Aaron Rubinstein won first prize for wearable art-designed jewelry.
By Chuck Gibson • loveland@communitypress.com • September 11, 2008
Loveland was a busy beehive of activity at Nisbet Park Sept. 7. Thousands came out on a bright sunshiny day for the Loveland Arts Council 12th Annual Loveland Art Show in the park.
Early morning clouds and rain gave way to clear skies, comfortable temperatures and a steady stream of patrons kept the artists happy throughout the day. The 80 artists exhibiting estimated more than 3,000 people turned out to browse and buy the wide variety of quality art they displayed.
"I think it's the best turnout we've ever had," said Shawn Custis, president of the Loveland Arts Council. "I've heard nothing but excitement as there were a lot of buyers at this show; nothing but excitement!"
Even with parking at a premium and every available space filled, nobody was complaining. Girl Scouts helped out at Kids Korner, where children had the chance to create their own works of art while mom and dad browsed the show. Local eateries provided food and refreshment at the Starving Artists Café.
The most excitement centered on the art exhibited and the patrons who came to see it.
"Excellent! Good crowd, well educated; their reaction was excellent," said Deer Park resident Aaron Rubinstein, an internationally recognized artist who won first place in the wearable art category. "The Arts Council gave excellent direction; there was constant traffic and nice people."
Rubinstein has been featured in the Enquirer and Cincinnati Magazine as one of Cincinnati's finest artists for his work designing artistic jewelry with gold, silver and gemstones. Judges awarded $1,200 in prizes to the top three artists in five separate categories including: painting, 3D sculpture, photo/prints/collage, wearable art and kids categories.
Pat Olding uses a pallet knife for her oil-based paintings for which she won first place in the 2006 show here. She didn't win this year, but was happy to sell some of her work and meet the people.
"I sold one of my big ones before I even finished setting up," she said. "I got involved in Loveland because of Deirdre Dyson. It's great; a great location."
Artists from all over mixed with a lot of local artists to provide quality art in a nice setting for patrons who came to see their favorites and meet some new artists too.
"Meeting people interested in your art makes it a success even if they don't buy," Olding said. "It's a success if I end up in the shade."
At the end of the day the great crowd and great weather made the show a success for everyone. Kate Ungrund teaches art to first- to eighth-grade school children when she's not creating her own fabric art. She exhibits her art-quilting in a number of shows and sold several pieces.
"This is one of the best," Ungrund said. "Great weather, the number of people; it's a nice place for a show."
