There is a storefront near where I live that has been having some identity problems in recent years. It was a hair place, then it was another hair place, then it was a pet shop, and I’m pretty sure it was a few other things in-between, so when I saw it was undergoing a change again, I was honestly a bit skeptical. But as the days passed, the interior construction began to look more and more interesting. Hey, were those chandeliers? What’s with that big red curtain, and who made the terrific art that has found its way to the walls? What exactly is moving in here?
Located at the corner of Chase and Hamilton Avenues in Cincinnati’s Northside neighborhood, Happen, Inc. is what erm…happened to that storefront, and it is an art space for kids and adults. They have all kinds of lovely programs, events and open studio time at the Northside location, all of which is totally free and open to the community. Keep up with their blog to get a good idea of what they’re all about.
What a perfect addition to the neighborhood. Organizations like this that promote creativity and interaction for kids are not numerous enough. As I have harped in the past, the more opportunities kids have to create and explore, the better they’re going to end up, and Happen is providing that opportunity for the children around Northside.
For those of us who (claim to) have advanced beyond the coilpot stage (c’mon), there is a grownup open studio the last Sunday of the month called BYOProject which is recommended for all your knitting, doodling, projecty needs. Come, relax, and remember what it feels like to just sit and make.