When Nicholas Paddock first opened Nicholas Gallery only two years ago, the easy way to get visibility would have been to situate himself next to a host of other galleries, not on a diverse downtown street where businesses such as butchers and florists would be his next door neighbors. However, that is exactly what Paddock did, a nod to his vision that art should be experienced every day. "I feel art should be in the whole downtown," says Paddock, "not just split up into groups." So, he found a funky space on Court St. complete with a functioning garage door for a front wall and started his gallery. Nicholas Gallery immediately became a part of his Court St. neighborhood and downtown as a whole.
Since then, Nicholas Gallery has been serving up new contemporary and post-modern works every month, with a new show debuting the final Friday of every month. According to Paddock, "every show is different, but they are always contemporary." Past works have included everything from graffiti to pottery to, of course, paintings and sculpture that come from both local and national artists.
The gallery is more than just a place to bring contemporary art to the public, though. Paddock, who has a background in art education also sponsors kids' events at Nicholas Gallery. For example, groups of children have come for classes in pumpkin painting and ornament decorating in the recent past. Most of these art opportunities are free for the kids, who only have to bring their own pumpkin or ornament to work on. In the future, Paddock would like to do even more outreach, both like the kids programs to engage children with art outside of the classroom, and with community oriented programs to house a venue for local talks and presentations.
Perfect for?
The Final Friday crowd who hasn't yet ventured outside of Pendleton.
Where to get it?
23 E. Court St
Cincinnati, OH 45202
How much?
Works in shows range anywhere from $50 to $5000 depending on the artist and medium. However, art, sculpture and local jewelry can be found for less when Paddock brings his rolling walls to the sidewalk once the weather warms up.
I love the idea of bringing the kids into the art world. This is a wonderful way to introduce them to the finer things in life.