This June through August, Brazee Street Studios is teaming up with C-Link Gallery to offer a truly heart-felt event. Inspired by Mem Fox’s book Whoever You Are, over 400 kids from pre-k to highschool learned an invaluable lesson through the art of glass making. Under the guidance of Brazee Street Studios, teachers from over 19 different schools and education programs in the Cincinnati area worked with their students to fashion uniquely crafted glass hearts. Each piece makes up the underlying message being taught: to view others by what is in their heart. Through the hundreds of projects completed by the hearts and hands of the Queen City’s youth, Brazee Street Studios and C-Link Gallery are giving the public an opportunity to take in this artfully taught lesson.
Brazee Street Studios has a reputation of offering the public a space for hands-on artistic expression through its many classes ranging across all age groups and art types. From the needs of Brazee Street’s diverse community came C-Link Gallery — an adjacent building offering space to present a multitude of exhibits created by local artists. During June and July, C-Link will display over 400 glass hearts that were made by students. To further celebrate the children’s thoughtfully crafted artwork, Brazee Street Studios will host two free opening receptions, the first on Thursday, June 8 from 6 – 8 p.m., and the second on Thursday, July 6 from 6 – 8 p.m. These free events will include light refreshments and will be held in conjunction with Open Studios — a Brazee Street Studios event showcasing its 30+ artists to the community.
Along with teaching a lesson to the students participating in this project, the collection of hearts is also meant to encourage viewers to embrace our similarities instead of our differences. By inspiring an accepting world-view to the public, the upcoming events are sure to melt not only glass hearts but many others throughout the Cincinnati area. For more information, visit www.brazeestreetstudios.com or call 513-321-0206. Brazee Street Studios is located at 4426 Brazee Street, Cincinnati, OH 45209. C-LINK Gallery hours are Tuesday 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Thursday 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; and closed Monday, Wednesday and Sunday.