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BLINK 2024 Announces Impressive Regional and Global Roster of Artists to Light Up Cincinnati This October
The Nation’s Largest Immersive Art Event Highlights the City’s Historic Architecture at Night With Projection Mapping, Murals, and Interactive Light Sculptures
BLINK™, one of the nation’s largest public art events, returns October 2024 with a thrilling roster of some of the brightest and most innovative regional, national, and global artists. In 2022, BLINK saw 2.1 million attendees and $126 million direct economic impact for the Cincinnati region. Following that impressive post-pandemic return in 2022, BLINK, illuminated by ArtsWave, takes on new challenges this year, expanding its physical reach and artist representation for a truly immersive experience.
The culmination of two years of research and outreach, BLINK 2024 welcomes artists and attendees from all over the world to experience never-before-seen works from over 80 featured artists across disciplines. Seamlessly blending technology and art, the event exposes visitors and locals to innovations in projection mapping, murals, and light technology, creating the ultimate celebration of public art in all of its forms. During BLINK, the city glows with vibrant artistic expression, from the historic building facades to the streets themselves.
BLINK, using the city’s urban core—as well as communities in Northern Kentucky right across the river—as their canvas, takes special care to curate works that not only complement Cincinnati, but enhance it, blending the local arts scene with global cultural influence. The #1 city in the US for street art as named by USA Today, Cincinnati presents an impressively balanced blend of renowned arts contributions and new media to offer an all-encompassing view of arts and culture.
Returning Executive Director Justin Brookhart looks forward to demonstrating the nearly unimaginable possibilities, as Cincinnati continues to grow as a cultural hub. “Cincinnati is a place for people to gather and meet and discuss new ideas. The city comes to life at night, and I’m really energized by the idea that more people will get to experience and participate. BLINK is an invitation for people across the country and the world to experience Cincinnati as a wholly immersive and innovative destination.”
As a unique chance to experience the city and the art as never seen before, BLINK is rapidly becoming a pillar of art and technology, drawing participation from other national organizations in tandem. This year, in collaboration with BLINK, the CODAsummit has chosen Cincinnati as their 2024 home. As the only conference focused on the exciting ways creative professionals are using art and technology to change the way we experience our environments, BLINK presents a case study of how public arts and technology can come together to create something awe-inspiring. The vibrant energy of this city on the river, filled with art, music and artful innovations, provides the ideal backdrop for conversations about the future of the creative field.
The line-up is comprehensive with muralists, projection artists, and light-based artists. Muralists ASTRO, Hoxxoh, Gee Horton, Birdseedanthony, Leon Keer, Chroma Projects, Miss Birdy, Matt Gondeck, Jeks, Wolfdog, Mando Marie, Bunnie Reiss, Pipsqueak was here!!!, Javarri Lewis, and Lauren YS bring large-scale works.
Projection Artists Wendy Yu, Kyle Eli Ebersole, NorthHouse Creative, Spotted Yeti Media, SnellBeast, Miami University Department of Emerging Technology in Business and Design, AV EXTENDED, Makoto Inoue, mammasONica studio, Lightborne, DecideKit, Philipp Frank, Studio Betty Mü, GraffMapping, MasonThompson, Brandon Kraemer, Hyojung Seo, Hotaru Visual Guerrilla, Susan Kosti, George Berlin, Mural ReMix, Maxin10sity, Hambone Collective, Anastasia Isachsen, Sean Van Praag, Filip Roca, Tansy Xiao, X Enterprises International, Vince Fraser, Chaske Haverkos, and Scott Budd add complex layers.
Incorporating light-based mediums, artists Christine Langford, JP Leong and Yemi Oyediran, Katie Stewart, Daniel Shields, Robert Blum, Tom Tsuchiya, Bill Thomas, Kevin Kunz, Mallory Feltz, Artur Grycuk, Kyle Eli Ebersole & Ian Molitors, JP Jackson + Brian Havener, Taylor Pilote, Nathan Whitford, WOLFDOG, Claire Bryson, JonBob + Drive Media House, Caitlin McCall, Evan Verrilli, Chalk River Labs, Britni Bicknaver with Brianna Kelly, RADAR ART, Carola Migliore, Juanjo Fernández Rivero, Alan P Marrero, Janez Grošelj, Calidos, This Is Loop, Asianati Night Market, Ksawery Komputery, Building 180, Dennis Nolda, AlexP, and a collaboration with local/regional artists including artists from Art Academy of Cincinnati, Columbus College of Art, and Design and University of Cincinnati (DAAP), light up the Cincinnati skyline.
About BLINK
Last experienced by over 2.1M people in 2022, BLINK, illuminated by ArtsWave, welcomes all to Cincinnati, Ohio October 17-20, 2024. The four-day, 30+ city block, outdoor art experience is sure to be unforgettable, uniting street art, projection mapping, and light-based installations.Not only does the event speak to the dynamic evolution of the Cincinnati art community, it calls upon the city’s deep roots in supporting the arts. BLINK is illuminated by ArtsWave, the first and largest community campaign in the nation and the primary way that Cincinnati funds its arts. When tens of thousands of people and hundreds of companies give to ArtsWave, they support 150 cultural organizations and projects each year like BLINK that make our region vibrant. Donations to BLINK and other arts projects and organizations can be made at artswave.org/give.
BLINK’s Executive Partners include the Cincinnati Regional Chamber, AGAR, and the Haile Foundation, and the event is curated and produced in conjunction with partners Cincy Nice and ish to provide opportunities for regional artists and bring in global creators all in the pursuit of a stronger community.
About ArtsWave
ArtsWave, the local nonprofit arts agency serving the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky region, is the engine for the arts. Its roots stem back to the late 1920s when the Cincinnati Taft family provided initial investment matched by community support. In the late 1940s, it established the first united arts fund in the nation and, in the mid-1970s, the first organization to initiate workplace giving for the arts. ArtsWave continues to innovate while leading, as illustrated by its No. 1 rank nationally in community arts fundraising, coordination of a sector-wide Blueprint for Collective Action, piloting of new technologies to maximize arts engagement and development of resources for the arts. Each year, ArtsWave raises millions of dollars from tens of thousands of donors —corporations, employees, foundations, residents and others — to support more than 150 arts organizations, projects and artists. 2024’s goal is to return to pre-pandemic fundraising levels by surpassing $12.5 million. Donations can be made at artswave.org/give.
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Winning Pickleball: Hot Summer Read
“…offering an insightful guide to enhancing one’s game beyond the physical play.”
—KYLE WHATNALL, Selkirk Sports, Senior Manager, PPA Pickleball Tour Player“…can help all players improve their game!”
—MOIRA ROUSH, eight-time US Open Pickleball Champion“…a never-ending reservoir of tactics, strategies and life lessons to apply in your pickleball journey.”
—PETER POPOVICH, US Open and National Senior Games gold medalist“…discusses the often overlooked aspects of balance and footwork which I truly appreciated.”
—DR. SABY KARUPPIAH, MD, Selkirk Pro Team USAPA Atlantic Regionals Singles and Doubles gold medalist“Dave’s sheer determination to be the best mentally prepared player on the court comes through loud and clear in this inspiring book.”
—DOUG ROWE, former Head Men’s Tennis Coach, D-1 Player, USPTA Professional“…will give you tips to improve quickly, as well as tell stories, make you laugh, and give you insights into how the pros play and think.”
—LEIGH WATERS & ANNA LEIGH WATERS, #1 Ranked Pickleball Champions
Winning Pickleball shows players of all levels how to improve their game through strategy, technique and mental toughness.
Whether you’re a pickleball novice looking to improve or a pro player eager to up their mental game, Winning Pickleball is perfect for anyone who’s ready to learn and ready to win — all without skills or drills.
Pickleball expert David Satka shows players of all levels how to improve their game through careful strategy, refined technique and mental toughness. Remember: you don’t have to be a natural athlete to become a better player, so long as you know the secrets of winning.
With Winning Pickleball, you’ll learn secrets to success like:
• Identifying your current level and how best to play up to it
• What peak performance really looks like
• How to cultivate focus
• Proper footwork and shot selection
• Perfect practice to practice perfectly
• The importance of partner communicationWanting to win isn’t enough — you need to know how to win to succeed at anything, and pickleball is no different. Let Winning Pickleball show you how to do just that!
About the Author
David Satka is a USA Pickleball Ambassador and certified Professional Pickleball Registry (PPR) coach. An athlete all his life, David was a four-year starter on the Division I tennis team at Indiana State University. He began his instructing career at the World Class Tennis Camp in Baltimore and continued as a tennis teaching professional. David recently retired from a 25-year career as an educator and coach. He also founded the first outdoor pickleball courts in Altoona, PA. For more information, visit www.winningpickleballnow.com.
Winning Pickleball
Written by David Satka
Foreword by Leigh Waters & Anna Leigh Waters
978-1-57826-995-2, $15.95 paperback
978-1-961293-02-1, $9.99 ebookPublished by Hatherleigh Press.
Distributed through Penguin Random House.
Available wherever books are sold.
www.hatherleighpress.com -
Toy Sculptor Shreds the U.S. with Recyclables and 100 New Artworks
Trash Talking, an art exhibition by toy sculptor Mike Leavitt, shreds up America with 100 new works spawned from 100% recycled material. At once brutal and fun, the vibrant and visceral pop-art pieces are life-size replicas of politically charged objects, from sneakers to guns. On view July 6 to Aug. 18, 2024 online and at Mini Mart City Park, Trash Talking asks, what is truly disposable?
Trash Talking marks Leavitt’s first show since 2016, when he last exhibited with Jonathan LeVine in New York. In it, he reimagines the corner store, satirizing well known products with repurposed packaging. Leavitt sourced his materials from dumpsters behind gas station mini marts, selecting each item for its specific cultural implications, most of it cardboard. He then sculpted objects that cast a bright light on toxicity and waste: juice boxes made from oil and beer cartons; an old pay phone from Apple packaging; a toddler car from wood pallets; and more. Other works tie products to meaningful events and places. Air Jordans are made with cigarette cartons from North Carolina, home of the shoes’ namesake. Mickey Mouse on an AR-15 evokes mass shootings in Florida, and a pistol made of Skittles boxes evokes the death of Trayvon Martin.
Leavitt is best known for his action figures depicting Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Spike Lee, Andy Warhol, Bernie Sanders, and many other public figures. Since he started his cardboard shoe project 20 years ago, they have appeared in museums and shoe geek collections, now formatted with educational resources for teachers, students and DIY makers. As a child of the 1980s, Leavitt grew up steeped in the branding of major corporations, which drives his reinterpretation of their ubiquitous castoffs. Leavitt also has a longstanding appetite for ecologically-themed work, inspired by his father Harry, an environmentalist and activist until his death in 2017.
Venue Information, Public Reception, Sales & Gallery Hours
Mini Mart City Park recently opened on the site of a former gas station after 10 years of environmental remediation. A free public reception will be held 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, July 13, with take-away works available for less than $100. All artworks will also be available to buy online beginning July 6 at TrashTalkingArt.com. Gallery hours are from 12 – 5 p.m. Thursday – Saturday. Exhibition information is at TrashTalkingArt.com.
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Transformative Healing: Kay Towns Unveils the GRACE Model for Grieving
In the face of loss, grief can be a daunting journey, yet it holds the potential for profound transformation. GRACE: A Model for Grieving presents a groundbreaking approach to navigating sorrow, emphasizing grief’s role as a pivotal part of our human experience.
Designed to provide hope and healing for those stuck on their grief journey, GRACE: A Model for Grieving unpacks the five key steps to grief recovery:
- Grief Redefined: Embrace grief as a transformative gift
- Re-storying the Narrative: Rewrite your journey of loss into one of strength
- Adopting New Practices: Learn healthy, sustainable way to process grief
- Connecting: Forge deeper bonds with yourself and others
- Engaging in a New Normal: Step confidently into a renewed sense of self
Dr. Kay Towns combines her extensive academic background and clinical expertise to guide you through the GRACE Model process, offering a compassionate roadmap from pain to peace. This isn’t a journey away from grief but a path that walks hand-in-hand with it, recognizing grief’s essential role in emotional healing and spiritual growth.
About the Author
Kay Towns, DPC, LPC, is a licensed professional counselor and mental health advocate. She earned a Doctor of Professional Counseling from Mississippi College, a master’s degree in counseling from Houston Graduate School of Theology, and a master’s degree in theological studies from Southern Methodist University. She completed her clinical training at one of the top psychiatric hospitals in the U.S., The Menninger Clinic in Houston, Texas. Her therapeutic approach is to provide support and feedback to help people grow from their struggles, heal from their pain, and move forward towards their hopeful future story.
Praise for GRACE: A Model for Grieving
“GRACE: A Model for Grieving is accessible to both patients and clinicians and is a must-read for therapists who treat people who are grieving.” —Lauren Marangell, MD, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, UT McGovern Medical School
“With straightforward language accessible to clinicians and clients, GRACE: A Model for Grieving provides practical exercises to change the relationship between self and grief.” —Dawn Ellison, DPC, LPC, former director of Doctor of Professional Counseling Program, Mississippi College
“These practical techniques provide the grieving individual the needed steps to create hope in their life when dealing with devastating loss.” —Rev. Jerry L. Terrill DSM, LPC-S, LMFT-S
“The comprehensive model offers five practical tools to create insight and healing. Each person’s unique and individual experience of grief is treated holistically, offering a pathway of growth through loss.”—Dr. Lorna Bradley, author of Special Needs Parenting
“The ‘GRACE Grief Model’ is a masterpiece that offers a new perspective on grief by blending well-known, evidence-based therapeutic theories into a singular model. Anyone who has experienced loss or who works with individuals who are experiencing loss will find this book to be an invaluable resource.” —Rayan Al Jurdi, MD
GRACE: A Model for Grieving
Written by Kay Towns, DPC, LPC
Foreword by Lauren Marangell, MD
978-1-57826-997-6, $18.00 paperback
978-1-961293-03-8, $9.99 ebookPublished by Hatherleigh Press.
Distributed through Penguin Random House.
Available wherever books are sold.
www.hatherleighpress.com -
Sip Into Summer with Mixly Spritz Mixers: Your Perfect Companion for Sun-Soaked Gatherings
With the first day of summer just around the corner, Mixly Cocktail Co. is thrilled to announce the launch of their all-new product line that promises to brighten your days and elevate your cocktail experience – Mixly Spritz Mixers. Inspired by the classic Italian spritz, these innovative mixers are here to take your taste buds on a vibrant journey to the sun-drenched coasts of Italy.
Imagine sipping on a concoction that instantly transports you to a scenic beach on the Italian Riviera, a refreshing breeze in your hair, and the taste of summer on your lips. That’s the experience Mixly Spritz Mixers promise. The debut collection features two exquisite flavors: Bitter Orange Cherry Spritz Mixer and Elderflower Mint Spritz Mixer.
Introducing the Flavors
Bitter Orange Cherry Spritz Mixer: A lively blend of bitter orange and luscious cherry, crafted with all-natural components, including fresh citrus, bold fruit juices, and a hint of honey for a touch of sweetness. This mixer captures the essence of a classic Italian spritz, offering a vibrant and refreshing cocktail experience.
Elderflower Mint Spritz Mixer: A breath of fresh air, combining the delicate floral notes of elderflower with invigorating mint, rounded off with lime juice, botanicals, and a splash of honey. This mixer is a refreshing twist that evokes the serenity of an Italian garden, making it a perfect choice for a cool and sophisticated drink.
Quality and Sustainability
Each 250ml bottle is beautifully packaged and produced locally in Minnesota with no preservatives, artificial sweeteners, or cane sugar, a testament to Mixly Cocktail Co.’s commitment to quality and sustainable practices. These mixers are versatile – enjoy them in cocktails garnished with an orange slice or mint sprig, or savor them in non-alcoholic versions mixed with sparkling water. They’re perfect for hosting summer picnics, dinner parties, or even for those moments when you’re simply daydreaming of Italy.
Versatile and Easy to Use
Each bottle is designed to create five to six 5oz spritz cocktails. Whether you’re mixing a single cocktail for a quiet evening or batching a series for a gathering, Mixly Spritz Mixers are your go-to for an elevated and effortless drink solution.
Single Spritz Cocktail Recipe (makes 1 spritz cocktail):
- For Mixly Bitter Orange Cherry Spritz:
- 1.5oz Mixly Bitter Orange Cherry Spritz Mixer
- 3oz Prosecco (or any dry sparkling wine)
- 0.5oz Sparkling Water
- Garnish with an orange slice or olives
- For Mixly Elderflower Mint Spritz:
- 1.5oz Mixly Elderflower Mint Spritz Mixer
- 3oz Prosecco (or any dry sparkling wine)
- 0.5oz Sparkling Water
- Garnish with a mint sprig or a lime slice
Instructions: Simply combine the Mixly Spritz Mixer with Prosecco, top with sparkling water, and serve over ice.
Batched Spritz Cocktail Recipe (makes 5-6 spritz cocktails):
- For Mixly Bitter Orange Cherry Spritz:
- 1, 250ml Bottle Mixly Bitter Orange Cherry Spritz Mixer
- 2, 750ml Bottles Prosecco (or any dry sparkling wine)
- 1/2 Cup Sparkling Water
- For Mixly Elderflower Mint Spritz:
- 1, 250ml Bottle Mixly Elderflower Mint Spritz Mixer
- 2, 750ml Bottles Prosecco (or any dry sparkling wine)
- 1/2 Cup Sparkling Water
Instructions: To batch your spritz cocktails, pour the entire bottle of Mixly Spritz Mixer, a 750ml bottle of Prosecco, and half a cup of sparkling water into a pitcher. Add ice cubes to keep it cool and garnish as desired.
Non-Alcoholic Spritz Cocktail Recipe Instructions: For a non-alcoholic option, replace the Prosecco with your favorite dry, non-alcoholic sparkling wine, or mix with sparkling water to taste.
The result is a crisp, effervescent drink that tastes sophisticated and elevates any golden hour or celebration. Whether you’re hosting a summer picnic, a dinner party, or simply daydreaming of the Italian coast, the Mixly Spritz Mixer Italian Duo is the perfect complement to a summer full of sun-soaked memories.
Available Now
The Mixly Spritz Mixer Duo, featuring both the Bitter Orange Cherry and Elderflower Mint flavors, is now available for purchase exclusively at Mixly Cocktail Co. Embark on your Italian summer adventure with Mixly Spritz Mixers, because every sip is a story waiting to be told.
So, this summer, let Mixly Cocktail Co. be your guide to an elevated cocktail experience. Cheers to sunny days, great company, and unforgettable flavors!
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- For Mixly Bitter Orange Cherry Spritz:
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Festive Holiday Cocktails Recipes for Home from Sammy Hagar’s Beach Bar Rum and Vegas Baby Vodka!
The hallmark of a great holiday gathering is a great drink and no matter how you celebrate, this festive season is meant to be spent with loved ones while the spirits flow and the good times roll.
Whether you’re looking to host a swanky cocktail soiree, a Festivus festival with family or a rockin’ jingle bell ball for one and all, Vegas Baby Vodka and Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum are the premium spirits to share the holiday spirit. These amazing cocktail recipes are sure to fuel a merry night of yule, but don’t overdo it or you’ll end up on Santa’s naughty list!
The full recipes for all of these fantastic cocktails can be found at the link here.
Vegas Baby Vodka
Don’t leave the holiday cheers to chance, Vegas Baby Vodka double-down on these winning cocktails to fill your glass with class…and just enough sass to keep the reindeer games fun. Infused with the incomparable spirit of Las Vegas, ultra-premium vodka brings the razzle to make any holiday gathering dazzle. Available for shipping nationwide so it can be enjoyed by Vegas lovers anywhere, Vegas Baby Vodka makes a fantastic gift this holiday season.
- Orange You Glad It’s The Holidays celebrates the most wonderful time of the year with a vivacious, colorful cocktail ideal for a season full of parties for hosting and cocktails fit for toasting.
- Whether the weather outside is frightful or delightful, this holiday-spiced cocktail will have you dreaming of a white Christmas cozying up by the fire sipping on a Let It Snow.
- Some holiday traditions will never go out of style and Mrs. Claus’ Cosmo is a timeless cocktail that is sure to add stylish class, and just enough sass, to fuel any yuletide celebration.
Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum from Sammy Hagar
The man in red, aka Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Famer and spirits aficionado Sammy Hagar, is keeping a list of naughty and nice cocktail recipes that you’ll want to drink twice. Featuring his award-winning Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum, these festive cocktails can be found in the best-selling cocktail book, “Sammy Hagar’s Greatest Cocktail Hits: 85 Personal Favorites from the Red Rocker,” and are sure to be a breakout hit with any crowd.
- Dreaming of a white Christmas? Look no further than Sammy’s Snowflake Mojito, which closely resembles a winter blizzard in a glass due to toasted coconut flakes adorning the rim of this festive cocktail. This snow-white twist on a classic mojito combines Beach Bar Platinum Rum, mint, brown sugar and coconut to create a flurry of flavors that will warm you up inside and out.
- The recipe for raising a Christmas Eve toast, ringing in the new year and more, Rudolph’s Red Nose is a champagne-based delight that will have you “glowing” from ear to ear!
- A fantastic frozen delight, the Abominable Snowman brings the fun when it comes to holiday cocktails. This whimsical cross between a mojito and pina colada, much like the monster of the same name, is anything but an abomination! Sweet, gooey and loaded with Beach Bar Rum, this cocktail is a guaranteed winner all holiday season.
- Packed with more goodies than Santa’s sack full of presents, Red Saint Nick features three of Sammy’s premium spirits, Beach Bar Platinum Rum, Beach Bar Red Head Rum and Santo Blanco Tequila, and combines them with a slew of citrus mixers to create a delicious and potent holiday drink. Just don’t leave one out on Christmas Eve or Santa may crash his sleigh.
Additionally, for those who may be from “the island of misfit mixologists” and possess no bartending skills, Santa Sammy and the Beach Bar elves offer a sackful of premium sparkling rum canned cocktails, Sammy’s Beach Bar Cocktail Co. in four delicious flavors that are sure to be loved by anyone…as long as they’re over 21. Steeped with island flavor from Sammy’s Beach Bar Platinum Rum and filled with top-shelf holiday cheer, you’ll want to keep these delicious cocktails near. You can locate a store that carries Sammy’s Beach Bar Cocktails through the link here.
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