Cincinnati Playhouse Collaborate with Local Artists for 50th Anniversary

In celebration of the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park's 50th Anniversary, the Playhouse is transforming its Rosenthal Plaza. As part of the transformation, 18 local artists (with the possibility of more to come) will create their interpretations of the Playhouse through their chosen medium of expertise.

The artists' works will be displayed in the main lobby throughout the 50th season. Artists of all media are involved, including photographers, painters, cartoonists and illustrators. Select prints will be available for purchase at the artist's discretion. Later in the year, much of the original artwork will be available for auction.

The following artists have agreed to participate:
Arian Armstrong studied set design at CCM and is now an independent illustrator living in the Cincinnati area with her husband and two sons. For more information, visit arianarmstrong.com.

Tony Arrasmith's style has been defined as Norman-Rockwell-meets-Tim-Burton-on-steroids. He is the mastermind behind the Marx Theatre show images for the Playhouse. For more information, visit tonyarrasmith.com.

Josh Beeman has more than five years of experience in the commercial world and a passion for landscape and architectural photography. For more information, visit joshbeemanphotography.com.

Jim Browning illustrated for the Playhouse several years ago and is currently co-owner of Sunrise Advertising Agency.

Jim Crosser is currently widening his artistic vision by getting back to the roots of his career. Rich, full-bodied colors are still prominent in his work, but he is now using commentative and narrative figurative paintings and drawings to express his philosophies, theories and dreams.

Rob Glover specializes in combining photography and mixed media to create large-scale visual story montages for individuals and businesses. To view Rob's unique work, visit robglover.com.

Kay Hurley has over 30 years of art experience and is represented in several premier galleries in the U.S. She is a Signature member of the Pastel Society of America. For more information, visit mkatherinehurley.com.

Cameron Knight is the director of new media for CityBeat. He has won various awards throughout the state of Ohio. For more information, visit ckpj.com.

Lisa Molyneux is currently in her 19th season as Charge Scenic Artist at the Playhouse in the Park. When not painting scenery, she can be found in her Essex studio where she creates her own oil paintings.

Jim Rauth transitioned from casual to serious photography after retiring from a 33-year business career. He recently published his book, Mannequin. For more information, visit rauthphoto.com.

Michael Shaw found his creative calling at the age of eight when he was given a book of James Thurber cartoons for Christmas. Since then, he has been published in numerous publications, including over 80 cartoons in The New Yorker.

Jackie Slone has been creating mosaics since 2000 with Me Me Mosaics. She collaborated with the Center for Great Neighborhoods of Covington to create 10 mosaic gateway signs showcasing neighborhoods within the city. For more information, visit mememosaics.com.

Tina Tammaro is a figurative painter who paints and teaches in her Covington and Cincinnati studios. Her work has also been published in a number of prestigious national and international art periodicals.

Sandy Underwood is the longest living employee of the Cincinnati Playhouse. Her career began in high school, and she discovered theatre and dance photography in 1970. She has been with the Playhouse since then, as well as photographing for many performing arts organizations in the city. She has been published internationally and has had numerous exhibits.

Buzz Ward is in his 18th year as Executive Director of the Playhouse in the Park and is an avid amateur photographer. He recently returned from a photography trip to the Arctic, where he took nearly 3,000 images.

Jonathan Robert Willis is a nationally recognized freelance photographer. His work has been seen in Cincinnati Magazine. For more information, visit jonbob.com.

Michael Wilson has worked as a freelance photographer for more than 20 years. He has published various photography books and has photographed several album covers for the band Over the Rhine. For more information, visit michaelwilsonphotographer.com

Jessica Wolf is the owner of Paper Acorn, which sells and designs custom packaging, wedding and party favors and other handmade goods. For more information, visit paperacorn.etsy.com.

The Playhouse is fully accessible. Audio enhancement receivers, large print programs and complete wheelchair access are available. The Playhouse is supported, in part, by the generosity of the tens of thousands of individuals and businesses that give to the Fine Arts Fund. The Ohio Arts Council helps fund the Playhouse with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. The Playhouse also receives funding from the Shubert Foundation.

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