspired by this work....
29
May
2025
Thursday
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Young Adult Lab: Needle Felting
Join us every Thursday from 4:00-6:00pm. We'll be learning needle felting this week! All art supplies will be provided by the CAC. Artists and educators will be on hand to assist. Supplies and snacks will be provided by the CAC. The CAC's Teen Programs are made possible in part by the Institute...
29
May
2025
Thursday
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Painting for All Skill Levels
For the months of April-June participants will be learning or brushing up on their painting skill. We invite all skill levels. These classes are free and are open to participants 16+. These classes run from 5:30pm-7pm every other Thursday. During each session attendees will have 10-15 minutes to have a...
30
May
2025
Friday
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
CAC@21c Tour
Two tours, one hour! Join a CAC docent for a half-hour guided tour of the galleries at the neighboring 21c Museum Hotel, followed by a half-hour tour of the Contemporary Arts Center exhibitions. Event takes place on the final Friday of each month. Tours are free and open to the...
31
May
2025
Saturday
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Artist in Residence at the CAC: Elan Schwartz
Join our Spring Artist-in-Residence, Elan Schwartz, every Wednesday 4-6PM at the downtown Public Library and every Saturday 1-3pm right here at the CAC! Free with admission. There is no charge for visitors 18 and under. Elan's residency will be focusing on themes of love, vulnerability, communication, and empathy. Love is an actionable...
On-Going Events
Through
25
May
2025
Vivian Browne: My Kind of Protest
This exhibition recovers the depth and variety of the more than three-decade career of Vivian Browne (b. 1929, Laurel, FL; d. 1993, New York, NY). The exhibition features paintings, prints, and works on paper across seven bodies of work, as well as ephemera that highlight Browne’s pioneering activism and influential teaching career.
Through
01
June
2025
The Anti-Robot Inundation Army
The artist Paul Wright presents The Anti-Robot Inundation Army Project, an ongoing art project exploring media, propaganda, data, information, knowledge, and web programming.
Through
01
June
2025
Student Art Show: 2025 CAC School Program
Celebrating its 42nd year of continuous operation, the CAC School Outreach Program is the longest-running arts outreach program for K through 12th-grade students in Ohio. The student art show is the culminating event of the program year.
Through
07
September
2025
Ohio Now: State of Nature
'Ohio Now: State of Nature' brings together artists across Ohio who focus on sustainability, agriculture, food justice, and natural ecologies.
Through
30
December
2025
Kahlil Robert Irving: Ground Water from screen Falls [(Collaged media) + Midwest] Street
For the lobby carpet installation, Kahlil Robert Irving integrates imagery of asphalt with pop culture references, news headlines, and digital ephemera. The artist asks viewers to reconsider their daily engagement with social media, civic community life, and the urban landscape.
Through
31
October
2026
SOFTlab: Gravity's Rainbow
This installation, suspended from the ceiling of the CAC’s Dr. Stanley & Mickey Kaplan Hall Lobby, takes something invisible