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Looking for fun and free things to do this weekend the entire family will enjoy?  Here’s a round up of free events in the Cincinnati area.

Saturday

Asian Culture Fest, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday), Cincinnati Museum Center, Queensgate. History, arts and traditions of Asian countries. Includes music, dancing, performances, face painting, health screenings and more. Asian Market and Cultural Place. Part of Passport to the World Series. Free. 513-287-7000; www.cincymuseum.org.

Bead-a-thon, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Brazee Street Studios, 4426 Brazee St., Oakley. Beads of Courage Bead Challenge and Beads in Space Tour stop. Bead Challenge Raffle, bead sponsorship and bracelet making. Replica Beads in Space shuttle bead and poster available. Benefits Beads of Courage, local program at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Free. 513-321-0206; www.brazeestreetstudios.com.

Coyote Lecture and Night Hike, 7-10 p.m., Community Meeting Room, Fernald Preserve, 7400 Willey Road, Crosby Township. Talk with author Carol Cartaino about coyotes in our lives today and her book, “Myths and Truths about Coyotes – What You Need to Know about America’s Most Misunderstood Predator.” Followed by hike to listen for coyotes and search for tracks and traces. Free. 513-648-4026; www.lm.doe.gov/fernald.

A Gathering: Installations by Migiwa Orimo, 6-8 p.m., Kennedy Heights Arts Center, 6546 Montgomery Road, Kennedy Heights. Gathering of selected components of the artist’s installations from 2006-2011. Installations involve combination of painting, drawing, sculpture, text, sound and video, making exhibition a mixture of materials and elements. Exhibit continues through May 26. Free. 513-631-4278; www.kennedyarts.org.

InDepth: Impressions of Venice, 2-3 p.m., Cincinnati Art Museum, 953 Eden Park Drive, Eden Park. Attendees meet in front lobby. From its sparkling canals to shadowy alleyways, Venice has long inspired American artists. Join Julie Aronson, Curator of American Painting and Sculpture, for a discussion of works by the Frank Duveneck circle made in this magical city. Free. Reservations required. 513-721-2787; www.cincinnatiartmuseum.org.

Kite Fest, noon-5 p.m. (noon-5 p.m. Sunday), Voice of America Park, Cox Road at VOA Park Drive, West Chester Township. Kite flying event. Chicago Fire choreographed kite team, open fly areas, kite-making, animals from the Cincinnati Zoo and food. Children can make their own kite for a fee. Shuttle provided for parking at West Chester Hospital across from the park. Free. 513-867-5835; www.airwaveskitefest.com.

Madeira Hunger Games: Hapkido, 2 p.m., Madeira Branch Library, 7200 Miami Ave., Madeira. Brush up on your skills as Master Mark Stacey of Ahn’s Tae Kwon Do Institute demonstrates the weapons and self-defense techniques of the dynamic, Korean martial art of Hapkido. Ages 12-18. Free. 513-369-6028; www.cincinnatilibrary.org.

Monet in Giverny: Landscapes of Reflection, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Cincinnati Art Museum, 953 Eden Park Drive, Eden Park. Monet’s late works depicting iconic motifs from his garden in Giverny, such as the Japanese footbridge, water lilies and wisterias are among the most innovative of the late 19th and 20th centuries. Free. Through May 13. 513-721-2787; www.cincinnatiartmuseum.org.

Mount Adams Art Walk, noon-6 p.m., Mount Adams, Mount Adams, Mount Adams. More than 100 of area’s top artists. Music, food, beer, wine, cocktails and cigars. Rain or shine. Free. Through June 9.

Random Acts of Poetry, 2 p.m., Public Library of Cincinnati & Hamilton County Main Library, 800 Vine St., Downtown. Special programs in TeenSpot on writing and performing poetry. Elementz Hip-Hop Youth Arts Center is presenter. Ages 12-18. Free. 513-369-6900.

School of Rock Grand Opening Celebration, noon-4 p.m., School of Rock, 755 Reading Road, Mason.  Live entertainment, prizes, tours and open house.  Free.  513-770-1257; http://mason.schoolofrock.com.

Wildflowers of Winton, 2 p.m., Winton Woods, 10245 Winton Road, Springfield Township. Hike along the Great Oaks Trail to look for wildflowers. Free, vehicle permit required. 513-521-7275; www.greatparks.org.

Sunday

Gold Star Chilimobile, 1 p.m., Public Library of Cincinnati & Hamilton County Main Library, 800 Vine St., Downtown. Register for Summer Reading Program and receive free coney. Free. 513-369-6900.

Laura Hoevener and Terri Weeks, 2-3 p.m., Blue Manatee Children’s Bookstore, 3054 Madison Road, Oakley. Local moms/authors sign best-selling book, “Adventures Around Cincinnati.” Free. 513-731-2665.

Mixed Messages Book Launch, 1-3 p.m., Zen and Now Coffee House, 4453 Bridgetown Road, Cheviot. Patricia Gligor selling and signing copies of her debut novel, mystery that takes place on the west side of Cincinnati. Book available for $15. Free. 513-598-8999.

Super Sundays Family Programming: Nature Abound Celebration of Earth, 1-5 p.m., Behringer-Crawford Museum, 1600 Montague Road, Covington. Learn what can we do to save the earth and our quality of life. Explore exhibits from Boone County Arboretum, Kenton County Extension Office, Sanitation District No. 1 and CSI. Children take home glove garden. Free. 859-491-4003; www.bcmuseum.org.

Posted in: Community, Events, Recreational events |

Tags: Tags: art, asian culture fest, bead-a-thon, books, cincinnati art museum, coyote lecture, events, family, food, free, gold star, hike, hunger games, kennedy heights arts center, kite fest, literature, madeira, mason, migiwa orimo, nature, park, recreation, school of rock, west chester

Cuisine from China, Ireland, Greece and Mexico make up just some of the offerings at the Taste of Mason this evening.

Now in its fifth year, the festival, sponsored by Mason Schools and its diversity council, takes place from 5-8 p.m. in the high school commons, 6100 Mason-Montgomery Road.

Geared towards families with children of all ages, local restaurants will sell samples of ethnic foods from around the world. Admission is free.

A sampling of vendors include: Aponte’s, bd’s Mongolian Grill, Brazenhead Irish Pub, Chan’s Asian Wok, Mason Grill, Cafe Bella, Cazadores Mexican, Banana Leaf Modern Thai, Oleg’s German Family Restaurant, Rotbart’s Deli and Soho Japanese Bistro.

Entertainment includes Indian dancing, global art and musical selections from across the world by band, orchestra and choral groups. Here’s the evening’s lineup:

Performance Times
5 p.m. Pianist—Vidita Kannikeswaran
5:15 p.m. MHS Choral Performance—Santos
5:30 p.m.  MHS Jazz Performance—Jackson
6 p.m.  Cincinnayi Baila! – Mexican Folkloric

Dance
6:15 p.m. MHS Percussion Ensemble and Drumline
6:45 p.m. I.K. Kim Ja Be Ruy Tae Kwon Do
6:55 p.m. Marathi Melody—Indian Dancing
7 p.m. Chinese School Performance—Feng
7:15 p.m. Nigerian Solo Drum Performance—Baoku Moses
7:30 p.m. Bollywood—Indian Dancing Prabhakar and Karanam
7:35 p.m. Chinese School—Dancing Ducklings
7:45 p.m. Colombia Viva

Information: 513-398-5025

Posted in: Community, Events, Events, Schools |

Tags: Tags: art, diversity council, entertainment, ethnic, food, free, mason high school, mason schools, restaurant, taste of mason

Twelve Kings Junior High School students will be recognized Friday for achievements in art.

The students will be honored in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards ceremony to be held at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center.  Student artwork will be on exhibition through Feb. 17 at the RiverCenter Office Building at 100 RiverCenter Blvd. in Covington.

The awards program is considered to be among the longest-running and most prestigious recognition programs for teens in the nation.  Past award winners include Andy Warhol, Sylvia Plath and Truman Capote.

Students to be recognized are listed below.  Gold Key winners will advance to compete at the national level.

Gold Key Awards for Ceramics and Glass

• Jenna Lace, bowl – Sunflower Days
• Anthony Rindlisbach, sculpture – Ukeleleo Box
• Kelly Walker, sculpture – Tree House
• Logan Woody, box – Surprise

Silver Key Awards for Ceramics, Glass, and Painting

• Brooke Conner, box – The Secret Box
• Joey Cornell, bottle – Magic Bottle
• Maddie Renie, bowl – Bowl of Dreams
• Kylie Clendening, painting – Take Me to the River

Honorable Mentions in Ceramics, Glass, and Painting

• Nikki Cantrell, box – Flower Box
• Ryan Dilts, fountain – Fountain of Dreams
• Jenna Lace, sculpture – Orton Owl
• Alex Egan, painting – Luck of The Irish to You

Posted in: Schools, Student achievements |

Tags: Tags: art, artwork, exhibit, kings junior high school, northern kentucky convention center, scholastic art & writing awards

Shauna Steigerwald reports:

Déjà 2 Consignment Furnishings in Mason sells slightly used furniture, home decorations, accessories, wall decorations and framed art. (Provided photo)

Eda Stein has dreamed of opening her own shop since she immigrated to the United States from Italy 45 years ago. That dream became a reality earlier this month, when she opened Déjà 2 Consignment Furnishings at 12123 Montgomery Road in Mason.

At her 1,900-square-foot shop, Stein sells slightly used furnishings, plus home decorations, accessories, wall decorations and framed art. She’s looking for local artists to showcase their work at the store, too.

“We have unique pieces that you can’t find anywhere else,” she said of the shop’s offerings, which range from vintage to modern.

The shop is now accepting furnishings for consignment or purchase.

11 a.m.-5 p.m.Tuesday-Saturday; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday.

513-709-9700 or www.Deja2.com

Posted in: Business, News |

Tags: Tags: art, business, decorations, deja 2 consignment furnishings, deja 2 consignments, eda stein, furniture, mason, open

Deerfield Township will host a paint-your-own pottery event from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26 at the Snyder House at Cottell Park, 5847 Irwin-Simpson Road.

Star Glazers, a mobile pottery service, will lead the class.  Costs range depending on project, from $8 to 25, plus a studio fee of $2 for non-residents. Cash or check is accepted at the time of the class.

All supplies will be provided, with finished pieces fired and available for pick-up within two weeks at Deerfield Township offices.

Register online or contact Stephanie Gebele with Deerfield Township at 513-701-6977 or sgebe@deerfieldtwp.com.

Posted in: Arts & Entertainment, Community, Events |

Tags: Tags: art, cincinnati, deerfield township, paint-your-own pottery, star glazers, studio, workshop

The Mason-Deerfield Arts Alliance is teaming up with Creative Collaborative to help women reconnect with their creative sides.

The organizations will hold six “Kick Booty Creative Boo[s]t Camp for Grown Gals” sessions from 10 a.m. – 2 pm. on Saturdays through this year at the Snyder House at Cottell Park, 5847 Irwin-Simpson Road, Deerfield Township.

The first session kicks off on Jan. 14 with a session themed “Coming Home to Creativity.” Other sessions are held on March 17, May 12, Sept. 8, Nov. 17 and Dec. 8.

Creative Collaborative founders Robin Ok and Glenda Miles will lead sessions, which are designed to provide women with insight and hands-on tools for befriending the creative process, writing prompts and time to journal, said Meredith Raffel, MDAA executive director.

Participants will have the chance to create and take home art projects such as collage, jewelry, shrines and other crafts.

“We are thrilled to present programming that allows women time and support to connect with themselves and each other, ” said Raffel. “‘Kick Booty’ is a safe place for their self-expression and much needed ‘me’ time, and women who have attended in 2011 have been truly delighted.”

Cost includes $55 per session, with discounts available for group registrations. Cost includes lunch, a t-shirt and art supplies. Register online at http://kickcreativebootyinjanuary.eventbrite.com.

Posted in: Arts & Entertainment, Community, Events |

Tags: Tags: art, art workshops, arts, creative collaborative, glenda miles, kick booty creative boo[s]t camp for grown gals, mason-deerfield arts alliance, meredith raffel, robin ok, series, women

The Mason-Deerfield Arts Alliance is teaming up with Creative Collaborative to help women reconnect with their creative sides.

The organizations will hold six “Kick Booty Creative Boo[s]t Camp for Grown Gals” sessions from 10 a.m. – 2  pm. on Saturdays next year at the Snyder House at Cottell Park, 5847 Irwin-Simpson Road, Deerfield Township.

The first session kicks off on Jan. 14 with a session themed “Coming Home to Creativity.”  Other sessions are held on March 17, May 12, Sept. 8, Nov. 17 and Dec. 8.

Creative Collaborative founders Robin Ok and Glenda Miles will lead sessions, which are designed to provide women with insight and hands-on tools for befriending the creative process, writing prompts and time to journal, said Meredith Raffel, MDAA executive director.

Participants will have the chance to create and take home art projects such as collage, jewelry, shrines and other crafts.

“We are thrilled to present programming that allows women time and support to connect with themselves and each other, ” said Raffel.  “‘Kick Booty’ is a safe place for their self-expression and much needed ‘me’ time, and women who have attended in 2011 have been truly delighted.”

Cost includes $55 per session, with discounts available for group registrations.  Cost includes lunch, a t-shirt and art supplies.  Register online at http://kickcreativebootyinjanuary.eventbrite.com.

Posted in: Arts & Entertainment, Community, Events |

Tags: Tags: art, cottell park, crafts, creative collaborative, creativity, deerfield township, glenda miles, kick booth creative boo[s]t camp for grown gals, mason-deerfield arts alliance, meredith raffel, robin ok, snyder house, workshop

A show celebrating the diversity of artists and the human figure opens today at Mason’s Gallery 42.

The opening of “Body Image: Interpretations of the Figure” begins with an artist’s reception at the gallery, 105 E. Main St. from 4-8 p.m. The show continues through Nov. 5, during regular gallery hours.

Among the artists whose work will be on display are Chuck Marshall, Jackie Frey, Ben Jason Neal, Maureen Holub, Carol MacConnell, and Paul Loehle.

Marshall will present a live figure drawing demonstration from 4-6 p.m. There will be a group drawing session from 6-8 p.m. Bring art supplies to participate.

There will be wine and hors d’oeuvres throughout the evening. The event is free to attend and open to the public. For more information, call 513-234-7874

Posted in: Arts & Entertainment, Events, Recreational events |

Tags: Tags: art, artist, artist's reception, ben jason neal, body image, carol macconnell, chuck marshall, frey, gallery 42, interpretations of the figure, jackie, mason, maureen holub, paul loehle

A show celebrating the diversity of artists and the human figure opens Oct. 8 at Mason’s Gallery 42.

The opening of “Body Image: Interpretations of the Figure” begins with an artist’s reception at the gallery, 105 E. Main St. from 4-8 p.m. The show continues through Nov. 5, during regular gallery hours.

Among the artists whose work will be on display are Chuck Marshall, Jackie Frey, Ben Jason Neal, Maureen Holub, Carol MacConnell, and Paul Loehle.

Marshall will present a live figure drawing demonstration from 4-6 p.m. There will be a group drawing session from 6-8 p.m. Bring art supplies to participate.

There will be wine and hors d’oeuvres throughout the evening.    The event is free to attend and open to the public.  For more information, call 513-234-7874

Posted in: Arts & Entertainment, Events |

Tags: Tags: art, artist, artist's reception, ben jason neal, body image, carol macconnell, chuck marshall, frey, gallery 42, interpretations of the figure, jackie, mason, maureen holub, paul loehle

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The Mason Area Farmer’s Market will meet from 8 a.m. to noon today in the lot of Mason Middle School, 6370 Mason-Montgomery Road.

The market isn’t just for fresh fruits and vegetables anymore. Alongside the farm-grown tomatoes, beans and carrots are vendors offering artistic quilts and fabrics, jewelry, photography and other artisan wares.

For a listing of vendors, go to www.masonfarmersmarket.com.

Posted in: Community, Events, Health & Fitness |

Tags: Tags: art, city of mason, crafts, farmers, fruits, green, jewelry, local, locally grown, mason, mason farmer's market, mason middle school, photography, vegetables