Summerfair 2012

Summerfair 2012 Returns for 45th Year

Annual Fine Arts and Crafts Fair Set for June 1, 2 and 3

Summerfair 2012 returns for the 45th year on June 1, 2 and 3.  The fair, located at Cincinnati’s historic Coney Island, will feature more than 300 fine artists and craftspeople from around the country as well as regional performers, a variety of gourmet arts, and the Youth Arts Rocks! area for kids.

What started as a small art fair’s salute to the opening of Cincinnati’s Playhouse in the Park has grown into one of the oldest continuous art fairs, drawing more than 20,000 art enthusiasts to see and purchase the works of artists from across the United States and Canada.

Artists from across the country and Canada apply to exhibit their art at the fair in categories like photography, painting, wood, ceramics, fibers, leather, jewelry and (new in 2010) a 2D/3D mixed media art category, adding an array of new art and artists to the fair.

“Summerfair is the official kick-off to summer in the Tri-State” said Bob Hinman, 2012 Fair Co-Chair.  “At the fair, art patrons will get the chance to experience the summer weather at beautiful Coney Island, visit with their favorite artists, enjoy delicious food from gourmet arts and listen to the musical stylings of some of the regions greatest performers.”  

Click here to download the

Summerfair Booth Location Map (PDF format).

This map shows the various Street Names and the booth numbering system used by Summerfair.

Fair Chair

Like many people, Bob Hinman says his artistic talent goes no further than being able to draw a straight line.  "But I can appreciate art," says the 2012 Fair Co-Chair of Summerfair, where over 300 selected artists show and sell their work at Coney Island each year.

Hinman was drawn to the nonprofit in the early 1990's, when his wife was a volunteer for Summerfair, which supports smaller arts groups and local individual artists, both professional and emerging.  "These are people that wouldn't get a shot unless it's through our organization," says Hinman, a financial donor and volunteer who became a Summerfair board member eleven years ago.

The lure of helping fledgling artists has kept him active with Summerfair Cincinnati, where he's met creative folks from most of the 50 states and Canada.

Summerfair, the 501c3 non profit's primary fundraiser, depends on the efforts of nearly 500 volunteers.  That, and the weather!  "Rain and heat throw it off," Hinman says of the fair, which runs June 1, 2 and 3 in 2012. 

Summerfair, which is celebrating its 45th year, raises money for a variety of arts opportunities.  The group provides grants to artists and small arts organizations in the Tri-State. 

"Hinman leads by example," says Sharon Strubbe, Executive Director of Summerfair Cincinnati.  "He's always willing to jump in and cover if we need somebody at a function or help in the office.  He wants Summerfair Cincinnati to become a vibrant, integral part of the arts community."  That community means a lot to Hinman.  "It's important for people to give back," Hinman says of the organization he considers more efficient than getting "typical government handouts for the arts."  "If I give back to organizations that are doing a good job," he says, "more people are uplifted."  This article originally published by the Cincinnati Business Journal, May 18, 2007 by Kelly McBride.

Tickets

Tickets can be purchased for $10.00 with children 12 and under admitted free. Advance one day, or multi-day tickets will be available online.  Summerfair 2012, which will be held 13 miles from downtown Cincinnati at historic Coney Island (just off I-275 at Kellogg Avenue), draws more than 20,000 people each year.   Hours for the fair are 2 to 8 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Parking is included in the ticket price. The fair will be held rain or shine. Per Coney rules, NO DOGS permitted on the grounds unless they are a registered service dog.

About Summerfair Cincinnati

Summerfair Cincinnati is a non-profit 501(c) 3 arts organization that has been supporting and promoting artists and the arts in Greater Cincinnati year-round for over 40 years.  Summerfair Cincinnati provides support for individual artists and small arts organizations through scholarships, awards and exhibitions.  Summerfair Cincinnati’s annual fine arts fair, the organization’s primary fundraiser, consistently ranks among the Top 100 art shows nationally.