February Events: Black History Month, Valentine’s Day, Art, and more!
Provided by the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music.
Ready to escape the grey clouds and cold weather? We are, too! That’s why we assembled just a few of the many events happening around town this month. With new art exhibits, dance performances, Black History Month programs, sweet treats, crafting, and more, you can celebrate our community by supporting locally organized events.
Compiled and written by Sydney Llewellyn and Olivia Taylor.
Memories and Inspiration Exhibit
From the private collection of Kerry and C. Betty Davis, this new exhibit celebrates Black artists with paintings, photography, drawings, sculptures, and more that showcase the cultural memories of the Black community.
Where: Taft Museum of Art
When: February 4 through May 14
Price: Free for Taft members, guests of members with guest pass, military, and youth (18 and under); $12 for adults; $10 for seniors. Non-members save $2 by purchasing tickets online.
Paul Laurence Dunbar: Behind the Mask
Paul Laurence Dunbar was a prolific poet and writer living at the end of the 19th century, and his work has influenced writers, artists, and creatives for over 100 years. Filmmaker Frederick Lewis’ documentary about Dunbar’s life and legacy will screen at the National Underground Freedom Center. Lewis will introduce the film and lead a post-screening discussion.
When: February 5 at 2 p.m.
Price: General admission; free for members.
Katherine Colborn: Sheltering in Smoke
Artist Katherine Colborn is known for her work confronting anxiety, depression, and loneliness. With her paintings, she creates spaces of familiarity and comfort through challenges. You can see her latest exhibit at Weston Art Gallery and you can join Colborn for a Gallery Talk about her work on February 22 at 7 p.m.
Where: Weston Art Gallery
When: Now through March 5
Price: Free
Exclusive Performance - 2000 Years: The Art of Dance and Dance in Art
Kanniks Kannikeswaran, an internationally renowned musician and composer, will direct an exclusive dance performance to commemorate the last day of the current exhibition, Beyond Bollywood: 2000 Years of Dance in Art.
Where: Cincinnati Art Museum
When: February 5 at 2 p.m.
Price: Reservations required; $10 for members; $20 for general public; $5 for students.
One Night, One Craft: Cladies Night!
Grab some friends and head to the Contemporary Arts Center for Cladies Night! With wine and cheese to start, you will make your own air-dry clay necklace with artist Julia Lipovsky.
Where: Contemporary Arts Center
When: February 9 at 6 p.m.
Price: $35 for members; $40 for non-members; group discounts available.
Provided by Fibonacci Brewing Company.
Fib Farm Classes: Herbal Preparations
Meghan Henshaw of Ocotillo Herbals will be teaching a class about herbalism at Fibonacci Brewing. You will be testing and tasting as you learn about different herbs, teas, oils, salves, creams, and scrubs.
Where: Fibonacci Brewing Company
When: February 9 at 6 p.m.
Price: $25
Gallery Chat with ASL Interpretation: Black Art History
Explore Black artists and their contributions to art, culture, and history with this tour at the Cincinnati Art Museum. A.S.L. interpretation will be provided.
Where: Cincinnati Art Museum
When: February 11 at 2 p.m.
Price: Free
HBCU Youth-Led Roundtable 2023
Students exploring historically Black colleges and universities (H.B.C.Us) usually have questions before they reach campus. To help interested students, this roundtable will feature alums and current students of H.B.C.Us to talk about the benefits, challenges, and personal experiences while attending an H.B.C.U.
Where: Walnut Hills Branch Library
When: February 11 at 3 p.m.
Price: Free; registration required prior.
Cameron Granger: The Cartographer Tries to Map a Way to Heaven
In this exhibition, artist and filmmaker Cameron Granger explores his life and experiences being raised by Black women and Black history and culture through film, text, and lighting.
Where: Contemporary Arts Center
When: Now through February 12
Price: Free
Provided by Revolution Dance Theatre. Photographer: Jeremy Griffin; Pictured: Garrett Steagall, Asya Graves.
Revolution Dance Presents: It's Love
Local theatre and dance company Revolution Dance debuts a performance perfect for the season of love! With dances created by four choreographers, explore the complexities, challenges, and triumphs of modern love.
Where: Grand Ballroom of the 21c Museum and Hotel
When: February 17 through February 18
Price: $35
Images on which to build, 1970s-1990s
Curated by Ariel Goldberg, this exhibit uses photographs to showcase the history of trans, queer, and feminist grassroots activism and how movements were built and spread through image technology.
Where: Contemporary Arts Center
When: Now through February 12
Price: Free
Sickle Cell Anemia Awareness and Education
Sickle Cell Anemia affects around 100,000 Americans, and one in 13 Black children is born with the sickle cell gene trait. Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center will answer questions about Sickle Cell Anemia and host a presentation about the disease.
Where: Cheviot Branch Library
When: February 14 at 11 a.m.
Price: Free
Provided by the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music.
CCM Opera: Agrippina
Passion, manipulation, wit, and politics are at the forefront of this classic opera brought to life by the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati. Discover the court of a Roman emperor through the perspective of his ambitious wife, Agrippina. With original music by George Frideric Handel, original libretto by Cardinal Vincenzo Grimani, Brian McCann as the conductor, and Alison Pogorelc as the director, this 18th-century opera is still timely and thrilling.
Where: Cohen Family Studio Theater at the University of Cincinnati
When: February 16 through February 19
Price: $23.50; student and group discounts available.
Valentine's Day Sweet & Savory Stroll
What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than with an afternoon of tasty treats with friends and loved ones? Findlay Market invites you to sample the best of the market’s sweet and savory delicacies from Maverick Chocolate, Taste of Belgium, the Rhined, and more, with live music and drinks to accommodate.
Where: Findlay Market
When: February 19, starting at 10 a.m.
Price: Five tickets for $12 or 12 tickets for $25.
"An Evening with Kayla Robison" Prohibition Dinner
With 1920s culture as the backdrop, this evening of live jazz music, classic cocktails, and a four-course meal by acclaimed chef Kayla Robison is all for a great cause! Proceeds will go to the Cincinnati Cancer Advisors and their mission to provide free second opinions and genetic counseling to newly diagnosed cancer patients.
Where: Arnold’s Bar and Grill
When: February 23 at 6 p.m.
Price: $150
The Underground Railroad: Its History, People, & Glory
Families are welcome to join the Cincinnati Museum Center at the Anderson Branch Library to recreate the Underground Railroad with photos, maps, and navigational tools and learn the stories of freedom-seekers and abolitionists.
Where: Anderson Branch Library
When: February 27 at 4 p.m.
Price: Free; registration required prior.