Artists as activists create works for change

Fans of the bi-monthly Streetvibes newspaper, the local street paper sold for $1 and filled with stories about social justice and homelessness, already know the work of Saad Ghosn.

Ghosn pens regular Artists as Activists profiles of local artists who use their work to express themes of peace, poverty, homelessness and community. He is also the founder of SOS Art, and curates collections and shows of the work of the artists he writes about.

Some of the artists he features make their craft their full-time jobs; others work day-jobs and make art on the side. All share the passion for their art as an activist activity – a way to express their thoughts and concerns as well as an avenue to work toward peace and justice.

This month and next, the Covington Artisans' Enterprise Center hosts a two-year anniversary show of featured artists, including photographers Melvin Grier and Gordon Baer, visual artists Jimi Jones and Lauri Aultman, writer Mary Pierce Brosmer and singer songwriter Paulette Meier. Twin artists and university educators Kelly and Kyle Phelps' work will also be featured.

Do Good:

• Read the column. Artists as Activists runs regularly in Streetvibes and can be found online.

• Make an evening out of it. The opening reception for the Artists as Activists show is Friday, Aug. 5, from 6 until 10 p.m. The exhibit runs through Sept. 23.

• Subscribe. Pay $45 to the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless for a one-year subscription to Streetvibes.

By Elissa Yancey