Cincinnati's Public Schools contain a national treasure of art and ornament which is currently at risk. Much of this collection was purchased by the original Art League with pennies donated by generations of Cincinnati children. The old Art League served the Cincinnati Public Schools for sixty years (1903-1963). The Cincinnati community strongly believed that fine art belonged in our school environments. They underwrote paintings, fountains, stained glass, tile decorations and extraordinary architectural ornament to express their support and respect for public education as the foundation of American civilization. Building on this immense and breathtaking legacy, the new Art League is once again ready to make a difference in Cincinnati Public Schools. The aim of this volunteer, community-funded, non-profit group, is to document, preserve and enhance this treasure.

The Art League gratefully acknowledges the support of the following groups and individuals who contributed to the development of our web site:

Phillip Roberto, Groundwind Communications

Antonelli College
Eric Pacenta
Melissa Casto
Carol & Alfred Shikany Family
John Isch & Michael Mauch RWA Architects, Inc.

October Art League
Afternoon
By Doris Mayans

When the Art League of Cincinnati was “revived” in l995, Bob Flischel knew that the art collection of the Cincinnati Public Schools needed help—not only paintings, but also murals, sculpture, tile drinking fountains and architectural details of every kind. His slide presentation persuaded us to join him in this
endeavor. We were stunned by the beauty and variety of the art in our schools. It also seemed an impossible task. 

Our small group decided that an inventory of all the buildings’ contents would go a long way in communicating to ourselves, the school district and the citizenry of what could be lost if some kind of accountability was not put in place. The school collection, started in l903, held the belief that children who learned in a beautiful environment would be better students and have stronger and more appreciative characters as they grew up. So in l998, volunteer art census takers went to each building to
seek seen and unseen treasures. And find them, they did. Even now, in 2008, artifacts still are discovered, to the amazement of building staff and the Art League.

The ninety paintings that have been held in safe keeping at the Cincinnati Museum Center, have come to our attention again. 

The Cincinnati Public School Board, the Cincinnati Museum Center and the Cincinnati Art Museum recently agreed to cooperatively share the responsibility for the paintings and to rotate this smaller collection for the children and citizens of Cincinnati to admire, enjoy and cherish.

The display will begin with nine paintings that are already hung in Gallery 123 in the Cincinnati Wing of the Cincinnati Art Museum. As the new school year begins, activities relating to the Cincinnati Public School paintings collection can be enjoyed by all Cincinnatians.

The Fall, 2008 Art League Afternoon will be held October 12, 2008 at The Cincinnati Art Museum in Eden Park from 2 until 4 p.m. The Art League members will congregate in Gallery 123 to discuss
and explore the nine paintings and their artists. But this time we will not be in an empty school. The Art Museum will be bustling with its own open house called Brunch, Art, Music - Celebrate Cincinnati! We will be there too, to enjoy a local jazz great, Bruce Menefeld and his ensemble enhancing our visit from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Docents will be on hand for Art Strolls from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Terrace Café will be open for brunch, 639-2986 for reservations. Don’t miss this special day!

The Art League is proud of its accomplishments of the past l3 years. Art has no voice of its own, so we must all continue to speak up and remember that which is part of our personal and public heritage. Whether or not you attended a Cincinnati Public School, joining the Art League as a member, or for the afternoon, is a way to capture the memories of school days.