CINCINNATI—For a decade, the Red Door Project has been a part of Cincinnati’s artistic landscape, providing a platform for local artists to shine. Founded in 2014 by Barbara Hauser, this initiative has championed creativity, inclusivity, and community engagement. As it marks its milestone 10th anniversary, the Red Door Project is set to transition into an ArtWorks program, ushering in a chapter of expansion and collaboration.
Since late 2020, the Art Academy of Cincinnati has been the driving force behind the Red Door Project’s endeavors. The next official Red Door Project event and official handover will take place on Friday, April 26, from 6 – 9 p.m. at the Art Academy of Cincinnati’s SITE1212, located at the corner of 12th and Jackson Street in OTR. Attendees can expect light bites, a cash bar, and a wide selection of art pieces available for auction. Admission is free, welcoming all to join in the celebration of art and community.
Artists interested in participating in the upcoming event are invited to submit their works under the theme of rEvolution. Artists of all ages must register to participate through an online submission form. Artwork must be dropped off between Monday, April 22 and Thursday, April 25, any time between 10 am– 4 pm, at the Art Academy of Cincinnati, 1212 Jackson Street. Any medium is accepted. Due to the nature of the space, only one work of art can be shown per artist. Upon sale, 75% of the highest bid will be paid to the artist, and 25% will go to support ArtWorks’ continued mission.
ArtWorks plans to host two additional events in summer and fall 2024.
The Red Door Project started as a pop-up art gallery event in Over-the-Rhine. Under the guidance of Hauser, now a valued member of the ArtWorks board, the initiative transformed vacant retail spaces into vibrant showcases of artistic talent, igniting imaginations and fostering community spirit. Over the past decade, the Red Door Project has exhibited artworks from artists across Cincinnati, with events held in Downtown, Clifton, Walnut Hills, Newport, and Covington, and at venues such as the Alcove by MadTree Brewing, the Cincinnati Zoo and the Cincinnati Art Museum’s Art Climb.
Reflecting on the project’s evolution, Hauser said: ”The Red Door Project is all about making art accessible, to buy and sell. Our community is filled with a wide range of creatives, and we want to give them a platform to exhibit and sell their work and make connections with the art community.”
“The Art Academy of Cincinnati is honored to have hosted the Red Door Project during a uniquely trying time for creatives during the pandemic. As Cincinnati’s original creative cultural center for our community since 1869, the AAC enjoyed the opportunity to meet the moment and enable showcases of work at a time when creatives needed outlets to celebrate together. We’re proud to have connected and collaborated with ArtWorks through this initiative, and to have continued the excellence of the Red Door Project,” said Joe Girandola, President of the Art Academy of Cincinnati.
As the Red Door Project embarks on this new chapter with ArtWorks, it will continue to embody the spirit of creativity, collaboration, and community that has defined its legacy over the past decade.
Who We Are
Since 1996, ArtWorks has collaborated with community organizations and residents, businesses, governments, foundations, and nonprofits to build creative works of art that support the Greater Cincinnati region’s global reputation as an arts destination. ArtWorks has employed and trained over 3,500 professional artists and 4,000 youth, ages 14–24. We invest in our creative economy by creating jobs that support local talent, pairing professional artists to inspire and mentor diverse teams of youth, and helping them build 21st-century career-readiness skills. Over the past 27 years, this collaborative approach has created a citywide gallery with more than 14,000 public and private art projects, including more than 300 permanent outdoor murals.
