What's Happening in Lebanon, OH…

The pandemic has had a huge impact on businesses of all kinds, but artists in and around Lebanon have been given reason for hope.

ArtsWave, a Cincinnati organization, plans to offer grants in the amount of $1,000, to 100 artists who live in Cincinnati and the surrounding area. The reason for the grants is to allow artists to keep pursuing their artistic passion, rather than either changing careers or leaving the area to find work elsewhere. ArtsWave came to Lebanon's Art Depot to make the announcement.

The announcement offers a ray of hope to Marianne O'Neil, who owns the Soul Sidekick Studio in Lebanon. She says that the pandemic impacted her business at the worst possible time, since the studio had just opened in February 2020, but was forced to shut down in March. O'Neil and Kathy Klein make jewelry and other artwork which they sell at the studio and elsewhere. O'Neil has found it hard to retain her creativity, but the opportunity to receive even a small grant has been welcomed the artist.

Artists may apply for the grants online. The awards will be made based on the applicants' ability to demonstrate financial hardship and lost work due to the pandemic. In addition, their art must account for at least 25% of the applicant's income. Brochure printing can create pamphlets to explain programs like this.