The Art Academy of Cincinnati (AAC) is a community of radiant, radical, and forward-thinking artists and designers who have helped mold Cincinnati’s landscape since the school’s founding in 1869. To celebrate its 150th anniversary, the Art Academy is throwing a block party on Friday, May 3, from 6-11 pm, in its neighborhood of Over-the-Rhine. 

The Art Academy will be closing off the 1200 block of Jackson Street and inviting the public to the party. The FREE event will feature musical performances by Diane Coffee, Ronin Halloway, Knotts, PHYSCO, and Aziza Love of Triiibe. 

Attendees will also enjoy Cincinnati’s first modular art pod exhibit thanks to the support of a Catalyzing Impact Grant from ArtsWave. 30 local artists, organizations, students and alumni will create 8’x9’art pod structures that will be strung together to create an interactive exhibit. The exhibit will be housed within 8,000 sq. ft. of the college’s campus. Also activating the space will be DJ Coco, a fashion show by Lindsey Whittle and an AMSR performance by Crystal Tubes. 

Neighborhood vendors from Over-the-Rhine will be selling their wares alongside Art Academy students. Food will be available from Ché and Red Sesame Korean BBQ with 3 Points Urban Brewery providing a special AAC 150 brew. 

This eclectic mix of music and artwork is all part of celebrating the Art Academy’s continuing commitment to creativity and innovation.