Essex Studios

Aside from the Art Walk where someone puked in the stairwell, I've had nothing but positive experiences at Essex Studios. It's a fantastic venue and the art walk is a great way to get to know local artists and craftsmen. My only real complaint is that they don't open it up to the public enough! I understand that it gets very warm in the building during the summer months, so that is why they limit their calendar. Still, it's a really big bonus to the community and Cincinnati, so I say open up more often during the fall, winter, and spring.

The space is super nice. Really artsy and the decor is upscale for the neighborhood. Multiple spaces for different sized events or a conference type feel. The concert was tight. Nice artists and sound was tight. I most certainly come back to the Nati for a concert here.

The Essex Studios are little known to the Cincinnati community as they are somewhat off the beaten path. This refurbished building offers studios to artists, actors, and anyone else who wants one. Next to the studios is the American Sign Museum. I've never been there but they have a bunch of old torn down Arby's signs and signs from fast food places that don't exist anymore. The studios themselves are very nice. They range in their size and their amenities. I've only been in one of the studios that belonged to the Cincinnati Actor's Studio. This was just a room with windows that we rehearsed for a play in. It was big enough for that!So if you are an artist and are looking for a good place to be creative and are willing to pay for it, then this may be a good location for you!

WOW, what a wonderful, art filled warehouse.. I had so much fun looking at all the supercool , quirky art! I visited Robert McFate Studio #133, how colorful.. His art made me Happy, so BRIGHT and very reasonable.. One of a kind Place, Nothing else like it in Cincinnati!! You got to go see this place!!

I was lucky enough to have gotten the opportunity to see Essex Studio during a large art show featuring room upon room of local artists and their creations. I will be honest...I had no clue this place existed. It's a bit off the beaten path, but well worth the journey. The studio itself is actually a giant warehouse composed of many smaller studios artists can rent out to create and show their work. Perhaps I just don't get out much, but this was the first time I'd seen a studio set up like this and I found it fascinating. Each individual studio was like walking into the artists living room. They were all different, but most were furnished, with tons of art supplies, books, and even talking animatronic parrots! Not only that, but the art itself was very affordable (though prices do vary from artist to artist and also depends on the size of the piece you are getting). Many artists weren't only selling paintings, but magnets, bookmarks, stuffed animals and other less expected products. The vibe is very friendly and relaxed. Patrons wander down many hallways visiting each studio at their own pace. All of the artists were extremely personable and more than willing to discuss their work with you. If you ever find yourself longing for something relaxed and creative to do, check this place out. You may discover your new favorite artist!

I was so happy to walk I. And see the foyer had been renovated and made to be handicap accessible. Additionally they got rid of that garage door and put in floor to ceiling windows with doors and the facade makes a more positive first impression. I love all of the art in the building especially studio 154. It's a studio that teaches underprivileged youth work related and art related skills. Pays them an hourly wage and pays them weekly to make art! They get experience talking to people and developing their professionalism. Half of the money they make is saved in an account and given to them at the end of the three year program in the form of a check. If they save at least $500 the studio matches their savings at the end so the kids have a nest egg for college, cars, etc. I wish something like this was around when I was a kid!Not so humbly submitted,King Michael C.

Located right next to the Sign Museum, Essex Studios provides dozens of artists with rentable spaces to create and display their work. Walking inside, it's like a giant warehouse with rooms and a maze of hallways. I came here for an art show, which featured the majority of artists opening their doors and displaying their creations. From fruit, to portraits, to things that make your friends ask, "What's that?" and you reply: "It's art."; there is something for everyone here.As per any art function, there were several kinds of free wines to sample, as well as a cheese and fruit plate, cookies, and hummus. Be sure to follow the signs to view the downstairs as well. A lot of the contemporary artists are in the lower level, if still lifes and classical paintings aren't your thing.Among some of the cool things I saw: - Baseball bats with faces painted on them, each holding a classic book with a baseball pun, such as "The Great BATsby." - A series of self-portraits depicting the artist's journey from breaking up with her lover to self-discovery and becoming whole again. - A sculpture of a troll eating a Hershey bar, with Krackle and Mr. Goodbar miniature wrappers scattered below.The evening ended with a small purchase I made from Cody Goodin, who created a 3D magnet with a creepy, solemn, ghoul face protruding from an green oxidized background. Now that's my kind of art!

I visited here for the first time this last weekend for an Open Studio Show and was very delighted to meet so many great artists and see so much awesome creativity all around me. I really enjoyed my time there and looking forward to going again!

Essex Studios Art Walk - March 6th & 7th. Fri. & Sat. 6 to 10 p.m. Over 100 artists - including artists in their studios and visiting artists in the "Halls of Essex". Stop in - shop or just enjoy being in the company of "those who create and enjoy art".Mark your calendars for April 17th & 18th - Fri & Sat - 6 to 10 p.m. for our next Art Walk.

Take 5 hours from a late Saturday afternoon, add sweltering July heat & the constant search for power outlets, & you've summed up my trip to the Essex Studios.Okay, so that wasn't exactly the entire visit...but it is sort-of true, lol.Myself & the rest of "Team Killer Tofu" crash-landed at the Essex Studio to work on filming our submission for the (Cinci) 48hr Film Project this past July. We were tired, it was hot....& I was all-too-happy to find the brick walls perfectly cold enough to lean against, lol. The building was mostly deserted (there weren't any artists in their spaces), but the work displayed provided a great vibe. We hadn't really gone in with much more than a general plan, but got (beyond) lucky to find areas to perfectly fit our needs.I'll be honest...I didn't experience Essex much more than wandering the building, checking out the cool sign collection by the entry, & being limited to the areas we were filming in...but it seemed like an awesome space. I'd definitely love to revisit this place & do some more exploring...maybe even look into getting an artist space for myself, lol :)