Founded in 1968
This seemed the ideal location because of the close proximity not only to the Playhouse, but also the Art Museum, Museum of Natural History, Krohn Conservatory, the Murray Seasongood Pavilion and beautiful Eden Park. Everyone was invited to “Do Your Thing” to the sounds of Aquarius. You could rent a 10 foot space for only $3.00 and admission was free to the public. With the purchase of a 10 cent map, visitors could stroll amongst the art exhibits, flower carts, fruit stands, puppet shows, musicians and children’s story-telling sessions.
The popularity of the newly named Summerfair necessitated its moving to a larger location, Eden Park. Improvements and restructuring of Summerfair were made after the 1970 fair. Summerfair became incorporated as a not for profit corporation with guidelines for supporting the Arts in Cincinnati.
Coney Island - 70's
Riverfront
Back to Coney Island
Each year, Summerfair Cincinnati proves its dedication to promoting Cincinnati’s fine arts and crafts by offering the Aid to Individual Artists Award Program. This program began in 1981 and was the first such program in Cincinnati that financially assists individual artists. Professional jurors award $3,000 each to four local artists yearly.
In 1980, Summerfair Cincinnati received the Corbett award in recognition of its contributions to the arts community. In 1983, Summerfair Cincinnati members began a fundraising effort to restore the Eden Park Gazebo, an appropriate gesture for a landmark on what was once the site of Summerfair. In 1987, Summerfair Cincinnati initiated a $3,000 challenge grant to aid artists who suffered losses in the Big Four Fire.
Mission:
Summerfair Cincinnati is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting young artists, individual artists and small and mid-sized community-based arts organizations through awards, scholarships and exhibitions.
Beyond 50 Years
Cincinnati – Regional Scholastic Art Awards as an Exhibition Sponsor, WCET Action Auction and hold an exhibition every three years for our AIA winners in that timeline.
Today, Summerfair Cincinnati has expanded to include more than 100 members. With continued community support, Summerfair Cincinnati continues to look for new ways to support the arts, both visual and performing, in Greater Cincinnati.
As we go into our Fifth Decade please stay tuned, it’s going to be fun and fruitful for the Summerfair missions. And without you our patron, volunteers, sponsors and of course our artists, we can not be successful.