Spring Karma Good Things Come to Those Who Support the CAC The sun is rising earlier, the sidewalks are bustling again, and the Butterfly Show is in town. Spring is here and life is good! And enjoying April just got even easier...

The CAC and Krohn Conservatory Two legendary Cincinnati institutions join forces for a special, limited-time offer April 18-30. CAC Members receive FREE admission to the Butterfly Show. And Friends of the Krohn receive free admission to the CAC. Visitors who pay for CAC admission get 50% off admission to the Butterfly Show. And those who pay for admission to the Butterfly Show get 50% off admission to the CAC. It's that easy. Not a member yet? That's easy too, just click here.

<> Spring Store Sale The CAC Store is known for having some of the best merchandise in town. But no matter how cool the inventory, April always seems to bring out the urge to tidy up, clear out storage and freshen things a bit. So why not benefit from our need to spring clean? Up to 80% off! April 16, 6-9 pm Special Presale Reception for Members Only Catered fare, wine tasting, exclusive presale deals. Members invited to bring one guest. April 17-19 CAC Store Spring Sale Event Open to the public.

April 1, 2009
A Fool For This City

As many of you know, I'm new in this position. It's been a great whirlwind so far, and I'm taking advantage of the honeymoon stage to try something different. As I was mulling over this week's email, I kept returning to the idea of writing a letter. And the other day, as I found myself in yet another discussion about the creative environment in Cincinnati, it dawned on me that this should be the topic. That same day I happened to read an inspiring article about museums described as a "love letter to an exhibit." What it inspired in me was a love letter of sorts to this city, a city I've rediscovered since joining forces with the CAC a short two months ago. So here it goes...

Cincinnati looks different. The view from my new perch at the corner of 6th and Walnut has revealed an exciting and vibrant scene. Have you seen it? There is a real renaisance society here, a bustling population hungry for creative flow. I'm thrilled! This is definitely a job perk because it is through the lens of places like the CAC that this side of Cincinnati shines.

It's amazing to take stock of the things I have encountered in just these past eight weeks. Here's a snapshot:

Tara Donovan and her crew descend upon Cincinnati.
They quickly fell for this town. I was sure I'd wake up to headlines such as World Famous Artist Rides Bull at Cadillac Ranch. I figure maybe the papers will be quicker to catch on when she comes back in 20 years for a retrospective.

The Japanese sensation, Pecha Kucha, debuts in Cincinnati in Kaplan Hall lobby.
The wild slam session for design professionals drew a crowd of over 300, as the area's cream of the creative crop came to showcase their cutting edge prowess.

A “starchitect” who had been visiting DAAP stops by on his way to the airport because he can't leave Cincinnati without seeing the CAC.
Enough said.

Lightborne, a local motion design company making big waves on the national scene, produces our season preview video.
Can't say enough good things about this company. These guys churn out some incredible stuff. One step inside their studios in Over-the-Rhine and it's obvious they play in the big leagues. It's no wonder the likes of MTV line up to work with them. Lucky for me they are a great friend of the CAC.

A roundtable discussion with one of the masterminds behind the Obama grassroots campaign.
Thank you Soapbox and Arts & Culture Partnership!

When Winter Comes, the moving performance of Frank X. Walker's work, opens at NKU.
Ran into Frank (and his equally talented wife) afterward and discussed the possibility of a CAC performance. Maybe 44.

Meet with Habitat.
Learned all about this artistic skateboard company doing brilliant things in the national market, started planning something for the summer.

Coffee with Dan McCabe.
Mr. MidPoint Music Festival, streetcar advocate and local music scene aficionado.

P&G designers take an inspirational tour of Tara Donovan.
The chit-chat leads to an exciting plan to spotlight local talent. Hope it pans out.

Projectmill propels the Friday dance party.
I love this group. The energy they bring—and leave behind—is golden. Make mental note for new retirement plan: get hands on projectmill paraphernalia and cash in when they make it big.

Plans for a CAC-curated walking tour of the city, a cool new member event for the summer, come together.
Public art, private studio tours, hidden gems? I wrangle an invitation!

Given the role of the CAC throughout the years, these things should come as no surprise. When Picasso's masterpiece, that wasn't a masterpiece yet, was first shown here the same things must have been happening. When Margaret Mead gave a lecture here she might have passed under the radar too. That's the beauty of being ahead of the curve. And it's still as strong as ever. With every exhibition, every opening, every visiting lecturer, we get to be a part of that new history in the making.

I'm starting to think there's such a thing as the CAC's version of Cincinnati. And I like it.