James Jenkins, owner of
Photography For The People, is the creator of
Art on Vine, a monthly event that showcases the city's arts talent and benefits local nonprofits.
Why did you decide to create this event? How has it evolved?
Art on Vine evolved from a college class project. I went from local business to local business pitching my idea, displaying the class project as a foundation for the idea of Art on Vine. I contacted my friend Page Lansley from class who worked as the designer on our project. She is now the head designer for Art on Vine. It's amazing how hard work and dedication works. This event started out in a parking lot on Vine Street in
OTR with a portion of artist fees benefiting
Over The Rhine Community Housing, the owner of the parking lot we were using with only 8 artists. Now Art on Vine hosts 30+ artists every month, filling
Rhinegeist Brewery and receiving more than 70 entries each month. Art on Vine also seeks to benefit a different local nonprofit every month. Art on Vine was also created to provide a unique, fun, one-on-one art buying experience.
What should a newcomer expect from their first Art on Vine experience?
To enjoy a great environment of shopping and supporting local artists. Meeting, greeting, one-on-one discussions with the artist about their passion for their artwork.
How do local artists benefit from Art on Vine?
Artist benefit in many ways: building long term repeat customers, a monthly platform to sell their work and build bonds with other artists and art lovers that lead to information on other events—even partnerships.
How would you describe your career in photography up to this point?
Photography For The People has been amazing. Over the past year, I have had the pleasure of photographing
Boca,
Sotto,
Obscura, and these photography jobs were featured in USA Today Travel. I also made my first FotoFocus exhibit and had my first Photography For The People book release and sold out within seven months. But the most rewarding is when I meet Photography For The People followers and these people are amazing—their support keeps me going! Every time I hear, "I follow you on Facebook to keep up with downtown," or, "I love your pictures; they make me miss home," or someone tells me a story or their connection with one of my images. Being a photographer gives me freedom to speak and meet all kinds of people. Its true when they say everyone has a story.
Any tips on how to get the most out of this event?
Yes. Be there.
Is there anything else we absolutely need to know?
This is just the beginning for Photography For The People and Art on Vine.
The next Art on Vine event is Sunday, June 29 from noon to 7 p.m. at Rhinegeist Brewery in Over-the-Rhine.
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