What: On August 26^th, I will be opening Smartfish Studio & Sustainable Supply at 1301 Main St. in the heart of Over-The-Rhine, Cincinnati. This design and art supply store will focus on materials, tools, and resources made in the US, produced sustainably, and beyond the basics currently available locally. It’s the kind of store this city has needed since I was a student at DAAP, and we were spending days sourcing the supplies we were supposed to be working with, on our own.

Where: The space at 1301 Main St. has been vacant for three years. Renovating and opening this location will redevelop a prominent corner of Over-The-Rhine, a neighborhood at a turning point.

Why: The caliber and concentration of art and design programs in Cincinnati is rare and inspiring. The store will support these students and schools, and the working designer and artist community that has emerged as we are finally retaining more and more of these talented alumnae. The space will also house a studio area for workshops and classes, and my workspace for Smartfish Footwear.