Smartfish Studio & Sustainable Supply is planning to make a big splash soon by expanding it offerings beyond its signature footwear and art supplies.
The studio’s owner, Alisha Budkie, has decided to back away from the day-to-day management of the shop and instead focus on her line of handmade shoes and sandals, Smartfish Footwear. The interior of the store, which is located at 1301 Main St. in Over-the-Rhine, will soon be renovated and will become Rock Paper Scissors.
“We’re not changing Smartfish Studios,” says Lindsay Nehls, co-founder of Rock Paper Scissors. “We’re building on it.”
Nehls, visual artist, partnered with Adam Petersen, a musician and central figure in the local arts community known as the Marburg Collective. The two have exciting plans for their new venture.
While Smartfish Footwear will still be available for sale at Rock Paper Scissors, Budkie has plans to study the making of footwear internationally. She will still be involved with the store, just not as directly as before.
On top of local art on the walls, the team at Rock Paper Scissors looks to provide a nurturing atmosphere for local music— albums will be for sale, along with band T-shirts and posters.
“An opportunity presented itself quite fortuitously,” says Petersen. “Our long-term vision, beyond it simply being music and merchandise consignment, is for [Rock Paper Scissors] to become an informational center for anyone looking to learn about particular Cincinnati-bands. We’ll compile lists of venues and bands and arrange it so everyone’s adequately represented.”
Gallery showings, workshops and other artistic events will continue to be held in the location.
Smartfish Studio will have a transitional Final Friday event Aug. 30. The shop will be closed Sept. 1-7 for Rock Paper Scissors to get settled, and the shop will officially be open for business Sunday, Sept. 8.
If you would like to contribute to Rock Paper Scissors’ Indiegogo fundraising campaign, with all proceeds going toward essential inventory and accoutrement, make sure to donate before time runs out.
By Sean Peters
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