What's Happening in Blue Ash, OH…

Artists and craftspeople have a new space in which to share their gifts with others.

The Kennedy Heights Arts Center opened on August 28, turning its Montgomery Road location into a showcase for art.

The center, which is located at the corner of Kennedy Avenue and Montgomery Road, was an abandoned Kroger building comprising 10,000 square feet. It has taken a $2.6m renovation to transform the space, delighting Cincinnati residents like Vickie Johnson.

Johnson said the Kroger space had been vacant for a long time, and opening an art center is a good use of the property. She says her children and grandchildren will be able to enjoy it, pointing out that “arts are important” to any community.

Tenants are already moving in. KC Kendall, who is with the Ohio Wood Turners, has already established a studio in the new space. The art center provides his group with a home, and that in turn allows the group to hold classes. Kendall says the center will let him introduce the craft and artistry of woodturning to young people.

In addition to woodworkers, a selection of photographers, artists, and other craftspeople have moved to the center to take advantage of the space. The project has taken over six years to come to fruition.

Center officials might like to work with a flyer printing company on a mailer for a target audience, letting them know the center is open.